Halloween 2012

This picture collage customized with Smilebox Our Halloween celebrations started out on my birthday October 27th.  I had been planning on doing the Monster Dash 5k race for several months and was very disappointed when I woke up with the terrible cold that the kids had. Regardless, Milton spoiled me with a very nice Nikon Coolpix camera, which I had been hinting about for quite some time. We put it to use that very day while we cheered for Eric and Vanina who were able to do the 5k without me :(  Unfortunately, Ahrian was just as sick so he was in no mood for the celebrations.  I believe he actually had croup and made for several sleepless nights. Every time he would cough (or should I say bark) I would be all ears and terrified that if I didn't go check on him I would regret it. Despite feeling absolutely terrible it was a great birthday, even if I still can't believe that I'm 28!   That following Tuesday Ayla had her preschool Halloween party.  She was very excited to dress up again in her Baterina custome.   I took the Ayla and her friend Jayden (Elton's fiance's nephew) trick or treating around our neighborhood Halloween night.  I attempted to bring Ahrian in the wagon but he just wasn't having it and ended up crying the entire time we were away. Ayla got the hang of running from house to house without a problem.  Our neighbors were overly generous and we called it quits early because we had no more room in their buckets.   

October Fun

Personalize your own collage October was a rather relax month compared to what it had been for us over the past year. Ahrian and I was able to go on our last ride together before it got way too cold (barely 40 degrees was my threshold).  I was very sad to say goodbye to the rides until it gets warm again.   Ayla loves it when Grandma Anderson sends her gifts, as you can see from her estatic face.   It was also one of the last months that we were able to go on our daily walks/bike ride.  On this particular bike ride Ayla wasn't paying attention to where she was going and got completely clothes lined by the mailbox.  It took her off the bike and I'm so glad that she was wearing a helmet or I think the outcome would have been much more painful.   I am so grateful that Ayla and Ahrian get along so well.  You can just tell that they really do love eachother.  It's moments such as these that I realize everything Milton and I work so hard for is paying off.    

This free picture collage made with Smilebox  I really am amazed at the patience that Ahrian has with Ayla.  She is always doing things to him that most may not tolerate.  She took Kusko's leash and clipped it o his pjs and made him crawl around pretending to be a dog.  He went along with it until she started pulling too much on the leash.   Once again the weather is always unpredictable and we had an unusually warm day.  Outside we went to enjoy the weather and for me to practice using my new camera. 

My Journey to a New Me!

Picture collage created with Smilebox I debated for quite some time as to whether I even post about my weight loss...but after realizing how far I've come I thought why not? Besides, I don't want to forget where I was and what it took to get me to where I am now.   I was never the one who lost weight after having babies...infact I gained very easy, even despite nursing, watching what I ate and working out. In April when Ahrian weaned himself I immediately ordered the HCG drops and was on my way to a new me. I did the 6 week program and I can tell you it was not easy!   However, I lost an amazing 33 pounds and lost more within the months following from Kettleworx, Insanity, P90x, running and road biking. I didn't quite make it to my goal of 123 pounds but I was happy regardless.   The top left picture is from last December when I wasn't able to lose anymore baby weight.  The top right is about 5 weeks into the HCG diet. The middle right and bottom left were from this month with just 4 more pounds to go (those stubborn 4-5 pounds have been the hardest, but someday I will get there)! I wouldn't normally post belly pics, but at least I saved you from seeing the ones pre HCG diet. The bottom left was one that I came across from our honeymoon.  Even though my skin may have been tighter back then I am indeed in better shape.  It sure feels good and I look forward to seeing what 2013 has in goal for me as I continue with my fitness goals.   

Hot vs Cold - October 2012

This photo collage made with Smilebox You never know what the weather is going to be like in Colorado.  We took a trip to zoo in shorts one day and the next it was freezing. Ayla had put on her snowsuit in response to her Tio Elton telling her it was too cold for her to help him outside.  Her solution was valid and he couldn't come up with another reason as to why she couldn't help him (I'm sure it was mainly so he could get things done faster). Even poor Kusko had a hard time adjusting to the temperature drop and required a blanket to stop the shivers.





September 2012

Ayla's first day of preschool! My good friend Brittany Talbott, her sister Laura and Brittany's friend Rachel decided to do joy school together.  Preschool is Tuesday and Thursday, 9-11 and we rotate teaching each week.  Ayla was super excited to go to preschool.  When arrived at Brittany's house she said "Mom, no! I want to go to school." She was a bit disappointed to realize it wasn't an actual school.

