Maxine Brown and Vivian Hayes

James and I always mention how blessed we are to have such wonderful families.  James's paternal grandparents died quite some years ago, but his maternal grandparents have been with us for 90+ years!  My maternal grandparents both passed several years ago as well, but my paternal grandparents have also been with us over 90 years.  Each of them is so special and they are such great examples to us.  We're so lucky to have known our grandparents so well and to have had them for so long.

Coincidentally, both James and my grandma passed in October, leaving their families and sweet husbands behind for awhile.  I can't imagine the loneliness our grandpas must be feeling, even knowing they'll see them again one day.  To be married that many years, to have shared so many memories, to have raised children, etc... I can't imagine how close you get over 70ish years.  As with many passings, it's bittersweet.  We are so sad to not have them here with us any longer, but we're also happy for them to not be uncomfortable anymore and to be reunited with family members who had died years ago.  For instance, Grandma Hayes lost several children during her lifetime -- her firstborn child Christine who was stillborn, her son Spencer who died at 8 years old, and her daughter Sarah who died of Lou Gehrig's disease at 50 years old.  She also lost a granddaughter, Rachelle, who died in a house fire.  It brought me to tears thinking about how joyful those reunions must have been.  I'm sure it was similar for Grandma Brown who also lost several siblings and a granddaughter to cancer. 

I knew Grandma Brown for less than 10 years, but I already came to love her so much, and I know she genuinely loved my kids and me.  She had a way of making you feel like you were her favorite.  I have such fond memories of going to visit them in St. George while we lived in Utah.  James and I couldn't have been happier that we had just taken a trip to see them just a few weeks prior to her passing.  She was still in good spirits and decent health, and she just loved seeing Hazel again and Grayson for the first time.  She will definitely be missed!

Grandma Maxine when Hazel was a month old - November 2010 

The Palmer family with Gma & Gpa Brown - June 2012

Our most recent visit to St. George.  Grandma Palmer and Great Grandma Brown- Aug/Sept 2013

 The Brown Family at the funeral - Oct. 12, 2013

L to R (back) - Nancy, Sandy, Susan (front) - Chelta, Grandpa Shirl, and Barbara

 Maxine Brown (1921-2013)

Grandma Hayes is another angel and one of the strongest women I know.  I loved hearing Grandpa talk about his sweetheart.  I was always amazed by his comment about how Grandma never nagged him in all their years of marriage.  Wow.  What a lady.  She was an educator as well, so she helped many of her grandchildren with their studies and helped them learn scripture stories.  Above all, she raised the most wonderful children, one of which I think is one of the greatest men on the planet - my dad. 

 Hayes Family Reunion a few years ago

  

2010 (One of my dad's friend's cars)

 Gma and Gpa with their living children - Dad and Aunt Rachel

The kids and I were lucky enough to ride down with Matt and his family to Beaumont for the mid-week funeral.  The funeral service was so nice.  Dan's tribute was shared, Kami's poem was read, Laurie sang one of Grandma's favorite songs, most of the family participated in a few choir numbers, and my dad gave a beautiful tribute to his mother.  Dad said he always knew he would have to give this talk and that it was the hardest talk he had ever or would ever give in his life.  I was so nervous for him because I know he wanted to pay adequate tribute to his mom.  He finally decided to focus his talk on a few principles by which she lived.  Within those broader headings, he shared a few personal stories, and it was a very touching.  I'm so grateful I was able to attend and was able to be with so many family members.  I love how close we all are even without seeing each other all the time.  I know Grandma is proud of her posterity.  I'm proud to be a Hayes.

 The grave site - October 30, 2013

 

There were many beautiful roses on the casket, and Grandpa and Dad said Grandma would've wanted all of her posterity to have one, so they passed them out to every female family member there.  It was a special moment because we felt Grandma was passing on her legacy to us as we accepted the roses.  

Most of the great granddaughters

 The granddaughters (minus Esther who was taking care of her baby.)

 The grandsons (minus Dan who is serving as a mission president in Boston.)

 Grayson was all tuckered out - so sweet.

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The amazing men who were always at my grandma's side-

 

One of the most touching things was at the grave site when Grandpa took a moment to share a thought, as he does at every gathering.  He said as difficult as this was for him, he has never felt more determined to live the gospel of Jesus Christ as perfectly as he can so he can join his sweet wife in heaven.  What an amazing man.  I can't think of a better example of enduring to the end.  

Love you forever, Grandma Brown and Grandma Hayes.  Until we meet again...

Some Firsts

A lot starts happening in baby world at about 6 months!  Grayson started sitting around 5 months and now he's very close to crawling at 7 months.  Here are some firsts for baby Gray...

He can sit in his bath chair,

 the baby swing,

 the high chair,

and the grocery cart.  Yay!

 

Other firsts...

Up on hands and knees,

 wearing shoes (kankles),

 self-feeding attempt (2nd child problems),

and first kiss.

Not really, but this is hilarious.  He'll grab your face and just start sucking.  Lucky Auntie Angie!

Speaking of firsts, I'll tell you what hasn't happened yet - teeth!  He must be getting at least 4 at once because he's showing every possible sign of teething.  He'll be so thrilled when he gets them too because that means more food!

