Kameron is here!

Congrats Kevin and Nadine. Welcome Kameron Milton Hayes
1/30/07 2:06pm 6lbs. 13 oz 19" long
Isn't he just beautiful!!

Proud Big Sister Madison Jean and Kameron
Sister and Brother holding hands for the first time. Love it!

Speers Family Visit

The Speers Family joined us for dinner last night to visit Aaron before he heads off to S. Dakota on Friday (yes, Friday already -- sniff/sniff). Was so good to have everyone there and see how big our sweet baby Alena is getting. She is 6 1/2 weeks old already. She is such a pretty little thing and really filling out. Nothing like when that baby chubs comes on! We love all of you!!!

Cody (13), Aaron (20), Gracie (5), TJ (20), TJ's wife
Kendra (18) and Baby Alena (6 1/2 weeks).

Miss Alena Irene Speers - So Sweet!!
Gracie and her "1st" 2nd cousin, Alena
Yup, my sister Kelly is a GRANDMA!!
Aaron w/ Alena. Two words....BIRTH CONTROL :)

Cousins!

Kayla (14), Gracie (5), Kara (9) and Aaron (20) @ The Rock in Covington for dinner. Are they all beautiful or what?? Don't think any other words are necessary except....WE LOVE YOU!

Grandparents are the best

We made it back safe and sound after a quick trip to Coeur d' Alene specifically designed to visit Grandma's and Grandpa's. Unfortunately I dropped the ball a bit on pics this time. Did not get a good one of Grandma Barb or Grandpa Gary, but did get this shot with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Marty. This was Gracie's first plane trip and she loved it. When we took off she said "I have a tickle in my tummy". Then when we landed she said "there is that tickle again!". She also had the window seat right near the wheels so she had a great view when they came out for landing. Aaron enjoyed seeing everyone. Grandma Barb fed us well and we got to visit with my Grandparents on my dad's side so Aaron and Gracie's Great Grandparents (again - photo op that did not happen -- what is wrong with me??). Next time for sure!

Love These Kids

Can I just say again how great it is to have Aaron home. We are enjoying every minute - especially Gracie. She is loving that he is home and he is such a good sport with her. Playing her board games, playing the guitar and singing music and tucking her in a night. It really just doesn't get better than that. She has gone from asking everyday "is Aaron still here?" to now "Can I wake Aaron up"?. It will be tough when he leaves us again in a few weeks, but a bit easier knowing he is just on his way to South Dakota in the good 'ol USA!

I love you Aaron and Gracie -- XXOO Mommy.

Our Little Diva

Miss Gracie got this make up set from Aaron's best friend Nikki and let me tell you....she is quite thrilled. We have always said that she is such "a girl" and don't these pictures show it?!

How we love our "little diva"

SURPRISE!!

What a surprise yesterday when there was a knock at the door and who was standing there with roses for his momma? AARON!!! What a wonderful husband, family and friends I have for helping to make this suprise happen (you guys are good!!). Gracie and I were so happy to hug him (I don't think he thought I was going to let go - yes, I have become one of THOSE mothers and I don't care!). It still seems a bit like a dream that he is really here. Gracie has been pretty much attached to his hip since he arrived. The first words to me this morning was "is Aaron still here?". I am so thankful he is safe and still just "my Aaron". We hope to get a chance to visit with who we can while he is here. Thanks to everyone for your love and support.

XXOO

Prayer Request

The reason I do this blog is usally to share our fun and wonderful life with family and friends. But today I feel the need to talk about a very sad issue. You all may have heard about the BlackHawk that went down in Enumclaw the night of December 21, 2006 during a training mission. One of the soldiers that was killed, Patrick Paige is the father Jaida Paige. Jaida is one of Gracie's very good friends at day care. We are told that Jaida's mommy and family are having a very rough time of it. The family is originally from Alabama and Patrick is being buried there this weekend (the Ft. Lewis services were last night for all 3 men). Jaida will not be coming back day care as I understand her family will be going back to Alabama as they have no other family here. Jaida's mom has not even been able to go into their home because it "smells" like Patrick. As I write this I cry as I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that she is experiencing and I hope I never do. It is especially close to my heart because of Aaron, but I think I would feel for them in the same way even if Aaron was not in the military. Based on the news this morning, it sounds like more military are going to be deployed. This is a request for prayers to not only go out to the Paige family, but to all the families that have lost loved one in this war and for all those serving. Whether you believe in the war or not -- we must support our troops. Thanks for listening -- I am going to get a tissue now.

Happy 2007

Another holiday season is behind us and here we are already at 2007. We were all talking this weekend about how quick this decade is passing. We headed to the Wyman Family Cabin in Easton, WA for fun and frolicks in the snow to celebrate New Years. Carpooled with the Hayes (thanks guys for driving!). Tons of snow this year and everyone had fun playing in the snow, sledding, snowmobiling and just hanging by the fire. I included some pics from the weekend - several of Gracie and Maddy.

Happy New Year Everyone!