Utah Trip - Week 1

The first week we stayed in Utah (August 22-27) we hung out with Ayla's Abuelos. Abuelita gave Ayla her very own first ice cream cone. It took a while for her to figure out how they are to be eaten.
She seriously ate the whole thing! After it was all gone she kept telling me by her baby sign language that she wanted more and when I didn't consent she had a meltdown. Luckily, it was bed time so that we the end of the night for her.

I got to see a good friend Nicole and her daughter Tatciana.

Tatciana was really excited to see her cousin that she had never met before!

Milton's parents take care of an elderly couple in their ward, the Browns. They invited us up to their condo in Snowbird for the day.

We took a hike in the mountains, which were absolutely beautiful. Abuelita and Ayla had so much fun together.

I also met up with another good friend that I worked with years ago in Sandy. Michelle has always been a good friend.

Soaking Up Every Bit of Summer

Last summer Tio Elton bought a boat and a wave runner and so these past two weekends we have been at Chatfield Reservoir enjoying time with friends and family. Ayla was very excited and wanted to go on the banana boat (sorry, maybe in a couple of years sweetie).

Tio Gerson bought Ayla a life jacket, which I can't believeit says it will fit a baby 20+ pounds. She couldn't even move her head while wearing it.

Milton looks a bit lost.

Abuelita looking good on the front of the boat.

Gerson, Me and Vicki after we got dumped off the banana boat (I definitely think we were abusing the banana boat and going on much rougher waves and speeds than it is intended for).

Ayla was so relaxed while in the boat and cuddled up to anyone who held her.

Ayla and her Tio Elton. Thanks Tio for such a great time!

A good friend Astrid pushing Ayla around at the swim beach.

The float was never used for anything both trips other than Ayla's place to hang out and eat.

Yesterday at the lake uncle Justin and Xander caught a frog. Luckily when Ayla gave him a kiss he didn't turn into her prince charming or else I would have had to kill him.

Gerson, Fai, Lily, Leilani and Hermana Santiago

Vanina raising the flag that we have people in the water

The best was when Milton, me, Marisa and Marcus went together. I think I'm going to need to see a chiropractor after those spills. Poor Marisa got slammed in the back of the head by my legs when we got tipped.

Fai, Lily, Mama & Leilani

Ayla LOVES hot dogs and we had to cut her off after two.

Uncle Justin, Marcus, Tia Vanina and Tio Gerson

Ayla really likes the water!

Ayla's Newest Skill, TANTRUMS!

This past week has been a bit difficult...Ayla has started to throw tantrums. I know they are tantrums when she can easily get distracted or if I pick her up all seems to be well again. The other day I was quite wore out from the tantrums and decided to let her scream it out in the hallway while I worked on my church calling in the office. She had her head down on the floor, screaming away and then I heard a thump and Ayla's crying intensified. All I could think is that Bahlu had just fallen down on her, but when I went out to investigate he had laid down in front of her was trying to put his head in her lap. He was obviously very distressed that she was sad.

However, she wanted nothing to do with his comfort tactics and kept trying to shove him away.

As you can see in this video, it was a full on tantrum because as soon as my phone started to ring she snapped out of it and crawled away to go find it.

Random August Happenings

Ayla and her loyal steed (I meant dog). Bahlu loves Ayla very much and is always attentive to where she is and what she is doing. It looks like Ayla is howling in the pic, lol.
Today we went to the Spanish ward since Milton's parents are still visiting. Ayla really enjoyed the grass and small hill outside.
She was rolling around and trying to lay her head down and when the grass would touch her face she would start to giggle.

Ayla loves eating! When we went out to dinner this last week with Milton's family. Ayla had food in each hand and resorted to eating like a dog just so she wouldn't have to put anything down. She is always the center of attention and loves every minute of it!

Takin the Monkies to the Zoo

My good friend Brittany and I usually meet up for the zoo about twice a month this summer. The kids always have a blast and it's amazing how each time we go Ayla gets more and more into looking at the animals. Kaden is pointing out a bird that was right up against the glass.
She paid such close attention this time around and loved being in the double stroller with Kaden so she could "pat" him on the head constantly, which of course he let her know he did not like.
If it wasn't Kaden getting a pat on the head then it was always someone else, this time around Mikey was close enough for her to reach. We had a blast and enjoyed pool time back at our house afterwards.

Bubble Fun

We are so glad that Abuelita has been here the past few weeks to play with us everyday! Yesterday we pulled out Ayla's new bubble machine. (Can you tell that Bahlu is ALWAYS a velcro dog? He never misses anything).
Way too many bubbles!
She was quite fascinated by all the bubbles and the noise that thebubble machine made.

