Mamma Bought A New Camera!

And by Mamma, I don't mean me. MY Momma bought a new camera. Which is quite alright with me because now I don't need to buy a new one. I'll get all kinds of wonderful pictures of Hayden without having to spend all that extra money.  She just bought it last week and we've already taken an insane amount of photos. It's such a fun little toy! We probably will eventually buy our own, but for now I am having copious amounts of fun playing with hers. Thanks Mom!

Long Time, No See

Has it really been that long since I've posted a blog?  It's been nearly 5 months! Many events and milestones have passed during that time and in the midst of those events I ALWAYS catch myself thinking, "I NEED to blog about this!" A few days pass and then weeks and then the post seems as though it's no longer relevant ...but, I know deep down if I don't get back on the "blogging wagon" I'm destined to regret not having it all documented somewhere. The truth is ALL those moments that make me think that are certainly worth making a  post about. Even if it's quick one with just a few words. Or even just a single photo. This blog is important and I need to start making it a priority again. Even if I only post a couple of times a month. I'm gonna try real hard to get back into the swing again.

Since my last post, we have polished up our credit and qualified for our first home loan. After much looking we have found a home. We're working on tying up all the loose ends now and hope to sit down and sign all of our closing paper work by next week. We are extremely excited and a little nervous. This is huge for us and we're stoked to be accomplishing a goal we've had for quite some time now. It feels really good.

Hayden is growing like a weed. She's sassy and silly and is starting to learn how to manipulate with increasing effectiveness. We are doing or best to establish her boundaries. She's a smart little cookie and surprises us daily with her antics, vocabulary and sense of humor. We've been working on potty training for a couple months. She has great control and pees on demand very consistantly put we're working on the whole her telling us when she needs to go. I'd say, considering she isn't quite 2 yet, we're making pretty good progress. I can't believe she's going to be 2 in just a couple of weeks!

Here's a few photos and a quick recap of the last 5 months:

We lost our dear sweet family dog, Smokie. We got her when she was just a pup when I was a junior in high school. It was very sad to see her go. But I take solace in the fact that she lived a long and very wonderful life. I'd say she had just about the best life any dog could ever ask for.

Hayden and Smokie

Hayden has been spending a good deal of time hanging out with her cousin Holland. They're quite funny to watch together (when they're not fighting over what toy belongs to whom). I'm very fortunate that my Sister-In-Law is willing to watch Hayden for me when Chris and I are working. Hayden loves her Auntie "NoNo" (Noelle), her Uncle "Eeeddie" (Eddie).

My Niece Holland and Hayden

Tubby time

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas. Being here on the holidays make me that much happier that we are back living in North Idaho. I LOVE being near my family. I LOVE sharing those moment with Chris, Hayden and I with everybody else.

Baking with Grandma

Aunt Deb, Dad, Aunt Julie and my Niece Halle Jean

Papa, Hayden & Holland

Christmas Morning

Decorating Cookies with Daddy

 For the record. Chris' son Gage is NOT a Bieber fan. But with his haircut at the time we always had our fun with it....

Gages stocking stuffers? Bieber stickers. AHAHA!

First time sledding

 Easter was a hit. Beautiful weather. The jumpy castle came out. And an Easter egg hunt.

The Bounce House at Mema & Papas

Dying Easter Eggs

Cousins!

Ah! Now that's better. I always feel good after blogging. It's relaxing, really. Life just gets so busy it's hard to find time to just sit down, have a glass of wine and reminisce.  That's really what this blog is all about for me. I forget that  after it's been neglected for a while. I'm getting back to it. See you soon!

Festival of Lights

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, the little town of Cd'a has a parade downtown. After the parade, a mass of people swarm towards the Coeur d'Alene Resort, lights some candles, sings a few Christmas carols and views a spectacular firework show! It's one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season. Sadly we did not make it downtown in time for the parade but we did make in plenty of time for the carols and fireworks.  It was so fun watching fireworks with Hayden for the very first time. As corny as it may sound, I swear they were the brightest and most beautiful fireworks I've ever seen. I actually got misty eyed watching them. I can't help but think that it all goes back to the fact that all that holiday magic comes to life again when you have a small child. I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year!