For those of you that can not wait any longer

I have not had a chance to update the blog but I did load all the pictures so for those of you that can't wait to see pictures of Hawaii, Bracken's Award, and Halloween they are loaded and just click on the family picture on the side and you can view them all. I will try my best to update soon, there has been lots of fun and exciting stuff going on in the Hay house that I can't wait to share with you all!

Never will we forget....

Sept. 11, Patriot Day. We dressed in our most patriotic wear, Bracken went to school and we stayed to watch a special assembly, where 2 flags were given to the school that where flown over a base in Iraq last year, by a father and soldier that just returned after a year of serving. The kids all sang My Country Tis of Thee, bringing tears to my eye, and memories of that day 8 years ago. Bracken does not fully understand, what freedom is, but he sure made this mommy proud as he taught his brother to sing with him. Bracken gets so much joy from saying The Pledge, and gets rather upset when they forget. He is my little Patriot, I would not be surprised if one day he was president. Here is to the memory of that day and to all the people who gave there lives and continue to give there lives to keep us safe and free.

Ainsley Laughing

For those days when you just need to smile!

Bracken's 1st day of Kindergarten

All is excited, can't wait to pick him up and see how it went.

Kindergarten Orientation

After we dropped Camden off at preschool we had Bracken's Kindergarten orientation where we get to meet his teacher and see his classroom. Bracken is very excited about starting big school but was a little worried about not knowing anyone is class but that was quickly fixed when he found out that 3 other kids from preschool were in his class, one of which was his buddy. Bracken has AM Kindergarten with Mrs Davis, and we think it is going to be great.

A boy and his toys

The little boys have been asking all about GI Joe with the movie coming out but since they are too little to see it, Matt told them he would bring home his GI Joe toys he had as a boy. Let me just say I don't know who was more excited.

Camden's 1st day of Preschool

Where has the time gone that my little Camden is starting his first day of Preschool today. He says he is going to Bracken's old school. I did have to bribe him a bit with a new toy and ice cream if there were no tears, but he was otherwise happy to go until we got there and it was time. After 2 minutes of the look of terror on his face he was a happy boy and was all smiles when I picked him up 3 hours later. Next we will see if he really means it when he says he will go back.

Random pictures the kids

Baylor's 8th Birthday. Let me just say the kids love their Baylor, especially miss Ainsley.

Vegas Aug 2009

Last year we bought tickets to the Sean Hannity's Freedom Alliance Concert, and as it so happens it coincided with Matt's trade show weekend. So we made it an outing, and took some friends with us. The concert was great, Charlie Daniels Band, Lee Greenwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the ever so hot Michael W Smith. It was so cool to see so many conservative in one place for a good cause in Vegas. It was a nice weekend getaway that we extended by one day for Matt to do more business. I can't wait to do it again next year.

We got teeth, well tooth really!

Ainsley had finally done it. She got her first tooth, just took about 16 months but who is counting right. Hopefully more will follow soon.

Matt's 33rd Birthday

A quiet celebration at home, friend over for cake and ice cream oh and cobbler. Happy Birthday Matt.

Underwood Farms

Okay I finally did it, we took the family to Underwood Farms to pick veggies and strawberries. The weather was nice, the kids had fun. We had good company with Christine and Baylor. A rather successful day, a must to do again. Though next time I don't think Matt is going to pick the squash!

The Delta

For as long as I have been with Matt we have gone camping/water skiing every summer so minus the times I missed after having babies I have been to the Delta umm 12 times. This year was an adventure with 3 kids for 7 days, but the kids were champs, can't say so much for Mommy and Daddy. There was a large number of us this year do to the celebration of Jack and Sandy's 50th Wedding Anniv. A good time was had by all but I was ready for a vacation when we got home. Note to self 6 hours in a truck with 3 in cars seats is not so much fun.

