Dear Hayden,

There is a little red and yellow car that you LOVE! Everywhere we went that they had one, you were glued inside of it the entire time. I have been keeping my eye out for one, and they were on mega-sale last weekend at the toy store. Before Dad even got it fully assembled, you were playing with it, and the first day it was here, you were in it all day except for when you were eating or sleeping! I had to take some pictures! It is your all-time most favorite toy, so far.

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

You are 18 months old today! You are such a cutie — blue eyes, blonde hair with little curls in the back, and a little hop in your step! You are talking a lot — you walk around here saying, “Wa-wee” (water), “Hey-go” (Hayden) and “Uppppppp” (With spit on the “p” sound)!! You love “doggies” and “ducks” and you are getting good with the “Peez” and “Tank-oo” s, too! You are a joy to have in our lives. This time is passing too quickly!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

We’ve been working on your room this week, and it is finished! Donnie and Anthony started painting it on Monday, and then Megan and I finished painting it on Wednesday! Then, Dad and I hung all of your stuff back up on Wednesday night. It’s a pretty purple room!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

There have been a lot of people in town to celebrate GGP’s 76th Birthday! We’ve spent a lot of time together and you are really enjoying your cousin Dyllan!

Love you,
Mama

Cousins!

You and Dyllan

Family!

Dear Hayden,

Today, the new public library in our neighborhood opened! They had a huge celebration and we went to get in on the fun! They had a ton of cool activities — a juggler, a string quartet, a fire truck with firemen and a cool guitar-playing cowboy on a horse! Dad and I both love libraries and we know you will love them, too. It’s nice to be able to borrow and read as many books as you want!

Love you,
Mama

42

Dear Hayden,

Today, you and your dad picked radishes from your garden! The radishes are the first vegetables to be ready to pick, and you loved picking them! You were so excited when you pulled on the green stem and a big red radish came out! Your dad has quite a green thumb, and it is so neat to see you both out there each afternoon after Dad gets home from work watering and tending your garden!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

This weekend, you, Dad and I took a quick road trip up to Flagstaff. We stayed and hung out just one night with Shannon and Abraham, took a hike this morning, hung out with Sara and then headed home. It was quick but very fun to get away for a little bit. You hopped into the driver’s seat while Dad and I loaded up the car, and you road in the hiking backpack, which you loved! It’s so fun to watch you discover the world!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Today we went to the Wildlife World Zoo. It is home to many animals outside as well as the only aquarium in the state of Arizona. You loved it! Here are some pictures of you enjoying yourself!

Love,
Mama

You and Elijah at the Zoo

You and a Kangaroo

Getting on the Train for a Tour

Checking out an Emu from the Train

Watching the Animals

At the Giraffe Feeding Station!

Checking out the Fish!

Checking out the fish with Eli!

Dear Hayden,

On your dad’s side — you have a HUGE family! There are a lot of cousins, and you seem to meet more every few months! Yesterday you met Kelly, Daniel and Michael (you actually already met Michael at GGP’s birthday last year). You also met Kelly’s boyfriend Jeff. It’s neat to be a part of a big family because there are always people to meet and see.

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Happy Valentine’s Day! You make me so grateful for love in all its forms! Dad and I were reflecting today on how much you have grown in the last year! We had a great Valentine’s Day! We went to a great birthday party for Jaren at Pump It Up! You had a fantastic day!

Love you,
Mama

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