Party Time

Brynn loves, loves, loves duckies. She gets so excited whenever she sees a toy or picture of a duck and starts saying, "bap bap" over and over. This made the choice for a birthday party theme very obvious. I learned my lesson with Mason's first birthday party to keep things simple. Really, her birthday party was just a glorified Sunday family dinner in our backyard.

The Invitations

The Cake

the Birthday Girl herself!

and her biggest fans.

Opening presents was entertaining, as always. Mason, Cannon, and Kennedy took turns "helping" Brynn open her presents. She loved them all.

And so did Mason. It was a very hard day to be a big brother. I'm not sure which toy he was more jealous of, her big stuffed Rex from Pooky and Papa, the pink lawn mower he picked out for her himself, the stuffed Elephant, or her princess push and ride toy. It's a good thing Brynn is so good at sharing as long as he shares his toys with her.

Here is our little princess at the pool on her actual birthday.

Birthday Girl

One year ago today, this sweet little girl entered our life. Words cannot describe how I feel every time I see her big, cheesy, smile. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to be her mom. I love you Brynnie!! Here is a quick look back on the last year.

Just hours old. 1 week old. 2 months old. 3 months old5 months old 7 months old

9 months

1 year!!!

Here is a little bit about Brynn at 1 year.

Brynn....

is a total Mama's girl.

laughs hardest for Daddy.

adores her big brother.

does not like strangers.

is extremely coordinated.

has been walking for almost 3 months now.

can go up and down stairs like a pro.

loves to mimic our noises.

loves duckies and says, "bap bap" (quack quack) when she sees one.

loves to growl and roar.

roars for dinosaurs.

makes a great elephant noise.

loves to read books.

loves stuffed animals.

crinkles her nose when she smiles.

has a big gap between her front teeth.

has light hair that might be entirely blonde by the end of the summer.

has rainbow eyes just like Mason.

has beautiful, flawless skin.

only likes latex binkies and bottle nipples.

loves real food.

sleeps like a champ now!

loves to take things out of a basket and then put them back in, then out, then in, etc.

likes balls.

does the actions to wheels on the bus.

favorite words are "dat" (that), "dis" (this), "mama", "baba", and "nana" (banana).

loves bathtime and the swimming pool.

plays with her hair when she is tired and falling asleep.

Happy Birthday Brynn!

Rachie's Race

I have been an avid runner my entire life, but have never participated in a race longer than a 5k. I guess I just have a hard time paying money to run when I can do it anytime I want for free. This year I got over my cheapness and decided I would really enjoy participating in a few races. I ran the Utah Valley Half Marathon on Saturday and had the time of my life! My goal was to run it under 2 hours and I did. I crossed the finish line at 1:54. I can honestly say I enjoyed every single second of the race. It was overcast and drizzling rain which is actually my favorite kind of weather to run in. When my cute dad woke up and saw the rain he drove up the canyon and was the first spectater of the race waiting at mile marker 4 with a rain jacket for me in case I needed it. What can I say, I guess I'll always be his little girl. I didn't end up needing it, but it was a great surprise to see him when I wasn't expecting it. He and Scott staggered themselves at points throughout the race to cheer me on and every time I would see one of them it would give me a little burst of energy. I am a lucky girl to have such a supportive husband and parents (my mom was watching my sleeping kids so Scott could be there). Next up is the Stansberry Park Triathlon in July. I can hardly wait! My training partner, Ali, and I after the race!

50/50

On June 4th the Hale grandkids evened out to an equal 3 girls and 3 boys when Chris and Kacie welcomed this little guy into their family.

Chase Bradley Hale Their first time together as a family.

Chris, Kennedy, Kacie, Chase, Cannon.

For the record Chase looks just like Cannon when he was born. I love watching my brother with his new babies. He is such a great dad. All the kiddos after watching Chase get his first bath.

Mac Christiansen, Mason, Cannon, Kennedy, and Brynn. Brynn's not the baby anymore.

We are so excited to have another little boy cousin around. Only a few more months until the scales are tipped again, this time in favor of the boys, when Brandon and Whitney welcome their little guy. I just love all these babies!