Awwwwww

Sunday, May 23, 2010
Dear Max,
Today was a special, special day at church. It was.... YOUR FIRST DAY IN NURSERY! I was so nervous for you, but so excited for you too. We have been talking about this big day for awhile, but who knows if you really knew what you were getting yourself into. Sister Wolfe, was all prepared for your arrival. Each of the kids have their pictures on these sheep, when you arrive you take your sheep and put it up on the chart, that way they know who's there and it helps with pick up too, but we will get back to that. You went right in, found your sheep, put it up on the chart and walked right over to start playing with the play dough with Brother Cramer. You never looked back. So Daddy and I were brave and walked right out. All during Sunday school we kept looking back at the door to see if they were coming to get us, but as each minute went by we became more and more comfortable that you were ok. I must say, it was so wonderful to sit, listen and enjoy the lesson. Awww is the best way to sum it up. I'm angry with myself for all those years prior to your arrival, that I did not take more advantage of not having to wrangle and worry about a child disrupting the lesson. It was so nice to have this freedom back. I have a whole new respect and love for the nursery workers. I wish I would have understood what it meant to the parents, when I was a nursery worker. I hope the nursery workers know what it means to us. As blissful as Sunday school and Relief Society / Priesthood were, I will say as soon as the meetings were over Daddy looked over to me and said. READY!?! Yup! Daddy said "It's like Christmas morning, I have that giddy excitement to go get Max and see how his afternoon was!" I thought that was the perfect explanation.

So, it was our first time picking up a child from Nursery. Apparently you are suppose to take the sheep off the wall hand it to the nursery worker and they will hand you your child. Well, Max took one look out the door, saw his Daddy and I and he was out. I will say we were so excited to get him that we just grabbed and went. Tony handed the sheep and we were on our way. Meanwhile back in nursery they had the sheep and was looking for Max. Suddenly one sister came down the hall and said... "Oh good, you have Max!" Day one and they thought they lost you! Next time we will be better! It was our first time! :) I had a chance to talk with your nursery leader Sister Wolfe after church, she said you did really well, you LOVED singing time (I knew you would!) and said that you did really well participating and getting along with the kids. I'm so proud of you and so happy you had such a great time. You had rosy cheeks, which to me is a great indicator that you played hard, learned and had a good time. It's hard to believe that you are ready for nursery, but we are so happy that you continue to grow and remain a happy little boy. Max, we are so proud of you and love you very much!

Getting ready for church

On our way!

A happy Nursery Boy

Showing us your art work
(It's upside down, but we got the point)

Half the day in St. George the next half at Home

Saturday, May 22, 2010
Dear Max,
This morning we woke up at Grammie's house. It's always so fun to enjoy time with Grammie and Grampie, my favorite is breakfast at Grammie's kitchen table. I love the crispness of the morning and the view from Grammie's dining room table is amazing. It's home. After breakfast Daddy and I took you on an ATV ride around the neighborhood. You love riding the ATV and make the vroom vroom sound the entire time we are riding. It's really cute!

Vroom Vroom

After our morning ride, we went over to Grandma Trenholm's. Your uncle Mark drove in from Colorado. We don't get to see each other much, so it was super fun to spend a bit of time with him. You warmed right up and enjoyed Uncle Mark showing you pictures of your cousin Jacob and Aunt Jill on his camera.

You and Uncle Mark looking at pictures

You laughed at the ones of Jacob pulling funny faces.

Grandma kept saying, I can't believe that my boy's are here. She was so thrilled to have everyone there. So I had to get a picture of Grandma with her boy's.

The boy's with Grandma

Giving Kisses good bye. Until next time. Love you Grandma!

After returning back to Las Vegas, Daddy had to go to work, it was a quick turn around at the house, so Daddy put up the safety gate at the door, so he could leave the door open and carry our luggage back and forth without any little people (you) or little doggies (cooper) escaping. Daddy headed off and I started to put down the gate, when Cooper saw a open crack and took off! The two of us called for Cooper, "come back Cooper" "Want a treat Cooper" nothing would lure him back in the house. Suddenly I saw him bolt down the street. Typically if we close the door and act like we have gone inside, this will make him fearful of being left and he will come back to the house. Not this time. I waited for awhile and then got nervous. So I packed you up in the stroller and grabbed Cooper's leash and headed out. I walked the neighborhood, we couldn't see him anywhere. I talked to the neighbors that were out and non of them had seen our little, white puppy. I continued to call for Cooper and you were doing the same. Nothing. I had to make the worst call of my life, to your Daddy. He said, I'll turn around and come back now. I was devastated. How could I have lost our dear, sweet Cooper. I walked out to the busy street, with fear in my heart. Please don't let me find Cooper "pancaked" if you know what I mean. He was no where to be found. I started heading back towards our street, when suddenly a little white fluff ball came bounding out from behind some bushes. I grabbed him and put him on the leash, I called your daddy to let him know that everything was ok, and headed back for the house. Oh! I was so mad at Cooper, but so grateful that he was safe and back home. I can't imagine how sad our family would have been without our dear sweet Cooper!

After this big adventure, we all needed a nap! We enjoyed an afternoon snooze. When we woke up we had made arrangements to go downtown to see Mommy's childhood friend Kim. She was in town with her sister and some friends for a girls weekend. She had not met you before, and was looking forward to seeing you. It was so fun to see Kim and for the two of you to meet. It's so fun to see old friends and just pick up from where you last were.

