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.

Well...hello!

I kind of forgot that I had a blog for a bit. But, I'm back! And, I come bearing photos from a super fun weekend at Whit's place in Atlanta.

I have always felt so at home at Courtney's house--I really will be sad when they move out and on to Texas--and I thought that was simply because it was such a friendly, tidy, happy place. While I'm sure that is part of it, I think that the real reason that I have felt so content there is that I always feel at home with my siblings. It is definitely true of Whit's little corner of Atlanta. I think I could have just called in Jose and Griff and stayed at Whitney's little house for a while...I'm sure we wouldn't have gotten in the way!

It was such a delightful weekend and it was wonderful to get to meet important people in Whitney's life, who were only names or Facebook photos before, and to spend some time with Duke and Ry and Court and their kids and my mom (missed you Dad and Sam!). As you can tell, we pretty much worked out and played outside--it was perfect. Thanks for hosting us, Whit and Katie!!

Happy Day to all the Mamas Out There!

Especially to my mom...even though we're far apart...I'm still celebrating you today...being so thankful to be your daughter. Thanks for loving us well and raising the five of us to love each other. I hope I can raise my kids with the patience, kindness and encouragement that you showed us. Love you, Mom.

8 Months.

Sweet boy. 8 months old. Loving watching Griff. Laughing all day long. Cracking himself up. Growing. Eating. Sleeping like a champ. It's a busy life.

I feel like we keep saying this, but...we're at the beach! It has been such a blessing that Jose's trips out of town have involved enough overtime that the boys and I can tag along. Ah...vacation. Luckily, Jose hasn't been too stressed out this week, so we've gotten some great play time at the beach and pool. Griff keeps wondering where Lily and Finn are...and I think he thinks that my dad owns the house we're staying in for some reason. 

Speaking of houses...ours is on the market! We're hoping for some showings while we're gone. Wish us luck!

Bikes.

There is little that reminds me of childhood as much as riding a bike, flying down a hill just like Court and I always did at Jones' Meat Market. Jose has been begging me to make the ride downtown along the Platte River for the last couple years. The timing just never seemed quite right--8 months pregnant on a bike is not too smart. So, when Jose's parents were here on one of his off-Fridays, we decided to go for it. It was so fun and it was a perfect, blue-sky day.