The difference a year can make.

January 2010

March 2011

March 2010.

March 2011.

Random Spring Fun.

Emma is starting to conquer the monkey bars. Max loves to swing (this is obviously pre- haircut picture).

Papaw teaching Max about visor wearing.

Epcot.

The Ashler 4 took on Epcot last Sunday with Mimi and Dolores.

Emma mapping out her plan of attack.

Ole'!! Enjoying some time in Mexico.

Emma with her favorite Disney tourguide.

Emma posing with the fish from the Nemo ride. One of her favorites.

A new friend

Emma met a new friend. Tom and Jill Bunger (friends of Mimi and Papaw's) brought their granddaughter, Lainey, to Animal Kingdom Resort at Disney and we went to play one day. After playing in the pool and playground, the girls decided they wanted a playdate when Emma comes to Bloomington.

All his hairs got chopped

Max has had a few hairs trimmed in the past but a few weeks ago we took the clippers to his curly mop. His summer cut.

First Slip and Slide day of 2011.

We had our first week of 80 degree weather and busted out the slipNslide. The set up and breakdown of the slide took longer than the time spent playing in it. Go figure.

A Staggering Good Day.

Max has been experimenting with 2-3 steps at a time but on Saturday, February 26, 20011 he surprised us with more than that.

Bye Bye Emerald Coast.

First photo taken by Emma. Yes, that is the sunrise on our way to Panama City. The southwest pilot was nice enough to allow Emma up front for a few mitnues.

Excited to get home.

Popa's Place.

We were luckily enough to have time in Destin and Pensacola. We invaded Harrison's house and had a good time. Emma took full advantage of the Sunday Ads to make him a card. Harrison was a very helpful assistant for the young artist.

Playtime.

Thanks to Grand-Aunt Crista Emma and Max had a chance to play with their cousin Noah. Emma loved having another little person to play with. (she also loved the chance to ger her nails done.)

De Plane! De Plane!

The kids and I ventured off to the Emerald Coast to visit Phil's family a few weekends ago. Thankfully there are straight through flights to Panama City from Orlando. Bruce and Debbie were gracious enough to be our taxi to Destin from Panama City. (Phil had open weekend for UCF baseball and softball)

Diya's Dance Party

Emma's friend Diya turned 4 this month. Emma has had her birth date memorized for months. Diya used to be a classmate of Emma's but had to change schools a few months ago. Her mother was sweet enough to contact us about Diya's party. They had fun at a local dance studio, dancing, face painting, pizza, cake...a good day.

DIY Closet Organizing.

This is what happens when Emma is working quietly in her room. I think she may have tried on a few outfits before deciding what to wear.

Love for all.

Emma assembled 40+ valentine day cards for her classmates and teachers. Can you feel the love?

Whip it good.

Channeling his inner Devo.

Practice Makes Perfect.

Emma gets very excited to help Max walk around the house, sometimes she gets going a little too fast. Imagine that?!? He has let go and walked 2-3 steps independently but still prefers to crawl everywhere. (Or have a walking partner.)

Table of Many Uses.

Since Max conquered crawling on TOP of the table a few months ago we flipped it over and now he has found a whole new form of entertainment. On any given day you can find him throwing various toys in there and then climbing in and throwing them all back out.

Birthday #1.

I found this birthday headband from Emma's previous birthday celebrations and we figured to try it on Max. It lasted just long enough for a picture.

Emma, the present opening assistant. Max had to be bathed immediately following dinner, go figure. (The birthday party was followed by a UCF basketball game, hence the UCF cheerleader)

Emma and I attempted to make Max's cake. We baked and iced, then her and Phil placed the sugar decor. Team effort.

YAY!!!! FORWARD FACING....a whole new world!!!

New Years Day.

I am assuming the New Year hat picture is self explanatory. I attempted to create a New Years meal with two different traditions; ham, cabbage and black eyed peas. Max even liked the black eyed peas!! Introduced Emma to a modified version of Cornhole and Sticky Ball. (Mimi's inner PE teacher resurfaced.)