Christmas Card 2008

Fall

WOW!  Twice the blessing. Twice the fun!  We've had a blast this fall introducing Max to the Hatley family.  Max is enthralled with his big sister, Ellie Reece.  Our favorite activities have been going to the pumpkin patch and playing in the leaves.

Baby Max

I loved him the moment I saw him.  Why did I ever doubt loving another child besides Ellie Reece?  William Maxwell Hatley was born on August 18 at 8:35pm.  We had a great labor and delivery experience unlike our previous one.  The most special part of our hospital stay was when Ellie Reece got to meet her little brother, Baby Max, for the first time.  I could barely hold back the tears.  We are truly blessed.

Summer of Fun

Who would have thought I could have so much fun watching someone else have fun??  Ellie Reece has been a pure delight this summer.  Her love for water reminds me of my fondest memories as a child.  There was nothing greater than a day with my family at a water park.  The highlight of our summer was a trip to the beach.  We stay on 30A just down from Seaside, Seacrest, Rosemary.  Ellie Reece loved bike rides with Dad and going to the sprinkle park.  Ellie Reece is also a lover of the ocean like her mom.  She squealed with delight while the ocean tickled her toes.

Ellie Reece's First Flight

Boyne Mountain here we come!  Snow skiing AND an indoor waterpark...what could be better!  We had a blast and Ellie Reece did GREAT on the flights. Praise the Lord!  Dad even got her to take naps in the airport going and coming.  Good job, dad.  While on the trip, we learned how much we've changed since we've become parents.  We only skied 2 - 3 hours a day and that was plenty while Ellie Reece stayed in PlayCare at the bottom of the slopes. We spent most of our days relaxing as a family and exploring the quaint towns in the area. The waterpark was SO fun!  For those of you who don't know...I have a slight waterpark addiction....  

1 Year Photos

OH, THE PRESSURE for the perfect one-year photo!  Keny and I

 took the challenge into our own hands to see how we could do playing "professional photographer".  I was in charge of the talent (ellie reece, of course) and Keny handled the camera.  I think they turned out great.  Here are some of our favorites.

Kicking off 2008 Right!

Life has been crazy this year since "08" rolled in. We've had some big milestones in the life of Ellie Reece, but as busy parents we’ve forgotten to update our site. What neglect we’ve committed against you, our most interested readers of the “Hat Shack Blog”. 

Ellie’s first milestone was a big one. The forever reminder of how time passes by so quickly. Thats right you guessed it. HER BIRTHDAY!!! Ellie turned one on January 1st and we celebrated with our Gardendale extended family and friends.

For those who missed a most of her first year, just push play for a 3 minute “catch you up” video. Also... there are birthday photos below. See you around!