Jeepers!!!

Trying to keep Ashley entertained with this heat is not an easy task! Earlier (yes, I'm catching up/combining posts) this summer while at the zoo...we were just in time for the Giraffe Encounter! We were able to feed and take pictures with them up close, it was so cool...I think I enjoyed it a little more than Ashley, see for yourself!

We were with our friends Cameron and Sadie...this picture makes me laugh!!! Just had to include these...
That was our last time at the zoo since the heat is just too much for now. I was told about an indoor (air-conditioned!)"fun house" for smaller kids, great for Ashley's age. They have rides and jumpers and it's inexpensive too...can't go wrong, right?!?! Well, I think I built it up in my head so much, and when we got there they weren't running a lot of the rides for some reason...oh and it was still hot! Oh well, can't complain...Ashley had a great time and got to spend the day with Grandpa!
Ashley doing her Elton John impression on the way to Jeepers...Leading the wayDo you think she wants to ride the carousel?Driving the Rescue boatand trainThat's right...I squeezed my bootie in that thing,

do I look out of place?Monkeys in a barrelRiding the train with DaddyCan't pass up an Icee opportunityStay tuned...I was going through pictures today and had no idea how far behind I was!! Lots more fun to come...

California adventures

While out in California for the fourth...we had to do some fun things with Ashley! So instead of paying the hefty entrance fee and challenging our daughter to stay awake for an all day Disneyland adventure, we decided to take an afternoon and walk around Downtown Disney. The weather was great, and it was just perfect!

Ohhh...pretty birdie

Taking a snack break with Grandpa and DaddyStaying behind, eating all of Grandpa's popcorn BUBBLES!! Aquarium of the Pacific with Ryan and Julie!! Yeaaa...so much fun! Ashley has no fear, she's hands on!
Checking out the sea lionsWatching the sharks with RyanWe found Nemo and Dori...and Nemo and Dori...and Nemo and Dori...and, you get the pointWalking around outside the aquarium. Ashley has her souvenir, a stuffed sea lion. Thank you Ryan and Julie!Here they are...what cute lovebirds!That pretty much wraps up all our California time these past few months! There are so many things to do there, I am so glad we took a couple days to do some of them. Can't wait until Ashley is old enough for Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland, oh and SeaWorld...that's just the West Coast! We're going to be busy!

Remembering Grandma Gast

I'm so behind on posts...this one goes back to Grandma Gast's funeral service in June and our 4th of July celebration, both in California!
A BIG Thank you to Cug for some amazing photos...you'll easily be able to tell which ones are hers, and which ones I took!

I'll race ya...Smelling the flowersGathering following service.
Ashley found the pool...
Enjoying a toast to Grandma Gast...ice cream sandwich style
All the family got together for the 4th at Grandma Gast's house, and it was so fun to see everyone and hear all the stories and great memories.We even believe she made an appearance...
Ashley playing with Daddy before the festivities begin...
Can't have a fourth without watermelon! We enjoyed two nights of fireworks this year, and let's just say I didn't pack for the cold evenings...

Here I am with three blankets...and yes, still coldBeing festiveEnjoying the show...Had to go to California for Ashley's first sparkler!!! We enjoyed great food, great family and lots of fun all in honor of Grandma Gast! Thank you for all the great times and lasting memories!