Edy Jane & Hattie Anne

For Sandy Mounce (my dental hygienist and loyal reader)

2012-02-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to keep ahead of this silly blog. If I didn't occasionally have someone comment on it, I probably would drop it all together. So, to you folks who comment out there, keep up the good work.

I meant to post this one a while ago. Edy and her best friend, Gibson, were Mary and Joseph for our children's Christmas program at church.

They played their parts well. Edy even did a quick solo dance number while onstage. Mommy was so proud. :)

There's a outdoor ice skating rink open in Bentonville now. We went on Christmas Eve and had a blast, despite being pretty terrible at it in general.

The girls are growing. And growing. And growing.

Hattie is quite the dramatic.

And Edy must practically be pried out of her princess dress for such lowly tasks as bathing and bedtime.

We took a recent road trip to visit my grandparents in Bryant...

And our dear friends, the Greers, in Bismark.

Their trampoline was a hit.

Edy also got to sleep on her first bunk bed while at the Greers. When I told her about it she looked excited but quietly asked me, "Do they bump hard?"

And Hattie started going to "school" on Thursdays this week.

This was her first day. She loved her lunch bag.

(This update was for you, Sandy :)

Silver Dollar City

2012-01-13T14:01:00.001-08:00

This trip took place well over a month ago, but you know how the holidays are. Who has time to blog?

We had a great time. Edy is truly a ride-lover, like her mommy and daddy. As it was, we could only ride the kiddie-coasters, but someday + a few inches, we will take her on the Big Ones!

Free Advertising: Everyone should go to Silver Dollar City over the Holidays. And go with us! It would have been even more fun if someone else had been there to enjoy it.

So, for next year, any takers?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

We hope it's happy, blessed and joyous.

P.S. We could've really used someone behind the camera to coax Hattie into smiling for the picture. Next year, perhaps?

Birthdays

2011-11-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a big one for Hattie and I. She turned one, and I celebrated the last year of my 2nd decade. (Sheesh, that sounds old.)

We had our usual waffles and homemade party hats- in honor of my childhood. My mom always made my brothers and I a birthday hat when we were growing up. And since fairness is of utmost importance when you're a kid, she would go ahead and make everyone else one too.

Edy wore hers almost nonstop. And, I just noticed, she had an obnoxious look on her face in nearly every picture I took. These "yes, we're having a birthday party, but, no, it's not for you" days have been hard for her.

Just in case it was for her, she erred on the side of being overly helpful when opening gifts.

Hattie took making her first wish very seriously.

And she made the sweetest little elephant noises every time she looked at her card from JuJu.

And I don't have any pictures to document the occasion, but my fantastic husband, in an extreme case of amazingness, successfully organized a surprise birthday party for me last night with several of my friends. They even all pitched in to buy me the most fantastically wonderful Kitchenaid Mixer ever.

(Have I said this before?) I am so blessed.

Houston

2011-10-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ta da! Finally, pictures from our trip to Houston! I told you I would come through.

We had a great time. Jagger and Edy fell even more deeply in love (as in love as is appropriate for cousins, of course.)

We went on bike/stroller rides,

Jake fixed delicious breakfasts and even made Edy her yearly letter "E" pancake (which I completely forgot to do on her birthday and would have felt extra-terrible about if he hadn't already done it).

It was our first time to meet Jax. He was precious, chunky, smiley,

and terribly patriotic.

We went to the Houston Zoo. Yes, it was hot. But Edy got to see tigers and lions and elephants, Jagger saw monkeys, Mindy got her Dippin' Dots, and we all learned the important lesson to never, ever eat lunch at the zoo restaurant.

Mindy has always impressed me with amazing multi-tasking skills, and she did not disappoint this time either. I think she could strap another kid or two on there, don't you?

Before I had kids I always laughed at those people who pushed around empty strollers while their children ran free. However, this trip, we became people who pushed around strollers carrying strollers. Hattie was the only one who stayed strapped in (and that was because she fell asleep). Hint: Strollers at the zoo are a waste of time.

And just because his little rear has always been so cute:

The kids really had a blast.

There was dancing to be done and music to be played.

And a bubble bath that will go down in history.

Thanks to the Houston Smiths for showing us such a good time, and especially to Mindy, who scored these fabulous shoes for Edy. She has worn them nearly every day since.

We love you guys. Now come visit us already!

A Birthday

2011-10-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Edy is three today.

Sniff.

But it's been a great day.

She went to school, her favorite thing.

She came home for pizza, pink cupcakes, and a new shopping cart, ironing board, and princess dress. (I realized we were inadvertently preparing her for the life of Cinderella: lots of domestic work and occasional moments as a royalty.)

