More of June 2012

 June was a very busy month, we had just moved and the entire summer consisted of many visitors and trips to the lake. 

Ayla, she's always doing things to make me smile, even when life is absolutely crazy.

 One of our visitors was cousin Eli and Aunt Rachel (Ray Ray). Ahrian and Eli are only 3 months apart from each other and they had a lot of fun playing together.

 One of the many trips to the lake. Aunt Ray Ray, Eli, Me, Ahrian, Ayla and Aunt McKelle.

 Aunt Ray Ray is very talented.  She made Ayla two skirts, which Ayla was very happy to model.

 Grandpa and Grandma Anderson came to visit while Rachel was here. Grandpa is a little softy for the grandkids, especially Ayla.

 We took a trip to a local theme park.  It's perfect for family fun.

 

 Ayla and I had a lot of fun on the Ferris Wheel.  When at the top she was more concerned about her Papa who was below than where we actually were at the moment. 

 The summer was really hot so we spent many afternoons playing in the water Ayla wasn't quite sure what to think of the splash parks.

 I thought it would be a good idea to get a slip and slide.  I tried many times explaining to Ayla how it was done but eventually I ended up demonstrating.  It was fun, but painful. I don't think adults were in mind when the slip and slide was invented. I was particularly grateful for our privacy fence...

 They at least appreciated the sprinklers.

I decided it was time for a change and since I've vowed to never cut my hair again I went with some bangs instead.  

 

After several years of my road bike sitting in the garage it was time for me to take up the sport again.  I LOVED the freedom of having the both kids old enough to ride in the bike trailer.  Ahrian did much better after getting used to wearing his helmet.  

Each evening we would go for a walk with Kusko while Ayla rode her balance bike. 

May 2012

 May was out of control busy, busy, busy! The first weekend in May Ayla had six performances for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations.  She was in absolute heaven and danced her little heart out!  Even though she was the smallest and youngest in the group that didn't stop her from "keeping" up with everyone else.  I was so excited for her and managed to get her to all her performances despite the fact that we were going to be moving within the next 10 days. 

 Ahrian and his Tio Gerson

 This girl has always loved corn on the cob.  Especially Mexican style!

 My dear friend Nicole came during the week that we were moving and was such a huge help in entertaining the kids and helping me clean the rental house we were moving into.  Now this rental came at the last minute.  Our search for a house was extremely time consuming and stressful sinced we were moving at peak renter's moving season.  There were so many applicants on each property that we truly didn't even know if we were going to have a place to live coming closing day on our house. Luckily we found one just 10 days before our closing date.  However, it didn't come easy. The property owner's told us we could have the place if we doubled our deposit (so that meant we had to pay first and last month's rent and match that same amount for the pet deposit) since we had a Great Dane.  Of course we had no choice but couldn't help feeling totally taken advantage of since we know Kusko is 100% trained and very, very seldom leaves his bed.

 My dear Ayla already says things that are quite shocking! One day she came up to me with her barbi and says "Mama, it's you."  Quite sweet and of course I took it as a complete compliment (she must have her beer goggles on).

We were so excited when Tia Vanina had her baby May 22nd! Ayla and Ahrian finally had a cousin on Milton's side of the family. They named him Tyler Ashton Jepperson. 

Ayla was very happy to hold Tyler!

March & April 2012

We must admit that in our family we our a bunch of chocoholics! We LOVE chocolate and especially blizzards from Dairy Queen.  Here we are for FHE getting chocolate wasted. 

There's no doubt they are some happy kids!

 On a family hike at Red Rocks.

 I think little man had it the best!

 Ayla is very close to her Tio Elton.  Her favorite thing is "working" with him on his cars or following him around in the garage.

 This girl is growing up too quickly!

 Aunt McKelle moved back to Utah and then headed onto Wyoming to be with Ben who had graduated from the Air Force.  Not a good picture, but the kids LOVED having her live with us for the last 6 months.

 Ayla didn't quite get the concept of getting the easter eggs and candy.  She got distracted by everyone taking pictures.

Valeria, a family friend, was the winner of gathering the easter goodies. 



February 2012

 February was quite a busy and happening month, it definately had its ups and downs. On an up Ayla decided it was time to be a big girl.  She was overall very easy to potty train.  Day 1 and 2 had quite a few accidents but onto the third day she had it figured out.

 She had a potty chart that each time she went pee she got one sticker and a piece of candy.  If she went poop she got two stickers and ICE CREAM!

 Ayla also joined a Multi Cultural Dance group that many focuses on Mexican Folklore dancing. She was the youngest in the group by several years. 

Ahrian grew to love food more and more! There are very few things that this kid won't eat.

In the middle of February we made the decision that it was time to sell our home.  Immediately we had many interested people and sometimes up to 4 showings a day.  Taking care of 2 young kids, keeping a house constantly spotless and trying to figure out where we were going to going to move kept us very busy!



Our Valentine's Date

The weekend before Valentine's Milton and I took a trip into the mountains to Granby. We had purchased a groupon for a sleigh ride and dinner. We didn't know exactly what to expect and dressed a bit too nicely for the occasion, but it sure was worth it. The date started off with an hour sleigh ride through the beautiful snowy mountains of Granby.

Milton had forgotten his ear muffs so he had to wrap my scarf around his head.

As we arrived it started to snow lightly. It was quite cold so the snowflakes on my blanket were perfectly shaped.
After the sleigh ride they took us back to their ranch and served us steak and trout. It was delicious! We would definitely recommend the Sombrero Ranch! We can't wait to do it again.

Lots and Lots of White Stuff

We have had a lot of snow this year! The night that we put Bahlu down it started to snow and snow. I was very disappointed because I was waiting for it to snow so I could hook Bahlu up to the sled and have him pull Ayla around. So, Milton had to do it instead.

Even old boy Kusko joined the fun and found some energy to romp around a bit.

Ayla outlasted all of us! She just didn't want to go inside.

That following week we had a play date with Xander and Spencer. Xander had built a huge snow cave. They always have so much fun together.

Bahlu AKA Baby Babas 04/2006-02/02/2012

Today was one of the worst days! We had to make the horrible decision of putting Bahlu down. Here's our final family picture (minus Kusko and Ahrian). As you can tell the smiles are quite forced and Ayla is very confused as to what is happening.

Giving him as much loves as possible.

I can't even describe how horrible putting a pet down is! He passed away with his head on Milton's lap on my arms around him. There were many tears shed, before, during and after! He has left a very big (170 lb) impression in our lives! We love you Bahlu and hope to see you again.

Here are some pics to remember him by...

April 26, 2007 - Bahlu's Adoption Day! He was 1 year old, 140 lbs, no manners/training with abuse and neglect issues. However, he still had so much love to give.

Our Dane Deer!

Bahlu was one of the largest Danes I've ever met! Truly a big baby in all aspects.

My all time favorite of Bahlu! He has left a huge hole in our hearts and we miss him dearly! May you be remembered as the big, loving, drooly and goofy dane that you were and not the issues you were dealt.