The Hales Family

Our Last 6 Months

2010-06-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

The sleepover ends the fun party, or begins depending on how you look at it. A long night for mom, lots of fun for Brooklynn. Happy 9th Birthday Brooklynn!!!

The gangs is here, lets get the party started, you only turn 9 once Brooklyyn enjoy!!

And the gifts just keep on coming....

"Make Your Own Pizza"

Choices, Choices, Choices,--Let Me Think!!

I was inspired by a neighbor of mine in Syracuse, she only makes her kids cakes. I never do, so thought I would give it a try. Brooklynn said she wanted a cat birthday, so I made the cake. I was really happy with how it turned out, looks yummy, tasted yummy. I will have to try more different kinds of characters, lot of kids to practice on. Notice the eye lashes, paper looks great just not edible! She said she had a fun happy birthday, best day of her life!! Ha Ha. The loss of sleep, the crazy noise, the glad I only have 4 children thought, was all worth it!! Love you Brookynn Happy Belated 9th!!!

Our last 6 months

2010-06-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Our last six months, I posted from Christmas finally. We had the house on the market and got some people who want it in Feb. So we planned on moving out, no problem just getting a place close to my cousin in West Jordan, I wanted to be closer to her way excited. Brooklynn had a great birthday celebration at our house. Her first sleepover, lots of food, lots of girls, lots of noise, lots of running around, lots of it all night!! She had a great time, I didn't mind, Trevor helped out till about 8:30 p.m. then went to the movie with Stu, either that or die I think! I didn't get any sleep that night, when you check on them at 2:00 p.m. in the morning and they are still up (you have problems), that make for a tired Brooklynn the next day! We started the packing process in March, go rid of lots of toys and felt like packing was going well. Trevor went out in March to interview through Fidelity in Charlotte, NC. I didn't think much of it, was planning to move to West Jordan, completely happy with that thought!

Well he calls from Charlotte, got the transfer, we have two weeks to move out of state. I need to get packed, arrange all appointment with doctors, get all records, say goodbye to all friends and family! This was beyond difficult, got some checked off the list, my mind was mush. I didn't know what to expect, never lived out of Utah. Always wanted to stay in Utah, love to visit other places, not so much live there. The date for this "Big Move", was set for my birthday April 1st, not what I planned for my special day.

Our Last 6 months

2010-06-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Trenton at 5 months old, your first Christmas is right around the corner...Such a big boy way to strong for your age.

Brendan at preschool, learning to make snow flakes. I loved volunteering to help out, he has learned a lot, growing leaps and bounds! This special day in December he was "King for the Week", was featured all week and pics on the walls. Love ya, can't believe your on your way to going to kindergarten, my little man of 5 years old!!!

Lauren is showing off her gingerbread house that she did at preschool, we were never allowed to try any of it, instead sat on our counter for a week. She loves preschool, looks forward to it everyday she has it. Gets up early, gets already, and waits at the door with her backpack and coat ready for her ride. What a big three year old you are!!

Brooklynn's Christmas Dance Recital 2009
She looks gorgeous, danced beautifully, and had a fun night! After we enjoyed french fries and hot chocolate at a cafe to celebrate all her hard work. I love you Brooklynn and am so proud of you!!

Christmas Eve I love finding matching PJ's, can't wait till Santa comes!!

The Barlow's and Hales' Christmas party 2009. Lauren and Brendan opening gifts, they talked about this moment all day!

Christmas all about the kids, excitement in the air!!

Our Last Six Months

2010-06-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well it has been awhile since I worked on the blog. My goal is get better at this, keep it updated and a better document of our family. A lot has happened since we posted the Christmas tree pics on in December. We enjoyed a Christmas with both families, and our little family had a quite Christmas just us! It was great, very easy going for the day! We did have some excitement right before the holiday, the furnace went out. Two days of a very cold home, thank goodness for space heaters, gotta love it that it went out right before the holidays and two days before a Christmas party at our home! It all worked out, and made us extremely grateful for what we have, and for what the pioneers endured. I love Christmas and that it brings everyone together, great times!! We did have a fun holiday, but also lost Grandma Hales, we will always miss and love you! I have enjoyed many long talks with Grandma Hales, how grateful I am for the time I have had with her and my memories!

Christmas Trees

2009-12-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone

2009-12-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

Trenton Lee Hales

2009-07-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Trenton was born on July 1st at 10:13 am. April had a scheduled C-section on the 1st. He was 7 lbs 2 oz and 20.5 inches.

Brendan was and still is very excited. He is so happy to have a brother.Brooklynn and Lauren are excited to a baby brother. Brooklynn is so good at holding him and help out. Lauren is happy to have "my new baby" and can not wait bring home "my new baby" home.

ZOEY!!!

2009-06-06T09:22:00.001-07:00

Lauren and Zoey, we had just come back from the vet where Zoey got her first shots. Then Lauren got out her doctor kit, and was trying to give Zoey more shots. Lauren before Zoey every morning wanted mom, now she wakes up and asks for ZOEY! She just loves her.
Zoey exploring her new environment. She has been a really good puppy. Doing great with the potty training, the kids love her, she's playful and loves to be loved.

