Nathan transitioned into a big boy's bed (twin bed instead of a crib) this weekend!
Richard and I painted the walls and made custom fabric headboards. I surprised Ashley with "Frozen" design bedding. Nathan himself picked out "Cars" design bedding at the store. We also placed the kids table and cubbies that hold all of their toys into their room. It took almost two days to complete the make over, but it was well worth it because of Nathan's reaction.
I finished putting together Nathan's bed and he walks in, puts his hands across his mouth and says "Oohhh, I like it!" with a big grin on his face. He jumps onto the bed and cuddles with the sheets, pillow and a stuffed Lightening McQueen. It was really adorable!
Ashley loved her bedding, especially since it has Elsa on them (her favorite character from the movie Frozen). She was excited to be sleeping next to the window and having her custom headboard. For now they still need to share a bedroom, but when Ashley gets older we will finish the bathroom down in the basement and have her transition her room downstairs.
Until next time...
Ashley rode her bike to school for the first time!
It was raining all week during the afternoons so I had to pick her up at school. On Wednesday the weather was nice and she was able to ride it home. I met her at the corner of the neighborhood and watched her cross the streets and make her way to the other side. She did very well and walked her bike on the cross walks.
It is very exciting and nerve racking for me, but I am very proud of her independence.
Until next time...
Ashely will begin to ride her bike to and from school!
Last weekend we walked down to Ashley's school to show her how to cross the streets and how to lock her bike. It is an exciting time for Ashely since it means freedom and fun times riding her bike. And I don't always have to take and pick her up! She had a little trouble pushing the lock into place, but after a few tries she started to get the hang of it.
After she did a great job with the lock, we walked to the Jared Jensen Park next to the school where
they could play on the gym sets. It was a beautiful day and perfect for being outside. I am excited her Ashley starting 2nd grade and a little nervous for her to start riding her bike to school. Lord willing everything will go well.
Until next time...
Ashley in now in 2nd grade! Her first day started on Friday, August 1st. Her teacher is Mrs. Allen and she knows a lot of the kids in her class from last year. The night before we dropped off her school supplies and introduced her to her new classroom.
She was excited and anxious to start the new year. Ashley was so excited the first day that she woke up at 6:30am and was dressed before Richard was done getting ready! We walked to school and she made her way into her classroom as the bell rang. Nathan and I picked her up when school was released - she described her day and loved her teacher because she sang a lot of songs. We are hoping this year will be great and she will excel in her studies.
Until next time...
Baxter, our 14 year old Beagle has gone to be the Lord at the end of July. He started to have liver complications and was not eating or drinking. He began going to the bathroom in the house and the whites of his eyes were turning yellow.
As a family we decided it was time for him to be put to sleep. Richard took him on Saturday, July 26 at 7:30am. Richard said that Baxter lost almost 10 pounds and was very dehydrated. Baxter went very peacefully and it was over pretty quick. The vet would spread his ashes over a peace of land they own.
When Richard came home we both had a good cry. It was bitter sweet because he was the last of the three animals we had when we first dated. We are welcoming the freedom of having no animals but will miss him dearly.
Goodbye Baxter and see you another day...
Nathan turned 3 years old on Saturday! 
We eat pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw, chips and watermelon. I also made homemade cherry limeades. Everyone sang happy birthday and he blew out the candle in one try. My mom told Nathan to stick his finger in the frosting of the cake. He wasn't sure at first, but once he got the okay it was all over....he ate gobs of frosting. 
The first present he opened was from us which was a three wheel scooter. Now he can ride "his" scooter with his big sister. He also got clothes and play dough from Grammie. A remote control dump truck and books from Grandma. Coloring pads, stickers and drawing materials from his Aunt Lisa. Nathan had a blast eating his cake and opening his gifts.