Bracken's First Official Sleep Over

Bracken is definitely growing up, tonight he is at his first sleep over at a friends house. Mind you it is just a few houses down, but still a sleep over. I think I was more nervous then he was. All I got was come on it is just like when we stay at the Cabin with Pop and Grammie, but you are right there, and don't worry I will fall asleep so fast I am super tired. That was until he found out they were watching a movie, then he wasn't so tired but thinking about popcorn. Camden was not to sure with the thought of Bracken not being there at bedtime, but we didn't tell him he wasn't coming home just that he went to watch a show. To make it a bit easier he got to have water before bed which to him and Bracken is a big deal, got to watch a show down stairs and got a story read by mommy while we all cuddled. Now we are just taking bets to see if Bracken stays all night.

4th of July

Mommy is getting Crafty!

Can you believe it, I know it is hard for some of you, but I actually sewed Ainsley a dress for the 4th of July, and better yet I made myself a matching skirt. That picture is still so come. So now I have actually made drapes for my dinning room, super hero capes for many little boys, and a dress for Ainsley and a skirt for myself. One of these days maybe I will get good enough to make Halloween costumes like my mom used to.

Happy Anniversary!

Matt and I celebrated our 10 year Anniversary on June 19th. The weekend before we celebrated do to Father's day and all the College graduations that go on it is hard to book things for the actual weekend of. Matt planned the entire thing with a little pointing in the right direction but did most of it on is own and I was so proud of him. We stayed in Paso at the Justin Winery. They have the cutest B&B there and the wine is pretty good too. We had a driver on Saturday take us wine tasting, what a great idea that was because lets just say we know know why they do not recommend going to 8 wineries in an afternoon. We sure loved our wine though and come home with lots of bottles to stock our wine fridge. Sunday we got an early start and spent the afternoon in Santa Barbara. Our good and dear friends Randy and Christine came up and met us for lunch and some shopping. It was a great weekend. On our actually anniversary day Matt and I, Randy and Christine, and Becky and Eric went out to Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl. We had a picnic and had lots of fun, a must to do again. Oh and did I mention that Matt got me beautiful Sapphire and diamond earrings to match my grandmothers ring. Love you Matt and Thanks Christine for all the help.

Swimming Again

The Boys had there last week of swim lessons finally! Camden has had a total 5 weeks every day so far ,and Bracken just 2. This mommy is ready for them to be over and very happy with the results. I have 2 little fish, that I can't keep out of the water. Definitely a Success!

Teeth

It is a known fact that our children do not get teeth until really late. Bracken was 15 months Camden was 14 months and Ainsley is no different almost 14 months still no teeth. Camden's teeth have been an issue all of there own. Until just this past October Camden was still missing 4 teeth on the bottom, and slowly but surely they came in all but 1. Mind you the 4 teeth he was missing were the 2 on ether side of his middle bottom teeth, so when he smiled you saw 2 teeth a big space and then molars. Well to all of our surprise the last tooth is coming in. Almost 3 1/2 years old and finally getting a tooth that many babies already have. Who would have ever guessed.

Swim Lessons Take 2

This week both boys are taking swim lessons again. A refresher for Bracken and drilling it into Camden. Both boys love swimming and are regular little fish. Bracken is working on his freestyle right now and Camden well Camden is being cute and flirting with the teacher most of the time.

Preschool Promotion

Today was Bracken's promotion from Preschool. They had a full ceremony with songs and slide show, the teachers cried. It was pretty cool, the kids had a great year fall with many of the kids he went through this Fun for Four program with. He is really looking forward to the big kids school, and is counting down the summer days until it is here. Bracken grew so much this past year, it was said to see it all end, but we look forward to many more years of growth and learning.

Super Hero

To prepare myself for the long summer of entertaining the kids, I made the boys super hero cape that they can put on and take off themselves. Gone are the days of mommy trying to secure blankets to shoulders around necks, held with ponytail holders. These are real super hero capes and I have had trouble getting them off the boys. They were such a hit I had to make one for our almost 8 year old neighbor so

Camden Swim Lessons

Camden took his very first swim lessons this month, and true to Camden form, it finally clicked for him the second to the last day so we are doing another sessions this week. Camden now is really comfortable with the water, it is amazing.

Last Game for the Twins

Bracken had his last game of the season on Saturday, he had so much fun and has made big improvements. It is kinda sad to see it end. We had a great team and awesome coach. We can't wait to do it again. After the game we had a little breakfast at the coaches house where the kids could play and get their trophies. Bracken likes his new trophy, now Daddy has to get a shelf put up so that he can display them.

