Pictures by Jamie Hammond

My cousins' friend came into town from Arizona a few weeks ago. I love her photography style so we had her do some pictures of us and Addie while she was here. It was the perfect way to photograph Addie. We just played at the park and had a fun time. The pictures turned out great so I just want to give her a little plug. These are some of our pictures but you can check out more of her work on her website and blog. Thanks again, Jamie!

Happy Father's Day!

I know Father's Day was a week ago and I also know that I've used these slideshows way too much on here recently but bear with me one more time!!! I couldn't let a chance to pay tribute to the fathers in my life go by. While words are nice, I think pictures are even better.

I would first like to thank my husband, Clay, for being such a wonderful husband and father to our daughter. I knew from the time I met you that you would be a great dad and I was right! You have always been a loving, caring, supportive and calming presence in our lives and this has grown exponentially since Addie came along. I love watching you two play and spend time together and I hope that your relationship will continue to grow and be special to each of you. A bond between a father and daughter is very strong and I know that she will be able to look up to you and your example as she grows older. I know that Addie holds a special place in your heart and that you will always be the best dad you can be. You always have our best interests at heart and are always trying to do whatever you can for the family and we certainly appreciate you for all you do and all you sacrifice to take care of us. Happy Father's Day Babe! I love you so much! You are a wonderful Dad!!! Addie loves you!

I would like to thank my dad for being such a wonderful father to me. I am so grateful to have him in my life. I am so grateful for his example growing up. He has taught me so many things in my life; the value of hard work and dedication, responsibility, dependability, accountability, love, committment, gratitude, caring, kindness, serving, I could go on and on. He was able to maintain a good balance in trying to guide my life but also allowing me to learn some things for myself and to make my own mistakes and learn from them. I think I am a better person because of this. Because of the sacrifices of my dad, I was able to experience many things and create a lifetime full of wonderful memories and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you Dad for always being there with advice when I need it, for a hug or cry when I need it, or just for an encouraging look or word. Thank you for your love and support throughout all my years and for the years to come. I love seeing you as a Grandpa- it's so fun to see the special bond you and Addie have and I'm grateful to be witness to it. Addie loves you and thinks you are so great! I know she will always look up to you just as I have and continue to do! Happy Father's Day dad! I love you!

I would also like to pay a little tribute to Clay's dad who is no longer with us. He passed away 15 years ago due to cancer. Even though his time with Clay was short, I am so grateful to him for helping to raise such a wonderful son and teaching him what it really means to be a father. His influence is felt often in our lives. I never got to meet him but I know without a doubt that he was a wonderful, loving father who valued family and the gospel. We think about him often and we love him just as much as if he were here with us today! Happy Father's Day- we love you!

Welcome Baby Aidan!

Welcome to the family Aidan! Aidan was born June 18, 2007 at 10:27 a.m to proud parents Adrian & Ana (Clay's sister). He weighed in at 5 lb. 9 oz. and 19" long! He is sooooo tiny! Such a little cutie too! Addie is a very proud cousin and is very excited to have "baby" Aidan around! Congratulations Adrian & Ana!

Family Reunion Fun!

This past weekend we attended a family reunion for Clay's side of the family. As you can see from the red, sweaty faces in the pictures, it was an extremely HOT day and not a tree in sight! Uncle Grayson saved the day by bringing water balloons and his pretty cool water balloon filling contraption he built! It made the heat bearable....barely. Everyone got in on the fun and had a great time! I'm pretty sure that's the longest we've stayed at a family reunion!

Addie and Colton had fun throwing the already made balloons onto the grass (so they'd pop), blowing bubbles and sticking the sidewalk chalk through the holes in the picnic table benches!

Popsicles!

One good thing about HOT weather? Popsicles! Addie had her first taste of a popsicle last summer but this year she gets to enjoy the whole popsicle instead of just a lick! She and Grandpa had a popsicle together while we were waiting for Uncle Clayton to come by after getting engaged!


Showing off her multi-tasking skills!


Here you go Gwampa!


Such a cute little face!

P.S. Congratulations Clayton & Brandi! We're happy for you guys!

Family Vacation

I can't believe how busy life gets as soon as May rolls around. We've had a lot going on around here and there hasn't been a lot of time for blogging. I'm going to try and catch you all up on the recent events in our lives....

Over Memorial Day, we went on our "annual" family vacation to Oregon. Usually we go to Portland to stay with Clay's brother and family but this year, we decided to rent a beach house in Seaside on the Oregon Coast. The beach house was fantastic and such a steal as far as the price goes! It was only a quick walk across the street to get to the beach! The weather wasn't particularly warm but it wasn't bitter cold either. We were able to relax, have fun and enjoy our time at the beach!

We decided to check out the Seaside Aquarium since they were having an anniversary and admission was only $.15 each! We got to feed sea lions (definitely fun but some of us ended up soaking wet!), hold various sea creatures (starfish, hermit crabs, sea urchins, etc), and see some other sea life common to the area. It was a fun place but definitely not worth the regular admission price!

After the aquarium, we headed to Cannon Beach for lunch (yummy fish & chips at Ecola's) and to play at the beach! It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun. Addie hated the sand at first and wouldn't sit down on it or take her shoes off. We were finally able to convince her to take her shoes off and by the end of the day she was digging her toes in the sand and running around barefoot! She loved chasing the birds, running around in the low tide areas and feeling the water pull the sand out from under her feet. It was so fun to watch her explore and experience everything!

The rest of the trip was spent relaxing, playing at the beach and just hanging out. We all had a great time! We are looking forward to going again next year! Enjoy the pictures!

Addie's New Friend

As Addie gets older, her group of friends grows and has recently added a new one to the mix, Chloe Paxton. She was born five weeks early and is the sister of Addie's other friend, Elise.

Addie and the Cupcake

There's one moment that every parent looks forward to in their child's life. It's not saying their first word or taking their first step; it's the moment they eat their first cake or cupcake. Addie was, to say the least, an utter disappointment on her first birthday. Her true prissy side presented itself as she wouldn't touch the cake.

So seven months later we documented the historic event, albeit with a web cam. It's not messy or funny, just historic.