Family Photos 2012

A few days after Christmas, in Hermiston we braved the cold and went out with Brindy for a much needed family photo shoot.  These are some of my favorites.  We went to three spots and took a few photos at each spot. It was too cold for more.  BUT, I like what she captured. Thanks Brindy!

 

Snow

A few days after Christmas we headed to Hermiston to be with family. One of the days we enjoyed some fun in the snow.  It was a very cold day so we didn't spend a whole lot of time in the snow but the time we did spend outside was sure fun.  And of course since Grandpa Ron and Grandma Kaylene were coming along we had a camping table to sit at and a warm lunch and hot chocolate when we got back to our cars. 

We also had a little lesson with the kiddos about pioneers and how long and far they had to walk in sometimes snowy and cold conditions when they were tired and hungry (it was just the motivation everyone needed to keep on walking from the sledding hill to the car when we were tired and hungry).

Grandma, Kenzie, Hallie and Emma

Kailey - "Stuck" in the snow

McKenzie

Rendell and Kenz

Taylor

Candyland Birthday Bash

For Hallie's 7th birthday party she decided to have a Candyland birthday party. It was a blast... in fact, I think it was the most fun at home birthday party we have had.  We played a game or did a little craft for each of the little destination cards in the game Candyland.  Hallie is so creative she thought of most of the games on her own.  I am a little bummed we designated Rendell as the photographer and he did a great job on the kiddos but didn't take any decorations.  That's ok.  Those weren't the best part. The best part was how happy Hallie was to spend an afternoon with her friends.  

 

Birthday Girl

Hallie loves traditions.  She was so excited on the night before her birthday to decide what she'd like for breakfast in bed.  She must have been a little sweeted out from all the goodies we have had during this season because she chose toast and eggs.  I love how excited Hallie gets to celebrate and I'm really glad we got to celebrate her!

After breakfast (and when Rendell got home from his early morning meetings) we opened presents and had more breakfast at the table.

Happy Birthday Sweet Hallie

Today marks Hallie's 7th birthday. It's hard to believe that this sweet little girl has been a part of our lives for 7 years. Hallie adds balance to our family. She is kind. She is giving. She is SMART. She is so strong and athletic and yet so gentle and tender. She is a superb artist and such a loyal friend.  In fact this morning after she opened her birthday present from us (which happened to be money because I couldn't find a giant stuffed animal like she requested) she said, "Mom, I think I'd like to save my money and buy and American Girl doll for (a friend) because she doesn't have one and I'm sure she'd really like one!" I didn't want to squash her desire to share but wanted to sort of test the waters and I asked her if maybe she could just share her doll when her friend was over to play or if there was anything else she'd like to do with her money. She just said, "Nope... I know it would make her happy and I love the feeling of making people happy!"  Really?  Can I duplicate this type of attitude in myself and the rest of our family?  Hallie has always been like this.  She is constantly trying to do what she can to bring sunshine into someone's life. 

Hallie's life has not always been easy.  We almost lost her several times as an infant.  Things don't always work out the way she hopes.  And yet she continues to smile and continues to think of others.  Every night when I go in her room to check on her before I head off to bed I can't help but thank God for the precious little girls she is and for the blessed opportunity I have to be her mom. 

Happy birthday my sweet little Hallie Kaye. I love you more than all the stars in the sky.

Tricks

I know most parents are partial to their own kiddos but this little darlin' melts my heart.  I can't get enough and recently when she shows of her little trick of showing her eyes, ears, tongue and teeth I get a good laugh.  Here's little Evie...

Where are your teeth Evie?

 Where's your nose?

 Where are your eyes?

 Where is your mouth?

 And then of course there's the I see the camera and even if my face is a mess I better say cheese as loud as I can and follow around the camera man until they snap a few shots.  (Evelyn is in such a good habit of smiling at the camera that when we went to walk around the temple the other day there was a wedding party waiting for the bride and groom to come out on to the temple grounds for pictures. The camera man was with the party and Evelyn just kept following him around wondering why on earth he had a camera and was not snapping away. Poor girl!)

One thing's for sure there is never a dull moment without this little doll!