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Okay, so people are probably so sick of hearing how High Valley, Idaho (our family cabin) is one of the best places on earth. Sorry! As I was looking at a few pictures today, I ran across this amazing picture that Baylen took at the cabin in December. This is another reason why I love the cabin- the six sided snowflakes that we all cut out in elementary school (not knowing why since Utah snowflakes are just a big glob of snow), really do exist up there. They are beautiful. I love sitting outside up there in the winter and watching the amazing flakes land on my dark snow clothes. Each one really does have six sides, and each one really is different. Amazing!
*Click on the picture to see it bigger!
I walked into the bathroom the other day to find crayon all over the cabinet. Approaching Hailey about it, I asked why she colored all over the bathroom. She responded by informing me that it was Ashlyn who did the coloring. I had to laugh at the fact that she thought I would believe that response since she left a very impressive
letter "H" with the artwork.
I love Sundays for many reasons! One of my favorite things about this day is that since we don't play with friends and we try to limit TV, the kids play so cute together. I love to listen to their imaginations go wild. On this particular Sunday they were playing house. Tanner was the dog and Hailey was the cat. It's cute how they always try to include Ashlyn in their play, too. I'm glad that they are such good friends.
Mickell is such a good big sister to the other kids. The other day I found her reading a book to Hailey. I thought it was cute how Hailey was cuddled up next to her. (Even though Hailey looks like she's sleeping in this picture, she is actually really enjoying the book.)
A couple of weeks ago, on Baylen's day off, I decided to take advantage of him being home with the kids and do a session at the temple. On hearing that I was going to the temple, Hailey immediately let us know that she was going, too. We tried to explain to her that she could go do baptisms at the temple when she was 12. However, she was convinced that she was going right then. She was so determined to go that Baylen decided to drive me there and walk around the grounds with her while I was inside. He told her about this plan and she excitedly marched up to her room and put a dress on (we said nothing to her about dressing up). This is a picture taken of her on her trip to the temple.
Tanner is such a sweet guy when it comes to other people's feelings. The other night I made a new cookie recipe for family home evening. Right before it was time for treats, I got a phone call. I went upstairs to talk. A few minutes later Tanner came up and gave me a huge hug. He then asked me if I was sad that nobody was going to like the cookies. When it was time to eat them, he asked for seconds (even though he didn't love them). The next morning I was making lunches for school. I asked Tanner if he'd rather have the chocolate chip cookies or EL fudge cookies. He thought for a minute and said, "Would it be okay if I had one of each? They are both special to me." He is always trying to make sure that we are happy. He gives me so many hugs and kisses each day and is always telling me thanks for the things I do. He sure knows how to brighten my day!
In honor of Ashlyn's first birthday, I thought I would just write a little about her, her likes, dislikes, and personality right now.
Ashlyn at one:
Weight: 17 pounds 9 ounces (10th percentile)
Height: 31 inches (95th percentile)
The doctor has been a little worried about the huge difference in height/weight. We had to take her into the hospital for some blood work. The results came back fine (not that we were really worried). As my friend said, "Blonde hair, blue eyes, tall and skinny- how rough is that!"
This past year's development can probably be summed up into one phrase, "She's doing what?" She's been on turbo pace in the things she's learned how to do. She was rolling over by three months, crawling by six, walking and saying a few words by eleven. Usually with your first kids you are so excited for these milestones. However, with Ashlyn it is all happening too fast. Being the youngest, I just want her to slow down. She's growing up too fast! I am grateful, though, that she is healthy, happy, and seems to be one smart little cookie!
Number of teeth : a whoppin' 8 (none of her siblings had any by age one!)
Words she says: Hi (at least 500 times a day)
Hailey
Catch it
Dada
Mama
No, no, no (she says this as she shakes her finger on her way to the bathroom
to play in the toilet)
She is also good at making dog, horse, duck, and cat sounds and saying hop,
hop, hop for a bunny.
Ah oh (I'm not sure how to spell it)
Favorite foods: Ham, cheese, mac and cheese, peaches, and otter pops.
Favorite time of day: When the kids get home from school. Even though they maul her, she giggles and runs to the door when she hears them come in.
Favorite things to do: Play outside, dance, watch animals, take baths
Dislikes: Having things taken away from her (or taken out of her mouth), when her mom or dad are on the computer, diaper changes, teething, car rides in the dark, shopping.
We love you, Ashlyn!
My little baby is growing up soooo fast! Yesterday was her first birthday! It was definitely a bitter-sweet day for me. I had a really hard time embracing the fact that my baby was turning one. At the same time, this past year has been so much fun. I have loved watching Ashlyn learn and grow. She is such a blessing in our lives.
I think she had a great day! We tried to fill it with things that she loves to do. We love birthdays at our house! We learned by mistake (with the older kids) that huge parties are just too overwhelming for little kids. So, we tried to keep things a little more low key for her. Here are a few pictures of the festivities (one year old style!)...
Ashlyn started the day reading stories, singing songs and doing puzzles. She had a bath with Hailey (she loves baths and was able to play with her new submarine from Emmy and Dave).
She also enjoyed a delicious lunch of macaroni and cheese, a nice nap, and playing with bubbles.
That night we went to Castle Park with Grandma and Grandpa W. and Leslie. Ashlyn loved swinging, going on the slide, playing with her new ball and just being outside. I think she also loved all the attention!
After the park, Cherice and Raylee joined us all for dinner. Ashlyn had her favorite food: ham, string cheese, finger jello, and rootbeer (we did serve the guests a little different menu!).
Ashlyn got some awesome gifts. Here's a run down of the loot...
Bathtub submarine from Emily and Dave
Cookie jar shape sorter from Corey, Cherice, and Raylee
Baby swing and book from Grandma and Grandpa W., Leslie, and Jared
Money (which we used to buy new shoes) from Great Grandma B.
A ball, bike, book, and clothes from Dad, Mom, and the kiddos
We figured out a fun way to use her new swing (until mom and dad find the swing set we've been searching for). She absolutely loved it!
She wasn't really into opening the gifts. But, she sure did love playing with them! Especially since some of her favorite people were there to play them with her.
The kids and I decided to have a bug theme since we call Ashlyn "Kate-r-bug". We had fun making her a caterpillar cake. She was all smiles as we sang to her and she really enjoyed sinking into all the yummy frosting (I don't think she actually made it to the cake).
All in all, I think she had a wonderful day. Thanks to all those who helped to make it that way! We sure do love our little Ashlyn and are so glad that she is part of our family.
It's official! Baylen is a college graduate!!!
Although Baylen bleeds blue (he is a die hard BYU fan), he is now an alumni of the University of Utah. He decided not to walk, but we did watch a little of the ceremony live on the internet. After a few minutes he said, "This is really boring, I'm glad I'm not there!"
I just wanted to post this to congratulate him and let him know how excited I am for him. He's worked VERY HARD for many years. There were so many occasions where I wondered to myself how he did it. All four of our kids were born during his schooling. In fact, Hailey was born on his first day of class one semester. He chose to work full time while going to school full time so that I could stay home with the kids. He sacrificed a lot of things (hobbies, sleep, etc.) so that we could do this.
I want to let him know how much I love him and how proud of him I am. Way to go honey!
