Seattle and River Trip

In late July, Marcie and Kim flew Kate, Kari & Hailie out for a "girls weekend."  The weather didn't exactly cooperate (no surprise, it is Seattle) but we still had a great weekend and Hailie was spoiled rotten (of course). 

Riding in the car with Sammie

Hailie and Aunt Kim

Snuggling with one of her gifts

Playing with another gift

Reading with Aunt Marcie

Playing with Sammie

Thanks Marcie and Kim.  We had a great time!

Since the girls got a weekend away it was only fair for Trevor to take a trip too.  His Dad invited him on a 4 day river trip down the Green River.  It was an incredible experience.  They put in right where J.W. Powell did on his expedition.  By day, they relaxed on the raft while the oarsman rowed them down the river, at night the crew cooked dinner and they camped right on the river bank.

On shore they were able to hike to some beautiful waterfalls

Pretty amazing view while relaxing after dinner at camp

Gessel Family Reunion

Back in July (yes, we're behind on the posting) we had our 1st and hopefully inaugural Gessel Family Reunion. We went swimming, boating, played games and got to spend time with family.  What a great weekend!

Hailie's 2!!!

Can you believe it? Hailie is 2. What a ride it's been so far. She is such a joy in our life. This year we decided to celebrate with family at our house. The party was Minnie Mouse themed. She was dressed up in her Minnie outfit and her mommy baked her a Minnie Mouse cake. She was very spoiled with her gifts. She got a Disney Princess kitchen, a Dora the Explorer big wheel bike, a glow in the dark drawing set, a talking soccer goal and a big girl soccer ball, a talking reader, a pink cow pillow, a singing birthday bear and much more.

Our Lil' Minnie Mouse

The Cake

Yummy!

She is getting to be such a big girl. Some of her favorite things are swimming at the Herriman Rec Center (where she loves going down the water slides), reading, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, torturing Buca and sometimes driving Mommy & Daddy crazy! We have taken the side off the crib so now it is more of a daybed and she loves sleeping in her "big girl bed". Unfortunately, she is a very active sleeper and has a hard time not rolling out!

We can't believe how fast this year has gone by. She is so much fun and every day there is something new to love about her. We can't wait to see what the next year has in store.

Here's a little slideshow of Hailie's 2nd year.