4th of July

I love summer!!! The 4th of July is one of my favorite days. There are always a ton of things going on and family around. This year my parents were up here and we spent the first part of the day with them, then at night we went to fireworks with some friends. Here are a few pictures of my cute kids in their new outfits.

Grandpa Hobbs

My sweet, wonderful Grandpa Hobbs passed away on June 19th (Fathers Day). It was very hard to know that he was gone, but so comforting to know where he was and that we would be able to see him again. His dad died when my Grandpa was just 7 years old so they hadn't seen each other in 75 years. What a wonderful reunion that must have been.

We were able to go visit Grandpa a few weeks before he died. I was so glad that he was able to meet Grace. Carson was so cute he just jumped right up on the bed by Grandpa and started telling all sorts of stories. The kids just adored him and he made each of them feel special and let them know that he cared about them.

The funeral was beautiful. My Grandma just had a glow about her, she looked beautiful. I know that she will miss him very much. There is no doubt in any ones mind how much those two loved each other. They meant everything to each other. As we arrived at the grave site there were some rain clouds in the distance. As we started the grave site service it started to rain and it was actually really pretty. About half way through it started to pour down rain and then there was hail about the size of quarters and a terrible wind storm. We all ended up getting soaked. It was quite an ordeal. Just as we drove out of the cemetary the rain, wind and hail stopped and there was a beautiful rainbow across the sky. Grandpa always did have a good sense of humor!

You have to love this face

I just love these pictures. My wonderful friend Leah took them. Grace was such a trooper through the whole thing. Thank you Leah for taking the time to make sure the pictures turned out perfect and for being so patient when she peed all over the sets and your shirt :)

(you can see Leah's other work on facebook at shutter girl photography)

Gracie

We are having so much fun with this little girl. She totally has us wrapped around her finger. I know I am her mom and you always think your kids are the cutest things ever, but I really think she is the cutest.

Kindergarted graduation

Madilyn had her kindergarten graduation on May 26th. It was so fun to watch the kids sing and perform for the parents and families. Madilyn is so animated and has such a great time with things like that! She is such a good girl and we are so thankful she is a part of our family. She is already missing her great teacher and her friends from her class.

He loves her

I was worried about how Carson was going to do with a new baby in the house. He has done wonderful. He loves her so much. He can't walk by without stopping and touching her and kissing her. We are still working on being soft with her, but for now I am just excited that he likes having her around.

I love my mom

My mom is the BEST!!! She is always so good to come up and help out any way she can. She came up a few weeks before Grace was born and she watched the kids so Joe and I could go up to Jackson Hole for a few days.
She then came up and stayed for a week and a half after I had Grace. She is such a huge help to me. She does everything for me and just allows me to relax and enjoy the time with Grace. She completely takes care of the housework and entertains and takes care of the other kids. It is wonderful!!

After all that work my parents took Carson down to Utah for a week so that I could continue to get a break with my new baby. Carson had a great time and I got to try and get some much needed rest during the day after being up late with Grace.

I have such a great mom!!

Dance Recital

The girls had a dance recital the other night. They had a wonderful teacher and they were in classes with great friends. They both did a great job. Joe stayed home with Gracie so I could go watch them. It is so fun to see them so animated and having fun up on stage.

Meet Grace Blakley

I just love this little face. I look at it and I ALMOST forget the last nine months of being sick and uncomfortable...and the 12 hours of labor...and the 4 botched epidural attempts. Whew! Its finally over!

Our beautiful baby Grace was born Friday May 13, 2011 at almost 6pm. She weighs 6 lbs. 13 oz. and is 20 1/2" long.

Labor and delivery went smoothly and we are both healthy and feeling great. We are all excited to take her home and have a new baby at the house. Hallie and Madilyn love her to death. Hallie decided that she liked having a new sister. We are excited about that because for a couple of days she didn't know if a new baby in the family was such a hot idea! She had realized that a new baby meant more work for the oldest child. Madilyn thinks that the baby is cute because everyone says that Grace looks just like her. Carson thinks that "pink babies" are OK, but he hasn't seemed to care much one way or the other.

We are so thankful for the opportunity that our Heavenly Father gives us to care for and love his children. What a blessing it is to have such a beautiful new baby in our family!

Easter

Here are a few pictures of the kids in their Easter outfits. I just love any excuse to get the kids new clothes. There are also a few pictures of the kids on an easter egg hunt with the Oakeys. Ever since I was young I looked forward to the Oakey easter egg hunt. My grandma works so hard on it and it is so fun to have my kids experience this fun tradition.