Marley didn't want to eat any more lunch. It was definitely nap time!

Gracie loved her first water balloon fight, but she was sad when she got hit with a balloon that didn't pop. Ouch!

It might be a little mean, but I love to take pictures of my kids crying as well as smiling. I just think they turn out so precious and I love to see their different emotions.

Sitting Bull Falls

Gracie was pooped from all the driving

Beautiful form Douglas!

The water was FREEZING!

Watching and Cheering "Do it! Do it! Do it!" as Mom and Dad jumped into the water.

Marley and Grandpa Riley


So cute!

Marley had so much fun!



After many hours of driving, Marley was sick of his car seat. So, he rode shotgun with Grandpa on all the side roads. He loved it!


Last weekend we took a short trip to Sitting Bull Falls right outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The falls are so beautiful and the weather was perfect. We had so much fun playing in the freezing water and hiking on top of the waterfall. Here are a few pics of our trip. Okay... maybe a lot of pics.

Today, I've been especially emotional as I think of my Mother and Mother in law and the influences that they've been in my life. Douglas and I are so lucky to have such great mothers. I'm starting to see a portion of what my Mom has done for me. Dedication, Love and Sacrifice are a few words to explain my Mothers existence. Thanks Mom for everything that you have done for me!
I feel extremely blessed to have two beautiful children call me mother and they bring such joy to my life. I feel grateful for the time that I have with these two little spirits. Heavenly Father loves me so much to bless me with such a great life.
I am so happy to have a mother and be a mother and I love celebrating such a great calling.

I know it's so annoying when people brag about how cute their kids are, but I just can't help myself! I picked up Marley's 18 month pictures today. I just have to say He is so stinkin' CUTE!!!! Plus, he's a great little boy too, so we feel blessed.

Male Nurse

I just want to say congratulations to my amazing husband! He received his letter of acceptance to the Angelo State University Nursing program Fall 2009. Yeah!!!!! We are very excited and he is studying like mad to pass his microbiology and math classes. They are tough! I really appreciate the sacrifices Douglas has made for our family! He's working so hard to get a great education and prepare for the future of our family. On the day Gracie was born he finished his last prerequisite for the nursing program. He got accepted to the Westminster College bachelors of nursing program. But, life changes and the Lord had a different plan for us. He walked away from the program and we moved to San Angelo, Texas to open Wingstop so that he could provide for our family while he went to school and I stayed home with Gracie. Once we sold the restaurant he had more time to focus on school and he's been working so hard to prepare for the program. We're so excited for what the future holds and I know he'll make an excellent male nurse:)

Marley Hayden

Crazy static hair

New shades for Easter. Thanks Grandma Darlene!

Such a sweet face

Watching "melmo"

On Saturday Marley turned 18 months old. This is such a big milestone because now he can go to nursery! Yeah!!! We are very excited to experience sunday school again. Marley really enjoyed nursery on sunday in Odessa. He didn't hit anyone and he shared his toys. He loved snack time and he was so happy to play with all the trucks. So far so good. We're hoping that this continues.

He's such a fun little boy and he has a great personality. He talks all the time and surprises us with his new words everyday. His favorite words are nack (snack), dog, truck, ball and outside. He loves working with Douglas in the garage and playing outside. He loves coloring on the walls and dumping out anything he can get his hands on. He keeps us busy! We can't believe a year and a half has already gone by. It's been wonderful. We're so glad to have such a sweet boy in our family. Love you Marley!