Cardiologist Appt.

Hayden had a visit to the cardiologist right before we went to the beach. We were concerned because he has been having some chest pain. Fortunately, all is well. The pain is the chest wall from surgery, not his heart. His heart looks and sounds GREAT!!!! This is the best news and I am so relieved when I leave Dr. Jedeikian's office. I love Dr. J. and he is so wonderful to Hayden. I love his upbeat reminders of how fortunate we are that Hayden is here with us. He calls him his "miracle patient". We are so lucky to have Hayden here and I am grateful for him every day!!!

Girls Night Out

Last night, Suzi, Jodi and I had a girls night out. It was so much fun. We went to dinner and then we dragged Jodi to Mamma Mia! She did not appreciate the movie or love it nearly as much as Suzi and I did. In fact, she spent more time laughing at me and Suzi enjoying ourselves than she ever did at the movies. It made me want to sing and dance thru the parking lot. Oh well, she still had a fun night with us.

Jake's Birthday

Happy Birthday to my brother Jake! I am so thankful for my wonderful brother. He is a good guy and is always there to help me out when I need him. He's not only a wonderful brother but a great friend. Hayden absolutely adores his Uncle Jake. Happy Birthday, Jake! We love you!

Peter Piper Pizza

Last night we went to Peter Piper Pizza to celebrate Bryson's birthday. It isn't often that JD's kids get to be in town for their birthdays. We love having them here. It is so fun for Hayden to get together with all of his cousins.

Hayden scared me to death while we were there last night. All of a sudden I see Rosie and Jake jump up, run and yelling for Hayden. Of course, I followed, not knowing what was wrong. Hayden had decided to be a dog and have Bryson put a "leash" around his neck. Hayden had a jump rope wrapped around his neck and Bryson was pulling him. Hayden was turning red and blue. Nice. I am soooooo glad that Rosie saw him and unwound him. What crazy boys... I asked Hayden what he was doing and he said he wanted to have Bryson walk him like he walked Princess and Spanky. Goofy kid. Needless to say, we gave him the "don't put things around your neck" lecture.

It is funny, when little things happen, it makes you realize all the things you are grateful for... Most of all just one more day with my wonderful family. I cherish all of my moments with Hayden. I know it is silly, but Hayden hasn't turned blueish in a very long time, and even though it was nothing, it still made me appreciate how far he has come. I am truly thankful for every day with Hayden.

First day of high school

Today was Taylor and Ariyona's first day of high school. They were so nervous yesterday. We had a starting high school party for them last night and then Thomas gave them blessings. The blessings were really sweet and I think it helped them calm down and be ready for school. They are incredible girls with spunky little personalities.

I was nervous for them today and kept wondering how their days were going. I was excited to hear from them right after school and hear all about their day. I was so happy that it went well for them. They are so excited about their classes and seem ready for this new adventure. I hope they continue to enjoy all of these new experiences.

Teenagers!

Ariyona
TaylorOkay, so Thomas' cousins moved in by us. They have two adorable 14 year old girls, Taylor and Ariyona. They are actually cousins, but live together. We have been fortunate to get to know these girls better. They are cute, fun and really good girls and for some reason, they love hanging out with us. We love them to death. Thomas and I laugh that they keep us hopping. They want to talk and watch movies until early morning hours. They are so energetic and are constantly busy.

Friday night, we all went to Jake's swimming until 10pm, then they came home and wanted us to watch College Road trip with them, and then we talked for hours. Saturday morning we got up, went to the Science Center, to Mi Amigos for lunch and then to Josh's and Jake's birthday party. Afterwards, we had to run to Target. This morning, it is church and then a back to school get together for the girls tonight at our house. Crazy life! But, we love it.

I love Taylor and Ariyona. They start 9th grade tomorrow and are nervous and excited. It has been fun to talk to them and remember my first day of high school and all of the anxiety and excitement that comes with it. I am so glad I am done with all of those experiences.

Taylor and Ariyona are becoming a very important part of our lives. They are around a lot and we love it. Hayden thinks it is fun having the girls around. They are so good to him and he adores them. We were in the car yesterday and he drew them a picture that said, "Remember Hayden loves Taylor and Ariyona". So fun! So cute! We are love them.

Birthday Luau

Josh's and Jake's birthday are both this week, so their wives planned a birthday luau. It was so much fun! We all went swimming at Josh's and barbecued. I love getting together with everyone. We had so much fun swimming and chatting.
Jake, Dad & Josh

Me & Katelyn

Hayden sure loves his Uncle Jake. Of course, Jake plays with him and tickle tortures him.

Grossology

Hayden has been begging me to take him to the Grossology exhibit at the Science Center. His favorite thing to do is science experiments and what could be better than gross science experiments!? He loved making all of the disgusting science projects and seeing all of the gross human functions.

Taylor and Ariyona's favorite was the Weather experiments. There is the coolest exhibit there where it actually feels like you are experiencing a tornado, monsoon and earthquake. Of course, Hayden loved making dams in the sand and water experiment.