Vegas

Parents getaway, lots of shopping, laying out by the pool, some gambling and some just plain old fun. No getting up in the middle of the night, taking kids potty, worrying about naps and car seats or what time they ate last. Thanks Grammie and Pop for watching the kids for 3 days.

Ainsley in Wonderland

Thank you to all who came and made Ainsley 1st Birthday so special. Thank you to Uncle Jeff and Auntie Shawn, Jesse, Jenna & Shanna, Uncle Brent Auntie Melinda, Jake, Paige and Noah, that couldn't make it but were sure to have gifts there for A. It was a long weekend, but a success. The cake turned out really cute, we found out that Ainsley does not do well with crowds of people in her house. Overall Ainsley had a great time once she warmed up to the idea, loved her cake, but preferred Mommy feeding it to her, and like the ice cream above all cake. The little girl crashed and slept all night and then had some milk and was back down for a nap. Looks like she needs a weekend to recover from the weekend too.

Off the Charts or should I say not even on the Chart

Ainsley had her 1 year well check today and weighed in at 17.0 lbs and was 29 inches long. So she will still be backward facing for sometime in the car but she has now out grown her infant carrier so she gets to move to the big girl car seat just turned backwards. All in all she is perfect just no longer on the charts weighed was. This is totally new for me considering that Bracken weighed 23 lbs at his 1 year and Camden was 21 lbs. At this time Ainsley at 12 months weighs what the boys did at 5 months. She is just petite they say, but we still have to go back in a month for a weight check. Fun Fun!

Happy 1st Birthday Princess Pickles

I can't believe that today Ainsley is 1. Where does the time go. My little baby girl is growing up so fast, but we are loving every minute of it. One year ago today, we didn't know we were going to get a little princess, and what a surprise she was. She has the funniest personality and she is such a cuddle bug. She loves all things girl, IE. bows, shoes, jewelry. She loves playing with, running after her brothers. She is know for stealing Robin and the Joker every time they play Batman. She is our Sissy, our Miss Priss, our Princess Pickles. Happy Birthday Ainsley Makenna. We love you.

Easter 2009

He is Risen He is Risen indeed! Bracken loves saying this on Easter, but have you ever tried to explain to a 5 year old who knows to much already how Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Tricky one let me tell you. Lucky for me, he will still except me telling him Jesus can do anything because he is Jesus. We had a wonderful Easter. We had a long Easter. We spent a wonderful lunch out in Apple Valley with the Jackson side of the family. The kids had tons of fun going on an egg hunt with all the cousins. After lunch we drove back to town to have dinner with the Hay side. It was the great and very long day had by all. The kids got spoiled with numerous Easter Baskets. Thank you Grammie/Pop and Nana/Papa. I didn't even go overboard with our baskets this year a big accomplishment for myself, though having Ainsley's birthday the day after Easter put me in my place with that.

Spring Break

We had a great six days at the beach camping with friends. The kids could not get enough of the sand.

A pirate says aarrg!

We have entered the next phase of Bracken's eye troubles. We are now patching, for the next 5 weeks 4 hours per day. Needless to say we have been singing the Backyardagains Pirate song for all those parents of preschoolers an awful lot lately. Bracken is being a trooper, with it all, and the Dr. has seen improvement he just wants to see more.

Hi and more walking

Ainsley is Walking

At 11 months Ainsley is officially walking. Our little peanut is growing so fast, or not, she is still a little thing I don't think we are going to make 20 lbs by her 1st birthday.

Happy Birthday to Me!

3 days after Camden's Birthday is my birthday. I had a very nice day of getting my hair done, and sushi dinner. Since my birthday fell on a Friday, we were able to go have an adult dinner Saturday with no kids for the night, Thank you Nana and Papa. We went to dinner with our friends the Randy & Christine and celebrated my birthday and Randy's, did I mention his birthday is the day before mine. I told you March is a busy month. Anyways a nice time was had, and being the parents that we are hurried and got up and dressed Sunday morning to go collect the kids and what do you know still sleeping. Good Job Nana and Papa on your first sleepover with all 3, we will have to do that again soon.