After meeting up with Kim and Sandy, we decided to go meet Daddy for dinner. He was excited for our visit and to show you off to his co-workers. You were a hit as always! We went over to Chipolte for dinner, we sat out on the Patio, it was such a beautiful night. The weather was perfect, we were the only ones out on the Patio, the food was yummy and the company was unbelievable! You were in the silliest mood. You have started repeating everything we say, so of course Daddy and I are having a lot of fun with his. We'll spell daddy by saying D- and then you repeat and so forth. It's really fun. Well last night Daddy started teaching you to say "how you doin' it was hilarious. You were laughing just as hard. It was such a fun night. We dropped off Daddy and then you and I drove on home. You fell asleep on the drive home, I carried you to bed. What a great day! We love you Max!

Dr. Hill Memorial Golf Tournement

Friday, May 21, 2010
Dear Max,
Today we had the opportunity to participate in the Dr. Hill's memorial golf tournament. It was a special day, and a great way to remember Wade. I'm so grateful for my 2nd family, for my sister's, brother's and 2nd mom. The time I get to spend with them is always so fun. I miss Wade so much, I know this day is created for him, but it's day's like today that I wish so much that he could be physically be here enjoying the day with his family and friends. I know Wade is proud of his family, each one of them, and can have peace of mind knowing that he raised 4 happy individuals. What a family! I feel lucky and so grateful to have gotten a slice of my life inspired by Wade. I love you Hill Family!

My favorite Hill family picture. Those are some happy faces!

Daddy got an early start on the greens, but since I wasn't playing in the tournament, we went out a little later, so we could be there for lunch and the prizes. Prior to heading to the golf course, we stopped by Sunset Elementary. They are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Both being alums of Sunset, Heather and I decided to attend the assembly and remember how "orange and yellow blend together...to make our school stand for ever." Grammie has taught at Sunset for 24 years and was in charge of many of the weeks celebrations including the assembly. It was fun to see our previous teachers and principles of the school.

Heather and I both commented on how big the auditorium felt when we were kids attending school. As adults...not so much!

Heather and Max at the assembly

We then headed over to the Tournament. Here are some pictures from the day.

Daddy teeing up.

My sis's Heather and Heidi cruising around the course.

Takes your breath away! How lucky are we to witness views like this!

Prior to heading out on the course. Daddy and Wayne

Chris, Daddy, don't know and Wayne

In the carts and ready to go....

Should they be standing in the "pits"

Back on the greens

Meanwhile, Grammie, you, Ba (Grandma Hein), Heather, Heidi, Molly and I hung out on the patio. Eating lunch, enjoying the view, the conversation and great company. The weather was unbelievably perfect. What a great day!

Enjoying some water from the straw....

Makes for a happy boy!

Giving Kisses to Ba

It was an amazing day! I love you Wade and miss you everyday! Thank you for your family, I love them so much!

Ms. Jaime

Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dear Max,
Today was your last day at Ms. Jaime's. I cried the entire way to work today. Knowing that this was the last time we dropped you off at Ms. Jaime's. Feeling the anxiety of knowing that Monday we will be dropping you off at your new preschool. We are so grateful for Jaime and her family. I don't even know where to begin to thank her for all she has done for our family and especially you. I'm so grateful for her loving you and giving you a happy, healthy, fun, safe and loving place to be. It is impossible to describe how wonderful it is to have the peace of mind knowing that you are at the best place possible, when we are at work. I've never had to worry. It has been an extra bonus that Jaime and her family have not only been caring for you, but have become our friends, as well as a sounding board to a sometimes crazy mom and an expert to first time parents. Max, I know that you are a better person because of the time you have spent in the Jewett home. We will miss not only Jaime, but all the Jewett's. Jade, she is such a beautiful young women, and I so appreciate the time that she has come to our home to watch you. And Zoe, she has such a quirky sense of humor. It makes me smile thinking of her funny stories. Boedy, he always had some silly dance to make you laugh. And little Emma, your first best friend. I have hopes that some day the two of you will reconnect and share stories from when you were babies, hanging out together. It is hard to think that this time is coming to an end. I must say as nervous as I am for your next adventure, I'm also very excited. I really think that you will love going to your new school! We love you Max!

18 Months

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Dear Max,
I can not believe that you are 18 months today. It is unbelievable to me how fast the time has gone by. But in the same breath it seems like you have always been in our family. You are getting to be such a little man, you have such a funny sense of humor, you are learning so much and growing so big.

25 lbs and 13 oz!

18 month visit means shots... Daddy was feeling the sympathy for you...

But happy that you did so well! You are a happy, healthy and smart little boy!

OCD?

Monday, May 17, 2010
Dear Max,
I found this in the bathroom this evening... should I be worried? What does this mean? These items you moved from under my bathroom sink, perfectly lined up on the edge of the tub. Your spacing was impressive and your attention to detail a little frightening....What does this mean?

Our first Bathroom Scene

Sunday, May 16, 2010
Dear Max,
Today was the day... A quiet Sunday afternoon at home, I was cooking in the kitchen, you were playing in your toy room...so I thought. Things were quiet for just a moment too long and this is what I discovered. Our first bathroom scene! I've dreamed of this day!!! And I got my very own! I love it!!!