Amazing Azure

This little cutie pie just turned 4. Our baby is 4! What is going on here?! We partied with friends at Monkey Joe's, then returned home for cake, ice cream, and presents. It was a fantastic way to  celebrate the birth of this little lady. Azure is funny and sweet, with just a hint of teasing in her. We love her so very much and are grateful she is part of our forever family. Happy 4th Azure blue!

Memorial Day '15

Memorial Day was wonderful. Thatcher had the awesome opportunity to pass out programs, then escort a wreath down the isle for a ceremony in honor of our nations fallen heroes. The presentation only lasted an hour, but made a huge impact on our boy. He asked me tons of questions on the way home and now has a new understanding of what this special holiday means. To finish out the day we were able to swim with one of our favorite families around. The kiddos had a fantastic evening swimming with their friends and catching frogs. I'd say this was one of our most successful Memorial Day's yet!

Grandma's Visit

Grandma Darden came to visit a few weeks ago and we had a great time. She entertained the kiddos nonstop and was very helpful to me as we maneuver these weeks with Daddy away. Countless Old Maid games, a few lemonade stands, a night out to Red Robin and the two weeks had already flown by. The kiddos were sad to see her leave, but happy when reminded she would see them again in Sept.!

Thatchers Red Sox

Thatcher has been enjoying his first season of baseball this year. A good friend from school invited him to give it a try and Thatcher has loved the experience. His first game included two runs and awarded game ball. This honor was given to Thatcher after he was pelted in the head, which spun him in a complete circle and dropped the helmet down over his face. Everyone froze as the coach walked towards him to survey the damage. The umpire asked, "but where's the ball?", which Thatcher  promptly produced from his hand, offering it up to the umpire without moving a muscle, nor the helmet which still fully covered his face. The fans erupted in cheers and laughter at his calm demeanor and Thatcher was of course immediately offered a spot at first base for taking the hit. It was a fantastic first game in which I'm certain he gained some confidence and a few adoring fans from the bleachers.

                                                  

Moments of the Month

We've filled our month staying busy with family activities and great friends. The amazing weather has given us numerous evenings to play night games and countless days to build large chalk towns on the driveway while selling lemonade and Oreo's to passerby's. Water balloon games and picnics were enjoyed and we released all our energy at the bounce house, then replenished it quickly at Baskin Robbins. We are so very grateful that Heavenly Father has surrounded us with wonderful family and friends.

Haley's Pumping

Watch out world! She's a lean, mean, diabetic fighting machine!! That beautiful smile has been on Haley's face since day one of this new addition to her life. Technological advancements equal tender mercies left and right for this little girl. Visits to her endocrinologist...and still the smile. Pump change outs...and still the smile. A great example of faith to all those around her. I couldn't leave this post without adding a few pictures showing evidence of the angels here on earth that watch over her daily at school. Her teachers, the nurses, even parents, are constantly going above and beyond to make certain she is well cared for. It has been more then we ever expected or imagined. The Lord is truly in every detail of our lives!

Holiday Happiness

Pi Day and St. Patties nearly back to back make for a fun filled week of food for the Ballard household! We stayed as close to "Pi" as we possibly could and made sure not to take our first bite until 9:26pm....and 53 seconds. On St. Patrick's Day Haley made a great trap for her kindergarten room and we filled the house with rainbows, green, and gold, but alas, the leprechaun evaded our grasp once again.