On the Move.... Places to Go, People to See

It's only taken a year and a half, but Ashlyn finally grew enough to reach the pedals on her bike. She was so proud & kept shouting "I reach pedal, I reach it!". Now she zooms everywhere & makes circles around the kitchen table. We have to keep getting after her about not chasing the dogs."I know!" she says as she gets an idea and points her finger in the air.

My Dad, Virginia, Sister, & her girls all came down for a couple days in June. We had big plans of going to Tombstone and made it as far as Walmart down the street. We just ended up chillin' here at the house, went to the Y pool, and ordered pizza. What a long drive for them to come just for that, but it was nice to hang out, visit, and have a little fun.

Afterward I realized that the only picture I took the entire time was this lovely shot of my dad posing in his new outfit getting ready for Hawaii. This may not seem that funny, but you've got to know that my dad #1- Never ever wears shorts, #2 - never puts on sandals so he was insistent on getting socks to go with his new sandals, and #3 - is very picky about wearing short sleeved shirts. Overall, we had a few good laughs at the expense of his beamingly white legs. Good job, Dad! I'm proud of you for getting out of your comfort zone.

Ashlyn just had a trip to the dentist. It was her first time getting x-rays and she was awesome. I love her pediatric dentist office - they're so great working with kids! She got to wear cool sunglasses so the light didn't hurt her eyes, got a great goodie bag, got a token for a prize out the machine (she chose a bouncy ball), and gave her and her friend balloons. I wish my dentist did all that!
We practiced opening wide & saying awe so she was all ready by the time she sat in the big chair. She's been really into playing doctor for a while, but that night she started playing dentist and checking my teeth with special tools. At least she's not traumatized!
Ash is going to have such a hard time when her little bestie Claire moves!
We went to Utah for about 12 days over the 4th of July. Of course I left my camera sitting on the desk at home, so no pictures to show. We had a good time though and it was nice to actually have time to just visit with most everyone. I got to do all of the small town parades, carnivals, and fireworks and force my city slicker husband to see what it's all about. Ashlyn loved spending time with grandparents, cousins, and getting candy at the parades. We fit in a 4-wheeler ride, target shooting, dominoes games, late nights, a few movies, Hogle Zoo visit, and topped it off with a trip to the emergency room. Derek had to be put out to have a food obstruction removed. He is now on a liquids and soft foods only diet till his esophagus can be stretched in a couple weeks. Overall, we had a great time and needed to sleep for a day after getting home. We love and miss you all!