9 Months.

Little Stegosaurus

9 months and 2 and a half together...

Today

Dad,

As I stood over the stove making bacon in my iron skillet this morning, I couldn't help but think of you. Thinking of the Saturday mornings when the perfect breakfast was in order--which meant a grocery run--and you'd look at me and say, "You comin', boop?" And, I'd run upstairs to get my shoes or sweatshirt and settle into the heated seat in your car, feeling special in this alone time with you. Those moments when it was just the two of us are some of my favorite memories from my childhood.

They involve riding in your car...maybe because you were a captive audience then. We were driving back from a cross country meet when I was in middle school. The fields around us had been harvested and were glowing golden with the evening light. You told me it was your favorite time of day because of the way the sun gently lit everything. I remember feeling like you were like me and that made me happy.

Or...paddling in a canoe, while you fished and I asked you questions. I tried to be quiet so I didn't scare the fish away, but I loved knowing that you would tell me about how mile markers work or how you knew when to keep a fish and when to toss it back.

So, on this Father's Day, I want you to know that all of those little moments really mattered. You encouraged and inspired me, educated me and loved me through the everyday. Thanks for always being there.

I love you.
Ash

This and That.

Griff and Diego got to meet their great-aunt Irma and great-uncle Lloyd. They're in town visiting from Washington and Griff was absolutely delighted by their presence in our home.

Griffin is all about chatting with his dinosaurs. I've got to brush up on my dino names.

Diego seems to be as happy as his big brother outside and is confidently sitting up.

While our house was being inspected, the boys and I played at Cranmer park--one of the parks Ike and I used to frequent when we lived in Denver. Griff was fascinated by the sundial.

My dear friend, Anne, made some time for us before her family headed to Estes Park this past week. I was so grateful for the time to connect and talk and laugh. And, especially happy for her to meet Diego. It should be noted that she read about 100 books to Griff while she was in our house for 36 hours. What a good sport!

Working up the guts to run through the sprinkler.

Seriously, Diego? Look at that face.

And, Jose's great pride--Griffin and Jose hit the courts together for the first time. According to Jose, these are the best tennis photos ever.