Plus Prince Charming, of course.

This is the kid we get to spend each day with. We are blessed.

An Update, Finally.

2011-10-02T12:36:00.001-07:00

The combination of me no longer desiring to lug around two kids-worth of stuff plus a 10lb SLR camera in my diaper bag and said 10lb camera's final sad demise due to a worn out "sensor" (that camera has taken somewhere around 50,000 pictures) means that we took a small break from picture taking around the Hall House.

Until...we joined the wonderful world of point and shoot camera users! It's so easy. It's so tiny. It goes with us everywhere. It also takes a bajillion pictures. Now we have lots of going combined with lots of pictures, and once again, an overwhelming amount of photos.

We can't catch a break around here.

Needless to say, I have lots of catching up to do. We've been in Houston visiting Jake, Mindy and family but I'll have to get to that later. I'm going to start with the last month or so and bring all three of my readers up to date slowly. Wouldn't want to get folks too used to anything else.

Edy is turning three this week. She now spends most of her time in some form of costume.

Ballerina,

Princess (Thanks to Raegan Greer for the dress!),

and Southern Belle/square dancer/floofy-dress wearer.

They both love spending time with their grandmas,

their buddies, especially Pax (I don't know why Edy looks so grumpy in this picture. What's not too like? Tent. Check. Snack. Check. Paxton. Check.)

and sharing tasty treats from the ice cream truck.

Hattie prefers pointing, waving, and pointing some more.

She continues to praise the Lord. Loudly.

And loves overly-long, wet, open-mouth kisses.

They are a delight to my heart.

And have I mentioned that Edy is turning three this week?

Unbelievable.

Don't Come to Our House Today

2011-08-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

It reeks of garlic, horseradish root, and ginger.

We spent yesterday evening chopping and grating the ingredients for our first homemade tonic, an absolutely horrendously disgusting tasting and smelling cure for the common everything. I took it a few weeks back for a cold, and it zapped it in just a few days. The same cold lingered in my mom for almost two weeks. (She didn't believe in the tonic's healing powers and wouldn't take it.)

So here she is...

One part hot onion, one part garlic, one part horseradish root, one part grated ginger, one part cayenne (we used serrano) peppers.

You soak all those tasty ingredients in apple cider vinegar for a couple weeks before she's fully ready for use. Then strain, gargle and enjoy.

Yes, it tastes like death. But if the plague hits your house, I know who you'll be calling.

For My Mom

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy lately, blogging has not been top priority. However, to appease my mother, I'm updating the first picture so her in mid-air catching a frisbee in her bathing suit is not the first thing you see. However, if you haven't seen it yet, you should scroll down and look at it. She looks pretty fantastic.

This picture is from our vacation obviously (which I will eventually blog about). It was cool, overcast, almost fall-ish feeling day. It was lovely.

I believe Edy is praising the Lord in this picture. Or at least that's what I like to think.

And here's sweet Hattie, (also praising) and showing off her new, very sharp teeth.

Happy birthday!

2011-07-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

My mom turned 55 yesterday.

Doesn't she look great?!?

Weekend at the Morris'

2011-06-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Since we are about to leave on vacation to Florida and the Bahamas (!) in a few days, you can be sure that posts from me are going to be few and far between over the next month. So, in between the packing frenzy, I am squeezing in time to share pictures from our lovely weekend with Josh's family.

We stayed with Josh's step-brother Jesse, his wife Liberty, and their family in their beautiful new home in Jasper.

It was a great time. We enjoyed Jesse's delicious fajitas, took walks, took naps, and caught up. And, to my delight, the dirt road leading to their house was right across the street from the once-famous amusement park "Dog Patch." Ah, memories.

Edy had the time of her life. They had a four-wheeler (her favorite!), their own personal pond for throwing rocks into (also her favorite!) and...

a three-week-old fawn to pet and feed! Heaven on Earth!

Josh and Pat (and Hattie) played and played and played and sang and sang and sang. Endlessly.

Hattie worked on her crawling, which she is now quite good at it, and all without using her knees. It's very impressive.

Outside on the porch. Just minutes before Libery took an ill-fated jog down the road that resulted in a trip to the ER and seven stitches.

And after. Notice the bandage.

Hattie spent a lot of time topless. It was very hot.

And just for cuteness.

Have a great July. See you in several weeks.

Camping in June

2011-06-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Hall family camping trip has become a once-annual event that reminds us every year why we only do it once a year. Now, yes, camping is fun. But not camping is significantly easier, cheaper, less hot and sweaty, and more well rested.

