Christmas 2009

Christmas was a lot of fun this year since Hayden was really able participate and understand more of what was going on. First I'll start out with the Santa picture-

As you can see, Hayden was not enjoying his time with the big guy, but he didn't cry- so that was progress. Not sure if he could be more tense though.

Then we had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day- full of family, friends and gift giving. He's favorites were his set of Disney Car characters and his fire truck. It was really fun seeing him get so excited. Hayden was also very helpful and helped pass out gifts to others.

Christmas Eve after church

Santa even stopped by for a visit.

Hayden was in awe.

Christmas morning

Prescott and the Zoo

December was a very busy month for us. Just a couple of the highlights included visiting Arizona's Christmas city for the weekend (Prescott), as well as meeting up with friends for a good time at the Phoenix Zoo.

Nana and Papa in Prescott

Train ride at the Christmas carnival

Prescott town square

Phoenix Zoo

Can't go to the zoo with out stopping for pictures on the tractor!

Thanksgiving 2009

We had a great day and good food with family and friends.

Visiting with Grandma Joyce

Dancing with SA

Goofing around with Shauna

Halloween 2009

We attended the annual Tempe Kiwanis Halloween Carnival as usual, but this year takes the cake. This year Hayden enjoyed the games, rode the train (by himself I might add) as well as being very BRAVE (as he will tell you) and went into the haunted bus- twice. It was a wonderful evening with family and nice weather.

Hayden was James from Thomas and Friends

OK- so he was a little close to the board. He did well with all the games.

Great time on the train!

Very Brave!

Pumpkin Patch

We tried to make the most out of the pumpkin events this year. We first went to a Pumpkin Festival at Schnepf Farms, which was fun only because it had a train and a carousel. It was also fun day with friends.

Then we went to Mother Nature's Pumpkin Patch for some pictures and pumpkins. It always seems to be too hot out for either of these events, but yeah- it's Arizona. Just once it would be nice to actually have cool weather out for Fall.

Hayden doesn't care to cooperate with the picture part of any of these events, but I try my darnest every chance I get and do the best with what he does give me. Out of a ton of pictures taken here are 2 that were decent. Sad- very sad!

Oahu, Hawaii

The big trip this year was to Oahu. Richard and I love Hawaii so much that we thought it would be nice to go back and have Hayden enjoy some of it's splendor. Shauna and Tracey joined us for the fun and we all had a great time. The trip was great. Though, we did learn a lot about traveling with a toddler. We now have great memories of Hawaii with Hayden.

Shauna and Hayden at Turtle beach.

Hayden with Mom and Dad at Waikiki Beach.

The gang on the Pineapple Express train at the Dole Plantation.

The gang on a sunset catamaran cruise.

On our way down from climbing Diamond Head.

Camping

The heat made us retreat to some where cooler, so we headed up north and did a little camping. Well, quasi camping. We met some friends up there who actually broke out the tents and camped out, where we when across the street and stayed in the Reigelsberger's Payson house. I think Hayden really would of liked to sleep in the tent, since he loved playing in the Bruno's. It was a nice trip and it was nice that Sissy was able to join us as well.

Sissy and Punkin

It was nice of our friends to let Hayden hang out.

We did a little hiking.

We also made a visit to Cold Springs.

Hayden was having so much fun that he didn't want to leave!

4th of July

Well, it is that time of year again- a family BBQ at the Reigelsberger's and what better time to do that then the 4th of July. Food, fun and family was what it was all about and I think everyone had a great time. Good thing we had our festivies occured last weekend and not this weekend when it's supposed to be 115 degrees out- yes, you read that right- 115!!!

Hayden in his patriotic outfit with Shauna.

All ready for the pool!

He loves his turtle and the "rain".

Hayden enjoying dessert with Nana and Papa.

Hayden's 2nd Birthday

Hayden's 2nd birthday was a Thomas birthday. He was so excited when every where he looked he saw "choo choo". We had family over for dinner and cake and of course opening gifts.

Did I mention that I made the cake? Not like you couldn't tell, but it was the first time I have ever done anything like this- much less bake a cake. It was all well and good for the first half hour and then it turned into a geological experiment. It was not good. Good thing I took a picture before the major damage occurred. Lesson learned!

Hayden didn't seem to mind though- he liked the cake anyway.

Proud parents of our little man!

One of his presents.

The really cool present he received from the entire family.

Easter

Easter was all about family and food. It was great that Lauren, aka Sissy, was in town this year and was able to be apart of all the festivities.

Easter breakfast after church

Hayden even went Easter egg hunting at Nana's and Papa's. He had a great time!

Lunch with the Reigelsberger's

Botanical Gardens

We had the opportunity to see Chihuly, glass art, at the Desert Botanical Gardens. It was really amazing and beautiful.

Grandma, Dad and Hayden with a Chihuly piece.

The butterfly exhibit was also open while we were there. Hayden didn't even notice his friend.

Just hangin' with Uncle Neil while we check out the rest of the Gardens.

A Wee Bit Irish

Happy late St. Patrick's Day

It's only fitting that I send this late greeting since we celebrated it late too.

Me and Papa

Hayden and his Papa have an amazing connection. It is wonderful to see and be around. Their love of trains is one of the many things they enjoy together.

San Fran - March 09

Hayden was off on his third plane ride. We were off to San Fran to visit with family and enjoy the cool weather.

The best part of the trip for Hayden is the train station that is right next to our hotel. This is Grandpa and Hayden checking out the tracks and that is our hotel in the background. Most people pay the extra fees to have a bay view, but for our family- it's mandatory that we get the train view. I'm sure it's Hayden's way of saving us a few bucks!

Hayden with Nana, Papa and Aunt Ruth.

Hanging out with Mom and Dad waiting for the BART.

Boy, do I love trains! Hayden enjoying BART.

Hayden and Daddy in our minivan.