My husband is a rockstar

This past weekend we turned the guest room into the new baby's room. And by "we" I mean Mike. I dreamed up what I wanted and Mike did all the work. It was lovely.

Here the room is pre-paint. Mike had already moved all the guest furniture to the basement. He also did the taping and caulking - which with textured walls is absolutely necessary and takes longer than the actual painting.

The first 2 colors!

Now with the middle darker pink stripe. I am in love with the colors and the overall look of this paint job. It is perfection.

With furniture. I am in love with this nursery (have I said that yet). It is the cutest little girls room ever. I guess we are ready now for this baby!

Haley's Baptism

Haley was baptized on Saturday, August 14th, the day after she turned 8. We were very lucky that my parents and Mike's mom and sister Karen were able to come for the occasion.

Haley sang a duet of "When I am baptized" with her friend Ellery. Grandma Nelson spoke on baptism and Grandma Hardy spoke about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Mike performed the baptism and confirmation. Aunt Karen gave the opening prayer and Grandpa Hardy gave the closing prayer. It was a great baptism and we are so proud of Haley.

Our little family

The whole crew

The beautiful girl on her day in her special dress.

Haley's 8th Birthday

Haley turned 8 on August 13th. She had an awesome party with her friends at Lifetime Fitness. They ate pizza and cake, opened presents, and climbed the indoor rock wall. The girls had a great time, and it wasn't too much work for my 9 month pregnant self.

Her cake was shaped like a large cupcake - which is kinda hard to see from this angle.

The whole group at the climbing wall. Maya was thrilled that she got to come to the party because 1 of Haley's friends wasn't able to make it.

Maya made it all the way to the top!

Haley made it to the top too!

I can't believe Haley is 8 already. She is such a great daughter and sister. She is an excellent student and loves to read. She is mastering the bike and swimming (which has taken her a little longer because she is so cautious). She loves art and music. She is starting choir at school, and would like to learn the piano. She is a great friend and has many sweet girls to play with. We sure love our Haley. Happy Birthday!

YMCA Soccer

This summer, Maya and Haley played soccer with the YMCA. This was both of their first experiences with organized sports. Haley really enjoyed it and Maya told us it was too much work.

Haley's team, minus her good friend Ellery. This was after they won their first game (which was also the last game of the season). It was a great victory after so many loses.

Haley making contact with the ball!

Maya after her last game. She was the only girl on her team, and often the only girl on the field at games (all the kindergarten teams seemed to be predominately boys).

This was typical side-line behavior. She did a lot of messing around and paying no attention to the game when she wasn't currently playing.

Here she is in action. We are glad Maya tried soccer, she was actually most excited about it at the beginning of the season, but discovered it wasn't quite for her. We'll have to see if Haley's soccer career continues.

First day of school 2010

Since we have the privilege of attending year round school, the first day of school was July 6th. Maya started kindergarten this year, and was thrilled to pieces. She was definitely ready to go to school every day. I had requested morning kindergarten, but got afternoon. It is turning out great though. While both Maya and Haley are at school, Caleb takes a nap, and I have a few hours of peace. At least until baby 4 is born!

Haley started 3rd grade. Holy cow, 3rd grade? I can't believe it.

Also new this year, the girls cut their hair and Haley got glasses. I think they both look darling in chin length bobs. It was their idea and I was a little hesitant, but I love it now.

At the end of 2nd grade, Haley told me she was having trouble seeing the chalk board, so we took her to the eye doctor and she got glasses! Thankfully she loves them and I think she looks great!

Maya's dance recital

Maya loved dance class this year. She was in a preschool ballet class. Of course the best part was putting on a fancy costume and make-up for the recital. I am the worst photographer ever, combine that with a so-so camera, and my action shots leave plenty to be desired. But here they are.

After every group performed, all the girls came on stage for a final group number. Luckily Maya was in front so I could actually see her and get a picture!

All of my cute monkeys smiling at once. How did I get so lucky?

Father and Son camp out

Mike and Caleb had a great time at the Father and Son camp out this year. I'm glad Mike got some pictures of the cute men in our family.

I'm sure Caleb's first order of business was to get a stick and start smacking things. One of the joys of the great outdoors.

The little man next to the tent.

Hands covered in dirt, another joy of the great outdoors.

My two favorite guys.