Islanders.

We took a quick trip to Anna Maria Island to visit Mimi and Papaw for the weekend. Emma really got into the beach this year.


Looking north up the island.






It was a little chilly and windy most of the weekend...we never got our bathing suits on but we still had a great time.

Green Trolley.

We enjoyed our free transportation around the island courtesy of the AMI green trolley. We usually only used this to go the beach. Emma wanted to ride it everywhere we went.

Emma First Sand Castle.

Emma learned the art of sand castle making, with assistance of course. However, she also loved smashing them. In this photo Mimi is saying "Wait Emma, wait Emma."


"Ok. Smash it!!"

Sunday evening we went to dinner with GGDad and GGMom. We decided to head to the Anna Maria Historic City Pier Restaurant. We were able to watch people fish off the pier while we ate dinner, one guy caught a sting ray. This is on the bay side of the island.

Sunset.

The pier after dark. (I couldn't resist)

More Sand Castles.

Emma and daddy. By our last day there, Emma no longer wanted to smash her castles but she wanted to build, "more. more." Her personal record, 5.

Out with Friends.

This is a familiar photo that happens often...Emma taking her 'friends' for a walk in the wagon AND the Halloween costume is worn at least once a week.



Emma enjoys making a 'house' in the front yard and attempting to place each friend in a specific spot. (I'm pretty sure this is a Mimi inspired activity)

Her Many Layers.

Emma likes to put several things on at once. Especially right now since it is cooler down here at night and she still loves her dresses. In this particular picture she is wearing a long sleeve nightgown with her bathing suit cover up over it and a pair of black pants. Yes, she slept in this outfit...for 2 straight nights. :)

A day at the park.

Since the new year, the Ashler household is busy with everyday life stuff. Emma is enjoying her school. Phil and I are both steady with work. We are enjoying some winter days with nice weather and spending more time outside(at least for longer periods of time). Mimi and Papaw have left for Bradenton so we are trying to fill our 'doc-less' time. The park is one of our alternatives.

Happy Birthday Reagan!

Emma and I were invited to Reagan's first birthday party a few weeks ago. Emma refers to Reagan as "baby Reagan" and loves to hug on her...of course with my close supervision. Emma is a little too loving sometimes. :)

Emma and baby Reagan.

The party was a Gymboree themed party and we had a great time.