Showing off her back pack that Tia Vanina gave her.



The preschool group. Claire, Kaden, Mikey and Ayla. Ayla is the baby of the class since her birthday isn't until August, but she has really benefited from it!

While Ayla was at preschool I would ride my bike pulling Ahrian in the trailer.  I invited a friend, Mindi Bennett, to join me this particular day and I'm so thankful she came.  While on our ride someone smashed my window to get the diaper bag that I had forgotten on the floor.  Unfortunately, it had my wallet! Mindi was great staying there with me until the cops came and I was also lucky enough that Milton just happened to have the day off.  He was my knight in shining armor, calling the credit cards, picking up Ayla from preschool, cleaning up the glass all over the car and even getting the window replaced that very same day.

Our credit union was great to work with and refunded the money that was spent.  My assumption is that they were high school students who were out for trouble.  They immediately spent $50 at McDonalds and another $10 at the Red Box. I'm very grateful that was the extent of the damage done.

We met up with Justin and Celeste one Saturday evening at for dinner and then some fun at Boondocks.

Ayla and Xander waiting their turn for the go carts.

 Ayla is posing on top of our newest summer fun addition.  The boat we have used in the past was technically Elton's so we decided it was time to get one of our own.  Of course, the season is over, but we got a heck of a good deal and can't wait to try it out next summer.

On September 23rd Heidi had their baby Greyson. 

 Here's the growing family!

Ayla was very ready to hold her new cousin! She immediately asked for the boppy and that he be placed in her arms.  It's a good thing she took to him so well because in a couple of months time he will be with us Mon-Fri while Gerson and Heidi are working.

It was time to get these beautiful locks trimmed.  She was such a good sport!

Ahrian at 15 months still wasn't walking. Even if I tried to help him walk he wanted nothing to do with it.  However, as soon as Abuelo started to help him and even bought him a moonwalker he was up and walking within that very week.

Abuela and I took a nice stroll around the neighborhood to the park.

As you can see this girl is very much in love with her little cousin! Her amazing love and gentleness with babies is something very unique.

These two continue to make us laugh everyday! Ahrian is always game for whatever Ayla has in store for him.

Even despite the break in I still continued to ride my bike. I was definitely more cautious each time, but I wasn't about to give up the freedom I had just because of someone's dumb decision.  Ahrian would almost always go to sleep. 

August 2012

 August 1st our little princess turned 3!!!! We met up with Bradley Gagon, Brittany Talbott and her kids (Austin, Kaden & Joselyn) at the zoo.

 It was a very hot day so most of it was spent at the splash park.

 That evening when Papa came home he brought in her balance bike and balloons.

 He even had her balloons customized. So cute, not to mention they finally stopped floating after 3 weeks!

 The first week of August was absolutely insane.  Abuelos, Tio Pepe and Tia Lulu came to stay with us for Ayla's birthday, Gerson and Heidi's wedding (pictured above), baby Tyler's blessing and Heidi's baptism. I can't believe that I got so few pictures taken of that entire week!

 During all the craziness we somehow fit in a Mexico soccer game.

 Ayla enjoying her bithday party with Kaden and friends.  Prior to the party when I asked her what she wanted to wear she told me her "birthday cake shirt." I had no idea what she was referring to until she pulled out her cupcake shirt.  Clever little girl, why didn't I think of that?

 Blowing out her candles.

 She's always a good receiver of presents (and attention).

 After all the family events Tio Pepe and Tia Lulu stayed until the end of their visit to the US. Despite the fact they spoke little English and I Spanish we loved having them here.

 I was so happy when I noticed that Ahrian was definately left handed.  My genes finally came through!

 Paddle boats at a local park.

 We met up with Vanina for some yummy pizza.

 Ayla can always be found in the garage or helping her Tios/Papa.

 Ayla's performance at Lakeside Amusement park.

 Papa and Ayla enjoying some rides.

 We sure do love going to the lake. I believe we made it almost every weekend possible.  We started going to Boyd Lake in Longmont shortly after moving. We love the water, but the shore can be quite messy.

 This little boy is almost always eating. He finished that whole apple, plums, chips, etc.

One of my favorite things about this summer is that I had two awesome kids who now play together. Ayla pulled him around and around the backyard.

Eventually she would get tired, lay down and take rest while brother waited patiently.  We were sad to see the summer end so quickly, it was by far our busiest, but totally worth the chaos!