A month of many Firsts

September:

Going into Fall, we certainly started things with a bang. We had a month of many firsts! 1st day of school, 1st haircut, 1st birthday and 1st steps. WOW!

The temperature is staying hot, more than cooling off, but that keeps us outside and busy... which we love.

Daddy was proud and excited to take the kids to their first Alter Fest. It is not quite as fun when you aren't drinking or gambling, and you are attending at 5:00 instead of 9:00. Needless to say, Ashlyn has been talking about riding the elephants for months, and dadd was pretty proud to show off his kiddos and talk to them about his Alma Mater.

Alter Fest 2011

Ashlyn had a walk through day, with mom in tow, for her first day of school. We ate a good breakfast, picked out our favorite summer dress, and got very excited to put on our backpack for real that morning. She walked right in and paid no attention to me at all. It didn't bother me one bit though, I was more relieved knowing she was confident to be at school without needing mommy. Bonus that I met a few moms that I connected with instantly, and knew would be nice to get to know better

Her teachers Miss Paula and Miss Carla are sweet, caring, and Love her which is extremely comforting. I'll never forget discussing with my camp counselors how trusting parents are to drop their kids off at camp everyday, since they have no say in who is watching their child.... where as a parent we ask for references, talk to friends, worry endlessly about who babysits our children. Makes me really appreciate teachers, and those that LOVE my child as much as I do.

Excited and Ready for Preschool

First day of School (without mommy)

Having fun playing in the tupperware drawer

Loves doing Art projects and painting

Ashlyn was actually really excited for her first haircut....at Supercuts:) She was smiley, sat perfectly still, and liked getting to wear the big cape. Wasn't sure what to expect with an almost 3 year old. Guess I should have known better, she's a pretty cooperative and well behaved girl. Pictures are worth 1000 words, certainly adorable and happy haircut memories. I think she might liked getting pampered a little too much!

Tried to do a little something special on the day of each of the kids birthdays. We got Austin a cupcake to smash and then opened presents. He was spinning in circles with excitement for the elephant popper uncle larry gave him. It was quite amusing (and all caught on camera). Ashlyn started walking the week of her 1st birthday, so I am curious to see if Austin follows in her footsteps (no pun intended).

Messy Smiles

Opening Presents

The weekend between their birthdays we threw a big birthday party for both the kids. Mommy went all out, splurging on the party. I didn't do anything for Ashlyn last year (since I had a baby the week before), so it seemed ok to go a bit bigger this year- plus it was Austin's 1st birthday. Since I call them both my little monkeys, I ended up doing a "Go Bananas Birthday Bash". We had a house full of friends, kids, and good food. The bounce house was definitely the biggest hit. I wouldn't change a thing, it was a perfect sunshiny/happy birthday bash. Enjoy all the photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/lindsey.england/GoBananasBirthdayBash?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPHvztnopai9TQ&feat=directlink

For Ashlyn's birthday, she woke up to a Tiara and more presents. With the birthday party the weekend before, and her preschool birthday a few days prior, the celebrations just kept going for her. I think she was the most excited about getting a highchair for her doll, and a balance bike. Luckily the pleasant Fall weather will continue for weeks, so we'll have plenty of bike riding time. We ended the day with a cake and pizza at Championi's with cousins.

Princess Ashlyn turns 3

Trying out her cooking supplies (thanks to the Bogards)

Kids LOVE the sand/water table from Mimi and Papa

Cooler evenings bring capris and long sleeves. Gotta love Fall!

Mommies little helper feeding Bailey

With 1st words and birthdays, come 1st steps. Austin will take 6-8 steps than fall down, then get up and do 4, then get up and do 2. Followed by frustration and annoyance, and then giving up on walking. Gotta love those wobbly "walk to mommy/daddy" steps. My baby isn't a baby anymore he is officially a toddler. Tear, tear!

Big Boy Steps

On to Apple Cider and Hayrides....