Sand Dunes

For Aunt Cyndi

When you loose someone it seems you find them in many aspects of your life. I have been finding Cyndi a lot lately. At first I am a little sad, then I realize this is only the begining, she is where we are all striving to be and I am happy for the time I did have to get to know her and share a family with her. I see her emails in my inbox, gifts that she sent to Raine (Raine's book d'jour is one that Aunt Cyndi sent for her birthday), and even when I do my blog or sign with Raine (Cyndi gave us a baby sign language book for our baby shower). I know how much she enjoyed seeing Raine and reading about her adventures, she seemed to always be the first to see a new post and I loved getting to talk to her about it. I loved getting her emails to read a story about Dan or Trey. Raine has started babbling like crazy recently, the other day she was going through her animal book that Cyndi sent her and telling me an hour long story (in a very animated fashion) - very little of which did I understand - and it reminded me of a story about Dan speaking in his own language that Cyndi told me. I am greatful for getting to hear such wonderful stories about his childhood. I am just so thankful for having her in my life. Please enjoy this slide show in her memory and know that she is loved, happy and peaceful.

Summer Fun

This slide is a compilation of all the fun we had when my family was visiting us. We went to the Flagstaff Highland games - which was pretty fun and a little cooler than Phoenix. We hung out in the kiddie corner most of the time, but Diana Gabaldon and the Wicked Tinkers were there. They had an oatmeal toss (too cute) and a yummy smelling archaeological dig (I think little bones and rocks were buried in cocoa shells). We also took some pictures at the Chinese cultural center in the garden and went to a few different libraries, pools and museums. The other "main event" was Mighty Mud Mania. It was not as laid back and fun as last year, but everyone still got pretty muddy and had a good time. Raine thought there were entirely too many people there and there were big muddy holes in the ground that she did not appreciate. Jaiden as you can see was swimming and wallering in the mud, I think he had a good time. Poor Kieran was stuck watching the strollers - we tried to get him muddy. I also got a chance to do some yoga with the kids and Raine showed off a few of her moves for the camera.

Snow in Phoenix?!?!

This slide is from Winter in July at the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo had tons of snow delivered for the enjoyment of the animals and visitors. The snow was not really as fun as I thought it would be. It was sooooo hot outside and the snow was soooo cold. Raine and I tried to walk around in the snow, but it was just too cold and she didn't like it much. She did love playing in the water and at the splash pad they have. We also got a chance to see some little monkeys (lemurs I think) playing and jumping through the trees right over our heads. The monkeys were pretty exciting, usually it is so hot they just sleep the whole time so it was really neat to see them playing. Raine was so excited she just kept giggling and signing "monkey" at them.

Happy 4th of July!

And so it begins ...

My sweet little baby is calling me VERNA! What is this about? Where did my cute "Mom mom mom" go?!?! Apparently kids go through this call the parents by first name thing - however I was not aware this happened at the age of 1! I think the kids I nanny for taught it to her, since they call me by name. It is so heartbreaking to her Raine call me Verna, she says it in such a cute way, but it is still sad. I only hope she decides to call me mom again some day.
I got my camera last night so poor Raine got a camera stuffed in her face as soon as she woke up this morning. She got so sick of me following her around with the camera that she wouldn't smile anymore, not even when I tickled her or made funny noises!

All about Raine

Jordan RAINE Hocker

Age: 16 1/2 months

Words I know: me-me-me, baby, car, mo dog, uh-oh, nana, mom, dad, bird, pee, ball, go, yeah, good girl, buckle, balloon, more and a handful more.

Signs I know: milk, mom, dad, monkey, bird, horse, please, thank you, eat/food, juice, drink, potty, friend, more, fish, no, friend, girl, boy, duck, all done, dog, bear, fish, shoe, car and many more.

Body parts I know: eyes, ears, nose, mouth, head, hair, hands, feet, arms, legs, knees, cheek, chin, toes, tongue, teeth, fingers, bum (I think she knows her whole body now!).
Favorite toys: babies, ride on cars, balls, bikes, bouncy rooms

Favorite games: give all of Mom's kisses to Dad, peek-a-boo, dancing, head butting, playing with Mo

Favorite foods: turkey dogs, mac and cheese, lasagna, Gerber Graduates Cheese puffs, hummus, salsa, toast, oatmeal, strawberries, bananas, and apparently now steak.
Favorite drinks: cranberry juice, carrot juice, chocolate milk, yogi tea (no caffeine, just spices)

Random favorite things: Shoes!!!