Ashlynn turns two

Ashlynn had her second birthday on January 14th. We celebrated with a big party that weekend and invited all of her friends, a lot including parents, so it was nice that John's parents live close by with a great backyard. There was a jumper, food, cupcakes, pinata, and the big hit was the giant room full of trains that John helped his dad build when he was younger. Don, John's dad conducted the trains and even wore the proper hat. The party turned out great and Ashlynn got a bunch of wonderful gifts.

What a blessing

On Sunday, January 3rd, Braydon received his baby blessing. John's parents and brother, as well as my parents, Grandpa, and brother were all able to come and show their support for the special event. John, my Dad, and my Grandpa were all able to participate in the blessing, and John did a wonderful job. I am very proud of him and Braydon and I am grateful for my family and my church family. I was very pleased when John blessed Braydon to be close to his family and to develop a good relationship with his sister. I also liked that he blessed him to share his talents with others.

I of course took a bunch of pictures and I was also able to get one with the four generations, from Great-Grandpa to Grandson.

Presents

For Christmas eve my parents and younger, but much bigger, brother (6 foot 7) came over and we exchanged presents. Ashlynn got a cool table to color at and hang her art, a giant coloring pad, and some washable markers. She loves to color in the book, especially with mama and dada. Braydon got the outfit he will receive his baby blessing in.

Christmas morning was great. Ashlynn loved opening her stocking to find a bunch of candy and she was too excited to open her presents. She would grab one from under the tree, bring it to dada and have him start to unwrap it and she would finish. I think she liked unwrapping more than what was under the paper. She did very well and didn't open any presents unless we told her it was okay. We got her a bunch of little things and one big thing: a doll furniture set including a stroller, crib, high chair, and car seat. She loves them. Braydon got some burp clothes.

That evening we spent with John's parents and brother. Ashlynn got a bright new tricycle, and a Winnie the pooh watch. Braydon got a Winnie the pooh swing. My favorite part was spoiling Ashlynn and seeing how happy she was. It was a great Christmas.

Just chillin

Crazy Sunday

The Sunday before Christmas we had quite a day with Ashlynn. After arriving late to church, we had to deal with her misbehaving during sacrament, nothing new, but that was nothing compared to the rest of the day. As soon as sacrament ended I mentioned to Ashlynn that it was time to go to class. I turned to get Braydon and the diaper bag and when I turned back it appeared Ashlynn had taken off. We went to nursery to see if she made it on her own but there was no sign of her. I took off one way and John the other and searched the building for her. About ten minutes in, someone found her in the bishops office and brought her to a friend. If we had to loose her somewhere, I'm glad it was at church.

Just as church was ending John heard Ashlynn screaming in the hall and saw that she had a GIANT goose-egg on her forehead, just at the hair line. She didn't cry long and it was nothing a few pieces of chocolate couldn't solve. It appears she tripped and fell, hitting her head on the door frame. Totally an Ashlynn move.

This was taken a few hours later, it was much worse at the time

Arriving home for lunch, we noticed that Ashlynn found coloring on paper during the primary rather dull and decided to spice up her shoes with a few colors, good thing they're washable crayons.

One might think that that would be enough for one day, but no. We have been running our fireplace for the last few weeks and taught Ashlynn that it was hot and not to touch the glass. She never did until that night. She didn't really cry but kept saying ow ow and flapping her hand. We gave her a bowl of cold water to rest it in . Poor kid; it would feel better and she would get up to play and then it would start to burn again. She used to bowl of water just over an hour. Her three fingers turned pink but did not blister. I don't think she'll make that mistake again.