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.

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.