The Half-Blood Prince Opening Night July 14th 2009

We were fortunate to be able to go to yet another Harry Potter midnight movie release! All of our schedules worked out which is a miracle. Unfortunately Aiden got sick at the last minute so Adam had to miss it.
Here is the breakdown of who went as who.
Poppy: Professor Slughorn
Grandna: Molly Weasly
JJ: Lucious Malfoy
Carrie: Dolores Umbridge
Alex, Alli and Frank: Hogwarts Students
Mitchell and Sharon: Death Eaters
Lisa, Cassie and Sarah: Muggles
Connie and Alicia: Hogwarts Professors

We had so much fun. The movie was super of course but the waiting and having fun with the other movie goers is just as much fun. I love thrilling little kids and making teens laugh while in character. This was JJ's first time to dress up and he got tired of getting his picture taken, but he thought it was fun too. We are already working on our ideas for the next movie!

Halsey/Manko/Hilllman Annual Camping Trip 2009

Once again we went camping with a newborn in tow. Good Times! Ashton was actually an excellent camper. Since Drew was using the pack-and-play for a bed we used a dresser drawer for Ashton to sleep in and it worked out perfectly. We went to Dorena lake for a long Fourth of July weekend and it was perfect. Perfect weather, perfect food, no injuries, everything was great....except when a bird crapped on Sarah when she and the rest of the Burner clan came to eat lunch with us. Alex and Allison had fun riding their bikes and going to the swimming hole. Alex jumped off the bridge into the water a bunch of times before I found out. He told the Papa and Nana that some guy told him there was a big fine for jumping there so he stopped before I had to nix it. Jace and Drew did great the first couple of days but by Sunday needed some time in the suburban watching Blue's Clues. So we relaxed in the AC for about an hour and watched Steve and Blue. It was great that Jill and Jace could come camping with us. We missed Mike, hopefully he can make it next year. The Burners came by for a visit Sunday afternoon and Aiden, Drew and Jace got to play. We didn't think that we would be able to set off any fireworks but we ended up being able to afterall. A ranger came by and told us we could set them off at the boat ramp. There were a bunch of people down there so we were able to enjoy ours and their fireworks. All in all it was a great weekend! Thanks to everyone for a great time.

Ashton Collage

Finally!!!

Finally Drew is out of his crib. He has had this toddler bed in his room since he was one years old but was not interested in sleeping in it. And he never started climbing out of his crib like his older brother and sister did. Finally I just took away the crib and he went right to sleep in his big boy bed. Yeah.

Drew at the Annual Howard Elementary School Carnival

Drew didn't want to leave the bounce house at the school carnival!

More Pics of Ashton

June 7 A new member of the Church and a new member of the family

Allison and Ashton before church. They were later confirmed/blessed
by Poppy, assisted by their Daddy and their uncles.

June 6 Allison's Baptism

The first weekend in June was super exciting and special for the Halseys.
Allison was baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday. Sunday Ashton was also given his name and blessing in Sacrament. Alli thought is was special that she and Ashton had a special day together. IT was very sweet. After the baptism on Saturday we went to the kid's favorite spot....Hometown Buffet. We took up quite a few tables! It is great having so many of our family living close by us. Allison asked Adam to baptize her and Poppy confirmed her the next day.

Viola Recital

Alex started Viola last October. He really enjoys it and is looking forward to continuing on with it in the fall. The recital was sweet. Drew was amazingly quiet during it and the baby slept through the whole thing. Click on the last picture and you will be able to see Alex's solo.

Mother's Day 2009

We weren't planning anything for mother's day except hanging out after church until I got a pregnancy induced itch to go to the coast. I admit I was hoping to jump start my labor too but we had a nice day at the beach and crab dinners. All the kids were completely covered in sand by the end of the day and we had to stop at WalMart to get some new clothes so we could go get some dinner! This was one of the last things Sarah and I did as team prego and it was a lot of fun.