A Magical Adventure

In November, we took a fun-filled vacation with my family to Walt Disney World to see Mickey...or 'Kumey' as Asher lovingly refers to him. We all went to celebrate Zach's fifth birthday, but Zach and Taylor didn't know we were coming until they arrived at the condo. They were quite surprised and Asher was beyond thrilled to see them. Michael, Asher & I went a few days early to acclimate Asher to the time change and chaos that would ensue. We had fun playing Fantasia-themed miniature golf and attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. We weren't sure how Asher would do, but he absolutely loved every minute and understood much more than we anticipated he would. He enjoyed the constant activity, all the lights, and even the few rides he was able to go on. Once everyone else arrived, we enjoyed breakfast with Pooh, Tigger, Piglet & Eeyore and Asher really got into having the characters sign his autograph book. We went to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Asher loved seeing Buzz & Woody at Hollywood Studios, as well as their big Fantasmic show. If you are contemplating a Disney trip, we highly recommend this time of year with the Christmas season getting into full swing and cooler weather.

Asher trying to retrieve his golf ball Sharing all-you-can-drink milkshakes with Daddy (a lot of sugar was consumed on this trip)
Mickey & Minnie decorating the castle for Christmas

Dumbo ride with Daddy

The kids in Mimi & Pappy's in-room jacuzzi tub...something tells me this was not the vision they had in mind when deciding to put a two-person bathtub in the bedroom

In Mickey's house

Riding the carousel with Mimi

Lunch with the Little Einstein's, Jojo & Goliath

One of the highlights of our trip...meeting Buzz & 'Woo-wee'

Resting with Pappy

All 3 kids with Mimi & Pappy

A sweet ending on our final night.

Halloween

I am so far behind on blogging, so I thought I would share some pics from Halloween. Asher dressed up as a fisherman, but was less than thrilled about wearing a costume. The highlight of his evening was a visit from the fire truck. A neighbor's alarm was malfunctioning, so there was no emergency and the firefighters let Asher sit in the driver's seat! He didn't care for trick-or-treating and preferred handing out the candy at Nana and Papa's. I imagine next year will be much different.

Thankful

Two years ago today was my first official day of bed rest after a procedure to help our little guy stay put (at 22 weeks). My heart is just full of thanks for our 'miracle yes' and for God's faithfulness through the 'no's'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Gxv9CRRVM&feature=related

Little Baker

Asher helped me make cookies yesterday. It still amazes me the things he is capable of 'helping' with and the attention span he has when we are both engaged in an activity. He enjoyed repeating the ingredients as they were added to the bowl, measuring the flour, holding the mixer, and especially taste-testing!

Sneaking a chocolate chip
'What cookie? I didn't eat a cookie.'
'I'm just gonna reach over here a grab another one while she's busy with that camera. She won't notice.'

Friendly Nebulizer

Some kids may grab a blankie or a teddy to watch tv with. Nope, not Asher, no siree! If Mommy is emptying the dishwasher during Jack's Big Music Show, then he hauls out his nebulizer and its components to keep him company during his show. (note, we aren't even using it right now....knock on wood)

Fall Festivities

This weekend, we had fun picking out and carving a pumpkin. Its so much fun to see these experiences through Asher's eyes. From the mountains of pumpkins (the small ones easily mistaken for balls) to the squishy, pulpy flesh & slippery seeds, the pumpkin provided loads of entertainment this weekend.
We also attended the Spooktacular Carnival at Asher's school on Saturday. He was quite hesitant at first, but quickly warmed up and had a blast. He is really starting to enjoy his class and doesn't even look back when I drop him off now. He gets great reports each day and loves his music class. When we first arrived at the carnival, he just kept on going right past the fun to go to his classroom. Hopefully he won't be searching for the carnival when we get to school Monday morning!

Fun at Mimi & Pappy's

Silly Napkin-Face Pappy With Zach in the Barbie jeep...this picture will definitely make an appearance in a couple graduation or rehearsal dinner slideshows!

Family Reunion in Oregon

In September, we attended Michael's family reunion in Hood River, Oregon. We had such a great time seeing everyone and hanging out for a few days. We also got to meet Morgan and Maggie, daughters of Michael's cousins who were both born within a month of Asher. It added a new dynamic to our get together to have 3 little ones running around, but they were troopers and handled the chaos well...the little ones didn't do too bad either :o) We are looking forward to the next reunion in two years.

We hiked to 3 different waterfalls...beautiful! Ice cream with Mommy and Aunt Angi

View of the Columbia River & Mount Hood from our houseAunt Michelle flew in from San Francisco, along with Peter
All 3 kiddos watching a little Baby Einstein

Morgan, Asher & Nana at the lavender farm discovering dandelions

Visiting Daddy at the river during one of his fishing expeditions

Learning to fly fish

Walking with Daddy & Papa

Papa & Nana at the river

Pure excitement being so close to the train!

The whole crew!