3 months!

Alright, we made it to 3 months! This is a big milestone for me, since I usually count down the first 6 months - year. But since Hailey has been a great sleeper at night, I find myself really enjoying the baby stage. Who knew sleep deprevation was such a factor. Thanks Hailey for lighting up our home! I can't imagine life without you.

many faces of Hailey

Yes, I know this is a minute and a half of a baby sitting in a chair. Perhaps it shows how easily entertained I am these days. But it cracked me up to see that my daughters facial expressions changed every two seconds. The noise isn't me drilling into the floor either - it's a vibrating chair. So there you have it, for those of you who haven't met Hailey yet, this is pretty much her in a nutshell.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

nature hike/walks

After the memorial day weekend adventures Grandma and Grandpa Hoopes (and Neal:)) were nice enough to take Whitney and Travis on a little hike. I was so grateful! I got a great nap in, enjoyed the quite, and even snuck in a little cleaning. The kids had a blast. They love every second of exploring bugs, rocks, dirt, and sticks. What great grandparents my kids are blessed to have!

Travis with his walking sticks.

The first thing travis told me when he got home was "I got to hold a monarch!" wow - didn't expect that to come out of his mouth, and for him to actually know what it was.
Love that Neal's hood became the bouquet vase

Whitney's bouquet. She would pick weeds everyday and do this!

Whitney was pretty excited to show me this picture. She thought it was cool that Grandpa let her do this. She's our acrobat - this is just a warm up :)

Whitney with the monarch

Blessing day/Weekend

Memorial Day weekend we blessed Hailey. The fun began Friday - Whit and Trav were pretty excited for the cousins to come and for the party to start. I was glad it was good weather all weekend so the party could be held outside :)

We started out painting our rubber fishies (no rubber ducks to be found) Friday night.

Then Saturday after playing at the park we started the fishie race.

Here's the kids lined up watching their ducks. It was fun to see the excitement on their faces.

Our fishermen.

Poor Neal - he ended up in the water when his support branch broke while attempting to save a stuck fishie. Although, I thought this was the best entertainment of the race.

Saturday afternoon we tried a new hike called the Payson Grotto. This hike was definitely short and sweet. Perfect for a bunch of kids.

At the grotto

Hiking above for a view down on the waterfall

The crew coming down, the kids had a blast with playing "follow the leader"

The trooper - doesn't she looked thrilled.

Hailey is probably my easiest baby yet. But easiest blessing day yet - definitely not. Of course she usually falls asleep right in time for church - so I figured she'd be nice and asleep for her blessing. Not even close. She was so tired that she slept in, and instead of being refreshed was overtired. Despite her crying/screaming through the blessing -and the rest of church - and the rest of the day we managed. While trying to keep her happy at church I laid her down in the seminary portion attached to our building. She was happy for maybe ten minutes and we got to talk. Tears came to my eyes as we talked and I was filled with such an appreciation for this girl. When I was pregnant I remember going to her room, all set up for her. It was quiet and vacant. I pictured what it would be like when she came. I could feel how excited she was to come. Now that she is here there have been several nights when I've paused by her room, watching her sleep and enjoying the joy she has brought to our house. Every smile she gives me reminds me how blessed I am to have her as a daughter.

My dad was so good - so willing to put up with a fussy girl so that I could enjoy company. Thanks Dad!

Bethany made these awesome floral arrangements for us from her floral design class. These kids were in heaven all weekend. They were pretty disappointed that company had to leave Monday.

All in all it was a great weekend. I really had a great time with family - thanks everyone who came to support us! Monday we played some more, but between taking care of everything the last 3 weeks (Aaron herniated a disk in his back), getting ready for company, callings, yard work, Hailey not feeling good =crying, and the weekend activities - all the while nursing and night feedings- Monday I hit the wall. My body was done.

Now, a week later, things are back to norm. Me and Hailey are recovered, the kids are still partying with neighbors, and summer is in full swing! Thanks again to everyone who made Hailey's day special.