Hayley turns 9!

I can't believe I have a 9 year old child! It seems like only yesterday she was born. This last week and weekend were so busy that I thought I'd record some fun things that happened.

Wednesday morning, Hayley and Ryeley were downstairs eating breakfast. Dad made oatmeal and when he does that, he lets them choose which flavor they want. I went in to get Jaycey and was holding her on my bed while she was waking up. She was hardly awake when Brian came in and asked her what kind of oatmeal she wanted. Without even hesitating she replied, "Just like Hayley". Of course, both Brian and I burst out laughing.

On Thursday, Hayley came off the bus just distraught. Apparently she had found a caterpillar at school but the bus driver wouldn't let her bring it on the bus. She was so worried about her new little friend. Her teacher (what a doll!) took her caterpillar and told her she would put it on Hayley's desk. Later that evening, when Hayley was at ballet, her teacher called to ask if it was okay to set the caterpillar free so it didn't die overnight. That is so cute! I am thankful that Hayley has a teacher that is so in tune to what is important to her and actually cares. I had to record this story because it is so . . . Hayley!

Friday was Hayley's birthday. She got to be queen for a day and came home from school wearing a birthday crown. After that, the entire family headed to Toad's Fun Zone for miniature golf and arcade games.

Then, we went to dinner at Applebee's where the waitresses came and sang a very obnoxious birthday song. Hayley loved it!

Then, we headed home for birthday cake. Hayley got to pick her own cake out.

The next day we headed up to my mom's house. The only thing that Hayley asked for her birthday was to go shopping with grandma. Go figure! Maybe she is related to me. :o) She picked out various things at Walmart that I would typically say no to.

We decided to spend the night and watch conference with Mom and Dad since we didn't need to be back for Sunday. As it turns out, Matt and Di and their two boys were there as well. The kids had a great time playing together. On Saturday night, Jaycey was sitting on Di's lap and talking up a storm. We were all sitting around the kitchen table together. Jaycey had given Di a toy and was coaching her on how the doll was supposed to talk. Ryeley gave an example and said, "Hey, sista". Then Di was practicing it in different voices so Jaycey would be happy with it. (Okay, maybe Jayc has a little OCD, like her mom!) Then, from across the room Cory says, "Hey, sista". It was so funny! Matt is going to kill me because my girls are teaching his son to talk like a barbie. He, he, he.

In addition to everything else, we got to listen to our amazing church leaders give us spiritual direction. Watching conference with family is a great experience. All in all, it's been an awesome week for the Hartle family.