Primary Splash Day.

In Texas it is so... hot during the summer that anything you do outside has to require water. Our Splash day was so much fun! There were a couple children from the primary that wanted to complete a Duty/Faith in God requirement so they were in charge of a couple games; we had food and the water park. It was success!

Dad's birthday.

Aaron had a very casual birthday. He didn't want anything big but I knew he would really enjoy it with some of his friends. We had our neighbors over for dinner and cake and ice cream.

The neighbor boys enjoy a porch night every now and again and they know that Aaron doesn't drink; Aaron would show up with his own "Root" beer. So... that's what they bought him for his birthday. It was really thoughtful!

Ashlee's 5th Birthday.

Ashlee had a great 5th birthday!

I just about didn't make her a cake but after baking the second one,

I have to say that I was pretty proud of myself!

Ashlee had a surprise visitor! Cinderella had shown up to her birthday party.

All the girls were so surprised that none of them said anything for the first couple minutes! They just stared at her!

Ashlee's reaction was so cute! She looked her up and down and had a huge smile from ear to ear, then welcomed her in to the party. Cinderella had lots of games for the girls; she also taught them manners and what princesses do or don't do. That following week, Ashlee was on her best behavior. I need Cinderella to come over more often!

I could say that everyone had a ball! Even the littlest princess!

Hot hot hot!!!!

I cannot believe how hot it has been lately! The past two weeks have been 103 or above. We have been swimming or staying inside. Ashlee really looks forward to our grocery trips! I guess I really need to get a library visit and an adventure in there somewhere before she starts school.

Today we enjoyed cutting out snow flakes and pretending it was snowing! One way we could stay cool- right! We also made a trip to Hallmark where Ashlee enjoyed opening every single musical card there was. It was pretty noisy... and pretty cute! Danielle is still taking two naps a day. I am really looking forward to when she switches to one. It will make life easier to not be so tied down at home. She has been such fun! She gives everything kisses and hugs, she still growls at everything and is learning to be "two". The instant that she doesn't get what she wants, she lays down and stomps her feet. Ashlee and her really have enjoyed playing together lately. I have been pointing out to Ashlee that "Danielle is copying what she does". She is learning to be an example and a leader.

We are still having issues with the computer so pictures will be on there way soon. Till then, just journaling and rambling. Sorry to be so boring but that's how it goes.

This Summer

Time has gone by so fast. I will try to get our pictures up this weekend. I have just been super busy lately. Things should start to slow down a little bit, even with Danielle running around!

We had a great trip to Utah. Next time we will try to make it longer. We never have enough time to see everyone. We miss you all so much! Watch for some updates. Love, Heidi.

Danielle's 1st Birthday!

Danielle had her first birthday! I cannot believe how fast this year has gone. It seems like I just sorted out the clothes for Danielle to wear and the next thing I know is I am taking them back out again. Clothes should last longer than that, right!?!

Danielle has been such a blessing to us. She is so playful and so happy all the time! Except on her birthday-when her "mom" set up a doctor's appt. and she had to get four shots! That was really bad timing on my part but she did good. There were a few tears but over all, once she had some cake, she was happy as can be!

Ashlee had picked out this cute whale for her. She fell in love with it immediately. She loves animals, just like her sister, mom, and her Grandma Heslop. She can "pant" like a dog, "oink" like a pig, and "moo" like a cow! She loves to wrestle and she loves books. She is doing great at her baby signs; she can tell me that she wants a banana, ball, or drink, and many more things. She has taken a few steps but is really hesitant about doing it by herself. It may be a few more months before she decides to be independent; which is okay with us. We are in no hurry.

I cannot imagine life with out our little Danielle, or our little Ashlee. They have made our family whole. We are so blessed to have each other forever. Happy birthday Danielle. We love you so much!