To know Ryan and I is to know our complete love and dedication to our sweet Haley girl. To know Haley is to know complete joy and undying love from the sweetest dog I have or will ever know.
On Friday, May 28th we had to say goodbye to precious Haley after what was an incredible fight against advanced stomach cancer. 9 weeks ago Haley was diagnosed and was only expected to last 2-3 weeks at that point. Haley was so incredibly strong and held on as long as she possibly could, allowing us 9 precious weeks to spoil her rotten (if it was possible to do more so than normal) and truly cherish our time together. Holding on long enouch to move to our new house and make sure that we were settled in and safe. Haley always knew how to make me feel safe and knowing that she was here at our new home, even though it was for a very brief time...gives me a sense of peace.
Haley came into our lives after only being married 5 months and at a time in which I needed her most. I was starting a new life with Ryan and in a new city far away from my family and friends. Haley gave me the security that I needed, a friend to cuddle and an undying amount of love and support in all the ups and downs that would come my way over those years in Utah. While Ryan traveled and I learned of my pregnancy, Haley was there to celebrate with me and to keep me company. I don't really know adult life without her and so as you can imagine adjusting will be an incredibly difficult process. At the young age of 5 years old our sweet JoJo was taken much to early from us, but in those short 5 years she lived life to the fullest. She has been everywhere and done everything. As our first baby we spoiled her rotten and after losing the status of only child to Taylor Ann...she became very motherly and loved her little Sis more than anything. Only a week ago she laid still while Taylor brushed her hair, blew dry it and curled it with her pretend princess hair tools.
Yep...we are crazy! We decided to take a road trip...and I mean road trip...all the way to Milwaukee, WI! Bryan & Courtney are getting married on the 25th in Milwaukee and we are on our way...just call us Road Warriors! We left Monday and drove to Salt Lake, staying with our great friends Annie & Murry. We took some time to visit Liberty Park in honor of our sweet Haley Girl and ran up her favorite hill. Haley grew up going to that park...she basically owned it! Every day we would take her for a walk there as a puppy and she would run up the hill and then practically somersault down the other side. We miss her so much and being there was really special, but of course awfully sad without her. Tay loved the chance to stretch her legs and RUN! Next day we hit the road by 6am with Starbucks in hand....drove 9 hours to North Platte, Nebraska. We had a great picnic lunch on the way at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Another early morning start today at 6am and 9 hours later we arrived in Dubuque, Iowa. Of course we had to stop in Des Moines, Iowa for a picnic lunch at Drake University...telling Tay all about her Unky Bryan's accomplishments there. Thankfully we found a great hotel with a pool and Taylor loved the chance to splash around and relax a bit after 3 full days of traveling. She is a serious road warrior...we can't believe how great she is doing so far! Tomorrow we drive just under 3 hours to Milwaukee and the wedding festivities will begin! 
