Our Utah trip so far!

Here are some pictures of our trip so far. We really miss Daddy, but are trying to stay busy!

We went out on the boat with Brandon, Tonya, Greg, Barb, Grandpa, and all the kids. We had a great time. Ashlyn loved the tube and didn't want to get off.

Thanks Barb for the next two pics!

Brandon made it his mission to make sure that all of us got thrown from the tube. I held on the longest, but I think it was because I was in the middle.

We attempted to take pics of all the grandkids. It will definitely take a lot of photoshopping to get one with everyone looking at the camera and smiling!

Caleb got his first sucker and wouldn't let it go!

Grandpa talked to a friend of his from church and was able to take the kids for a pony ride.

Ashlyn wanted to take her turn at pulling the cart!

Ashlyn has been asking to go fishing for the past year. I told her that she would have to ask Grandpa to take her. Well she did and he took all the kids fishing last Saturday. It was too bad that the fish weren't bitting, Avery was the only one who caught a fish.

Caleb Turns One!

Caleb had his first birthday on July 1st. I can't believe he is already one. It seems like yesterday I was at my baby shower and going into labor. Ashlyn and I took him swimming on his birthday. Then the next day we had a little party with our family in Hickory. Caleb had a chocolate cake (I made a giant Hostess Cupcake.) and loved every minute. I cut him a large piece to make it easier for him to eat. I ended up having to take the last of it away because he wouldn't stop eating. We were afraid that he would get sick. Caleb didn't think that it was very cool that I took it away, in fact he even cried about it.

Caleb playing swords with his cousin, Noah.

4th of July

We were invited to a friend's house on the 4th. We played in the lake all day, had some awesome grilled pizzas, and watched two fantastic fireworks shows. We had a blast playing and hanging out with friends. By the time we went home, Ashlyn and Caleb were exhausted and we all slept really well. It was really difficult to get up and go to church the next day!

Ashlyn and her friends hanging out on the boat!

Mike and Ashlyn playing Guitar Hero

Ashlyn has been wanting to a guitar like Daddy's. So Michael and his infinite wisdom thought the next best would be a guitar for the PS3. Needless to say it has been a huge hit. Ashlyn loves it. Now Michael can't stop playing.

Caleb got caught red handed!

This is what I found when I entered the kitchen. Somehow he got into the pantry and opened the Pringles can. He was quite upset when we took the Pringles away.

Happy Birthday Ashlyn!

Ashlyn turned 4 on the 15th. Time goes by fast. She had a swim party with her friends and loved it. She is turning into a little fish.

I attempted to make a giant cupcake for her birthday cake for the family. I think I need some more practice.

Ashlyn Feeding Caleb

Ashlyn decided one day that she wanted to try and feed Caleb. I figured why not, she surely can't make that big of a mess. Well...she did great. There were a few drops of yogurt and Caleb's face desperately needed cleaning, but overall she did fantastic. I asked her the next day to feed him while I tried to do some things and she told me, "Not today, but maybe another day." I guess the fun of it already wore off after just a day. I was hoping it would last longer, but I guess not.

Michael's New Toy

Michael has decided to play guitar. He found a great deal on Ebay and had to have it. He has been practicing and can already play Jingle Bells. He is going to try and take lessons this summer at the community college.

Shower time!

Caleb thought it was too cool that Ashlyn was right there. He just couldn't figure out how to get to her. He was laughing like crazy with Ashlyn playing with him.

Hat Day at Preschool

During the last week of preschool, each day had a different theme. One day was hat day and Ashlyn picked out her Disney Princess hat. Her hat was the favorite in the class. All the kids loved it.

Ashlyn's Dance Recital

Ashlyn had her first dance recital. She was so excited about it. She has been hard at practice the last few months and it paid off. She did fantastic. It was so much fun to watch all the little girls and their darling costumes. No matter where we are these days, if there is an open space, she is dancing in it and she doesn't care who is watching. Usually, it is better if there is an audience. In fact, during the recital you could tell she got really excited when we all clapped for them. I think Michael realized that he is in for a lot more dance recitals.

Before...

During...

Tap Routine

Ballet Routine

Sorry about the rough beginning. Ashlyn decided at the end of the dance to do a little freestyle. Like I said before, she dances anywhere and everywhere and doesn't care who is watching.

After...

Disney World

About a month ago we took a trip to Disney World. Ashlyn was in complete amazement and loved every minute. We kept her going non stop and she did great. She loved all the rides and wanted to keep going back. Ashlyn loved the fact that she got to go on each ride twice because of the stoller pass we received with Caleb. It was so nice to get out of town and just to be together as a family.

This is the only princess she would stand by. She wouldn't go near the real ones!

Ashlyn was devasted when she learned we had to pop the balloon to take it home. She cried for forever.

This was Caleb's first time in a pool and loved every minute!

Playing in the park at the hotel.

Ashlyn loved this High School Musical show and danced through the entire thing. Then they came to get her to dance on stage and she didn't dare.

Caleb had a ton of time in his stroller, but he was a great sport.