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.

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.

Easter Egg Hunt 2009

We got to do the Easter Egg hunt early on Saturday due to a all day rainy forecast for Sunday. The kids didn't mind and it was actually nice having a less to do on Easter.

Aiden came over to search with his cousins and did a great job finding eggs.





Alex and Allison were scrambling to find the most eggs and the coveted cash carrying eggs.


Drew scooped up a bunch of eggs not to be outdone by his brother and sister. We had to wrestle the booty away from him after he discovered all the candy in the eggs and decided he must eat every piece immediately.

Fun in the Snow

Snowfall December 2008

We didn't get a white Christmas but it was close. Aiden came over to play in the snow. Drew and Aiden didn't last too long before they were ready for hot cocoa.

Christmas Lights 2008

Alex and Allison enjoyed the early snow the weeek before Christmas.

Christmas Tree Hunting

We returned to the one of the many local Christmas tree farms to get us a Noble! And we looked and looked through acres of trees. Finally we all agreed on one and JJ got busy sawing it down. We happened to pick one with the hugest trunk, it looked like a double trunk for about 6 inches from the ground! JJ and Papa(Rob) finally logged it like mountain men and dragged it to the waiting tractor. Nana (Teri), Carrie Allison and Drew waited in the hay while Alex supervised the cutting of the tree.
The kids and I hold on on the way out to the Noble Fir section.

Drew ran around until he was covered in mud. I think he had the best time of all!

The best part is getting the spiced Apple Cider and Hot Cocoa while we pay for the tree. You can see my maternity pants falling down!

A Test of a Marriage

When JJ got home from Korea we decided that the kids NEEDED a swing set. So we shopped around and actually found one on sale and bought one. Little did we know that our marriage would be tested in ways we never imagined! We survived putting the beast together and are still married 6 months later! Drew watched from his toddler prison.



The finished product. Isn't it beautiful!




JJ did most of the high stuff. Once we figured out this first chunk the rest wasn't too bad.




Yes...these are left over parts.

A few of the last planks waiting to be put together.

Sexy husband clearing the way for the playset. Love the coveralls!

Snow Day

Yes it is snowing at the Halsey's house! We woke up to snow and and it is still coming down! The weather channel predicts snow throughout the night into tomorrow so we shall see how much it adds up to in the end. So far we are about 4 inches deep which is crazy for where we live.
Thor doesn't know what to think about this white stuff and doesn't last long before he joins Drew in the house.

A first glimpse out of the patio before venturing in the weather. The kids know just what to do even if their dog doesn't. They didn't waste any time finding their snow pants and heading outside this morning. You can see cousin Frank in the background enjoying himself.