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.