Taking a bite of the Big Apple

We started our day marching with the Irish and ended it with a trip to Mars. It was a loaded day and our feet are sore! The kids were begging to come back to the hotel and we actually had about an hour of quiet time before they reloaded their energy tanks.

First thing on this mornings agenda was the St. Patrick's Day parade. Jerry and I under anticipated the crowd that would show up for the green celebration. We kept a tight hold on the kids and crept our way through the crowds. When we finally found a place the kids could see over the crowds we were lucky to hear and see a beautiful group of bagpipes and then firemen carrying american flags. Brody and I even found St.Patrick in the crowd and were able to get out picture with him.

We did not linger long because the kids were anxious to go to the zoo in Central Park. However, before we made it to the zoo we came across the ice skating rink in Central Park and that stole the show! Jerry and the kids laced up and took to the ice. They all did great. Laynee was like a little pro. Clay had a few falls but still did great. Maycee was very confident on her own and enjoyed being spun around by her Dad. Tyler was on hockey skates and practically racing around the track . I enjoyed seeing them all have fun. I would have loved to skate with them but Maycee had not worn socks to I loaned her mine and I sat out with Brody. The kids all decided skating was more fun than a zoo so we hung out there for a couple of hours.

Once all fun was had at the rink we headed off to our first toy store. FAO Schwartz had several soft places for us to rest our sore feet and several tempations for the kids to think about. The most beautiful thing happened though. We did not have to fight even one time! Each time the kids found something they liked we would tell them they could have it if they wanted to spend their money. They would thing about it and then often decide to put it back. We came out with a couple small bags of candy, one stuffed dog, two new inventions similar to a hacky sack for the boys and one small bunny for Brody. I think total less than $50.oo was spent on everyone. That doesn't even happen at the grocery store!! We did come out with several VERY cute pics of Brody. He got all the looks from all the customers. They wanted to take him home.

Once our feet were rested and we escaped the toy store with Brody we headed off to dinner at Mars 2112. It was recommended as a fun place for the kids and turned out to be great. We were worried about the wait on the green holiday but this place was not busy and we walked right in. It was perfect for the worn out Mom and Dad. They theme of the restaurant is obviously a space and alien environment. The menu was built around the theme and when you enter they take you in a simulated space ship and "rocket" you up to the restaurant. Once inside it is like a cave...very cool. Again the kids chose from the menu based on their budget and it was even more great fun. They enjoyed getting out their money and paying Dad at the end of the meal.

We are now all blasted back down to earth and Jerry is snoring. Poor Dad was really put through the ringer. The kids are all asleep and I am ready to turn off the lights. I noticed one really great thing today. Whether it be playing in the back yard on the tramp or riding quads at the river or taking a bite out of the Big Apple we have an enjoyable and wonderful time being together as a family!! And...Jerry and I do not know what life would be like without our little bitta bo....he completes our family....we are so greatful he is finally here to join in the fun!

We had a lot of other fun pics today. I am including the link to snapfish where I uploaded all the photos. I am also uploading a couple of videos of the kids ice skating. Enjoy!http://http//www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=277645670/a=57348796_57348796/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

New York City....here we come!

We are here~yeah!! The flight was a little crazy but the kids did well and Brody slept most of the way. He was an angel as always. After we checked in our first stop was dinner. We went to Hard Rock Cafe. The music was loud but the food was good considering we had not eaten since 8:00 this morning. Jerry sent a text message to the missionary that taught me the discussions that is now living in NY city. He was just getting off work so he came and had dinner with us. He is an aspiring singer with a voice that will bring tears to your eyes. He is so talented. It was fun to see him and catch up on how our lives have changed.

We walked to dinner and the kids were in awe with the tall buildings. Tyler is in snap-happy mode. He cannot snap enough pics to capture all the cool things he is taking in. It is so fun to see how each of the kids are saoking up the big city. Even little Brody's eyes are as big as silver dollars. There is soooo much to see and experience. We are sticking to the budget with the kids and it is working really well. Tonight they wanted to rent an movie and we told them they could split the cost and pay for it. They changed their minds and watched regular TV. Thanks to Steph for the heads up on giving them spending money.

