Rylie Logan Hoopes!

Little Rylie was born on Sept. 22 at 6:13 pm. She was 7 lbs 9 oz. and 18 inches long. Following Jacksons example she came quick and relatively easy- thank goodness! Everyone is adjusting well and we are excited that she is finally here. Grandma flew in just in time to help, and between her and Aunt Evie, Jackson is taking the changes really well. He is mostly indifferent except when he wants to play with Rylie, or kiss her, or see her, or give her the pacifier, and then he is usually pretty gentle. So far, so good =0) Wasting no more time, here she is...

Our beautiful girl!

Such a good big brother!

More to come later!

Summer so far

Has been pretty busy, but definately fun. I finished work for the year in the beginning of July, and things went from there. Jackson and I headed out to Washington for some time with my family. We spent some time just relaxing and playing with the grandparents, dog, goats, etc. Then Tim joined us for a few days in Seattle before we headed to Leavenworth for the Natter family reunion. We had some action packed days there, visiting the old German town, hiking-Tim climbed the mountain, I hiked along the river, cliff jumping, white water rafting, and enjoying time with family.

From there we hopped a flight to Salt Lake for the Hoopes family reunion. There we got to spend time with the Hoopes brothers and families. We had a great dinner, went jet skiing, spent time in temple square and the conference center, and got to see old friends and catch up. Mostly we got to spend time with Grandpa. Jackson really enjoyed just following him around, and I think grandpa enjoyed following Jackson around.

Since the reunions we have just been everyday busy. We try to get out to the pool everyday-mostly it is easiest to wear Jackson out there so he takes a good nap and I get to relax. This whole being 8 1/2 months pregnant is exhausting. Jackson is getting used to the idea of a baby- I think. The true test will come in a couple of weeks when she shows up. Jackson is learning fast now, saying a ton of words, "helping", jumping, being all around daring, gaining more independence if that is possible. It is fun to see how much he changes everyday.
And now for what you really have been waiting for, the pictures!

They had this cool plane teeter totter toy at the cabin where we stayed in Leavonworth-fun for all ages

Yes, he really is as fast as he looks



Jackson loves basketball, and Tim and Steve got their daily workouts in by lifting him up to dunk for hours on end it seemed.

The cousins- Aliyah, 6 weeks, Heber, 8 months, Jackson 18 months, and Eliza, just turned 3.

Tim and Jackson hiking the river trail

Teeter totter airplane, this is the first thing they ran to and the last thing they played on

We had some time before we caught the light rail in Seattle, plenty of things to keep us busy at the station.

Hurry up and get in so I can drive already.

Maybe I'll drive this instead

Summer is here...

What does that mean? Heat, hot, scorching, sun, and lots of time outside wondering if it will ever get a little breezy or overcast just for a small break. But it also means the beach and lots of play time. Here are some quick recaps.

He has turned into a little hat boy. Has to always be stealling daddy's hats.

Cooking with mommy. Isn't this how it is done?

Chillaxing

Are we there yet?

Is he a dog or a little boy... sometimes I wonder.

We do love the beach.

Lowering the BOOM!

We got to go see the kickoff of the AVP tour and this was one of the great games. One of the perks of living in South Florida.

Evie with the number one team in the world, Rogers and Dallhausser

Tim and Jackson watching the game.

Happy Easter!

Long time no see. I hope everyone had a great Easter. This was our second Easter with Jackson but the first one that he had any idea what was going on. We took full advantage and did everything-Easter pictures, Easter bunny cake, Easter egg dying, Easter egg hunt, you get the idea. So here is what we have...

Our standing tradition- the bunny cake. Tim has done it for as long as he can remember and we have a lot of fun with it.

Who is that good looking couple?

Man are family pictures hard when someone is always moving!

Finally I think we are all smiling.

I love this kid.

Cheese!

He is so good when you are not trying to hold him.

Such a thinker. My favorite shot out of them all.

Easter basket time! Yummy chocolate.

He even got to decorate his own eggs.

This may have been Jacksons favorite holiday. A basket. Tons of egg shaped balls. Lots of messy colored water and markers. Can't forget the legos the Easter Bunny left. In other words, we all had a blast.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Well we all made it!!! Jackson is now one and it has been a great year! He continues to be the highlight of our lives. We celebrated with Evie and Shari with an alligator cake (by far one of the coolest things I have made yet). Jackson was a little unsure at first but he enjoyed smearing the frosting everywhere. Happy Birthday Jackson!!! You are the best!!!