It's been a while...

It's been over a month since the last time I have blogged. I feel like I have a million things going on at once lately and the last thing on my "to do list" is a blog post. Aspen has been doing great over the last month. She is talking so much more, which has been fantastic. It makes life a lot easier when I know what she wants or needs in the moment. She continues to be a great eater and has finally started "sleeping in". She use to get up sometimes as early as 5:45am for the day and now we are on a regular 7:15am - 7:30am wake-up. Most days Daddy wakes her up getting ready for work. It makes the world of a difference in my energy and mood!

Since it has been so long I thought I would just post some pictures from the past couple of weeks and I promise to all the family far away that doesn't get to spoil her...more frequent posts will be in the future!

Aspen having a blast at her buddy Elizabeth's 2nd birthday party.

Taking a walk at the duck pond in Midland with her Papa and Nanny.

Daddy, Nanny, Papa, and the squirmy toddler :)

Papa and Aspen riding a dinosaur at the park.

What a big girl!

Just relaxing her Papa.

I love this little face. What a sweet pea!

Aspen loving on Amy.

Time for some stretches!

Happy Easter!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Some Easter pictures for you to enjoy of Aspen and Bella...

A Girl on the Move...

Looking adorable with her own "Easter Bunny"

Last year at Easter...

Boy has she changed--same serious face though!

Easter Egg Hunt

This morning we went for Aspen's very first Easter egg hunt. Last year she wasn't quite old enough and didn't get to join in only many Easter activities.

My friend, Shelli and her husband John and their two girls, Eliza (who's birthday is about a week after Aspen's) and Baby Sarah invited us to an egg hunt in their neighborhood. We were so glad we went, it seemed liked the two girls had a great time grabbing for the eggs. There was more than enough for all the kids!

Aspen was really into filling her bucket up with the eggs. We weren't to excited about her having the goodies on the inside, so once we got home we hid them :)

And yes, I know Aspen isn't sporting the best smile the picture below...I had to have a full dress shot! I got this dress really discounted about 4 months ago and have been waiting for her to wear on Easter. I decided that she could wear to the egg hunt and tomorrow :)

Happy Easter!

Our Nephew's 3rd Birthday!

This past weekend we drove up to Fort Worth to celebrate my nephew's 3rd birthday. His birthday is actually the same days as my mom's birthday, March 28th. With some illness going around, they had to push it back a little bit. I don't think it bothered Cameron to much, since he insisted that, "This was the best birthday party he had ever had!". I thought this was hilarious--out of all three this one ranked the highest :)

We wanted to give Cameron his present before the party so we could see him enjoy it. I picked this thing up at Costco and it was a huge hit with all the kids. It's an inflatable ball that the kids can get in and roll around.

Aspen and Cameron pushing the ball around--don't worry no one was inside!

 

 

Having a good time!

We spent most of the night letting the kids run around and play outside, which wore them out a ton! Aspen really enjoyed the slide they have in the backyard. Note: Yes she is barefoot. I can't get this kid to keep her shoes on! I wouldn't mind except living in Texas you have to beware of fire ants. Let's hope she doesn't wonder into an ant pile!

We got all the cousins to climb up on the slide and try and take a picture together. They were slightly annoyed with us interrupting their playtime for a picture, except Cameron--he was smiling :).

The next morning was Cameron's party. They had it at a park that was really nice. There was a huge playground, lots of trees (this is important for the pale folks!), and a nice pond with ducks. They brought a soccer goal and ball for the kids to play with. Aspen was more interested in throwing the ball in the net. Although this kid has quite the throw and kick. Maybe a ballerina isn't in her future and she will be a sports star?

They also had a pinata for the older kids. It was a fun activity and thankfully no one got whacked in the face!

It was really nice for Aspen to see her cousins, aunts/uncles, and grandparents. All the kids change so much between visits. Last time we got together there were only two walking and this time all four were running around. I can't wait til they are all talking!

Aspen and Trevor

Jessica and Aspen playing with bubbles.

I can't believe Cameron is already 3 years old. It makes me feel old! I feel like it was just yesterday we went up to visit his mom in the hospital when he was born. Man time flies...

Visiting Cameron in the hospital- 3/28/08

Cameron blowing out his candle!

My Little Modern Dancer

I know this video is really long, but I just couldn't bring myself to cut any of it. I guess Aspen is watching closer than I thought when Mommy is working on choreography or class stuff. Haha. I just love it!

Animal Fun!

Last weekend we went to the Austin Rodeo with Aspen. This was not only her first visit, but also my first trip to a rodeo. We had such a great time and we will definitely go back next year. Who knew all the fun I was missing out on?!?

We went to the petting zoo first. Jason and I both knew that Aspen was going to love it considering her fondness for Bella and the chickens. I was really impressed with all the animals in the petting zoo.

Listening to her Dad about how to be gentle with the animals.

After the petting zoo we walked over to the pony rides. At first I didn't think she was old enough to go on them, but we saw a few people with kids her age--so when at the rodeo, ride a pony! This were looking really grim when Jason first put her on the pony. I honestly thought she was going to start screaming and we were going to have to exit early.

But as soon as the ponies started moving she was fine and loved it. I could hear her yelling out "Choo-choo!". She pretty much says "choo-choo" for any type of ride we go on. I'm so glad she stayed on and enjoyed her first pony ride.

Then we headed over to the pig race tent. This was hilarious and so much fun and Aspen just loved watching the little piggies run around the track. She just kept saying "more,more" after the races were over.

Excited for the races to start!

We grabbed some lunch and after that walked through the main fairground area with all the animals. It was cool to see the different "Grand Champions". They were still having competitions while we were there that you could watch. Aspen really enjoyed watching the horse and carriages in the warm-up circle. I think she was pretty exhausted by this point and was just enjoying watching them go around and around.

We had a great time and can't wait til next year!

St.Patick's Day Dinner

Saturday night we went over to my dad's house to have our traditional corned beef dinner. It was delicious! I know it's not for everyone, but it's one of my favorite holiday meals.

Aspen was pretty excited about the dinner. She loved the meat, parsnips, and even enjoyed a couple of turnips. I can't get this girl to eat a potato for the life of me! I also made Irish Soda Bread again this year. It came out great; I just wish I had made two loaves. 

It's always hard to get group shots, but I used my dad's tripod that my brother and I got him for Christmas and we got a pretty good shot :)

Of course we couldn't end the evening without Poppy and Aspen doing a little interpretive dance. I have a feeling a lot of this goes on when Aspen goes to Poppy's for an overnight.

Another wonderful St.Patrick"s Day to add to the memory books!