The Linda Family

Ashleigh is growing and learning so quickly. Her favorite TV shows are Dora The Explorer, Go, Diego, Go, and Hanny Manny. All three of these shows are bi-lingual. Dora, Diego, and Manny speak Spanish and English. At this age Ashleigh’s sponge brain is picking up everything. You will hear her couting, “Uno, Dos, Tres…” and then she will ask you for the Azul or Rojo block! She always amazes me and I’m so excited to hear her picking this up. I hope she will continue to learn and who knows…maybe by 5 she’ll have mastered a few languuges!

Last night Ashleigh took one more step to being a big girl. We got home from the gym, I was doing laundry and cleaning, Wes was working, Ashleigh was playing between us. At some point she decided she was thirsty, she got a sippy cup, went to the bathroom, got her stool out, unscrewed the cup lid, filled it with water and put the lid back on.

She ran into our bedroom with a grin the size of California on her face, “Look what I did Mommy! I did it all by myself!” I was so proud, yet so sad….one more thing she can do on her own, and one step further from being a baby. I love seeing her grow up and learn. Each new phase is very exciting, yet I miss the baby she was

But, I do love the big girl she is becoming.
It’s a good time in our house. There are always new adventures and new experiences. I guess that’s the joy of life with a toddler!

It was recently brought to my attention that I never posted the photos from our last vacation to Seabrook Island in late August. So, here are a few photos for you all to enjoy!

Here is Ashleigh and Wes playing in the pool at the resort.

We went out to the North Beach area of the island one evening looking for seashells. It was supposed to be “the place” to find shells, sand dollars, etc. We found tons of little tiny shells, we have a small bag we brought home, but nothing really worth much. I told Ashleigh we would do something fun with all the little shells for her room. Anyone with any crafty ideas, let me know! Here are the photos from the beach..

We also went to the aquarium in Charleston. Ashleigh had such a great time. She LOVED the animal. The aquarium was really interesting, as it focused on the native animals to that area. They had an outdoor area with local birds and they had cages with owls who had been rescued from injuries in the wild. Ashleigh had been to the zoo the week before with my parents and decided that the snake was her FAVORITE animal. She was very excited when she saw a handler walking around with a Boa Constrictor around him. She went right over and tried to pet it’s head just like she does to Laci and Lucy! We had to show her that it was ok to pet the snake, but she needed to pet the snake’s back. I am sure hoping she outgrows this phase! Luckily right now, a toy snake keeps her happy, but she sure loves to talk about the snakes she has seen!

Hope that gives you an idea of all the fun Ashleigh had on our vacation!

—Just in case….the slide shows aren’t working for me at the moment. So, here are the direct links–

Pool Slide Show

Ocean Slide Show

Aquarium Slide Show

We went to PA this weekend to wish my mom a happy birthday. We left here on Friday and after the 4 hour car ride, that should have taken two, we finally arrived! Ashleigh was very excited to see Grandma and Grandpa. Saturday morning Mom and I took Ashleigh to go see the 1128 lb giant pumpkin at Dan Schantz Greenhouse . She had a BLAST.

the TINY pumpkin that is on her right in one photo and then on her left in another is the pumpkin she chose. We showed her some “normal” sized pumpkins, but she decided that they were too big, and since she was little, she needed a TINY pumpkin. I think she picked out the smallest pumpkin in the place. She had a slightly larger one, but then saw the even smaller pumpkins and had to put the larger one back to get the tiny one.

We went out for dinner to Steak And Ale . Ashleigh was a great kid. She sat in her seat, she ate lots of great food. Her Macaroni and Cheese, my salad bar, my crap from my crab stuffed shrimp. She skipped Daddy’s undercooked steak and somehow managed to avoid the french fries too! She loved the bread and the spinach and artichoke dip.

After dinner was over we headed back to the house and Ashleigh had some fun with Grandma.

She also did some posing on the chair on her own.

This morning we went outside so that Ashleigh could ride her bike and I could plant my new mums in my new pot (thanks Mom!) Ashleigh had to help me plant the flowers of course, then when we were done she rode her bike and I took some photos (what’s new?!) There was only one photo where she was looking at the camera.

And the festive fall flowers…..

We are working on the alphabet with Ashleigh. Last night she asked if I would help her write her ABCs today. We are starting with the letter A and moving on once she can make a letter A. She is growing up way to fast if you ask me! We had tons of hilarious conversations in the car, but I didn’t write them down, so I have forgotten them by now…I need to get better and writing them down right away!

So on our way to the gym last week (Thursday I believe) we had a follow up conversation to our just a bunch conversation….

W: Ashleigh, do you love Daddy?
A: Yes Daddy, I love you!
W: How much do you love me?
A: –silence–
K: Do you love Daddy a lot?
A: No….
K: Do you love Daddy a bunch?
A: Yes, a bunch.
K: Ashleigh, is a bunch more than a lot?
A: YES

So that settles it…that is why she loves us a bunch and not a lot. Sure makes me feel better!