The event happened over 2 weeks ago, but between problems with a worn-out computer and house issues, I am just now finally getting this posted. I had the oppurtunity to go with Chris to his swearing in ceremony to the Bar. He was accepted and sworn in, took the oath, and it is now official. We attended it at the Civic Center and the newest partner from the firm was there to make a motion for his acceptance. Another new hiree like Chris was there from his firm as well. Kind of funny, but his wife's name is Carrie, too. Sounded funny when they introduced us all together.
It was somewhat of a lengthy ceremony, and we left Hadley with a friend. Sounds ridiculous, but it felt a bit like a date. We were all dressed nice, and as we got in the car to go there and walked in the building together, I thought, 'Wow, this is the closest thing to a date that we have had in a long long time.' Kind of pathetic, I know. But when you move to a new place it is hard to find a sitter. Anyways, it was nice to spend the morning with Chris, and it was relaxing to just sit in a chair for a while and listen.
She liked the horses, and reached forward to touch them, but then would pull away at the last minute. She had a lot of fun at the McDonald's Farm, a little fake farm geared for really young children. She got a basket and was able to 'gather' some eggs and 'pick' some vegetables and fruits. We put her basket down while she got to ride a tractor toy and someone took her basket. I think it was a mistake. I saw the girl toddler and her mom walking off with it in the distance, but thought, 'Oh well. We will finish without it.' Hadley got to sit on a tractor and a wooden horse that was wearing a real saddle. She liked seeing the fake sheep, and mostly just running around grabbing all the fake veggies. She did enjoy the apples that they gave them upon exiting.
I think she had a fun day, and even though I only had her to talk to, I had fun with it being just my girl and me.
Can you believe this is New Mexico?! Not what used to come to my mind. And it is really pretty close to where we live!
As for Hadley updates, she is almost 17 months. For a while I felt like she was speaking new words a lot- every few days, but it seems to have slowed a little. She said 'up' today when she wanted down- is that really progress? But she also says 'ball' now, and she runs around the house with my soccer ball throwing it down, picking it up, and actually kicking it around too. She thinks it is really funny when I dribble it around her, and she tries to get it away from me. Tonight she really pulled a new one...she was coughing like crazy in her crib and I went in to check on her and she stood up, giggled, and reached for me to let her out. I laid her back down and left and the coughing started up again. Can you say manipulative?
Alex, one of my former students made us a wonderful dinner while in Utah. She is going off to college now!
My sister, Alyssa, and Hadley in Sea Port Village in San Diego. Hadley wasn't too thrilled about the bird, but had it been a dog...that would have been different. She loves dogs!
I am old! I went to my 10 year high school reunion and met up with my friend that I went to elementary, middle and high school with! Seeing Tina was a highlight of the night! 
And Jade! I played field hockey and soccer through high school with her! She still looked so very much the same!
This one was taken in Missouri. Hadley's cousins were reading to her at bedtime. So cute!
Hadley stole the piece of chocolate that my grams had given to me on my way out the door and shoved it into her mouth before I knew what to do. Little girl likes chocolate- like her momma!
