Donuts with Dad!

Our school had their annual Donuts with Dad on March 10th. Rick started his new job on base that week, so we invited Papa to go with Ashlyn. It was really a great morning. The dad's helped the children with a craft...a picture frame that they decorated with turtles and hearts...then we headed over to the library where they enjoyed coffee, fruit, and donuts.

Oh' Papa! I'm so happy to show you my class! Ashlyn insisted on cutting the donuts before eating them!

Meme's Birthday!

My Grandmother always loved going out for Japanese on her birthday. We went in her honor this year (on her birthday) & it really was nice to all get together and remember the good times we had with her. The kids enjoy going to Myabi's & Yamato's, too, so we decided to turn the tradition into a celebration on my Mom's birthday as well!

Ashlyn loves her "yunyun soup" and tries her best to eat the salad with her chopsticks.Mom with the grands...Ashlyn, Brooke, and Cara!

Valentine's Day!

The Turtle Pond-2011

Party with her friends at school!

Valentine's night...we had our family tradition, surf and turf. I was a little surprised by Ashlyn's response to the lobster (she has eaten it with no problem several times). She decided that it was "so sad" and opted to just eat steak! After dinner, she and rick read all of her cards from school & enjoyed some chocolates!

Christmas...quick view!

And to all a GOOD night!!!

Christmas night...a special kiss for Papa!

"I wub Uncle Matt!" Matthew, Nana, Papa, Meme, and Popa came over to eat Christmas breakfast & to see all of Ashlyn's new things!

SOOOO happy...Baby got a new dress!

Helping Daddy open his special present...a cup with a picture of Ash at her first Braves game!

Happy Girl!!! Christmas morning!

Christmas Eve in Sylvania, Ga!

Meme & Popa's surprise...JESSIE!!!

Checking out the princess lip gloss that Santa brought!

Eating the yummy treats at the class party!

School play! The two's sang Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Making Santa ornaments at school.

Helping decorate the tree & house!

Dance, Dance, Dance!

The Dance Arts Studio has definitely become a favorite spot for Ashlyn. She has become quite the little dancer & looks forward to dancing with Ms. Jessica each week.

Stretching & getting ready for class. Showing off a little for Mommy!

Enjoying some snacks with Lila at the Christmas party.

Special People in Our Lives....

In Loving Memory of Edward O. Collette

June 21, 1921 - Dec. 7, 2010 Grammy, Pop, Ashlyn & I during a visit last summer. Pop was quite the role model for our family. He was the hardest working man that I have ever known. He had many things to be proud of, including his Purple Heart from fighting in WWII & his 67 years of marriage. He loved his family and the Lord & set an example for all. I am so thankful for all of the memories & blessed to have had some time with him and Ashlyn.

Little Turkey!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! It all started on Tuesday at our school party.

Daddy came to help with the food & clean up...thanks!
Ash & her friends enjoying their goodies.

Ashlyn and Eliza

We continued our long weekend by celebrating with family. We headed to Edisto on Wednesday & spent the night with Meme and Popa. We had lunch there on Thanksgiving, along with Glenda's family. That afternoon we headed back to Mt. Pleasant to have dinner with Nana and Papa and all of the family from Sylvania. It was perfect!