And now...for our final act!

It's official! We've adopted a newborn baby girl into our family! Yep, it's been a long time coming! Three years to be exact. We received a phone call Monday from LDS Family Services that our baby's birth was going to be induced Tuesday night at midnight. Baby was born at 9:53am Wednesday morning, weighing in at 6 lbs. 5 oz. and measuring 19 inches. We met the birth mom and baby at noon and got to know them for a long while. I later picked up the kids to meet their new sister at the hospital that evening. We all instantly fell in love! We are all so excited!!! We spent three of the longest days at the hospital feeding, burping, changing diapers, and just watching her sleep as we kept her company until we could sign the papers and take her home Saturday. It has felt like nine months of emotions crammed into a week for us and we are exhausted in every way and blessed to have a precious little baby girl in our family.

The process felt very long for us, required much patience, plenty of second guessing, and as with every answered prayer, it didn't happen in our time frame. And as a result, the timing couldn't have been more perfect! Everything has gone smoothly and we have no doubts that this beautiful baby girl is meant for our family.

So without further adieu, please say hello to Shaylee Ann Hone:

Welcome Shaylee

2010 May

More fun on the range. We should think about putting the camera out of reach! But...nah, where's the fun in that?!?

2010 April

April was another busy and fun month. It started with a weekend trip to Sacramento for my parents 50th wedding anniversary party over Easter weekend. The entire family made it for the most part. It was sure fun to see everyone and visit and have our kids get reacquainted or meet cousins for the first time. Photo album:

Hone Family 50 Party

After we returned, we had a little Easter celebration and egg hunt of our own:



Cub Scout Day Camp:



Big wheelin:



And, while Miki went for a weekend with the women folk of her family to Women's Conference, the kids and I went camping and exploring at Mojave National Preserve in CA April 30th. We hit the famous "rings" trail at Hole in the Wall visitors center, Mitchell Caverns, Kelso sand dunes, the Kelso visitors center, and a very cool lava tube. It was quite windy and cold the night we camped, but I cannot remember the last time I saw so many stars at night or ate so many S'mores. We had a blast! Be sure to follow along in the photo album:

Mojave National Preserve

2010 March

March included a short hike to a valley overlook.
A visit from Aunt Cassie and Uncle Jason.
A space derby.
The usual horsing around.
And a visit from Grandma & Grandpa, which also included a trip to the Children's Museum and a hike in Valley of Fire.

White Domes and Mouse's Tank Hikes

2010 February

February included a family bike ride on President's Day to one of our favorites: the historic railroad trail.

Kaleb also had a science fair project for school testing a couple of his cool airplane designs to see which designs flew the furthest and the longest.

Other than that, just the usual funtimes around the house.

2010 January

So, I am officially half-way through the evening MBA program at UNLV and am thoroughly enjoying a short three week break before my summer class begins. While I have many projects around the house on the back burner vying for my attention, I am determined to help get the blog up-to-date...starting with January.

Apart from my usual, grumpy self when I force myself to study...



...we are up to the usual pleasantries, like a hike to the Sloan Canyon petroglyphs...

Sloan Canyon

...losing our front teeth...



...entertaining mommy with the Indiana Jones impersonation...



...Pinewood Derby races...



...and breaking in our fun, new toys from Christmas.



Stay tuned for more action on the Hone range.

New Family Pictures

Hello Family & Friends!

A dear friend of mine, Corrine Christian, took some new family pictures for us a couple of weeks ago. I just love them and hope you'll enjoy them too!