Today marked a day I have been dreaming about since having my little girl! I was shocked and incredibly excited that the studio I just started teaching at offers two year old dance classes. So of course, I enrolled our princess. I can honestly say that if Aspen doesn't enjoy dance as she gets older I wont force it on her or be upset. But at this age, she doesn't know any different and she also was really excited about going.
I was pulling her stuff together and as soon as she saw her ballet shoes she insisted on getting everything on at 8:30am, the class wasn't til 10am. At least this gave me the opportunity to get a couple of good shots of her.
Overall I think she did great for her first class. I was talking to some of the other mom's and Aspen is by far the youngest kid in the class, but this will be something she will experience her whole life--get use to it now kiddo! For at least half the class she wouldn't even move. She just sat and watched all the kids doing the little exercises. The teacher was great with her and checked in and asked if she wanted to join, but being a little shy and the "observer" she wasn't having it. Then they brought out some ribbons and that seemed to perk her interest and she started to move around. I think with time she will get more into. She hasn't stopped talking about how "dance class fun!". So even though it didn't look like she was having a blast, I think she was just taking it all in. What an awesome day!
My little monkey turned two a week and a half ago. I know...late with the post, but it proves I'm living with a toddler, no time!
Dear Aspen,
Sometimes we can't believe how fast you are growing up and how we need to remember to cherish all the little moments. Most of the time though, we are just enjoying all the time we get to spend with you. You have become such a fun little person to be with. You have been talking more and more, as if you knew the "2 year" was approaching and suddenly opened your mouth and now can't stop! We often see little parts of us in you. You dance around the house (just like your mommy), you climb on anything that you can (like your daddy), and definitely have the flair for the drama--I'll let you decide who you get this from! However, most of your wonderful personality is just all you, that's what we love. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next year will bring for our mischievous monkey!
Love,
Mom & Dad
This year for Aspen's 2nd birthday we decided to just have some of her friends over and our family, fill up our little pool, throw on some hamburgers and hot dogs, and call it a birthday party! I think everyone had a good time, especially the birthday girl! The day before the party was Aspen's birthday so she got her couple of presents from Jason and I. Her first gift we gave her in the morning which was a "bath-time" baby doll. Aspen's friend Eliza has this doll and she had become quite fond of it. Best $9 we have spent in a long time! The other gift we got her was one I had been 'working' on for a couple of weeks. I had been searching craigslist for a great deal on a wooden play kitchen. I ended up finding an awesome deal that also came with a bunch of food accessories and a shopping cart!
Of course at the party the big attraction was the pool. It actually seemed pretty nice in there and if I hadn't been under the weather I probably would have jumped in to cool off a bit (oh yes for my New England friends, we are having the hottest summer in the record books--last one was when I was pregnant!!).
After everyone had some lunch we dragged the kiddos inside to sing 'Happy Birthday'. We decided since Aspen isn't the biggest fan of cake, but a true ice cream lover we would have an ice cream bar at her party. I did make some brownies too which worked well to stick a candle in. I have to tell you (as if you can't tell from her face), she wasn't so sure about everyone singing to her...
But there was no doubt that she LOVED her ice cream. Jason worked on the recipe for the couple of weeks leading up to the party and I have to brag and say that was some awesome and delicious ice cream! Aspen topped her ice cream with Oreo's and sprinkles.
After all of Aspen's friends left the party and family was just hanging around Aspen opened her gifts. She is such a lucky girl and definitely got some great things!
Doggie purse from her friend Reilly.
Aspen's first Barbie, Ariel from her friend Allison.
Puppet elephant from Poppy promptly named Coco.
Playing in the crib for her babies from the Moore's--silly girl!
Hanging out with her best buddies of the moment, Pup-pup from Uncle Matt and Aunt Corry and Coco. Both these guys have to sleep on the floor next to her bed every night now.
Every year Jason's parents put together a vacation for all three of their children and their families to get together. We try to see his family as much as possible, but it's nice to know that at least once a year we can all kick back and have a good time. Despite the heat, this was an awesome trip. We stayed at The Antlers in Kingsland, TX right outside of Marble Falls on Lake LBJ.
The first day we were there we drove into Marble Falls and had dinner on the lake. The kids had a blast watching the boats go by. It's hard to eat with 8 adults and 4 toddlers, but we managed! The rest of our meals we cooked at the house, which probably works a little better :)
The second day we all woke up, ate breakfast and headed down to the swimming dock for some morning water time. The water temperature was nice and refreshing and the kids had a blast.
Our nephew Cameron and Aspen ready to jump in!
Dad and Daughter
Papa taking Aspen around for a swim
Cameron is the oldest of the all the cousins. He became quite the champion of jumping off the dock. Of course some of the adults had to join in on the fun!
Cameron jumping off!
My SIL Sarah taking the plunge!
I love this picture of Jason--one of the reasons I fell in love with him is for his young spirit--what a goof!
My niece Jessica looking like a cutie pie.
The second day we were there we all went out on a boat and also rented a jetski. I didn't bring my camera because I was too afraid I would get it wet. I have to tell you I have a new love for jetski's. I'm usually a pretty cautious person, especially since becoming a mother. However, when I got behind that thing I couldn't help but go a little crazy on it! Don't worry--safety first! But I did tell Jason this might be a good 30 year old birthday present in the future (wink,wink) :)
That afternoon the kids were hanging out after naps waiting for dinner to get ready. We got all of them to start playing "ring around the rosy". Jason took some video of the four of them playing together. It's so sweet to watch them play. Aspen was just "in love" with Cameron. We would wake up every morning and she would say, "Papa, Nanny, Cameron". It seemed like Cameron didn't mind to much. What a great older cousin!
Trevor and Aspen wanted to keep playing over and over and over. Everyone else was a little tired out, but that didn't stop the two of them.
We had a fantastic weekend with family and we are so thankful Nanny and Papa arrange this vacation with everyone every year. Can't wait til next year!