Friday Morning Dance Party

Shouldn't we all try to wake up every morning this excited about life...



You know it just puts the biggest smile on my face when she starts dancing around like this. Hope it puts a smile on your face--Happy Friday!

An Afternoon at IKEA

Today we went and purchased our new kitchen cabinets from IKEA. I can't wait for our project to be done. The floors look amazing and now we are getting the painting done. I'll post pictures after everything is finished.



Aspen had a blast while we were there and we even had lunch while we waited for our large order of cabinets and etc. We got her a PB&J to eat with some apple sauce. She ate the apple sauce, but first taste of the PB&J--well, she wasn't impressed. She preferred her Dad's lasagna. What a sophisticated palette for such a youngster.

Family Wedding/4th of July/11 months old--all in one big post!

We got back yesterday from a week long trip up to Massachusetts and Maine. We went to not only spend time with my mom, but also to attend my cousin's wedding. It was a very busy trip, activities everyday, but it was wonderful to spend time with everyone.

The Wedding

My cousin Jillian got married on Friday evening. It was a gorgeous ceremony and reception. My uncle (the father of the bride) gave a wonderful speech that had everyone in tears. It was nice being a guest at the wedding and getting to enjoy the food, drink,and of course dancing! We left Aspen with my Aunt Judy (other side of the family) and Uncle Jim. Unfortunately Aspen wasn't on her best behavior for them, but they made it through and I didn't call so thankfully I wasn't worried. I think there was a lot of activity and location changes that Aspen was bound to have a little meltdown. This was her only one the whole time--otherwise she did great.

The Bride and Groom (Jill and Steve)



Cousins--Amanda, Jill, and Me



On Saturday my Uncle John and Aunt Dora had people over to their house for a post-wedding BBQ. I'm so glad they had this so that people could meet Aspen. She hung out in the backyard under the huge tent enjoying watermelon and a grilled cheese. I'm so glad everyone got to meet her and hopefully next time we can all spend more time together.



Aspen and her Great-Grammy



4 of July in Maine

We headed out late afternoon from the BBQ to go to Maine for the 4th. My Aunt Mary has a cabin on a lake that I literally grew up on. My brother and I spent every summer from birth at Mirror Lake. Then about 11 years ago my aunt bought a cabin on the lake, so now I get to share this place with my husband and my daughter.

Godfather and Goddaughter (someone just woke up)



We took Aspen out for a swim and after getting her an age appropriate float, she loved it! She was kicking her legs and splashing the water. The only reason we got out was the sun and the fact that she was trying to swallow half the lake. I'm so glad she wasn't afraid and is such a brave girl.



We also enjoyed some lobsters thanks to Aunt Mary. Of course Aspen had to try some--I'm not sure if it was the lobster or the butter, but she enjoyed it!



The guys had an awesome time fishing, of course turning it into a competition. I think Matt won in the end--I'm sure there might be a rematch next time the opportunity comes up.





Aspen also made a new best friend--her soon to be Auntie Corry. Thanks for all your help with her, she really enjoys your songs!




11 months old



On Monday Aspen turned 11 months old. One more month and she will 1! Last time this year I was dying of heat and ready to get "this baby out!". She has been so much fun and is quite the handful. Mostly because she has no fear, which makes me nervous from time to time. Not walking yet, but I know she could if she wanted to--she cruises everywhere. No more teeth so far, just the two still. She is still petite, but it works out because her clothes are lasting longer. She continues to "talk" all the time and her favorite word is definitely "Dada". Although anyone could be dada at this point. She is such a goofball sometimes and even after stressful days can always put a smile on my face.

Not Much To Say...Just a Few Cute Pics

We have been so busy getting our house prepped for having our floors refinished that I've barely had time to think. However, during it all I still had to steal a few shots of our little girl. We are also heading out of town on Wednesday for Massachusetts for a week, so the blogging will come to a pause for a little while. Don't worry...we'll be back with lots of pictures of our trip, renovations, and who knows what else!

Even though she doesn't have much hair, she sure does look cute in that bow!





Snuggle buds...



"Ok, Mom! I'm done with picture time!" I told Jason that I bet she will sport this expression during most of her teenage years...eh, she is still adorable to me!

Happy Father's Day

Last year around this time I was about 6 weeks away from having my baby girl in my arms. We didn't celebrate Father's Day to much last year because Aspen was still in my belly. However, this year I tried to do it up as much as possible. Jason is such an amazing father. He does everything for his family and has a wonderful relationship with his daughter that not all father's end up having. The look on Aspen's face when her Dad walks through the door literally melts my heart. I'm so lucky to have married such a wonderful man.

Back when Aspen was 1 week old with her Dad.



This morning at breakfast.



This little girl just loves her Daddy.



I made pancakes and baked eggs with sausage and mushrooms topped with melted Gruyere cheese. It was pretty delicious. Of course Aspen enjoyed her favorite breakfast treat--pancakes!



Aspen was in a bit of a pancake coma--she looks like a little monkey in this picture.



I also have to give a shout out to our dads. Happy Father's Day--thanks for being such great fathers and a wonderful Poppy to Mimi and Papa to Mary Aspen :)





Hope all the fathers out their have a wonderful day; thank you for all you do!

Aspen's little "song" for her daddy this morning--

Taking after Bella

Aspen spends most of her time with her parents and her puppy dog Bella. The other day I was able to snap some shots of her playing in Bella's dog bed. I don't think Bella was to happy with the whole thing, but I thought it was hilarious. Sometimes it seems like she thinks she is a dog--I'm just happy that all the pups in her life put up with her abuse!

10 months old!

Yesterday was Aspen's 10 month old birthday. She is almost 1 and I can't wait to have a little birthday party!



At 10 months old, this is what you are up...

* You love a lot of different foods. You're favorites are eggs, beans, and lately watermelon.



* You are becoming more and more independent everyday. You can entertain yourself with your toys for a good hour at times. Of course you're parents enjoy this too!



* You have two teeth on the bottom, but that's all for now.

* You love to pull up on anything and everything and cruise over to the next piece of furniture.



* You're very talkative--even if we don't know what you're saying.




* You went for your first overnight away from your parents to your Poppy's house and did great.

* You went swimming in a pool last weekend and ended up loving it. I think we will be hitting up the pool a lot this summer because you took a great nap when we got home!



*You love to dance and throw your arms over you head and shake them. You also love to wave to people especially in the grocery store.



You are such a little character and I love watching you change. I can't believe last year at this time I was getting ready to plan a baby shower. It really does go by so fast!