The next generation....

With six new additions to the family, we feel it necessary to give them special credit. There is one missing that we were so sad to have missed on this trip. We'll be sure to make a special trip to see you soon Matty!!! There is also a seventh on the way. We will call him Baby Simpson for now as mom and dad to be are being very tight lipped about the name. Remember to hold on until December 27th. That's a perfect day to be born.

The Hoefen Kids (Ashlyn, Kayla, and Evan)

Beautiful Abigail. Thanks for keeping your parents awake.

She's a mirror image of dad.

Landen, dressed in what's sure to be one of many Harley shirts.

I'm jealous of your new scooter.

Congratulations Bret & Shannon!!!!!!!!

We're very happy for you. First dance as Mr. and Mrs. Hoefen.

Welcome to the family officially Shannon.....

"White Gangsta!!!!!" Mom, look at Bret's finger!!!!

That isn't how you taught us to act in public.

The Hoefen family is growing by leaps and bounds.

I may be biased, but I thought the flower girl was a

beauty and did you see her dance????

Daddy's Girls!!!!!

I think this picture clearly captures one PROUD Daddy!!!!!!!!!!! There isn't much I have to say about my girls. What a sweet life..........

An awesome summer visit.....

We had a great summer visit from our Nieces Amanda and Linda. They came to spend a few weeks in Orlando with the family. They have been in California for the past year. It was great to catch up with them.

They were here for Ashlyn's birth and were a huge help.

We miss you girls!!!!!!!! We can't wait to see you again.........

Sunday at the beach...

Kayla and I spent Sunday afternoon at the beach with the cousins. We went to Clearwater Beach outside of Tampa. It was HOT!!!!! We are averaging temperatures around 95 to 98 degrees each afternoon. The only thing that cools us down is the afternoon thunderstorms every other day this time of year. Remeber that the humidity level is around 90% by 9:00 in the morning. But while the north is shoveling snow to find their car, I will be golfing in a mild 50 to 60 degree winter. I'll put up with a few months in the AC or pool for that!!!!!!!!!!

I feel like I have a "Kayla tan-line" on my back. She spent the entire time on my back because she wanted to be in the deep water with me. Kayla has no fear of the beach.

We are looking forward to the day Ashlyn will be able to play with Kayla at the beach. Kayla has been a great sister. She loves to spend time "talking" to the baby. It is clear that they will be great partners in life. We feel like such a complete family. We are blessed.

The long awaited glimps....

Here is the picture everybody has been waiting to see!!!!!!!!!! This is Ashlyn at 2 days old on July 5th, 2007. This was taken in the hospital, but she and mom came home later the same day.

Here's the rest of the exciting story.... After three days in the hospital, we couldn't wait to get home. To relax (nurse free) in our own living room. To sleep in our own bed. Well, we got home Thursday afternoon just to find out that lightening had knocked out our air conditioner. The house was a stifling 88 degrees inside. The garage was the coolest place to be (and that is brutally hot).

We ended up spending the night at Elisa's parents house and returning again today after the repairs were made.

Daddy's Angels................

And the good news...

Ashlyn Elizabeth Hoefen was born this morning, July 3, 2007, at 8:08am. She weighed in at 7lbs. 6oz. Both mom and baby are doing great.

Kayla came over shortly after the birth to see her baby sister. She is such a caring girl. She will take great care of her sister.

Sorry no pictures yet. We are taking plenty, but I am posting from a semi functional hospital terminal. We will be sure to get them up as soon as we get home.

I know this is horrible....

I know this is a horrible video, but it was probably the most entertaining hour and a half I have ever wasted.

This a poor attempt, but it is also a first attempt. It's a little off, but I figured after an hour and a half, what am I going to do with it in the end anyway????

Check out Brian and his moves. He entertains me......

I Think We Have It....

After months and months of searching, we have finally settled on a name for the baby (36 hours before the scheduled birth)......

Her name will be:



Ashlyn Elizabeth Hoefen



Ashlyn - is our changed version of Asha which means hope in Sanskrit. Ashlyn's maternal grandmother's name is Esperanza which means hope in Spanish.

Elizabeth - is a form of Betsy meaning "My God is a Vow." More importantly this is also Ashlyn's paternal grandmother's name.


If all goes as planned, hopefully we won't end up with a son named Ashlyn. If it's a boy, I think we have put all of our eggs in one basket. We don't have a boy name picked out. We will have to think quick on our feet. Knowing that it took nine months to come up with a girl name, we'll see what happens. Who knows, Ashton doesn't sound too bad????