However, despite the fact that it was boiling hot, that Hattie cried almost constantly the first day and night, that to survive we had to rig our camper up with a window unit air-conditioner outside with a dryer hose running inside, and that we were serioulsy discussing getting rid of our pop-up within about two hours of arriving, we had a pretty good time.

Our home:

Hattie turned into a regular "Princess and the Pea." She required all of the blankets stacked up just so so in order to take her naps in the camper. We ended up nearly freezing the first night because Josh had the air cranked and Hattie was using all the blankets as her mattress. No one dared to wake her.

We all did some fishing and caught several. I caught both the largest fish I had ever caught (sadly, it wasn't really that large) and the smallest fish I had ever caught (about the size of my pinky.)

Edy probably had more success on her Dora the Explorer Wal-Mart fishing pole than I had using Josh's fancy fly pole. You can't really blame your equipment in that case...

First catch!

Someone suggested that we bring the Pack 'n' play along for Hattie. I wish I could remember who it was so I could thank them. Since she's at that super grabby, wiggly, half-crawling stage, it would have been really difficult to function without a good place to set her down. Edy enjoyed it too.

The chair broke. That's what they get for trying to snuggle in a camping chair.

And just because they're cute:

I wouldn't include this one, but I wanted to show that I was present on this trip.

And there you have. Don't expect any more camping pictures until next year...It's going to take us that long to work up the nerve.

7 Years

2011-06-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

And what fun it's been.

Happy Anniversary, my darling.

Beautiful Days

2011-05-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Come and see what God is done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! Psalm 66:5

Playing catch-up, as usual.

2011-05-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

So I know I'm just getting progressively worse at blogging. Seriously, though, finding the time to take, upload, edit and post pictures and then make cutesy comments about each one is not high on my priority list these days. It ranks somewhere between mopping the kitchen floor (which I haven't done in weeks) and taking a luxurious bath (which has not happened in recent recorded history.)

The girls are growing up fast. I put Hattie in an onesie today that I could've sworn I just put Edy in a few months ago. Which reminds me that Hattie is 6 months old today. Amazing.

Edy is turning into quite the ham. She loves an audience. I can't imagine where she gets that from.

The girls are becoming great friends. They even have the same taste in accessories.

Edy made a killing at the annual Hall Easter get-together, and we hid and re-hid our eggs at home until they were terribly rotten. Elly enjoyed them then.

Hattie sampled her first solid-ish foods. She didn't much care for rice cereal or mashed potatoes, but sweet potatoes were a hit.

I took this sweet adorable-ness of Edy and her best buddy, Gibson, just before they rode off into the sunset on a train bound for Winslow, Arkansas. We got tickets to go along with my mom's annual train ride for all the kids in the H.I.P.P.Y. program. They loved it, but they love each other more. :)

We attempted some family photos. Between Edy's ridiculous faces and Hattie's blank stares, this was the best one. I think it captures us well.

And finally, we are just beginning to get to harvest some of our own delicious honey right out of our backyard. Josh (in the bee hat) and our kind friend and bee expert, Bo Nall, were checking on our hive here. We should have gallons of delicious honey soon. Come visit us and have some!

New Tricks

2011-03-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

I've had this video of Edy forever, but I've been unable to post until now. And Hattie...well, she's always been a bit of a screecher. :)

March

2011-03-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's been quite the month.

We are finally fencing in our yard, which meant- delight of all delights- a tractor in our own backyard. Edy was in heaven...especially when Pax showed up to enjoy it with her. It was a joyous day.

Hattie discovered her thumb and now takes full advantage of this handy appendage.

Grammy and JuJu came by and brought bubbles. Joy again!

Daddy turned into a fine two-sweet-girls-at-a-time-bedtime-story reader.

Edy has two favorite pairs of shoes, and both will fit on any either foot. It's very handy. (When I took this picture she told me she was doing her "Bible study.")

Hattie still spends much of her time eating and sleeping, but she has also added smiling and giggling to her repertoire. And, to my happiness, she is quite ticklish.

I just adore these sweet feet.

And finally finally we have achieved pigtails. A humongo thanks to Merrilee Greer for introducing us to such tiny rubber bands.

Four Happy Months

2011-03-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

Smooch your loved ones,

and surprise them with something special.

Hattie looks to have planned something sneaky.

Three Month-iversary

2011-02-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hattie turned 3 months old today.

It snowed a foot in her honor.

After bundling up in leg warmers, two pairs of socks, two pairs of pants, two shirts, a large coat, hat, mittens, and plastic-bag pants, we all lasted about five minutes outside.

Happy 3 months, my darling! Thanks for the snow.

Finally...

2011-01-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

So I apologize for the extremely long delay between posts...I have been unable to successfuly upload any photos or video on blogger for days. Any other bloggers who read this having that problem? Anyhoo, I'm back, and with photos from our visit with the delightful California Smiths.