Lauren, Brooklynn, Brendan posing with Zoey, the newest member of the family. We got her on Monday night, Trevor and I made a deal, if he takes out the pond in the backyard (which was there when we moved in 2 1/2 years ago), then he can get a dog. The pond was gone in one week Trevor took it out, layed sod, and landscaped (he was amazing). And now we have our Zoey and she has been fun. We haven't had a dog since Apollo almost three years ago, we now have bigger family, older kids (who help out) and our excited to have a little puppy in our house. Brooklynn always wants to have money, so I made a deal with her, this summer she can earn a $1.00 a week if she picks up the doggies poopies. Brendan (who is very loving) told me the other day in the car, "Mom I just love Zoey", but "Mom I love you too."

Brendan

2009-06-06T09:19:00.001-07:00

Brendan's last day of preschool, both Lauren and him at the bike parade. They decorated their bikes and rode around the West Point Park. Then we played and had lunch. He will be in a different preschool next year, going three days a week (he's getting so big). Lauren loved the bike parade as well, even if she was coming up last, she just keep going along. Slow and Steady-Good for her!!
Brendan's Graduation from "Rising Stars Preschool", he had a performance and program. He had a great year in preschool, and has really learned alot over this past year! Good for him! Brooklynn and Lauren were just as excited as Brendan to be going to his program that night.

Brendan in his cap, all smiles after graduation! Daddy brought home fun goodies to have a special dessert night (lots of toppings). Mom and Dad are so proud of you BUBBA! You are such big boy now, keep learning. We love you!!

Brooklynn's Soccer

2009-06-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Brooklynn did great this season, she made 4 goals this Spring! She started playing when she was just 5 years old, and really loves it. I can't wait to see her play next year, Brendan will be starting his first year of soccor as well.
Great spring season weather this year, go get that ball!!

Bees Game

2009-04-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Family night at the Bees baseball game, the kids loved watching the game. Brendan was really into the game, and when Bumble came around he had him sign his mitt. Bumble wrote on Brooklynn and Lauren's hand, we will keep going throughout the season. Yeah Baseball!!

Easter

2009-04-15T11:12:00.001-07:00

Mom dying easter eggs, we had a great time.

Brendan coloring his easter egg. He wanted to keep going even after dying 18 eggs!

Here comes the dye! Lauren's second time dying but here first time to really remember it. She was so excited when she realized what we were going to do with the food! Brooklynn being the great big sister that she is, taught Lauren the in's and out's of easter egg dying.

Lauren's being really careful not to spill, Brooklynn's got multiple eggs going at the same time.

Syracuse city had their Easter egg hunt, and
the bunny to boot! Lauren wouldn't sit on the
Easter bunny's lap unless Brooklynn held her.
She's keeping her eye on him.
But mom still succeeded in getting a quick picture before the moment was gone.

Ready, set, go, the kids have to get as many as possible. At first Lauren was overwhelmed with all the kids running, but soon realized there was candy involved and jumped right in. Brendan and Brooklynn had a plan and didn't hesitate.

Nice picture of mom, always in the kitchen.

Goblin Valley

2009-04-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Stu, Brooklyn, Brendan and Trevor went to Goblin Valley State Park, UT. This is one of the coolest places on earth. just take a look!

The first day was very windy and we ended up sleeping in the van because the would have broke the tent poles. The next day was perfect weather and we hiked Little Wild Horse Canyon and hiked around Goblin Valley. The last day was great weather as well and hiked deep into the valley. Love it there, every time I go it is different.

Ultrasound

2009-03-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

April had her ultrasound yesterday and everything is fine. We did not find out what we will be having because we like the surprise. However, April is think it is a girl, she has not been wrong in past, I hope she is.

Any name suggestions?

Melanie's Sealing/Wedding

2009-03-03T21:13:00.001-08:00

We had a bonfire the night before

The San Diego Temple, simply beautiful.

Trevor and April, Melanie and Brandon, Kim and Chris and Stuart

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Together forever
sealed for all time and eternity
Awesome

Together forever
sealed for all time and eternity
Awesome

Our blessed eternal family at the San Diego temple.Brooklynn, Brendan, and Lauren at the temple. The girls look so cute in their white dresses, and Brendan couldn't have been more handsome that day. They loved the temple.
Brooklynn and Lauren where flower girls and Brendan was an escort.

Then the party got started that night!

Lauren, mom, Aunt Mel, and Aunt Kim all smiles!
Dancing Feet..
Dad and Mel can't get enough,

Dad can move it!!

Sea World

2009-03-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Sea World has to be the best theme park I have ever been to!! Everyone loved it.
We fed the Dolphins and the Bat Rays which was the coolest. We went to most of the shows and all of the hands on exhibits. I think you need 2 days there in order to do and see everything, but what we where able to do was great, loved it.