Later we took a quick trip to the park. Of course, the swing is always Ayla's favorite!

Ayla ridin' in style!

"Hey, what you lookin' at?"

My Little Basket Case

It seems that with the one year birthday came a whole new stage for Ayla. She has really began to PLAY with everything (including things she's not supposed to). One of her favorite things is playing peek-a-boo her own way. This usually consists of her putting blankets, clothes, her toy baskets or anything else that will go over her head.

Now That's Some Big....

Now that's some big zucchini! The manure that Justin brought to our garden must be some good stuff! Actually, my zucchini plants are HUGE and right next to our wood pile, so I must have overlooked this one for quite some time! Now that's some big ears!

Picking Up Toys and Bugs

Abuelita taught Ayla how to pick up her toys! Gotta love the sound effects that have to go along with it.

Ayla and I had gone to the garden to get some lettuce and a little grasshopper came back with us. Ayla's reaction to the grasshopper is so cute! Note: No insects were harmed in the making of this video (or at least he was still alive when I put him back outside).

Ayla Turns 1!

First picture of Ayla on her birthday! We were all pretty tired after Ayla's party the night before, but I decided to make us some breakfast before church. Ayla hasn't been a big fan of eggs, so I spread some guacamole all over them and sure enough she ate them all.
While we were waiting for Papa to get ready for church Ayla decided to conquer the rocking chair. She has become quite the little monkey and has to crawl and climb over and on top of everything possible.
Once she climbs up she has to get back down to try it all over again.

"Look mom, I did it again!" She's cute even when she has boogers!

After church we were invited to a good friend's house to celebrate Yesenia's birthday. Yep, two birthday parties in one weekend! Astrid (the girl holding Ayla) wanted to hold and help Ayla get around while we were at the party. They were so cute together!

That night Ayla's tios came over and helped her take all her new toys out of their boxes.

She was so excited and just didn't know which one to play with.

She really likes the one that we got her. It can also turn into a little car that she can sit and scoot around on. She's growing up so fast!

Sunday night it was a bit hard to get her to wind down and get ready for bed. She kept getting off my lap and heading back into the living room to play with her toys. I eventually had to shut her bedroom door to keep her contained while I got her ready for bed.

We love Ayla so much and are excited to see what this next year has in store for us!

Ayla learning how to walk with her car.

Ayla's 1st Birthday Bash!

Wow! One year has already come and gone since Ayla joined our family. I've been so excited for her first birthday party ever since she was born and it was definitely the best party we've ever thrown! We didn't do a head count at the party, but we invited about 80 people, of which almost everyone came. Friday morning I started early with the monkey face cupcakes, which were going to be the main theme of the party. Unforunately, the cupcakes were a bit of a disaster, resulting in over 30 of them being trashed. Luckily, I was able to save the others with a lot of frosting. reeses, twizzlers, m&ms and wafers.
Here's the table deocrations that I finally completed Saturday afternoon just hours before the party. I was so glad that Milton's mom was here for the week and offered so much help or I would never have been able to pull it off.
Milton was the grill master for the party and of course Ayla was the center of attention!
The menu consisted of hot dogs, hamburgers, carne asada...

Flautas (a party favorite that I've made for every party this summer), sides, desserts, etc, etc.

Ayla's favorite was the hot dog dipped in spicy guacamole.

Here's a shot of the backyard while everyone is digging in.

We sung happy birthday and assisted Ayla in blowing out her candle.

I had to coax Ayla in eating her cupcake (weird, huh?) She's not a big fan of cookies or cake.

Ayla letting me know that she is all done!

After all the food was literally licked off the plates we got out the pinata. Ayla had been eyeing it all day and we couldn't keep all the other kids off it.

Me and my best friend Brittany.

Brittany's parents, Scott and Maxine with their grandchildren Riley and Marsella.

The pinata almost made it through all the kids before it's head was decapitated.

Even Ayla got down and grabbed herself some candy.

Ayla's first sucker, which she very reluctantly gave up come time to open presents.

Uncle Justin and cousin Spencer

Ironically, the Powell's gave Ayla and Care Bear bubble machine that was identical to the pinata.

Ayla was very excited for all her presents and gave them all big kisses and hugs.

Her favorite was the sock monkey! Very true to the theme of the party!

The party went on until the sun went down! It was such a blast and we are so glad to have such close friends and family to celebrate such a special occasion. Thank you everyone for coming, contributing to the awesome food and spoiling our little princess!

Here's a video of Ayla hitting the pinata.