MAKE-A-WISH MT. WASHINGTON CRUISE

Every year the Make-A-Wish treats all of the NH wish families to a cruise around Lake Sunapee.  Today was that day.  

 It was a much needed respite for my family because we have been separated for a month now due to Jo's surgery/hospital stay.

 We had a lot of fun being together and visiting with other people that we know through Make-A-Wish.

 They served us a buffet dinner and then we played a few rounds of "Would you Rather".

 There was a DJ playing some fun music and so the girls and I did some serious dancing.  Kaleb wasn't too pleased. 

 We all took turns keeping a busy 1 year old occupied.

 And I did lots of smooching...I've missed my kids.

 We did lots of laughing...

 Eventually Brady got tired and fell asleep.

 We all were fighting to hold him because it's pretty much the only time he'll let us snuggle him.

 I love these guys.

 Even when they pick each others nose.

 And I LOVE this guy, he always makes me laugh.

 And his apples don't fall far from his tree. :)

Thank you Make-A-Wish.  We are always so grateful for all that you continue to do for our family!

BRADY TIME

When Brady's with me at the hospital...THIS is where we usually are.  Thankfully there is a lovely park right on campus that we can spend lots of time at because this boy is busy.

(and loves dirt)

A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A GAME

I LOVE the fall.  I love the beautiful, sunny days.  Monday I took a break from the hospital (Jo has been in for 3 weeks now recovering from surgery and some complications)  and attended some of my children's games.  Kayla's game happened to be on the way back to the hospital so that was convenient.  They played Franklin and ended up beating them 4-2.  It wasn't their best game but they won none-the-less.  This current win puts their record at 7-1 which is HUGE considering 3 years ago they only won one game.  

Kayla is number 23 and has been the starting sweeper for the team for her 3 years of playing.

Of course I had my (very busy) sidekick with me.  I wish I had snapped a picture of him on our way out because his bright sunny self ended up finding some dirt and he was COVERED from head to toe.  Good times.  

I wish I had more photos of the game but it was hard trying to snap pictures with a baby on the run.

 So to try and resolve the 'running' baby, I threw him up on my shoulders.  I was laughing so hard because as soon as I did, he kept leaning over my left side to try and see my face...like he couldn't believe that he was higher than me or something.  

 And then after making eye contact with me, he would slobber my cheek.  I'd like to think he was smooching me. :)  I love this kid!

Even though this picture is a little blurry I was happy to have caught such a great play.  Kayla made an intense defensive move by stopping an almost wide open shot at the goal.

Being able to watch my kid's games in between Jo's hospital stay has been good therapy.  As hard as it is to be away from Jo, I do look forward to supporting them at their events.  

PARK DAY

I have missed these days...the days of playing at the park.

WELCOME BACK I say!

 Brady's at the perfect age for our little local park.

He hasn't quite mastered his climbing...but it won't be long.

And while Brady played....Jo napped.

He loves the outdoors.  

Even though he's been sick this week and quite fussy...it all goes away when he's outside.

And his happy, smiling self comes shining through.

Welcome back indeed I say!

RNC INVOCATION

Dad was asked by Mitt Romney to say the opening prayer last night at the  Republican National Convention.  

It was a proud moment for our family.

 And he did a wonderful job.

Way to represent dad!

FOREVER OURS

Brady was sealed to our family in the Boston Temple on Saturday.  It was the one year anniversary of the day we brought this sweet boy into our home.  As much as I would love to share the experience, there just are no words to describe the feelings of that day.  I felt Ben close and the arms of a loving Heavenly Father around me.  It was a perfect day. A glimpse into eternity...

8/25/2012

BRADY'S FIRST BITE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR BRADY!

It didn't take much coaxing for him to take the 

'traditional Hutchins' bite.  

Not bad for his first ever bite. :)

BRADY'S BIRTHDAY

Hard to believe my baby is one already.  It was a FABULOUS day!  He went shopping and picked out this fun new ride.  Grandpa and Grandma Orton and Aunt Suzanne came all the way out from Utah to help celebrate his birthday.  

Mama Kara treated him to some watermelon, his cozy coup and a basketball hoop.  His first shot was a slam dunk.

Daddy worked really hard on these antiques from 1973.  He's spent many hours sanding and painting these tonka trucks to look brand new.  Some day he'll have a sand box to go with them.

He spent most of the day outside riding on his new ride.

He even got Grandpa to take him for a spin.

He also got to ride on his first ride at the mall.  The firetruck was his favorite.

It was a HAPPY day for this one year old!