Another Party

I told you March is a busy month. We have a great set up on our street, both Bracken and Camden share birthday with our neighbors that we hang out with. So Camden and our neighbor Savannah have birthdays 1 day apart so we have party's 1 day apart. So pony rides, jumpers the whole bit. The kids had a blast, this was Bracken's second time on a pony and Camden's 1st and he reluctantly liked it.

Camden's 3rd Birthday Party

March is a busy month for us so trying to figure out what to do for Camden's birthday had been quite a struggle. Between Bracken's baseball schedule and other birthdays and events, trying to find a weekend in march was impossible. So a few days before Camden's Birthday, we had a party at the Santa Barbara Zoo for all those that wanted to make the trip. Camden loves animals especially elephants so we rented the elephant deck for our party. I would recommend a zoo party for anyone, talk about built in entertainment plus the will bring a little animal by and tell the kids all about it and they get to touch it or not. So a good time was had by all, it was a beautiful day and we even got a picture or 2 or 3 of Grammie, talk about a eventful day. Special thanks to the all the grandparents, T and Eric, The Gee, Geris, Yumbar and Holly families for making Camden's day so special.

Special note can't get better than the cake, got a deal got to love that $10!

First Game

This afternoon Bracken had his first Hart Baseball game. He looked really cute in the whole uniform, and he had a great time. First at bat, Bracken hit the ball on the first swing, and from a coach pitch, but was tagged out at first. I was so impressed, I guess practicing everyday is paying off. Second and third at bats were hit off a tee and he got hits and on base to score 2 times, that is if they keep score. All in all, Bracken had a ball, even ran fast, and has already asked when he gets to do it again. Sounds like a win to me.

Happy Birthday Daddy/Pop!

Since we tortured mom with old photos on her birthday it is only fair that we do it for dad too, though I know he will not kill me. Happy Birthday Dad! We love you and appreciate you. You are a great Dad, and a wonderful Pop. The kids all love you and it is no nice to see you enjoying and spending time with them. Thank you for all that you do, all the meals and babysitting, and the random calls to check in. Have a great day

I think she was tired.

Tonight after Ainsley finished her dinner, she sat in her highchair and had a snack while the rest of the family ate dinner. She was playing in laughing then suddenly there was a thud and snoring. She fell asleep in her chair. Poor thing must have been super sleepy, maybe next time she is that tired she will learn it is better to take a nap during the day.

Valentine's Day/Pismo Beach

For the extended Presidents Weekend/Valentines Day, we headed out to Pismo Coast Village camping with our friend and neighbors the Gee's. We had a blast and surprisingly nice weather for what could and should have been a very rainy weekend. I have not been to Pismo Coast village since I was Ainsley's age, so it was pretty cool. We had a nice Valentines day dinner too, Fillet, twice baked potatoes, Marsala carrots, and ice cream and cobbler for dinner. Not to shabby for camping I must say. We say many cool things while we were there, pirate ships, butterflies, dead seals, live seals, dead birds, live birds, dead coyotes. The boys saw everything and told us all about it.

A Night Out Just the Adults

Matt and I had our second night away from all the kids this past weekend, and what a weekend it was. Saturday we went out to a Country Bar for Becky's 35th Birthday with a bunch of friends. I got new boots for the occasion that I was really excited about too. We all met at our house and then took a limo so no driving for us. Lets just say we had lots of fun, and were hurting a bit the next day Super Bowl Sunday and of course party again at our house but this time kids are home.

Happy 60th Birthday Mom! (don't shoot me)

Today is Mom's 60th Birthday, and although she hates her picture to be taken, here is a little glimpse of the past 60 years. Happy Birthday Mom, we love you, you are a great mom and an awesome grammie. I know we don't tell you enough but we love and appreciate you more than you will ever know.

Camden singing

Now that Camden is a talker he doesn't stop. This boy loves to sing though, and will preform almost anywhere.

