Can You Guess What This Is?

Anyone venture a guess at Hailey's latest drawing? I must say it's pretty creative. The other day Hailey happened to let out a little "toot." At the time of such passing, she was drawing pictures. Next thing I knew, she brought this masterpiece to me. Yes, it's a bum and "the smell." Life is never boring around here. :)

Hailey is 5!

My beautiful daughter turned five years old today! It amazes that she's been a part of our lives for five years. She is such an incredible daughter. I couldn't ask for anyone better. It makes me cry to think of the early journey she had to go through to stay with us and I'm so grateful that she is so healthy and strong. Five years ago today I was having pre-term labor (at 28 weeks) and was told that I needed to have an emergency c-section so that we both might have a chance at surviving the placental abruption. She came into this world blue, weighing only 2 lbs. 9 oz. With the help of modern medicine and a lot of prayers, she toughed it out 100 days in the NICU and came home to Doug and I in July of 2004. The day we brought her home was one of the best days of my life. She is such a fighter. She also has such a kind and loving heart. Thanks for being such a great girl Hailey. We love you!!!

House News....

So, as some of you know we are building a house! We are really excited and should move in late June/early July. We have moved in with my dad in the meantime to save some money. My dad is a great sport, we've totally invaded the entire house. :) Here are a few pics showing the progress:

Some of our wonderful helpers laying the pex for the radiant heat.

Looking good Wayne

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We went on an amazing trip with Doug's family right after Christmas and into the first week of January. All 27 of us went to Kauai. It was so fun to be there with his whole family. The kids loved it! Hailey probably asks me on a daily basis when we can move to Hawaii, she actually started to cry a little when we left. We went on a great helicopter ride and Doug and I went kayaking and hiking to an incredible waterfall. It was such a great trip. I am excited to travel more with the kids because they traveled so well. Aloha!

Belated Blogging

I am so far behind in blogging, it seems impossible to catch up, but I will try! :) Here are a few pictures from the Christmas Season. Thanksgiving and Christmas were wonderful. We loved being together with family and friends. It was definitely hard to not have my mom here this holiday season. (The pics are out of order, Sorry)

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Shipley's:

New PJ's and Robe...Colby ran away during this picture

Hailey's Preschool Program:

Waking up Christmas morning:

Family Pictures

My cousin took our family pictures last weekend. Check her out at: http://www.ashhiltonphotography.com. She did a really great job, especially since Colby was NOT cooperating at all!

Fun at Grandma & Grandpa' House

Well, as you all know. I'm very behind in blogging. I tend to blog things like 2 months or so after they happen (I still need to post the rest of our Europe trip that happened in August!) :) We went to Wyoming to visit my mom's parents in September. It was SO much fun. Grandma bought this huge water slide and they made us the most wonderful meals. We can't wait to go back again.