Friends old and new

We got another chance to visit our bestest friends, Stephanie and Addie, in Bristol, TN. After our shorterened trip last year (due to an appendix rupture) we wanted to spend a little more quality time with our girls. Ashlyn and I got up and on the road very early both ways for the 6 hours trip. Thankfully for mommy, Ashlyn slept the whole entire way there and back.

We had big plans for a fall visit to TN. We were going to go hiking on the appalachian trial, visit the pumpkin patch and more fun outdoor activities. Unfortunately, it poured down rain from the time we arrived till we left. If you are going to be stuck inside for a few days, you at least hope it is with good friends.

The girls seemed to have a great time together. Ashlyn and Addie learned about sharing toys, and Ashlyn tried giving lessons on how to walk and try new foods. We attempted, to no avail, to get some cute Halloween shots.

We are blessed with some adorable and fun little girls, and it was so great catching up with them again.

OLD FRIENDS

As for New friends. We have a new addition in the Bayer Household. My dog Bailey has made her long overdue appearance in our house. We finally moved Bailey out of my parents house and into ours. She is doing well and slowly adjusting to life without naps on the couch, getting carrots all day long, and the freedom to go in and out the back door whenever she wants. Instead she is being chased around and tormented by a toddler.....poor dog!! Makes for easy clean up after meal time though:) Ashlyn absolutely loves her and is already saying her name, so we know there are many fun years of memories to come from her officially joining our family.

NEW FRIENDS

Falling for Fall

This is by far one of my FAVORITE times of year. And what a gorgeous fall this is turning out to be. The leaves are bright yellow, red, and orange. We've had some unseasonally warm days, and some very chilly days but frequent bright blue (not a cloud in the skies) days. Pumpkins, Seasonal decorations, Halloween, cooler weather, and so much more. What a great, and beautiful, time of year!

Worn thin

Been forever since I got on to blog. I know we all have times when we life gets crazy busy but exhaustion is more of my excuse. Chasing after a toddler all day, trying to clean house and organize, got a head cold, traveling on the weekends = mommy being exhausted at the end of the day and not wanting to plop in front of the computer.

I have tons to blog about, but will go to our recent biggest adventure. We DID it!!! We walked 28 miles for the Avon Breast Cancer walk in NYC. Our team, The Whole Kit and Kaboodle, raised over $24,000 dollars. Wow, what an amazing feat in these economic times. Friends, family, and others came through to make our fundraising effots a huge success.

We got into the city on Friday afternoon and headed over to the check in. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the park then headed home for a homemade dinner by liz. YUM! Got up and out the door by 6:00 on Saturday. Shed a tear or two during the emotional opening ceremonies and then hit the road. We walked from 6:45 till 2:00, doing 17 miles. We went 4 miles over the required 13 because we wanted to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. It was totally worth it, such a cool view of the city. They have rest stops and you stop for lunch along the way. I think over 4,000 people walked that day, it was an amazing site to see the sea of pink.

Got home and did foot massages and took a rest. Then headed out for a nice dinner, done my brandon and liz. We got up and out the door around 8:00 the next morning and walked 11 miles that day. It was gorgeous fall weather, a perfect day to walk through the city.

The walk through the finish line was emotional and exhilirating. What an awesome experience we accomplished together as a family. It is a memory I will cherish forever, and know mom would be SOOOO proud of us. I am also proud of me, and hope the continue walking and doing my part for many years to come.

Check out my Google site for all the images. http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsey.england/20091012AvonWalk2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCLqJlbzM14qHUA#

Love love love!!!

That is how I feel about my beautiful little girl, and also how much I love her 1 year portraits. Wanted to share because they turned out sooo cute!

Moving on Up

Ashlyn went from taking a few steps last week to now walking across the whole room. Funny how once kids get something, they just get it. She puts both arms out, and looks like she is drunk, but overall has quickly found her center of balance. She is going to be running around the house before I know it. *I can't seem to catch a picture from the front.