Kid Free in Cali

    It only took us 3 and a half years but we took a kid free vacation. It.Was.Amazing. We went to Sonoma, California and did a day in San Francisco. We did the wineries, hiked the redwoods, saw the pacific, ate lots of amazing food and drank amazing wine, and generally enjoyed not being on a schedule and having to worry about if we have extra diapers in the bag, if its getting close to nap time or inhaling our food before the kids start throwing forks and singing at the top of their lungs.
  
    I was nervous to leave them initially but once we got there and settled I was fine plus they were having a great time with Tony's Mom. It was much needed time to breathe and reconnect :)

xoxo
Ashlea

Cooper's 1 year pictures

Back in June we got Cooper's 1 year pictures taken, we used the same people who did Charlotte's and we loved how those turned out.

However the shoot was less than great. It was 1355 degrees, literally. Cooper had his shots the day before so he was sore and cranky. There was a lot of crying, a lot of sweat and I was so worried that we wouldn't have any good pictures but when I got them last week I was relieved to see somehow they managed to get some beautiful pictures of the kids!

Im going to get some printed and I am thinking of getting some blown up on a canvas for their rooms.

Some highlights......

xoxo
Ashlea

life lately in photos - september edition

 We went to the Auburn vs Clemson game and sister had a ball

 Brother and his morning milk

 Cool mornings exploring the Nature Preserve

 Brother finally got more teeth!!!!

Never to big to be carried <3 Brother was at school so she seized the opportunity for some snuggles in Costco

xoxo
Ashlea

back to school

  These sweet babes went back to school a few weeks ago

Yes this was the best picture I could get because brother sitting still these days just isnt happening. I mean his face pretty much lets you know how he feels about that idea.

The best part about them going to school? While one kid is at school learning and having fun with friends

I get the other one all to myself and that one on one time is so wonderful and precious. I do a whole lot less "hold on please" and "maybe later" and a whole lot more "yes!lets do that" and listening with undivided attention.

 Sister's likes to have Starbucks dates and do big kid crafts and activities together

Brother likes to sing songs, tickle monster and eat cheerios off the floor together

It makes sending them off much easier and so far they are both loving school!

xoxo
Ashlea

summer morning

The other morning we drove out to a local farm that had fields of sunflowers and zinnias for you to pick and take home. We got out there right as they opened at 8 to bet the heat. Charlotte met up with one of her best friends and picked a whole bucket full and brother found rocks and ran up and down the rows :) To top it off we grabbed some peaches and watermelon from the produce stand at the farm and they were the best we have had all season!

xoxo
Ashlea

Kiddie Carnival

Every year for the past 50 years a little town nearby has a Kiddie Carnival and this year we took the kids and it was THE CUTEST THING IN THE WORLD. They have a dozen rides, all the classics - ferris wheel, scrambler, swings. The best part? You have to be under 42 inches tall to ride, adorable.

Its been fry an egg on the sidewalk hot lately but the evening we went it stormed all day so it "cooled" off and we had some clouds for shade. We grabbed some dinner on the way then jumped right in to riding the rides as soon as we got there.

Charlotte always needs a little extra reassurance with new stuff but once she did the first ride was a-okay.

Brother even got to join in on a few like the merry-go-round and the train. Although I think his favorite thing was roaming all over the place and pulling up grass - typical boy.

It was a perfect summer evening and bonus, the whole thing cost $6.50 :)

xoxo
Ashlea