Abel and Edy got along swimmingly. They played, hit, snatched toys, kicked, giggled, and ran without stop.

It snowed a couple of inches on the day they left...just enough to get our hopes up that they might be snowed in and miss their flight. Sadly, they did not.

They visited a border collie farm down the road.

And Hattie learned a few tricks with her pacifier.

They fake-slept in Edy's bed.

And enjoyed a leisurely wagon-pulling from Uncle Caleb...who, by the way, moved to Austin, Texas today. We're pretty sad about it around here. Edy's going to miss her dear Uncle Tabub something awful. Sadness...

Anyway, a few more that speak for themselves:

And, finally, because she doesn't get mentioned on the blog much, our zippy little pup enjoying the snow. This one makes me smile.

Happy Monday

2011-01-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

Winter Musings

2010-12-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

(Thanks, JuJu, for the pic!)

Catching up the last month...

2010-12-13T12:06:00.003-08:00

Life had been fairly quiet around here lately though having two kiddos keeps a mom quite busy (far too busy to blog, usually). However, we are thoroughly enjoying getting to know our Hattie.

What we've learned: She primarily amuses herself by eating, snoozing,

laying around the house,

and making googly-eyed faces at the camera.

Meanwhile, Edy is growing into quite the little Personality.
She now reguarly dresses and styles her hair like a Dr. Seuss character.

She also enjoys decorating,

making purposely unattractive faces when I try to get her to smile for pictures,

and cooking.

(She made us ramen noodles. They were delicious.)

Gee, Thanks.

2010-11-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

Josh took some time off work this week to help out around the house.

Here's where I found him at about 11:30 yesterday morning:

Apparently, "helping out" has a wide range of definitions.

The First Week

2010-11-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

I know I've done poorly at keeping the blog updated with new pictures of Hattie, but somehow, suprisingly, having two kiddos has left me with a whole lot less time for picture-taking and blogging. So, a quick update...

Hattie is quite the sleeper. Though I know all newborns sleep a lot, we swear she is unusual. It's a quite a treat when we get to see her beautiful eyes actually open.

Edy loves her baby sister and kisses her endlessly. She is also an excellent fetcher of diapers and wet wipes. Josh has begun to take advantage of her helpfulness though and has her completing various household tasks for him. But she's a smart girl; I'm sure she'll realize what he's up to and put an end to it soon enough.

Many people have asked if Edy has shown any signs of jealously. She hasn't, but I have. Her new attachment to Josh is a little hard for her mommy to take.

I was beginning to go a bit stir-crazy this week and decided it was time to pull out the double stroller. It was chilly, but the girls were snuggly warm inside under the rain fly. (Please don't look at me in this picture...I look just as tired as I felt.)

Hattie Anne Hall

2010-11-12T07:47:00.002-08:00

Sweet Hattie is finally here! She arrived bright and early on my 28th birthday, Tuesday, November 9th at 2:16 a.m. She weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. Welcome darling!

One Last Hurrah.

2010-11-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our days as a family of three are quickly approaching their end. In honor of their departure we took one last set of shots before we add another kiddo to the mix. Unfortunately, very few of those pictures turned out. C'est la vie, eh?

However, if nothing else, this next picture makes me happy beyond belief. Who needs boring ol' posed family portraits, anyhow?

Happy Fall, my friends.

Happy Halloween,

2010-10-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

from Little Red Riding Hood.

2 years and 1 day

2010-10-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful start.

-We nearly wore ourselves out with birthday extravaganzas yesterday. We started with misshapen blueberry pancakes for breakfast, played with play-dough (compliments of Angela and Pax), and had a quick dance party in the living room- all before 9 a.m.

We talked to JuJu on the phone, took a walk around the neighborhood with Grandpa, and had William from next door over for the morning while his mom ran some errands. Lance (Josh's intern at church and Edy's first major crush) came over for his weekly Wednesday lunch, Grandmommy treated us to an ice cream cone from Sonic, and then it was an early dinner of potpie- Edy's favorite- before church in the evening.

Needless to say, I am exhausted today.

2!

2010-10-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our sweet E.J. turning two-whole-years-old at the park Saturday, and it's a wonder that I didn't cry through the whole thing. Pregnancy hormones aside, it's hard for me to fathom that two years have passed since she joined our family. I don't really understand why, but God has been incredibly good to us.

For those who are interested...

2010-09-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

8ish weeks to go.

Big Girl Bed

2010-08-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Edy has just successfully completed her first full week of sleeping in her big girl bed. This milestone was met by deep sadness for me and joy akin to winning the lottery for Edy.

