Aquarium

Hattie loves to watch Octonauts and has been asking to go the aquarium.  So a few weekends ago we made it happen!

The shark tank was awesome!

The Utah area:

Otters!

Penguins! We even got to see the penguin feeding right before we left.

Cute little penguin!

It's hard to tell, but that fish is HUGE!

There were several 15 minute movies to watch, included in the price of admission. Hattie did not like the glasses!

I didn't get one of them looking at me, but here's out front!

To make it even better, we ran in to my cousin Mace and his family! Small world.  Hattie had a great time!

Primary Children's Memorial

We were invited to Primary Children's annual memorial for patients they have lost.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to go or not, but glad we did in the end!  The Headley's were there too, so in the very least it was good to see them :)

I started crying as soon as we got in the room where the program would be.  We sent a photo of Henry for the slideshow- all the photos had been printed, framed and put on a table for all to see.  We got to take ours home.

Then I saw Tiffany as she came over to hug me and really started crying!  There were several speakers including the chaplain for the hospital and another bereaved mother who had her son read a poem she wrote about her child who passed away.  There was lots of music and the slideshow.  I tried to take pictures, but I knew Henry's was coming and started crying and shaking so it's blurry:

I did much better getting Lily's!

Then we went outside where the released 100 white doves!

We could also write a message, or just our child's name on a ribbon and attach it to a wreath that was then displayed at Primary Children's for a time:

I've said it before- I wish I didn't know Tiffany, Jeff, and Cohen!  We met in the worst way possible- in the hospital right before our perfect children passed away.  But I'm incredibly grateful for their friendship!

It was difficult, but overall I'm glad we went.  I'm thankful for Primary Children's and how hard they tried to save my son.  I'm thankful for the acknowledgement that their best wasn't good enough and that they mourn every child lost, including Henry.

Just to be clear- I'm not blaming the hospital, doctors, or nurses.  I know Henry's case was extreme and nothing short of a miracle could have saved him.  Everyone I have talked to at Primary's since that day have been incredibly thoughtful, kind, and helpful.  I would recommend the place to anyone, but I never hope to go there again.

As always, we love you Henry!  We miss you.  We cherish your short life and cannot wait to be reunited on the other side.

Airplane Museum

Hattie and I made a trip to the Hill Airforce Museum of Flight...mainly so I could get a smashed penny.  I collect those, FYI (I even have one from France! Well, I guess it's a smashed euro).  Hattie likes going and it's free!

Hattie asked to have her picture taken with the "Jake and the Neverland Pirate's" plane.  Meaning it had a skull on it.  But it was named the Jolley Roger (same as Captain Hook's boat), so she wasn't far off!

She also requested her picture to be taken with the 'really big plane'.

Then she told me to stand by a plane so she could take my picture :)

See her by the back wheels?

I love spending time with my little lady!

Cards

I've made several cards lately for different occasions!  They don't always turn out perfectly, but I enjoy making them :)

I am not the best at remembering birthdays outside my immediate family, but Oma, Jana, and Jeanette are lucky because they all have the same birthday! Which means I'm three times more likely to do something for them as I can do three cards at a time.

Sometimes I think I'm hilarious!  Jana's (aka J-Bird) card:

Wedding card for Kurt's cousin:

 Card for a baby shower!

Apparently I'm all for using different mediums- paint, paper, and photoshop.

Everyday

Making ice cream!  Hattie couldn't wait for it to be done.

All the girls thought it was delicious!

Hattie and I out on a run.  Stopped at the park on the way home.

We tried to go bowling, but it was an hour wait for a lane, so we just played at the arcade instead.  Hattie was very excited about the tickets!

"Reading" the sign.

Hattie thought we looked 'so pretty' with lipstick on!

Hattie doing yoga!  So cute!

The Great Salt Lake Shorelands preserve in Layton:

Coloring!

Trying out her old car seat.  I haven't been able to put it away, so it has become a permanent fixture.

Hanging out by the river at Spider Park (actually called High Adventure Park).

Making Play-Doh cookies.  Hattie loves play-doh!

Jumping on the trampoline for the first time since she broke her leg!

Enjoying the rain!

We, the RS presidency, put on an appreciation dinner for everyone who has a calling in Relief Society.  I helped set up, but all credit goes to Carrie for putting this together!

If you recall a couple years ago (why wouldn't you?!), the red and white striped table skirt if from Hattie's first birthday.  I'm glad I held on to it and was able to use it again!

Henry's Headstone

In the beginning of April I got a phone call that Henry's headstone had been placed!

I was super relieved that it was finally done, and then extremely anxious.  What if I hated it?  What if it was horrible?!  Picking out a headstone wasn't a great process.  I wouldn't recommend the place we used.  He forgot to ask us some important questions and I then had to make on the spot decisions when he called without being sure what I was deciding.  I was annoyed.  And I wasn't exactly sure what Henry's headstone would look like.  But at least it was done!

We drove up to Iona that weekend after learning the headstone was in place, and I am so incredibly happy with the results.

It was a stressful process, but I'm glad it all turned out well.  We bought the rainbow pinwheel at the Tulip Festival when we were in Mt. Vernon.  We're always thinking of you little man!

Tried to get a family selfie...

There were horses in the pasture behind the cemetery:

We spent time with Grandpa and went to Iona Square (as always!):

A new contraption in the Square.  Hattie's not impressed.

I love this picture.  I love my Grandpa in the background watching and I love Hattie pushing Kurt on the swing!

I'm glad we don't live too far away!