We had a great time! Hayden loves the girls so much. They even humored him and played Simon Says the entire way home with him.

Mamma Mia!

Suzi and I went and saw Mamma Mia last night. It was FABULOUS!!! We laughed so hard. There aren't many movies that I could sit through a second time, but I am planning on seeing Mamma Mia again, and taking Jodi.

Hayden stories I want to remember

Last night while Hayden and I were cooking dinner, he was estatic because he learned how to use the potato peeler and could make his own cucumber, Hayden and I were talking.
Hayden: Mom, I decided I don't want to be a vet or a palentologist anymore, I want to be a chef when I grow up.
Me: Okay Hayden, why?
Hayden: I'm really good at helping in the kitchen and then I can only make foods that I like to eat.
Me: Sounds fun!
Hayden: What kind of hours to chef's have?
Me: That depends on whether you are a breakfast chef or a dinner chef.
Hayden: Nevermind, I don't want to be a chef, I want to be home every night and eat dinner with my family. What kind of hours does a palentologist have?

Speaking of palentologists, we saw Journey to the Center of the Earth this past week. After the show, Hayden asked if we could go to the Center of the Earth.
Suzi: No, we don't have a professor to take us there?
Hayden: Why do we need a professor?
Suzi: None of us know how to get there or get out.
Hayden: WHAT!?! You mean my dad doesn't know??? I thought my daddy was a genius!
We laughed hard. I told Thomas to enjoy it. The day will come too quickly that he will realize the truth that his parents don't know everything. But, we are enjoying it now!

One last one:
Hayden: Mom, do you think Heavenly Father loves me more than most kids?
Me: Hayden, Heavenly Father loves you very very much. You are very special to him and he only wants the best for you.
Hayden: I knew it! That's why he gave me you for a mom, so I could have the best!
Now, who wouldn't love that kid? I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Hot Dog Roast on the Beach

We had a fantastic bbq on the beach. We roasted hot dogs, marshmellows, had smores, watermelon, cantaloupe and grapes. Yummy!!!! I love listening to the ocean, while you can also smell the campfire. What an amazing time. It also gives all of us a chance to sit around and talk. And, the kids favorite part?!? Swimming in the ocean in their clothes at night. They get wet and have a great time. It is one of my favorite traditions.

Beach traditions

There are certain things that we do at the beach every year. The first night over, we go to this little fish place in Oceanside harbor. The fish is fried, greasy and not all that great, but we have been going there since I was a little girl. I remember watching the boats, feeding the seagulls and being there with my brothers, Jodi and my mom and dad. It holds fond memories.

We have been going to this beach condo since 1984... yes, for a very, very long time. Southern California Beach Club, #408, is a second home to me. I feel close to my mom at the beach. And, each year I reflect on all the memories. In fact, one of my favorite moments this year, was sitting and telling Hayden my favorite times with him on the beach and telling him memories of me and my mom on the beach. He loved it.

Also, the boys collect sand crabs each year. Hayden caught some big ones this year and always had a bucket full to release back into the ocean at the end of the day. He is all boy and he loves any kind of animal and creature.

Of course, we have to bury all the kids in the sand. What is better than a completely sandy child? I love it.

At least once each year, Jake, Jodi and I go out into the waves. It is fun to go out like we used to as kids.

Of course, the best times are just enjoying each others company. We laugh, talk and catch up on each other's lives. It is fun and makes absolutely wonderful lasting memories.

Water Wars - Day 2

Every year Thomas and Jake get all the kids wet with water. Okay, not only do they get the kids wet, they throw the adults in the water, too. The four biggest instigators are always Jake, Thomas, Hayden and Kaylee, they are always in water fights. But, the good thing is, they are all pretty good sports when you get them back.

Thomas and Hayden in a water fight. Hayden still thinks he can take his dad.

Hayden thinking he can out run his dad...

Kaylee getting in on the action.

Thomas and Hayden

Hayden so proud of himself for drenching his dad.


Thomas, Hayden and Kaylee hiding behind Jake.

Day 1 at the Beach

The first day driving up to the beach is amazing! I love the feeling I get when I see the ocean for the first time each year. I love the smell of the ocean and the breeze on my face. It is so relaxing and so peaceful.

We went over early and spent a couple of days with Jake's family and us on the beach. It was fun and great to get extra days on the beach.

Me with Suzi and Rosie


Jake and Hayden playing on the beach.


We took Thomas' cousin to the beach with us to help watch Hayden, Brooklyn and Brigham. Taylor was so much help and we loved her being with us. She is a ton of fun. We laugh that we could seriously adopt her; life is so easy with a 14 year old around to help out.

Cousin time

Hayden loves spending time with his cousins. He is so lucky that he has so many cousins close in age. This year was especially wonderful because Bryson, Coby and Tanner (JD's boys) were at the beach, too.

Coby, Braden, Casen, Tanner, Austin, Brinley, Dallin, Brooklyn, Kiley, Katelyn, Brigham, Kaylee, Hayden and Bryson
And, they are set free... they all love their pictures being taken sooo much!

