Swinging Sensations

Both Asher and Saela love going to the park near our house. We try to go on the weekends before it gets too hot outside. Located only about 1/2 mile from our house it's a short wagon ride (well sometimes it seems long) from our house. Most assuredly - the swings will bring smiles and laughs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAELA!!!!

Dear Saela...

Before you even existed...we loved you. The minute you were born, we loved you even more. Three years ago today, God gave you to us to love, take care of and cherish for eternity. Weathering the first few days of your existence was like being thrown into a tornado with nil preparation. Our sweet strong girl...you came through the rain and have done nothing but flourish since you left the hospital.

~

When you were a tiny baby - the song Rock-A-Bye-Baby would soothe you and when you snuggled on my left side you would put your right hand on my left cheek and fall right asleep. I remember some of those moments with such bright clarity and they always bring me joy. Sometimes if fussiness was prevailing, Daddy would hold you and invariably, I'd have to come find both of you to put you to bed. You would be snoozing away right on Daddy's chest and I know he loves to think about those special times with you.

~

Clear moments are something to hold on to as much of the last three years also seems to be a blur. From newborn size diapers to size 6, from random cries to full sentences, from lying on your back to running/jumping/galloping...you have changed so much so quickly and we have enjoyed every minute of your growth in mind, body and spirit. We are so proud of you...we love you so much...and you will forever & always be our baby girl. Love Mommy & Daddy

~

Happy Birthday Hugs from Asher, Jax & Jilly too.

Bathtime...

...and crazy hair.

...and perhaps with a little black and white face paint...

the next Gene Simmons?!?

(Nah...he's too cute.)

Steve's First Haircut

Given.By.Me

Not too bad for a first-timer?!?

Independence Day 2010

Saela Commanding Attention

the Greens in front of the Washington Monument
July 4, 2010

Reece, Saela & Asher

~

We had the pleasure of visiting our friends Rory and Rachel their first son, Baby Reece, over the July 4th holiday this year. We enjoyed a weekend of good friends, good conversation, good laughs and the unforgettable Bellinitini. Baby Reece was one of the most laid back babes we've ever met. He took our wild bunch in stride!

~

Saela experienced her first subway ride as we rode into Washington D.C. to take in Independence Day in our nation's capital. It truly was amazing to stand in awe of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on such a patriotic holiday. Thank you just isn't enough to say to all of our service men and women who have allowed us to live in the Land of the Free.

Asher's Birthday Pics

Courtesy of JCPenneys

~

I should have said "Our Little Stinker's Birthday Pics, " as Asher was not having it the TWO days we went to have his pictures taken. He just didn't want to smile for the camera or sit still. In the second picture he is holding and chewing a cracker and clearly a spoon was needed to make him even look in our direction towards the end of the session. He has turned into quite the little TODDLER over the last month! He is walking everywhere and getting into everything. Luckily, Saela has been *fairly* generous with her things - so we have not had too many fights or tears just yet.

~

In other news...I have been boycotting Asher's first haircut as I know the last remnants of his babyhood will fall to the floor with each click of the scissors...but alas - his bangs are hanging in his eyes and I think we may even go for the 1st cut later today. Especially since he is OUT OF HIS HELMET for good! Yea! He continues to say 'uh-oh' but has also started saying 'Mama' and 'Dada' with some consistency and today I think he said 'up' when I went to get him out of his crib. Too fast the time has gone - too fast.

"Alfalfa"

I'm short on words tonight...so a few new pics will have to do.