Though she posed happily for her first photos in her bed, the initial night did not go well. After getting up several times and receiving several scoldings and reminders that "big girls stay in their beds" my sweet E.J. ended up back in her crib. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. It was awful.

However, Daddy's insistence on her obedience paid off, she got the idea, and night #2 and each night since have proven much more peaceful.

Swimming

2010-08-01T11:31:00.001-07:00

We have some wonderfully generous folks from church who let us come use their pool whenever we want. They have actually scolded me several times for calling first to ask if it's okay.

So last week, Lindsey, Caleb, Angela, Paxton, Erica, Kins, and me and Edy finally managed to rendezvous at the Whitehouses.' It was delightful.

On a side note, Pax appears to be channeling Popeye the Sailor Man in this shot. Classic.

Florida 2010

2010-07-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Finally getting around to posting these. Sorry for the delay.

With the exception of Caleb, we were all able to convene at the beach this year. It was Abel, Edy, and Jagger's first time to be together since Luke and Caitlan's wedding last summer. And besides some pushing, toy-snatching, and a bout of the stomach bug they all got along swimmingly.

Until I Get Around to Posting Florida Pics,

2010-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

you can enjoy this in the meantime.

Maiden Voyage

2010-06-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

For our six-year anniversary we took out our new (to us) pop-up camper for the first time. Though the camper was born the same year Josh and I were, she did beautifully. She held up under a pretty strong storm, kept us cozy each night, and the volvo pulled her no problem.

Edy is a fine camper. She especially loves smearing chocolate chip cookie all over her face while sitting in her Edy-sized camping chair.

I think she looks like Aunt Audrey in this pic. It's one of my favorites.

Edy's smile, though cute, is not representative of how she truly felt during our paddleboat excursion. We paid $4 to ride. Not worth it.

Notice the upholstery- it's half the reason why I love this camper so much. And we have electricity. Josh would have burst into flames were it not for our little fans.

Not a particularly flattering shot of me with my expanding waistline (which I had Josh crop most of out of the picture), but it was worth it to show off my biggest catch- which was significantly larger than Josh's. Ha.

Come with us next time. There's plenty of room!

An Original Tune

2010-06-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Heaven

2010-05-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

It could only be better if Jag and Abe were here.

Family Finally

2010-05-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for Jake, Mindy, and Jagger (and Luke and Caitlan, very briefly) coming to town last week. We Halls were needing a little change of pace.

In summation of their visit:

We ate like hogs:

Sweet, smiley little Jagger charmed the socks off me and everyone else...

except Edy, who spent most of her time avoiding his grasp. He desperately wanted to be near her, but she was not in the mood. Notice her posture here:

And here:

Edy developed a new, oh-so-charming little fake smile for pictures, which she pulled out on many occasions this weekend. I can't imagine where she got that from.

And she spent much time tormenting mom's new cat which she aptly named, Meow-Meow.

And, on a side note,

Coming to the Hall House November 18th, 2010.

Easter

2010-04-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

I know these are a bit belated, but, despite what my mom thinks, posting new pictures of Edy cannot be my first priority.

The Hall clan has a major hunt every year, complete with money-filled eggs. I'm not sure it's a very spiritual take on the holiday, but its extremely popular with the kiddos.

This last one was taken at the church Easter egg hunt where Edy found 2 whole eggs. I mainly include it to show off her adorable little ponytail which, if you look very closely, is just barely visible.

Happy late Easter, everyone.

This week...

2010-03-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

It's been warm enough to ditch the clothes,

but cold enough to bring 12 inches of snow.

Edy modeled Uncle Luke's cover-alls,

and learned to play the ukulele.

And finally, a Smith-style wrestling match ruined a perfectly good photo of Edy and I in the snow. (That's Luke smashing a snowball into the back of Dad's head.)

We are a very civilized family.

Sunny Days

2010-03-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

We are finally having some good weather here in PG, which when I was growing up meant you went to the park and had a picnic. So, in honor of spring and my mom and her collapsible metal picnic basket, we Halls went to the park.

Elly was not impressed with the slides. Notice the look of sheer boredom on her face.

She cute, and She Does Tricks!

2010-02-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

Don't mind the high-pitched mommy voice in the background...

Recycling at its Finest

2010-02-03T18:58:00.001-08:00

Edy didn't care much for the snow, even though her daddy made her this fine sled.

We pulled her all over town, but she actually looked a pretty annoyed most of the time. Or perhaps it was embarrassment...

The snowman-making with Grandmommy and Grandpa was a bit more successful. She "oohh" -ed and pointed a lot, anyway.