Butterfly House

Our friends the Maloufs called and invited us to go to the Butterfly House for free.  Why, yes!  It was warm and humid in the room, and butterflies were everywhere -- not shy at all.  Hazel loved it even though her face suggests otherwise.  The babies, however, look pretty thrilled about their play date.  Cuties.  I love going places like this because it makes me feel like I'm back in my teacher days going on a field trip.  I have to admit, it's much nicer only having 2 kids to keep track of though.  

Potty Time

Yay for no diapers!  Hazel is now potty trained.  We've had a few hiccups here and there, but honestly, this went much smoother than expected.  The night before we started potty training, I took up all of the rugs, etc., got all of her panties washed and ready, made a chart, got tons of stickers and gumballs, arranged for Grandma to come help with Grayson, and went to bed dreading the next morning.  I told Hazel there was a Diaper Genie and that she was coming that night to collect her diapers and make them magically disappear!  Don't judge.  It just came to me, so I went with it.  So we left the last of her diapers outside of her door and they magically disappeared that night (and ended up high in my closet in case this was the worst idea ever).  So the next morning, she put on princess panties and a shirt and I didn't leave her side.  I'd just tell her, "Let me know if you need to go!"  She had one accident next to the potty and then none the rest of the day.  That was it.  I was mentally prepared to clean up 40 accidents, so I was shocked.  Why did I wait so long??  Obviously #2 is a little more tricky, but she ended up just going secretly on the potty on day 2.  Funny girl.  Next we'll work on nighttime, but for now I'm too lazy to rush in in the early morning and make sure she stays dry.  Again, it'll have to be me who decides it's time to commit because I'm sure she could do it.  We're proud of our big girl!  Oh, the things we get excited about as parents...  

Halloween

This year we were invited to a Halloween party, and our friends did not disappoint with all the decor, food, and games.  I just love this holiday!  Every year I want to do really cool costumes, but then it always ends up being last minute and whatever we can put together.  Fortunately for us, we had friends who had Batman and cat costumes from the previous year, so we just borrowed those! James really should've had spandex, etc., but it worked.  At least he had his game face on. 

Fun appetizers

 Spooky photo wall

Then for actual Halloween, we took the kids to our church's "Trunk or Treat".  Hazel has been wanting to be a princess, so Cinderella it was!  This was the first time Hazel has ever allowed me to put her hair in a high bun or ponytail, so it was a big deal.  And then I just couldn't resist... Grayson had to be Gus Gus.  I only wish I would've remembered to put his nose on!  Still, they were adorable.

 

This was the best full shot I could get of Cinderella because she only wanted to pose with the family of superheroes nearby. ???

 And then us... James had 5 minutes between work and Trunk or Treat, so he ran upstairs and came down like this.  I decided to be a good sport and put on my go-to 70s shirt as well.  I don't think people even noticed my costume... I mean, how could you when your husband is wearing those pants?

Then we got about 5 trick or treaters and like that, Halloween was over.  We'll see how long the candy bag lasts!

Fall Fun

 The weather's getting cooler, leaves are falling, I'm buying cans of pumpkin and hot chocolate... it's my favorite season -- FALL!  Here's what we've been up to...

 

 Playgroups with our friends

 The Dallas Arboretum - Pumpkin Festival

 Baking all things pumpkin

Doctor appointments

 Baths (together finally!)

 Tea Parties with Leah

 and some good ol' Pumpkin Carving, courtesy of James.

Hazel is 3!

Again, since we just went to Disney World, we didn't plan much else for Hazel's actual birthday.  She really loves parties though and requested pink cupcakes.  How could I say no to that?  So we had a few friends over last minute and ate some ridiculously pink cupcakes (out of the box - shh).  She was thrilled!
Our little princess is quite into anything pink, glittery, princessy, etc.  It's fun to see her develop her likes and dislikes.  She's also very into girl vs. boy things.  So that's why I'm kind of surprised she still prefers James over me... not that it hurts my feelings or anything... =)  Hazel is the sweetest little girl, and she surprises us daily with things she observes and says.  She's also the best big sister I've ever seen.  She loves "Baby" even though he's a boy, and she will protect him at all costs.  She's very loyal to her family.  One memory I will always cherish was at Disney World at the firework show at the Magic Kingdom.  The firework show was called "Wishes" so it highlighted all of the songs or quotes from Disney movies with "wish" in them.  She was on James's shoulders and we didn't even know she was paying attention to the songs.  When the song asked what you wished for, Hazel kept saying, "I wish to be the happiest family!" and "I wish to be a princess!"  Talk about melt our hearts!  We're so blessed to have this special girl.  We love you Princess Hazel!

 Blake, Zachary, Addison, Hazel, Leah, Caleb, Jaxon

 After party - hilarious that they were coupled up

 The morning of her actual birthday -

 Then we went to dinner at Matt's house.  We love the cousins!

6 Years!

Since we just went to Disneyworld, we didn't do much else to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary, but we were able to spend the day together and that's what matters!  James got me some beautiful flowers (which he arranged himself and he was verry proud of them), and we brought the kids with us to Carrabbas for dinner. 

I can't believe it's been 6 years already.  Mom got us this beautiful little crystal Minnie and Mickey while we were on our trip, so we'll always have fond memories of our 6th anniversary when we see it.  I'm so blessed to have my man!