Time to get out and enjoy summer before it's over!

So, it all started with the realization that our neighborhood sidewalks are not too great for a little... sorry BIG... boy who is learning to ride a bike. Al had a great idea to go to the bike trail with Asher's bike to give him a little practice.

We had a picnic snack and Asher found dandelions to blow. Then to riding the bike... yeah!


Well that lasted a whole 3 minutes. But hey on to the next thing right!

We all had a great time spending some time together as a family. Asher wanted to "run, run, run!"

and then explored with daddy up a lot of stairs.

I just love watching how curious and excited Asher is about new experiences. Ezra, of course, enjoyed watching too.

And as long as he had his teether, Ezra was happy as could be!

"I'm 3 now mommy... and I'm going to preschool!"

Yes, that's what Asher told me this morning as he smiled so big and bounced up and down.

Here is a picture from his birthday, with the traditional birthday morning muffin:


This morning he was off to school for the first time:



Can you sense the enthusiasm?! He was ready... hit the ground running:



And, of course, it went great. He was excited about bringing cupcakes for all his new friends, wearing the "birthday crown," and all the songs they got to sing at school.

more mommy

Well, baby Ezra is not so little anymore. Can't believe next month already he'll be turning 6 months old and having his surgery.

Here he is at brother's birthday party. Happy as a clam that everyone wants to hold him... more, more, more!


And he has started holding his bottle lately. Don't know if he's becoming more independent or just trying to keep mommy from taking the bottle away... more, more, more!

Celebrating Asher and Chase

The birthday boys...

Asher tests the cake...


Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate! It was so wonderful to have so many friends and family join us at the birthday party. I only wish I could have had more time to chat with everyone, but I know the boys really enjoyed it!


Asher going back for more...

Fire Station

Asher and Brady were off to the fire station Saturday morning. Thanks to Andy and Earleen for making it happen... I don't think they'll stop talking about it for months!



It was a wonderful time. Asher can say that he sat in every single one of the fire trucks.




He tried on a kid-size fire fighter uniform (boots and all) and the real thing!





And my favorite picture of all:

3 year old pics

Thanks to Aunt Holly, we got some pictures of Asher. Love them!









I know I always say it... but they grow so fast!

5 months and 5 days

Ezra's 5 month picture... well he's almost 5 months old now ;)



And can't believe that Asher will be 3 years old in just 5 days! He has been a little camera shy, but I'm hoping Holly can get a good picture tonight. Here is one of my recent favorites where Asher asked to hold Ezra...



...and they both smiled at the same time!

S'more!

I think in August we tried to fit in as much summer fun as we could. Haven't updated the BLOG lately, so this one has a lot in it...

After our weekend vacation, Asher has been into all things trains. Here he wants to add some more toys to make the longest train he can in the living room.



Asher is still into all things musical. Thank you to Mark Perkins and family for the wonderful gift of a "real piano keyboard" and "real microphone." Here is Asher singing. Which is followed by him asking or sometimes declaring, "One more time?!"



Asher and his dad tried camping out, which lasted about 5 minutes after reading the bedtime book. But hey he had fun in the tent while out there, and we had our first family fire in the backyard. Earlier in the night grandma and grandpa came over for dinner. Unfortunately, the day we decided to roast hot dogs was a real hot one! But Asher was "just so excited!!!"



Of course, we had to introduce Asher to S'mores. Can't believe he'd never had one before! He was very excited, and a few days later we headed over to grandpa and grandma's house for another fire and more treats.



Ezra rolled over on purpose on the 7th of August and hasn't stopped going from his back to belly since. Now, he actually wants some more tummy time. Here is a picture of him on his way over with proof that he still needs some more jammies (his arms and legs just keep getting too long).



After his four month check up, Ezra started on cereal. Here is picture of what didn't make it into his belly the first time eating solids.



He likes to sit, stand, and jump a lot too. Went out and got Ezra a jumping exersaucer toy. He really likes the beads, twirling frog, and mirror. But most of all he just wants to jump some more.





And who doesn't want some more water fun on a hot summer day?




Looking forward to fall, Holly got out the monkey costume for Asher. It may not be Halloween yet, but that doesn't stop Asher from asking to play monkey some more.



And from my perspective... Who could ask for more?!

Cuddle time with Ezra:


Asher wanting mommy to lay with him, and being silly together:


The daycare gang having cake for my birthday:


Leaving for dinner with Al, minus kids:

All The Cousins

Finally got a picture of the kids together. Here is Mark with the crew...



I think this was post-pizza and you'll notice Asher and Chase are being silly sticking their tongues out. So great to have gotten the family together for some summer fun.

Can't believe in a month Ezra will be 5 months already, and we will be celebrating birthdays again! Chase will be 2, Asher 3, and Katelyn's 4th birthday is almost here.

Can't Stop Smiling

Love seeing Ezra smile! Here are a few pictures of him flashing his smile...




I think Asher is excited that the baby does something now. Ezra loves to watch Asher sing and laughs when brother does "getcha, getcha, gooo." Asher has started showing brother toys and playing more with him.



Ezra and I...