SNOW

'Oh ma goodness' (as Asher would say) we got a lot of snow today! Poor kid was sick with a stomach bug, but still wanted to take a quick trip outside to walk in the snow and throw a few snowballs.

Dallas Aquarium

A few weeks ago, we spent the morning at the Dallas Aquarium which is quite impressive. It is so much more than an aquarium! We had a fun time and I'm sure we will be back.

Close encounter with a sloth. He is allowed to roam freely for a period of time each day, apparently not posing much of a threat. Did you know the sloth's digestion is a month-long process? Yep, this big guy is making his move...apparently she 'had a headache' and pushed him aside. It wasn't pretty.

Flamingo fascination

Watermark

We love our church! Watermark recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by throwing a huge party complete with bounce houses, fair vendors (corn dogs, funnel cakes, etc) and a band. We had a great time and are beyond blessed to be part of such an authentic group of fully devoted Christ followers. What better illustration than this...

These kids do not know Asher. Rather than pass him up as he struggled up the ladder, they helped him, unprompted, the entire way.

And even waited at the top to see that he slid down safely.

Thank goodness for sunglasses, because I was a blubbering fool watching this scene unfold as the band belted out Amazing Grace directly behind me.

Just Like Daddy

Michael wraps his towel around his waist each morning after showering and this particular morning, Asher insisted on doing the same. Luckily, a hand towel is just the right length.

Asher's new favorite activity..."I try Daddy's shoes"

Christmas 2009

Before I play blog catch-up, here are some pictures from Christmas.

'Paci boke!'

Paci (or 'baa-baa') met his demise in December. One Sunday morning, we were at home when Michael made the rash decision to cut Asher's pacifier...while he was sick, mind you! It was something we had planned to try soon, but much preparation would have been made prior to the actual snipping. Once it registered what had transpired, I was the one in tears, with knots in my stomach. It hadn't occurred to me that paci represented the final strand in the proverbial umbilical cord, and there it was with its gaping hole staring back at me. It took me a few minutes to be able to speak to my husband, but Asher really didn't seem to mind. His attention may have been focused more on his blubbering Mommy, rather than his broken paci. Strangely enough, that was it. We had to remind him a few times, and it took him longer to fall asleep for a couple days, but it was nothing like the weeks long battle we were preparing ourselves for. Michael gets a little gloat of a smile when the subject comes up now, but secretly I know it was my stellar performance that got us through. Asher seemed to have a 'don't worry Mommy, we'll get through this together' attitude. I must admit, had we taken the 'tough love' approach and been prepared, we would probably still be fighting over paci. I joke, but I really am glad it happened this way. Every transition Michael has led has been smooth, and I am so thankful that he is such an engaged Daddy that he knows when his son is ready for the next milestone and doesn't back down from the challenge.
The following week, Asher got to take his broken paci to Build-A-Bear to place inside the bear of his choice. (luckily he happened to choose the asthma-friendly option...more on that later!)

Choosing a heart for his bear Placing his paci in the bear's paw

Helping 'fill' his bear

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.