This ones for you Shanna

Our niece Shanna really likes seeing Camden video so this is for you Shanna, Camden and his version of the ABC's

16 pounds and 2 shots later

Ainsley had her 9 month well check and did what I thought and weighed in at 16 pounds, and 27 inches long. So she is shorter than the boys were but not by much and a lot less in weight. So much so that we have to go back in 3 weeks for a weight check. I never thought I would have a little one after how big the boys were. I am so out of my element. Anyways Ainsley is a healthy little peanut that has now learned to climb stairs, whats next, I can only imagine. We are taking bets on when she is going to walk. At the rate she is at now, it could be any day.

Update on Camden, day 20 of being a big boy, still no accidents. Yeah Camden!

9 Months

I just can't believe that today Ainsley is 9 months old, where has the time gone. So far Ainsley has no teeth, but that is no surprise, is crawling anywhere she wants to go, is cruising around the furniture when things are just out of reach, is climbing up at least one step, is still refusing a bottle, but eating solids pretty good although she still doesn't like dinners. Ainsley is such a mommy's girl, and a girly girl. She loves her shoes, bows and clothes, they are her favorite toys too. Ainsley goes for her check-up this week, but as of the other day she is weighing in at a little 16 pounds. To compare, the boys were 16 pounds at 4.5 months.

Our Little Talker

Talking is a new thing for Camden, he can never get a word in when Bracken is home, Bracken is our talker. Since Bracken has been in school everyday Camden has really come into his own, and now I have two talkers/singers/nonstop chatterers. Camden loves to sing, when he has nothing else to say. Here is Camden's version of Old Mac Donald.

Little Bill, Oh I mean Camden!

Camden is really liking being a Big Kid. We are in day 13 and still dry all night. Since becoming potty trained, Camden has been walking around the house singing a song he learned from watching Little Bill, it is pretty darn cute. Hope you enjoy.

Here is a funny

You all may not find this as humorous as me and I will probably get in trouble for posting this but it was just down right funny. The other night Matt and I were sitting watching 24 and Willow was outside going crazy at the BBQ. Matt goes out there to see what the deal was and all I could imagine was the Skunk all over again. Matt gets to the BBQ and sees nothing so he opens up the BBQ and there in all its glory was a rat. I will not say what Matt did next but you can guess, lets just say it was dancing. Matt closed the lid and came back inside only to go check on it a little later and when he did, it was gone. I think that rat is going to come back and haunt him soon enough. Needless to say, Matt will be spending his weekend cleaning before cooking again.

Our Picky Eater

So everyone that knows or have even met Bracken has experienced how picky this kid is at eating. So picky that he ate jar baby food until he was 3 because he didn't like to chew, we now know why, it is because chewing take so so long. In that past 2 years he has had the usual toddler food, hot dog, chicken nuggets, french fries, Mac & Cheese, and struggled to finish any meal. On to 2009, Bracken now tries most foods, like tacos, quesadillas, hamburgers (In n Out), burritos, and get this Sushi. Bracken begged us the other night to let him try what we were eating. So now we can add California rolls to his favorite. Not only is he eating more things, he is finishing his plate and asking for more, too bad it still takes him just about if not longer than an hour to eat. Must be all that chewing!

Happy New Year

Okay so it has been a busy 2009 already and it is only day 2 of the new year. To start it off Camden is a big kid now. Yes that is right Camden is officially potty trained, and let me just say if I though Bracken was easy Camden was even better. He made it through the night last night no accidents and today figured out how to put the poop in the potty. He even made the trip down to Beverly Hills and back today with out any accidents, and that included falling asleep in the car. Yeh Camden! So today it was Bracken's turn for firsts. First day of his new glasses, so far so good, he isn't complaining yet. Hopefully it stays that way. So here's to my little boys who are getting bigger every day, and just so Ainsley isn't left out hers to Ainsley cruising around the table. Happy New Year everyone, it looks to be an eventful one in our hose so stay tuned.

New Years Eve

This year for New Years Eve, Matt and I got to go down for the night to Long Beach and go to a murder mystery dinner with Becky (T) and a group of her friends. It was the first time leaving Ainsley over night. Grammie and Pop spent the night and watched the kids at our house, and survived. Even Ainsley who refused all bottles survived without hysterics thanks to Grammie feeding her her cereal, fruits and veggies. Anyways Matt and I had a wonderful time away. What a great start to the New Year! Thanks Mom and Dad.