The Bike

The Gates clan furnished Ashlyn with this bike over a year ago, in anticipation of the day she would be big enough to ride it. Well friends, the day has arrived. She can't quite reach the pedals yet, but she gets so excited for rides on it. I think she really enjoys the freedom from straps that hold her still and being able to steer (which makes steering from the back more difficult, but at least she's having fun!). Also note that Daddy has already personalized it with his bike emblems in hopes of having a future mountain biker partner.

And thank you Auntie Shannon for the early birthday present of the noggin protector!!

Smile!

What a cheese ball. But a cute one, I must admit.

(We're counting this as her 23 month photo that I have been negligent in taking the last few months; just pretend she is holding a sign between her fuzzy hands).

Elephant Train

Ashlynisms

body bridge

looking at you from the top of her eyes

"smile"

"Stop and take a rest"

Where's Waldo?

I showed this book to Ashlyn only a few times and now she can flip through the book on her own and pick out Waldo within a matter of seconds. She must have memorized where he is on each page because she always finds him before me!

New Trick

Juice

Just like the Doggies

Ashlyn spends so much time outside with the dogs that she has started acting like them:

MB #2

We are blessed to be able to announce that sometime around February 24th, Ashlyn will be a big sister!! I am 8 weeks along, feeling lousy, but thankful for the opportunity to raise another child for Christ!

Taking Care of the Dogs

Sweet Ashlyn is so kind and considerate of the dogs that she will hand carry pieces of food to them when she thinks they are hungry. Here she is taking some to Bogey outside:

Yesterday I found her using one of her hollow blocks as a cup to scoop water out of the water bowl and bring it to Bogey, because apparently he looked thirsty. The dogs happily accept whatever she brings to them. What a great team the 3 of them make!

Jack - A Good Back Rest

Breakfast

Ashlyn's new favorite breakfat treat: Frosted Mini Wheats with milk, in her Kitty bowl

4th of July Parade

Outside

Now that the weather has FINALLY been cooperating and the sun is out, Ashlyn has discovered her love for being outside on the back deck. And what accompanies her most days? Anpanman ball!

Also, we enjoyed a picnic at Washington Park; are you supposed to be sitting ON the table?

Lavender ("Purple Flowers")

I asked Ashlyn to go smell the "purple flowers" for a few pictures and this is what I got:

on her way over, almost there

there's the sniff

a few digs in the dirt like mommy did to pull up weeds

and . . . a smile!

Couch Gymnastics

She had been jumping and flipping over the couch for a few minutes before I was able to dig out my camera and I only caught the end of her last flip, so you'll just have to imagine how it started. Coordinated little girl, I must say (and obviously proud of herself too!).

Loving My Doggies

No question about it, Ashlyn loves her Jack and Bo-Bo (or Bobey, depending on the day).

They make great back rests and pillows for little girls.