Allison is MVP for her cheerleading squad

April 19
Allison's award and recognition ceremony for Emerald All Star Cheer was fun but hot! We had a warm front in April and we were blazing in there! Grandna and Poppy toughed it out as did JJ and I and we got to see Allison be awarded the most valuable person award for her team. We were pleased with her and happy that her hard work was recognized. Go Emeralds!

Drew's 3rd Birthday

Drew loves Blue's Clues and thus got a paw print cake for his 3rd birthday. He was super happy to open the play dough sets (he's still playing with that like every day!) And he loves the robot dragon. He sleeps with it which must be uncomfortable, but he likes it that much.

Sarah's Baby Shower

We had a baby shower for Sarah in April. It was a lot of fun. Good food and friends. JJ and the kids helped me with the setup fortunately since I was super prego. The boys went to hang out with Adam in the man cave during the shower. Allison loves baby showers and was happy to stay. I believe that that the Farris clan cleaned up on shower gifts. They are too good at the games!

Ashton in the hospital

Finally I am posting more pics of Ashton and the fam. I have been enjoying little Ashton and loved being home on maternity leave. It went by too fast and I am back at work now.


A daddy for the fourth time. My handsome husband looks so sweet with his newest little son.

Drew took immediately to the baby. I wasn't sure he understood that I was pregnant but he definitely go the concept of a new baby brother.

Alex and Alli just love having a new baby brother. I can't believe how old they seem holding him.

Ashton Richmond Halsey

Welcome Baby Halsey. After 9 hours of natural labor (hurrah!) Ashton arrived in a rush. They said I was 8.5 cm and I had a ways to go but a few minutes later I knew it was time. The patient usually knows when it is time when there are no drugs! So I was right and out he popped at 8 lbs 12 oz and 21 inches long! He was born on Mom's birthday, May 17 at 0755 which I couldn't have asked for a better day.

I was so tempted to let the doctor induce me earlier that week, but I waited and am so glad I did! He had a perfectly round head since the pushing was so short. We hit it off right away and Ashton was asking to breast feed before he could even get properly cleaned up! Alex and Alli are in love with him and are big helpers. Andrew is fascinated by this new little baby, but he hasn't quite figured out what to
do with him other
than give the baby lots of
hugs. I have been so busy I have not had time to blog! So this is a few pics for now but there are a ton more to come when I can get a few minutes. With finals coming up it is extra hard to find time for everything!

Thanks for all the visits and calls this past week...and the food!
Love to everyone.

40 weeks and no baby.

No I have not had the baby yet.

People, I know you are excited, but calling and texting me everyday, asking if I had the baby yet, will not make it happen any sooner!!! I do appreciate your enthusiasm, and rest assured we will let you all know as soon as it happens. I have a OB appointment today. If there is any news I will let you know. Here are some pictures to tide y'all over. He has his hands on his face so it is a little hard to see but you can definitely tell he looks like a Halsey especially Drew. This was from the ultrasound 2 weeks ago which he was estimated to be 7lb 14 oz. Any guesses on how much he will way at birth?

Carrie

Need for Speed

Alex and Allison tried out the new Need for Speed in Redding.
They report that it was fantastic. We had fun watching JJ and
Papa race around the track too.

Easter Sunday Best

Boys in blue. I don't know if it is a little sick that I like the boys to all match but I love it! They give me my way most of the time so I'm thankful.



Daddy and daughter. They are so sweet.


I think this is the first year we had a blue theme for the Easter outfits. I really like it. I am not pictured strategically but was also wearing blue. The closer I get to Ashton being born the less I like to have my picture taken.

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.

Happy Birthday Alex

Skate World was a huge success! Alex had more kids than ever this year attend. I guess we finally found the spot that kids can't say no to! Alex had a great time and a fabulous 10th birthday.
Drew insisted that he get to skate too which kept Aunt Sharon very busy holding him up! Thanks Sharon for hanging in there to keep the Drew happy.


Ready to grub the yummy costco cake. I don't what I'd do without Costco.



Most of the kids jammed into this tiny space. The noise was unbelievable!! If we do another skate party I need to remember to rent a bigger room!

Alex's Birthday

Alex is turning 10!
Come hang out with us at Skate World
April 3rd
3-6pm.
RSVP so I can have a head count.

Alex Basketball 2009

Go Warriors!

Alex had a great first year of playing basketball. He had a little bit of a rough time transitioning from tackle though and was the second highest fouler on the team. A skill that may serve him well if he ever plays church ball. The Warriors learned a lot and won their last game in a nail biter! You may notice the error on the team photo. The coach's last name was inadvertently printed next to Halsey which was a little irritating but I didn't want to buy a new package.







This is Alex's school and baseball bud Tanner.

The last night of practice the boys recieved particpation medals and pizza! A fun end to a fun season.

Emerald All Star Cheer

Emerald All Star Cheer

After a rock'n year of cheer it is time for a much needed break. Allison gets to take a break until the end of April and then she will be back to a new team and a new routine. She moves up to Youth this year and she is excited.

Camera shy

I did not want my picture taken while I was cleaning out the closet...the family decided this should be on the family blog so I relented.

Emeralds in Action

Emerald Allstars went to Tacoma WA last weekend for their biggest competition this year. This two day event was "great" says Alli. Dad and Alli had a fun weekend while Mom and the boys stayed home to go to Alex's final basketball game. Between hitting the mats and being awesome the team hung out at Hello Cupcake and Rock and Roll Pizza. JJ and Alli had a daddy-daughter date to the movies. Oh I almost forgot the pool. They stayed at the Marriott across from the convention center. Alli called me on the phone and said, "Mom there is a Book of Mormon in the room." I laughed. This weekend is the last competition of the season in Portland. I get to take Alli to the that one. I probably won't be able to compete with her amazing weekend with Dad. We can go looking for more B of Ms at the Portland Temple if she wants to.

Allison's school teacher (above) came to see her at one of the competitions.

Too much fun!!!