We Have Some Good News!

Yep, Ayla is going to be a big sister!

Since I don't believe in due dates, this awesome event should happen sometime in May!

Viva Mexico!

On Sept 14 we headed to San Luis, MX to visit Milton's uncles as well as celebrate the Mexican Independence Day. Ayla did really good on all four flights (we had a layover in Phoenix).
Phoenix is a very kid friendly airport! There were play areas in most of the boarding areas and when Ayla started to fuss one of the airline workers brought over a bag of crackers for her.

We arrived in Yuma and Milton's uncle Chaviez picked took us to San Luis, AZ where he has his main home and then onto San Luis, MX to his second home (which are only about 2 miles apart from eachother). Tio Chaviez works as a Pediatrician in Mexico and his wife, Blanca works as a nurse and a lawyer. Their two kids, Jessica and Sal go to school in San Luis, AZ.

I know what most of you are thinking! Where is Ayla's car seat? Well, it was in Tio Chaviez car and in MX kids don't even know what carseats are. Ayla was very proud to be strapped in like everyone else.

The first morning we were there we hit the good food first thing with Tio Jaime.

Ayla LOVED the plate of carne and ate it all each time we went.

We had our own guest room in the back of the house, which looked exactly like a motel room (bed, couch, tv and bathroom). It was a perfect and comfortable visit!

Ayla and her Papa ready to go to the Independence Day Festival.

Showing off her new dress!

Sal, Tio Chaviez, Jessica & Tio Jaime.

Milton's cousin Veronica that is currently going to college in Yuma.

After having lunch with Veronica we went to an infamous Prison in Yuma.

Can you imagine being locked in these cells in 115 degree weather?!

Tio Chaviez was the perfect host and made sure we had such a good time!

Ayla was so thirsty! The heat really took it out of all of us!

That night we hung out at Tio Chaviez AZ home. Ayla had them all wrapped around her little finger!

I couldn't keep Ayla out of Sal's or Jessica's rooms. She would always go looking for them and they were so good to play with her.

On our way to eat some more good food in Mexicali. Tia Blanca, Sal, Ayla & me.

Family Pic!

We even got to take Ayla to the beach for the first time! The Gulf of Santa Clara is only about 1 1/2 hours away from San Luis. The water and beach were perfect!

Jessica, Tio Jaime, Tio Chaviez and Sal comparing their diving finds.

Ayla showing off one of her seashells.

Ayla had no fear of the water! We couldn't turn our backs for a second or else she was off heading straight into the water.She is a true beach bum and was absolutely exhausted once the day was through.

Ayla insisted that she hold onto their dog, Tika while we were waiting for Tia to pick us up at the border.

We were very sad to leave! We had such a good time and are so excited to go back sometime soon!

Ayla's 1 Year Photo Shoot

How did she grow up so fast?!!!

I have a lot to catch up on with our blog, but I'll start with Ayla's 1 year photo shoot. A good friend from my childhood, Jammie Hansen, took Ayla's pics while we were in Utah. She did such an amazing job and really captured some great pics of our beautiful princess.

Of course, the day started off rough with molars coming and lack of sleep, but we got lucky and got some great shots. The one above is my favorite!

If you ever need someone to do your pics, contact Jammie! www.jammiehansen.com

Utah Trip - Week 2 - McKelle's Wedding

On Friday, August 27, was McKelle's Bridal Shower.
Ayla was very happy with all the attention that Aunt Ray Ray gives her!
The whole week before McKelle's wedding there was a lot of things that needed to get done. While dipping pretzels in chocolate Grandpa was so kind to take Ayla on a bike ride.

Afterwards she hung out with him while he set up the sprinklers.

If she wasn't being entertained she explored whatever possible. Her favorite was emptying all the kitchen drawers.

Or, helping to rip the tops off all the onions.

The night before the wedding Ben's family put together a rehearsal dinner that was very yummy.

Grandma, Grandpa, Great Great Aunt Beth and Great Grandma

Ayla really loves her Papa.

I didn't get very many good photos, so once we get them back from the photographer I'll post more of McKelle's wedding. Here's the couple, ready to say the "I do's."

The day was perfect other than the wind. Ayla was the flower girl!

Jammie Hansen, who I've known since we were just toddlers, was the photographer for the wedding.

After the reception we had the wonderful task of takedown and clean up. Of course, the grandkids found ways to entertain themselves. Climbing in the car was Bennett's idea and was quickly followed by Abram and Ayla.

I'm so glad that Ayla has such fun cousins to play with, even though they may teach her a few unwanted tricks.