The Monday Grumpies

2010-01-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

The combination of molars jamming their way through her gums, plus a runny nose, plus a general dislike for waking up from naps caused Edy to be in a rather foul mood most of Monday. Thankfully, God gave me a maternal instict that shouted, "Put a tutu on that girl!"

Sure enough, it saved the day. That God is a genius!

Christmas

2010-01-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas- getting to spend time with all of Josh's family and some of mine. Notice the "some." There are plans afoot to reunite ALL of the Smith clan for Christmas 2010. And, now that it is on the internet and therefore irrevocable, I will see you Noah, Audrey, Abel, Jake, Mindy, Jagger, Caleb, Luke and Caitlan next Christmas.

Edy received much wonderful loot, including, but not limited to: A stuffed monkey which she adored when she saw it at Old Navy but, now that it belongs to her, only tolerates its presence.

A $1 horse from Dollar General that she plays with much more often than the expensive monkey.

And possibly the most adorable toy ever made: A stuffed Mister/Misses Potato Head made by her Auntie Audrey.

We also had our first white Christmas in forever.

Edy was not impressed.

And lastly, because it is beautiful and I love to brag on my hubby, a photo of the bench Josh made to go with the harvest table he made me for our anniversary.

You should come by and sit on it.

A Few Weeks Behind...

2009-12-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

Since I'm sure there will be a plethora of pictures to upload after Christmas, I need to do some catching up.

Noah, Audrey and Abel came for their Christmas visit the first week in December. Even though they were only here for a weekend, we had time to eat multiple bags of potato chips, go horseback riding, nap, lay around before and after napping, stay up late into the night talking and, finally, (by watching her cousin's example) teach my darling Edy to walk.

Josh's Daddy Joe kindly saddled up Black Horse for Audrey's riding pleasure. It was a frigid day for riding, but we kiddos huddled in the truck while Audrey rode to her heart's content.

Abel always looks like such a doll in pictures. In real life, he's still a doll, but he's also a little fireball. If you haven't yet, you've got to meet him.

Edy is passed that lovely stage where she will smile for anything. She now requires some type of entertainment. What you cannot see here is that I'm dancing like a moron directly in front of she and Abel. They are smiling to make me feel better about myself, I'm sure. We Halls (and Smiths) are not known for our dancing.

Edy would spend all day being read too, if she could. And I would do it, if I could. We are a match made in heaven.

And just because I like these two:

Yes, Merrilee, She's Walking!

2009-12-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

She'll hate me for this someday...

2009-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

But can't a mommy brag??

Papa K

2009-12-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Our beloved Papa K passed away last night. He was an incredible grandfather to Josh, a precious grandfather-in-law to me, and he loved his great-granddaughter so dearly. We will miss him so much, but, Praise God!, we will see him again!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T18:13:00.000-08:00

We spent most of our Thanksgiving with Josh's side of the family. Kristine fixed a fantastic feast for lunch with the Halls, and Julie stuffed us with smoked turkey for dinner with the Koehrings. Unfortunately, our nuerons weren't firing very quickly after eating so much so the only pictures we remembered to take were at lunch. Sorry Koehrings :)

Even though Pat's beard used to frighten her terribly, Edy gives out kisses quite freely now.

Though this is a sweet shot of Edy with her Grammy Kristine and Uncle Jesse, I mainly included it to document Edy's love of pointing. She just can't seem to help herself.

The family - Two giants in back: Luke and Jesse, Santa Claus look-alike: Pat, Attractive blonde: Kristine, Beautiful (but cold-looking) girl in black: Liberty, Two young boys without coats in winter: Alex and Trevor, Handsome fellow in front: Josh, Happy mommy: Me, Adorable girl in large coat: Edy Jane.

Edy the Ballerini

2009-11-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would be a mom who would dress her child in such a stereotypical and un-original Halloween costume. However, after my friend Sarah randomly made Edy a tu-tu, and I correspondingly felt overwhelmed and unable to think of a costume on my own, and Edy looked incredibly adorable in and obviously enjoyed wearing the tu-tu, I gave in.

I think it was a good idea. Don't you?

Happy Birthday, My Darling.

2009-10-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

I love you incomparably.

Fall + Halls = Happiness

2009-10-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Silver Dollar City

2009-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

We had the supreme pleasure of making a trip up to Silver Dollar City last week while Jake, Mindy and Jagger were in town. It was chilly but an otherwise perfect day for visiting.

Jagger maintained a very neutral disposition most of the trip. He was trying to look cool for Edy. I think he secretly had a good time though.

And I have decided that Heaven will surely be a lot like Silver Dollar City. There will be family, tasty food, roller coasters, and Christmas lights year-round. What could be better?!?

The Day Of.

