"Boo at the Zoo" with Nan

Maris had a great time at Boo at the Zoo with her Nanny. She was a little overwhelmed as was mom and nanny!

Even got my face painted

I thought this was so cute. Maris was reading her book or doing a puzzle and the sun came in at a perfect angle to catch this great photo. it's about the only way you can see her piggy's since her hair is so fine

"let me look"

Speedy Gonzales with the fingers paints!

fun times painting pumpkins for Halloween.

look at me. it's she just so cute.

ok so maybe someone should have told me not to bend over...sorry about that shot but this is the only family picture for carving pumpkins.

Weekend Away!

This was our last chance effort to get away before the snow falls and we feel the pressure of the holidays. So we went up to our family cabin in Pine with Uncle Jason, Aunt Talya, Uncle Jerry (hehe), Aunt Tudi (haha) and of course those cute little girls...Alicia and Emma. Although they are not so little any more it makes me feel not so OLD to think that way. Most of the weekend was spent playing Guitar Hero. I have played a few times but never this much. It was a blast to play and get my butt kicked by a 10 year old!



Couldn't have planned the jammy party any better. All the girls matched and looked so cute.



Even Maris got into this game. Never know she might be a rock star after all...Oh Lord please help us!!

Summer Time

Maris finally graduated from ISR swim this summer. We are so proud of her.
I know this look crazy but she has to learn how to swim with clothes on. NO they don't just drop them in the water. It's a gradual thing and after weeks of intense training she slowly works her way to wearing full clothes as in pants, shoes, coat.

She has done so well and is now in love with the water. Luke and I are so happy that we put her in this and she now has has gained the confidence and respect for the water.

At a Mariners game in Seattle with Kristian, Rhett, Jim & Sheryl (getting a hot dog at the time of this photo!!)
The family at the Mariners game. what a good time and good food. Love those garlic fries.
First time Maris has been to Lagoon. Maris did great and even better when Benn was with her on the rides.
So much fun.
First of many roller coasters.

On a bike ride in Hailey, Idaho
Maris loves brushing her teeth...weirdo(jk glad to see her do it)!!
Up at the Cabin for a weekend with just Dad, Maris and Mom. One of the best weekends this summer.
Maris found all the gloves and hats. If you have ever been to our cabin you would know that some of these things are the most stylin' accessories around.
Maris took this pic. I thought she did pretty good.

Bath time with my cuz Jensen. Don't you just love the hair.
camping up near Bonneville, Idaho
Camping with Uncle Jason, Aunt Talya and Maris' new buddies Randy and Nanci.
HOLY COW Maris has grown into a giant. JK she just thinks the baby stroller is her stroller. She looks like a giant though huh.

hanging out with uncle Jason at Red fish lake
Red fish Lake just a short drive (yeah right) from our camp spot
Boy dad needs a tan
what a cute family!!
Fun with all my cousins at a baseball game

No I'm not flipping you off...I jut love corn on the cob!!

Grandma and Grandpa Hays on 4th of July

Mom's Day Present

Maris and Luke surprised me with a brand new cruiser bike for Mother's Day. I love it, it's so nice. We have been on lots of bike rides and plan to ride a lot more this summer.
Gotta get them when you can!!
Such a big girl now..she can swing all by herself (only for about 30 seconds at a time before she bails out).

Race for the Cure

Natalya and her posse at The Race for the Cure.

This Saturday, May 10th, I walked in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. This year I was there supporting a good friend of mine. Her sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is only 32 years old with 5 kids at home. So sad. (prayers are much needed for her and her family) We saw lots of sad stories but it was good to get out and support such a great cause.

More cute pictures of Maris

Maris is learning to zip her coat and now she is a little OCD about it. It has to be zipped all the time!! PS she found this hat in her drawer and put it on backwards...her dad is so proud.


Emma (mema is how Maris says it) and Maris Saturday morning


We went to our cabin this past weekend for "spring cleaning". Thought I would post some cute photos of Maris. It was very nice in Pine but snow is still on the ground in some places and the reservoir is not even filled back up...kind of sad looking but i guess we still have quite a bit of run off to go. Hope to see it full and beautiful the next time we go.