A Birthday Celebration

Sunday night we had a family birthday celebration for Ashlyn, and her cousin Brigg (they were born 5 days apart).

This year, Ashlyn was able to open her own presents, but her cousins were really helpful too!



She loved this xylophone - she has been playing with it constantly since she got it.


Daddy is helping her out with her bubble blowing lawn mower.


She must have spent 15+ minutes just pushing the lawnmower around the house. It was a hit for sure!


Brigg got one too (in boy colors)!


Allison made these delicious mint brownies for their "cake." They were sooooo yummy!


Ashlyn did a great job of blowing out the candles. I think she was all warmed up from the bubbles she had been blowing outside earlier!



Digging in!

Bryon Came to Town

Bryon flew into town for the weekend (from California) to visit Kari. While he was here, he stopped by at Brad's parents house and visited with us. We tried taking pictures with him and Ashlyn and Kari, but Ashlyn didn't really feel like looking at the camera.

Bryon looked great! He has been working out regularly and he was all toned!


Bryon and Kari blew bubbles and played in the playhouse with Ashlyn and she just loved it. She loves attention.


We also got to talk together for a little bit and it was so enjoyable. Bryon has been working hard and Kari is keeping busy too. We're excited to have them both around more often once school starts in the fall.


Thanks for stopping by guys!

When Will I Learn?

I recently returned from Youth Conference. Ashlyn helped me with my unpacking - specifically unpacking my moisturizer and foundation. What a sweetheart. When will I learn that an almost two-year-old is not old enough to be trusted with such tasks???

Backyard Swimming

We decided to try out the pool this morning. The water from the hose was freezing, but Ashlyn did eventually get in.





Earlier this morning, Ashlyn got a haircut. She was a little unsure about the whole thing, but overall, held very still!

So Much Love

I just walked in the room and saw that Ashlyn had fallen asleep for her nap. I love looking at her when she is sleeping - so precious. Sometimes I am just overwhelmed by how much love I feel for her. I am just so thankful that Heavenly Father sent her to us and I'm so excited to welcome another special little spirit into our home!

6 Months Down

I am now officially in my third trimester! I haven't thrown up in weeks and my only complaint is that I hardly have any energy. Now, just three more months (give or take a few weeks) and we will be holding our little boy.

Here is a picture of my belly that was taken last night (27 weeks). I wasn't good about taking pictures of myself when I was pregnant with Ashlyn, so I have no idea how this pregnancy compares to the last one. Though Brad and I both think this baby will be bigger.


As time goes by, I am getting more and more excited about having a son. I think it is going to be a really different experience. He seems more active inside my tummy and I wonder if that is any sign of things to come. At least I won't have to worry about him taking off his headbands or pulling the clips out of his hair!

Setting up the Jungle Gym

Well, first of all, Ashlyn is already enjoying her new toys. She takes very good care of them - especially Ernie. Today, she made sure that he had his sunscreen (it was actually eye make-up remover) on before they went grocery shopping.

Brad set up the Jungle Gym last night after he came home from work. It was quite a task, but of course, his engineering mind figured it all out. Ashlyn wasted no time in trying it out.

Brad taught her how to climb up on both sides.

Initially, she would just climb up the slide, slide down, climb up the slide, slide down . . .

When I was about 4, my parents bought a Jungle Gym, and I remember really enjoying it. I'm hoping it will be just as fun for Ashlyn and her younger siblings and all the cousins and friends that come to visit (hint, hint)!