2009-10-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

She wore her birthday hat with pride. Briefly.

And I attempted to make pancake initials like my mom always used to make for us. Notice the lower-case "e." It's terrible, I know. But I have years to perfect it.

So just you wait, EJ. It will get better.

The Day Before

2009-10-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

We went to the park over lunch on the day before her birthday. It was perfect Fall weather for celebrating.

A Few Days Before

2009-10-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Edy spent time with Ju Ju, Grammy and Papa K (as well as all the other grandparents, of course, but the camera was not present. We still love you all terribly though.)

Birthday Week

2009-10-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

In true Hall-fashion it took an entire week to fully celebrate Edy's first birthday.

It all began with a party on Saturday.

Despite receiving beautiful hand-cut blocks that her daddy made and enjoying the amazingly delicious birthday cake that her mother slaved over for hours and celebrating her birthday with her buddies Owen and Gibson, Edy spent most of her birthday party chasing after a mylar balloon. Figures...

Happy One Year, Edy.

2009-10-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

It's been beautiful.

"I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:6

Thanks Courtney!

2009-09-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

I feel much better now.

Dear Sweet Cousin Courtney,

2009-09-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Please, please, please forgive my mommy and daddy. They feel terrible for not visiting you while they were in Pasadena. Sometimes they are very forgetful and silly, and they promise to make it up to you.

So won't you forgive them? Pretty please??

Love,
E.J.
xoxoxoxo

Camping in the Sierras

2009-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't know it from the photos, but we did do more than just pose for pictures while we vacationed. Noah, Audrey and Beast took us to the most amazingly beautiful and secluded spot in the Sierra National Forest. We froze at night, baked during the day, camped in the middle of nowhere, hiked the mountainside, and just took in the view. The trees were huge, the night sky was spectacular, and the whole experience was just delightful. Thanks guys! It was the best.

Around Pasadena

2009-09-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Since Noah had to work during the first half of our visit, Audrey kindly showed us around town. We picnicked, ate Pastrami and In-n-Out Burger (on separate occasions), found amazing deals at Goodwill (where all the rich folk dump their designer jeans!), chased the birds at Santa Monica Pier and stuffed ourselves silly on Audrey's incredibly delicious chocolate chip cookies.

At Noah, Audrey and Abel's House

2009-09-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning.

2009-09-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Labor Day

2009-09-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

We spent a lot of time with family last week.

We took turns snuggling Jagger.

And we made various chipmunk-cheek jokes at Jagger's expense.

It was perfect weather for sitting outside and wearing a jacket.

And while we sat, Papa whittled a lot.

And Mindy looked beautiful.

It was all just hilarious, really.

Giddy up!

2009-08-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

As much as we want Edy to only play with blocks and books and brain-stimulating educational materials, the occasional obnoxious child's toy will sneak it's way into our house. This particular item came from a friend who recognized it's ridiculousness and passed it on to us.

While a yard sale is definitly in this little zebra-wearing-red-sneakers' immediate future, it's just kind of hard to resist letting Edy play on it in the meantime when you get this sweet face:

And this kind of response:

Family Vacation

2009-08-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

At just 15 days old, Jagger wasted no time in taking his first Florida vacation. This photo captures quite accurately how he spent most of him time, however. I'm not sure he appreciated the beauty of his surroundings.

Somehow this is the only picture I got of Jake (or Jake's back, rather), and I didn't get a single shot of Mindy. They were there, though. And, if you seem them, you'll have to ask them about how I crushed them both in Scrabble Slam.
P.S. Note Edy's face in this picture. She is obviously have an great time listening to the music.

I love this picture. I'm not sure what was going, but, whatever it was, it was obviously very exasperating.

And I really love this picture. God is good, isn't He?

The Wedding Week.

2009-07-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

The whole family got together this week for Luke and Caitlan's lovely wedding. It was the perfect way to welcome our two newest members: Baby Jagger and Mrs. Caitlan Smith.

We posed to show you how pretty we all were:

And, because we just can't resist:

Somehow I managed to not take very many pictures during the week. However, Abel and Edy had a great time together. They played in the pool, crawl-chased each other around the furniture and laughed a whole, whole lot.

This is Abel showing off his favorite wife-beater and too-cool-to-care pose for Edy, who is in the background pretending not to notice.

And a few more, just because they're so darn cute:

I already miss you all.
Jake, Mindy and Jagger: Can't wait to see you later this week.
Noah, Audrey and Abel: It's just not as much fun without you. Come to Florida, already!
Luke and Caitlan: Have fun in Guatemala!
Caleb: I love you. Now get to work on our floor!

Happy (very late) 4th of July.