Brigham, Hayden, Katelyn, Brooklyn, Kiley and Kaylee



Hayden & Kiley - so cute together

Boogie Boarding

Hayden learned to boogie board this trip. He loved being in the ocean and riding the waves in. He did a fantastic job. This year, he spent more time in the water than on the beach. He was so proud of himself that he was able to boogie board like Dallin, Austin, Kaylee and Casen.

Hayden and Bryson catching their first wave.

Hayden taking another wave in.


This is my favorite picture of Hayden at the beach. He looks so happy and like he is completely enjoying himself.
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Oceanside, California

We had the best time on our annual vacation to the beach. I look forward to this trip each year. It is always my highlight. I love spending time with not only Thomas and Hayden but with all the Simonton's. I am so lucky to be part of an incredible family that enjoys spending time together. I have the greatest nieces and nephews and grow to love them more as I spend time with them on vacation. It is so fun to see how each of their personalities have evolved during the year. It is also a very reflective time for me. I think of the last year, the ups and downs, and mostly realize all of the blessings that the Lord has given to me. I also look forward to the future and take time to analyze my direction in life and to refocus on my goals. I even spent the drive home contemplating my "bucket list" and what I want to accomplish in life. Me, Steph, Rosie and Suzi had such a great conversation about really making a list of goals in life. I think being at the beach, looking at the beautiful scenery, listening to the calming comfort of the ocean, and the tranqility of just being, I am able to focus on what matters. Each year, I walk away from the beach with a better understanding of my Savior's plan for me. I feel His presence and feel I am better able to listen to what the Savior is trying to tell me. Maybe I just stop and am still so I can hear. I am very grateful for my life, my blessings, my family and my testimony. All are very precious to me. I just need reminders now and then at how lucky I am and how grateful I am for my life.

Miley Cyrus

What a thrill for Hayden to see Miley Cyrus! We were in the 5th row on the ground at Stadium of Fire! Hayden was so excited to see her that he could hardly stand it. He gets such a cute little grin on his faced and blushed when she came out on stage. He sang to her songs and kept yelling, "I love you, Miley". He was so cute! I loved all the little girls running around in Hannah Montana shirts. They were all so cute and the teenage boys yelling for Miley cracked me up. So, Hayden wants to hang a Miley Cyrus poster in his room along with Spiderman. Seriously, isn't he too young for this??? Thanks Suzi, we absolutely had the best time! You made Hayden's year! He is so excited to tell everyone that he saw Miley Cyrus.


Hayden and Suzi before the concert started.


Hayden chanting "Miley, Miley, Miley"

Fourth of July

We went to Stadium of Fire to celebrate the 4th of July. It was great just being in Provo. We went up the canyon, ate at Brick Oven and just drove around. It was fun being back. Stadium of Fire was so fun with the Blue Man Group, Miley Cyrus and the wonderful fireworks show. We were so close to the fireworks that the ash kept dropping on us. It was really fun! We had such a great time!

Provo Canyon




Suzi

The Murphy's


Blue Man Group at Stadium of Fire

Temple Square

My favorite part of temple square was when we went to see the Christus. During the presentation, Hayden leaned over to me and said, "I really miss you, Jesus". It was so sweet, so tender and so sincere.



I love when I see glimpses of who he really is. He is so sensitive to the spirit. He has an understanding of the gospel so much greater than I do. He understands it on a deep level. We watched a movie on families. Hayden told me afterwards, "Mommy, Jesus is really happy we are here today." I said yes. He replied, "I can feel him and I feel really happy". Motherhood is so up and down trying to figure out what I should be teaching him, and how to approach things. Bottom line, if he can identify that he is feeling the Spirit at six years old, I am doing something right. I felt a deep sense of what a strong spirit Hayden has. I am so blessed to be his mother.

Dinosaur Museum

The dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point was so much fun. Hayden's favorite part was getting to make his own dinosaur mold, carving out his own fossil, playing in the sand and water with the dinosaurs and digging like a palentologist. It is a wonderful museum with tons of interactive activities for the kids. So fun!

Hayden has now decided he wants to be a palentologist.

Hayden and Grandma

Time with Grandma

Hayden loves his Grandma. They are so close. We were getting ready to leave for the airport and Hayden said, "Grandma, I have a good idea. We take mom and dad to the airport, and I stay here with you." He hadn't had enough time with Grandma and still had a list of things they needed to do together. Although, once he realized he would miss the beach, he decided to come with us.

What a fun weekend!

We had such a great time in Utah visiting Grandma Joyce. We went to the Stadium of Fire (thanks to Suzi) and it was amazing!! Hayden loved Miley Cyrus and the Blue Man Group!!!! So much fun! We also went to Thanksgiving Point to the coolest dinosaur museum and of course to Temple Square.

I will be posting a lot of pictures of our fun vacation. Although, it may be overload for some of you. I need to post all of these different experience so when I print out my blog at the end of the year, they will all be included. I love that I can blog and then use it as a journal at the end of the year.