Las Vegas

2009-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

We stopped in Vegas on our way down to San Diego for Melanie's wedding. We stayed at the Tropicana, one of cheapest on the strip and has a inside pool which was not as warm as we anticipated. We walked around for a little bit and went to the Mandalay Bay to check out the shark reef aquarium, awesome!!

Sledding at night

2009-02-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

We took the kids sledding after Trevor arrived home from work. Lauren was a little timid at first but in no time she was carrying her tube up by herself and diving on the tube going down by herself. Brooklynn and Brendan had great time as well and we had to bribe them off the hill with hot chocolate.

Summing up 2008

2009-02-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

Obviously, we either do not have the time to stay on top of our blog or it is not a big enough priority. Anyways, we had some fun times. During our vacation to New York, Trevor and April went to Bar Harbor, Maine to celebrate their 10th anniversary. It is one of the most beautiful places we have been to.

April LOVED the lobsters that she ate for each meal. The food rivaled the scenery. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Bar Harbor you must get there. We would suggest to drive up route 1 so you travel through the small towns that dot the coast.

After the vacation we had to return to real life. Brooklynn started 2nd grade and Brendan started preschool (his 1st year).

Brooklynn played soccer, she is not a big fan of all the running but we like to see her get some exercise.

During a fall break for Brooklynn's school we went to Vernal, UT to see the dinosaur stuff. We left on a Wednesday after Brooklynn got out of school. We arrived in Vernal arround midnight and being a small town we expected to get a hotel with no problems. But, after checking every hotel and motel we where getting nervous about finding a room. The situation that we where unware of is during the week Vernal is booked because of all the migrant workers that stay up there work and return home for the weekends. We where told that coal mining and oil drilling is big there (gee, I wonder why with the dead dinosaurs and stuff). Fortunately, as we pulled into the last hotel they just had a cancelation and we grab the room for 100.00 bucks on a weeknight in Vernal (what!?!) anyways we where happy to have a warm soft bed.

In November we had our family picture taken for our Christmas cards and had Thanksgiving in Logan, UT with the Shirks.
In December Grandma Hales passed away and everyone was able to get together and visit which added more time to spend together during the holiday season.

Our New York Vacation

2008-07-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Our family just got back from a great and much needed vacation to upstate New York, Trevor's family has a cabin on a lake there in the mountains. Trevor's parents live in Queensbury which is about only 30 minutes from the lake. We had two weeks of fun, at first the kids were a little scared of the water, but after a while they all became familiar with it and started to jump right in! Brooklynn who is seven now, got brave enough to go tubing, and did a fantastic good holding on to the rope. She became very comfortable in the water that she started to jump off the dock without any help from anyone else. We spent the fourth of July at the Loon Lake, and did fireworks right off the dock. It was a spectacular sight to see the sky over the lake filled with those bright colors. The kids had a lot of fun playing with the sparklers. During our vacation time our little Lauren turned 2 years old, and we celebrated her birthday on the lake with Grandpa and Grandma. Her birthday this year was an

"Elmo" (Sesame Street) theme, Grandma made her an Elmo cake that she just loved. The time went by too fast, it is unbelievable that she is already two years old! We had fantastic weather throughout the two weeks, only raining once.

On that rainy day we had a great time bowling with the kids, grandpa, and grandma. The whole group played a pretty good game, thanks to no gutter balls allowed (we had curb blockers up the kids). Our old neighbors from West Valley in Utah (who now live in Indiana), came up for a Loon Lake experience. The kids ar all pretty much the same ages, and had a blast playing in the water together. We enjoyed roasting Smores by the campfire, and the boys played in the woods shooting things at night with their water guns. One our second to last day in New York and at Loon Lake, little Brendan caught a fish. This was a perfect end to a great trip at the cabin.

SNOW!

2007-12-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Dec. 1st we had the first significant snowfall of the season. We had 3 inches but surrounding areas had 6 to 12 inches. I wish we would have got at that much I love it. I miss the nor'easters I lived through in upstate New York (home).

Brendan, Brooklynn and I made a snowman, which fell over during the night. I was hoping it would stick around longer than that. Well, it was my first snowman in at least 20 years!! The last snowman I remember making was when I was a kid in Littleton, CO and watched my dog, spot, attack it after I was done. He was wigging out when he saw it in the backyard, he must have thought that the snowman was an intruder.

Pictures

2007-11-29T12:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to a few pics I have take this year during two trips to Yellstone. There are some others pictures of our first house and our new home and some random pictures.

http://www.panoramio.com/user/498491

Mancation '07

2007-11-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of many pictures I took during a life threatening trip to Yellowstone on Labor Day Weekend 2007. My brother Stu, a buddy Steve and I got in over a our heads on this trip. You can read more about it here: http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=myplaces&Number=998625&fpart=&PHPSESSID= and look at our canoe trip on google maps!

This picture is of a spring in the Shoshone lake geyser basin which is located on the west end of the lake.