2009-07-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hooray for a new cousin!

2009-07-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

P.S. Yes, that is puff paint.
P.P.S. Yes, puff paint shirts are still cool.

Ahh, naptime.

2009-07-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

For Lydia

2009-07-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

The camera accidently went on vacation to New Mexico without us last week so pictures have been sparse around here. And dear Lydia has asked and asked for them. So we had a little photo shoot today in honor of you, my friend. Nothing fancy, but I hope you enjoy.

A Big Day.

2009-06-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

It started with two little wobbly legs yesterday morning, but, by evening, it had turned into this:

Catching up: the last couple weeks.

2009-05-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

We picnicked at the park.

Edy and Olivia celebrated Taylor's graduation.

Edy sported her new hat (which Josh says is ridiculous, and I say is practical.)

We realized we had become those nerdy parents who put adult-sized articles of clothing on our children and then take a bunch of pictures of it.

And then we did it again.

And then we laid around in the beautiful sunshine. A lot.

In the interest of posting...

2009-05-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

(which certain people say I should do more often) I'm including several sub-par photos from Gibson's 1st birthday party. Somehow the camera vanished during such important moments as the candle-blowing-out and the present-opening.
It did, however, manage to capture Adelae, Gibson and Edy suffering through another photo shoot.

And Gibson, playing in his new ridiculous baby-sized easy chair.

And my present to Gibson and first attempt at cake making/decorating.

For as many hours as I put into that sucker, it really ought to have tasted better than it looked, instead of the other way around.

Seven Sweet Months

2009-05-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

She has quite the sense of humor.

2009-05-07T19:23:00.001-07:00

"What the...? What is going on?? Is that what I think it is??"

"Why, I can't belive it! It sure is!"

"It's daddy in his underpants! Hilarious!"

Just kidding, Josh. I love you :)

Edy Jane says, "You're never too young to care about dental hygiene!"

2009-05-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Especially when you have two new adorable teeth to take care of!

Be sure to visit the dentist regularly. (Thanks for the photo, Cindy!)

And brush/chew on your toothbrush twice a day!

First Camping Trip

2009-04-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

We played.

We picked flowers (then stuffed them in our mouths).

We fished and caught nothing- unlike everyone else.

We snuggled with Sarah.

We posed for endless photos.

And we had, very possibly, the best first camping trip ever!

Thanks Jacob and Sarah. It was lovely.

"Here comes the Queen..."

2009-04-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

Ancient Smith Legend goes that Hannah made this royal remark as she announced herself coming down the hallway in her Halloween costume.

Imagine my pride when we found sweet little Edy already practicing wearing her crown and extending her scepter.

Recipe for the perfect nap:

2009-04-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Cover face. Remove one sock. Suspend leg in air.

Where is that pesky egg?

2009-04-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

"It's not over here..."

"It's not over there..."

A little help from Grammy Kristine...

and sweet success!

Ah, sweet sunlight.

2009-04-09T14:21:00.001-07:00

Even though Grandpa's mustache has been known to scare her,

2009-04-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

for some reason the oversized rabbit wearing a bowtie didn't bother her at all.

P.S. We visited the Easter Bunny under protest. I wouldn't subject her to such a potentially terrifying and outright tacky situation under normal conditions.

Sorry all you Easter Bunny-lovers.

This week we love...

2009-04-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

the Johnny Jump-up,

eating from a spoon,

and, once again, looking stinking adorable.

A girl after her mommy's own heart.

2009-03-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

What a week!

2009-03-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting up!

...for the most part.

5 1/2 Months.

2009-03-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

Daddy's Little Girl

2009-03-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

For Grandmommy.

2009-03-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

You may question our parenting...

2009-03-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

but Josh did it.

A nice walk on a brisk day. Come quickly, Spring!

2009-03-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

PS. Thanks to Lindsey for the Moby wrap and Luke for the hat!

First Cooking Lesson with Mommy

2009-03-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

What not start with doughnuts?

Look! We match!

2009-02-19T14:57:00.001-08:00

No paternity test necessary.

"So, I had a big day yesterday, Mr. Giraffe."

2009-02-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

I rolled over!

And I did it completely in the nude.

Edy's First Natural Disaster

2009-02-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

didn't make for many good pictures.

So we sat around in the dark a lot.

And we surveyed the damage.

(That's our backyard and Edy's future playhouse that just barely missed a major uprooting.)

Our Visit to Chicago

2009-01-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

We rode planes, trains and buses...

We braved the frigid terrain...

We looked at the fishies...

We looked stinking adorable...

We ate a lot...

We slept a lot...

And we sat around a whole lot.

It was an amazing time! Thanks Jake and Mindy!