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!

Keeping Cool...

Our weather forecasters have it pretty easy here in the valley...it's HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Well in the triple digits, hitting 115-116 with humidity, no longer a "dry oven", it's difficult finding ways to keep cool without being pent up inside. Ashley has discovered a few splash pads with her friend, Sadie, and she absolutely loves them!!
This one was her first, at the Phoenix Zoo...Mommy got soaked too but we were both completely dry by the time we walked to the car.
Snack time, Sadie is sharing her pretzels!Hottest day of the year so far...great day to discover another splash pad by the house
Running wet with my friend!
Now all we need...swim lessons!