We are now tucked in and shutting things down so we can recharge for tomorrow. We are so excited to get out and explore. Tomorrow will probably be a parade, zoo and ice skating. We'll see how long our legs last. Good night!

Can you believe it? I am four and a half months old! Mom says I am growning a lot lately. I love playing with my new toys and have recently discovered that I have hands. They do all kinds of cool things. They can hold onto my toys, pull my binki out of my mouth and they all fit into my mouth at the same time! Mom says they will put my binki back in my mouth too but I like to make her get out of bed and do it for me, then I know she is still there. Mom is making me do this crazy thing where I have to fall asleep by myself and I don't like it!! She says I need to take a nap but I just want to play. Naps are for babies, I am a big boy, can't you see how I am holding my head up? I still love her though. She feeds me yummy milk. My brothers and sisters play with me a lot. Tyler and Clay are fun big brothers. Clay like to teach me how to box. He keeps saying "I'll give you so many left's you'll be beggin for a right". I'm not sure what right and left are. Tyler is good at holding me and changing my clothes. Sometimes we hang out on his bed while mom is doing stuff around the house. He is pretty cool. My sisters are fun too. They like to carry me and play with me. Well, I guess I will take a nap now. Mom read this new book and it says I need four naps a day. I have tried it and I do feel better. She says I am a really good baby and is enojoying every day with me. She also says something about deserving a good baby because of my sister. I guess someday I will understand!

We had another exciting event occur on February 14th. Clay decided he wanted to be Baptized! It was a beautiful day. In our church when the children turn eight they have the option to get baptized and learn about what that decision means. We talked to Clay about following the example of Jesus and learning to be like Him and Clay was so excited. Clay has a tender big heart and loves learning about the Savior. He loves to memorize scripture and highlight them in his very own set of scriptures. Jerry and I are so proud of him and happy he made this decision. He will make a great missionary someday. Clay is a strong spirit and we know that as the light of Christ continues to grow within him he will be a light to all those he comes in contact with. This handsome boy brings great joy to his parents and is a great example to his siblings. We are so blessed!

River Trip Feb. '09

The Hahn family has been very busy living life and enjoying it! A couple weekends ago we made a trip to the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona. It is a favorite weekend get away place for our kids. When it is warm out we play on the water and the beach but hen it is cool we like to play on the quads & ranger. This last trip was one to remember. It was Brody's first "camping" trip and the rest of the family had a blast riding. When they came back each time, they were more dirty then the time before. They also climbed to some challenging heights to find beautiful views. The last night was the most fun for Jerry and Clay. It had been raining all day so they decided to go on a night ride with two of the other guys that were with us. As you can see they came back a little muddy and SOAKED! Clay's clothes were as wet as if he has just jumped into a swimming pool. They had a blast.

Three Months Today!

It has been a long three months but I have made it and am doing well! I am eating really good and feeling better than ever. Mom says I am about 11 pounds. She got on the scale with me but she wouldn't tell me how much she weighed. I have stared talking in a quiet voice and Mom trys to get it on video but the light scares me. I did laugh yesterday for the first time. Mom is good at finding that tickle spot on my neck. i have to go now... my tummy is hungry and I am getting cranky. I love all of you and miss being held by everyone. Have a fun January 9th and GO CARDS!

Happy New Year

This past week was full of fun celebration. We rang in the new year with some good friends and a back yard bon fire. Brody did not make it to midnight but was ready to party around 2:00 instead. It was a fun night......

On Saturday we celebrated Clay's eigth birthday. Instead of a party he decided to take a friend to a Cardinals playoff football game. They had a great time. The game was really good and the Cards won!! Yeah...Go Cards. Clay is a Fitzgerald fan and had gotten a jersey from Santa so he was ready to cheer on the team. On Sunday we had cake and presents at our home with the family. As you can see we had to get creative with the candles, we like to recycle and Clay found a #5 candle that was still hangin around and added three little candles to it to make 8. He chose a german chocolate cake. It was yummy and a great way to enjoy the celebration.

Today the kids are back to school and mom is at home trying to dig out of the choas left behind by having everyone home for two weeks. The kids were excited to go back to school. They like their teachers and missed their freinds.

2009 is going to be a good year...I am sending out positive vibes in hopes they will come back in great fold....Happy New Year!!