Strawberry 2012

We made it to Strawberry for the 5th year in a row.  It's always such a fun, relaxing trip.  There was not nearly as much snow this year but fine by me!  There was still enough for the skiiers and snowboarders to get a good couple of runs in.  Aaden was sick with a cold most of the trip and it kind of knocked him down a bit but he was still such a good boy (despite sleeping horribly) and he had so much fun playing with Jaya and Chase!  A weekend with other kids is like a slice of heaven for him - good thing Jaya and Chase seemed to enjoy playing with him just as much!

The sun was shining right in Aaden's eyes. 

Thankfully Papa had this janky umbrella to help block the sun.

More than anything Aaden hates the sun in his eyes.

Friday night.  Kate and Uncle Brother with Aaden

Mommy nebulizing Aaden

Happy Boy

Nothing more manly than pink boots ;-)

Aaden and Papa at Dodge Ridge

Daddy and Aaden

Family pictures

Emmy, Aaden & Papa

Daddy, Mommy, Aaden & Uncle Brother

Daddy, Mommy, Aaden, Kate & Uncle Brother

Mommy and Aaden

My sweet boy modeling his snow suit for us

Walking on the snow - he wasn't a big fan

Aaden and Mommy. 

This picture makes me laugh, he's saying "Goooo"

I think he was ready to leave ;-)

Being a goofball

Watching Jaya ski

Playing on the iPad with Papa and Chase

Love this picture - nakey butt

Bath time for Bonzos

We got to meet up with Pappy in Jamestown.

Pappy lives in Sonora now so we don't get to see him all the time

Mommy, Aaden, Daddy, Uncle Brother & Kate in Jamestown

Chase and Aaden playing with the pots and pans

Silly boys.

Aaden loved hanging out with Jaya all weekend!

 
 Getting ready to go

 
 In & Out Burger on our way home. 

Aaden was not feeling well. :(

Eli's Party at USA Sports

Our friend's son, Eli, turned 3 this week so they had a birthday party for him at USA Sports.  The kids get to run around and play with "coaches" and do fun physical activities.  Aaden was the youngest one that participated - he pretty much did what he wanted since he's not great at following directions at this point.  He had a fun time though.  One of the floors at the facility is a real bouncy surface and Aaden had a great time jumping around on that.  One of the coaches was really impressed that he could jump with both feet - she said that she has some 2 1/2 year olds that can't do that yet.  She was also really impressed that he could hold a ball, throw it up (a few inches) and catch it.  He just mastered this skill - he loves playing with balls at home so he's had a lot of practice.  I must say, it made Aaron and I beam with pride a bit to be told that Aaden was doing so well with those things.

Oh and we got a new word today ---> "Go".  We were getting ready to leave for the party and I said, "let's go" and out of no where, he said "GO!"  Clear as day. :)

Hangin' out with one of the coaches

 Playing on the obstacle course

 Just hangin' on the bouncy floor

 Running away...

 Now back to the big ball

(look at the poor coach's face - she was exhausted from chasing him)

 Hopping on the trampoline

 More balls! 

He definitely had fun! 

 I think if he could have he would have just played with the balls all day

 and jumped on the bouncy floor! 

Barber Shop

Aaden got a hair cut by a real barber today!  The barber, Raul, has been in business for decades in Hollister.  Aaron held him on his lap while Raul cut my baby's hair off.   Aaden did pretty great - he didn't cry or wiggle too much but he kept trying to turn his head to see what Raul was doing.  Raul did a good job of cutting his hair - he looks like such a big boy now!

Before

 

 During...

 

 

 

After

So excited about his Lollipop from Raul

 

He's saying "OooOooh"

  

 Hangin' with Raul

Dear Aaden

Dear Aaden,

It's been a while since I've written to you.  I just can't believe how fast a year and a half goes by.  You are at such a fun age - I'm loving it (although, I admit, I could do without the whining).  The interactions with you grow greater and greater everyday.  I am constantly looking forward to the next stage because I love each phase more and more.  I love the kisses we get from you now.  Especially, how you emphasize the "muuaahh" - it's seriously one of the cutest things.  I hope I can catch it on video.

You are such a goofball when you are around our family.  Dancing, making funny faces, playing games, imitating everyone.  You make us laugh more and more everyday.  You are a little shy around a big group of adults but you love to be around little kids.  You will show off and don't mind being the center of attention.  I took you to Daddy's classroom full of 1st graders and you were so silly, laughing with all the kids.

You bring us so much joy and happiness.  Sometimes I just want to squeeze you!  (But there is no time for cuddling because you are so busy, busy, busy!)  You bring a smile to my face every time I think of you and you are the light of our lives.  Daddy and I still look at you and think, "how did we make such a cute kid?"  We are still amazed at how adorable you are!  (I know we're biased, but that's ok!)  We often talk about how much we love you and even when we're away from you for a little while we miss you.  We are so proud and so lucky to be your parents.  We look forward to many, many tomorrows with you!

I love you, Aaden!! ♥  Don't ever, ever forget that!

Love,
Mommy

Cool Guy

GTG at Monica's!

We had a get together today at Monica's house in Concord.  We got to meet Mila and Karlee and Darrell.  We had a nice brunch and the kiddos had a fun time playing.
Yay for August Babies!

August Babes!

Tanith, Mila, Aaden & Maddie

 August Dads!

(impossible shot)

Tanith minus Josh, Aaron & Maddie, Aaron & Aaden, Darrell & Mila

 August Moms!

Ariana, Me, Monica & Karlee

New Year 2012!

We had a relaxing New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  The Cannon's came down from Lincoln and hung out for a few days.  We drank wine and ate good food all weekend while the kiddos had fun playing together.  They especially loved running around outside!

 

 

On New Year's Eve Day we had friends over for lunch - Cheryl Lovejoy captured a few pictures of the kids.

On New Year's Day, Andrea and I tried our hand at making ciopinno and I must say, it came out pretty good! Calleigh and Aaden had fun playing with all of Aaden's new toys.

Happy New Year!