Noe takes on Gymboree

So I took Noe to her first Gymboree class today. I thought for sure she would be a shy little thing and that she would be permanently attached to Mama. Boy was I wrong! She explored every inch of that place with no problems. She climbed up the ramps, used the slide and threw the balls. She helped pick up at the end and even crawled on other Moms. It just goes to show that even when you think you finally figured them out...they keep the surprises coming.
~A

80 degrees in January

Is it summer? It sure feels like it. We had an amazing day at the beach on Sunday. Just hanging out with family and friends and enjoying a beautiful day. Noe played for hours in the sand and the only peep we heard out of her was when she dropped her banana in the sand. She even tried riding Uncle Bobby's surfboard, but the water was freezing. So, we can't wait to see her in action this summer.



Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Growing like a weed

Our little Peanut is growing like a weed. We can't believe how much fun she is. She's laughing, talking up a storm (although no one can understand her all the time), clapping, shaking her booty, and just loving life. She's constantly bringing us books to read to her and loves doing everything on her own. Except sleeping. She loves having Mommy and Daddy around for that.

And she loves to eat pretty much everything, and her favorite is broccoli. Can you believe that??
But my favorite part of the day is when Patty gets home from work. Noe gets so excited and can't wait to play with Daddy! Ahh love and family...that's what it's all about.

Happy New Year!

We Miss You Grandpa D

So I've been trying to write this blog for hours and I just can't find the right words or the perfect picture. On Christmas morning we lost our beloved Grandpa D. I've included an excerpt from my brother's family blog, because he had such a special entry that really paid a beautiful tribute my Grandfather.

"Christmas was bittersweet this year as we lost our Grand/Great-grandfather. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with family at their house and early Christmas morning Grandpa decided that it was time to bring the angels above as much joy as he has given us for so many years.  

Those of you that knew my Grandfather need no explanation of the man he was. But for the rest of you I write this: Honest, loving, thoughtful and caring are just the tip of the iceberg. The stories he has shared with me and the history his eyes had seen is incredible and irreplaceable. He was a husband, father, brother (1 of 8), grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend and not just in name, but in actions. Everyone he met could not help but love the man, as he judged no one and was as genuine as anyone could be. He loved a good hug (which I will dearly miss). You know the kind that squeezes you tight? None of that quick pat on the back business!

As I sit and write this, I am flooded with memories and emotions, but all of them good. I truly can't think of anything but positive and loving experiences. Man, the folks upstairs are lucky to have him. Any sadness that is felt is for my Grandma. Married for 72 years and together since Jr. High school, only a world war could separate those two. If you looked up the words "Love birds" in the dictionary, it would read 'see Harold and Marge Dalton.'He taught us so much about how to live and love, and it's simple! Be grateful for every day and squeeze tight the ones you love.

We will miss you, but never forget you. We love you Grandpa D.MW "

Such an amazing man. Thank you brother for a great tribute.

Tis the Season

Ok. So we're lagging on the Christmas Season photos. In any case, we were lucky enough to have some good ol' fashion date time thanks to Grandma Sue. She was nice enough to spend the night with Noe while we cut a rug at the Deutsch Holiday Party. We also got to share some Holiday Sangria our with our beloved friends, introduce Noe to other husband candidates (See Henry) and cruise through Naples Island in Long Beare where beautuful homes are crazy decorated for the holidays.

Trip to the Park

So before Christmas we headed out to the park for some family time. Nothing like breaking the law and illegally feeding ducks at the pond. Noe got on the swings, and mom sped fed the ducks. Dad did the usual taking a million photos trying to document it all.

Here are a few of the favorite pics.

Slow pokes

So a lot has gone on in less than a month and I always forget to sit down and blog it out. For starters we had hardwood floors put in (yea for us...boo for Noe's knees), we painted and put up all the crown mouldings and stuff, we had 3 Thanksgiving celebrations (one at our house), and we threw Noe an early 1st birthday celebration. Whew!! We are done. Well, except for the Christmas and stuff ;) But we love the holidays. Family, food, and lounging around with friends. Does it get any better?
Thanksgiving morning at Refugio Beach. What a perfect start to the day! Talk about being Thankful.

The Ultimate couch. My Mom and Dad have this couch that once you sit down, you can never leave. I love it and hate it. It makes it really hard to get anything done.
My beautiful maternal grandparents. 92 & 93 and still in love. Wow!

Early Thanksgiving in Palm Springs with Ashlee's Dad's Family.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!