Ring Bearer

I'm long overdue for posts so this may be a long one.

Back in the first part of June, Ben was a ring bearer for my cousin's wedding in St. Louis and he ended up doing a great job.  He was fortunate enough to walk down the aisle with my cousin's little girl who is the sweetest most adorable girl you could ever meet.  They were a little hesitant right before the big moment, but walked slowly and smiled the whole way in perfect fashion.  All kids were welcome at the reception and both Ben and Ash loved dancing and had a blast with their cousins.  They were troopers and danced much later than their bedtimes with a smiles on their faces.  (The candy table probably helped keep their energy up and also explains them passing out back at the hotel though.)

Ash showing off her pretty Diane Von Furstenberg dress and new haircut.

Ring Bearer and Flower Girl!

How cute are Ben and Hadleigh?!

Updates on the kiddos:

Ben can now spell his name and points out 'B's all over the place.  He's fully potty trained (with the exception of overnight) and is still a great big brother to "Ashey".  It's amazing how each day he really seems to be a kid and no longer toddler.  I can carry on full conversations with him and he loves to sing songs.  he does miss some words and improvises on his version on the song, but it's entertaining nonetheless.  With his songs he loves to dance and he has some funny moves.  His latest dance includes a march type run and then he stops to wiggle his whole body.  Hockey has been off and on lately.  Now that we finally get to go back on the ice for his lessons, he doesn't want to skate, but at home it's still all he wants to do.  We even watch the Mighty Ducks every night.  I guess we'll see how he continues, but overall he's still athletic and loves to play sports.  He's still able to hit the baseball when you throw it at him and can switch hit, loves basketball and was even practicing his golf this morning while the British Open was on (which looked a lot like hockey).

Excited while waiting to get a haircut

Sting rays at stl zoo

Water spray part of stl's children's zoo

Ashley on the other hand is very rapidly turning into a toddler and no longer my little baby.  She's running all over with no signs of hip issues from her surgery earlier this year which is great news!  Ash loves to climb and has no fear so I'm thinking gymnastics may be in our near future this winter.  Although she's not saying many words yet (only Mama and hi), she is getting better with her sign language.  She's able to sign 'more', 'all done', 'thank you' and of course she points and waves like crazy.  And although she's normally easy going and very sweet she does like to push Ben's buttons.  I've seen her purposely take his toys and run off laughing which only upsets him and in turn makes her laugh even more.  However, Ash still wants to do anything and everything that Ben does.  I think this is starting to be pay back for all the tackling and rough play Ben does with her.  Another fun side I'm getting to experience with her which we did not with Ben is her fashion sense.  Ash loves shoes and clothes.  Just last night when I was getting her ready for bed, she walked into her closet and came back with 3 pairs of shoes in her arms.  She then proceeded to sit down and wait for me to put all pairs on her, one at a time.  Basically at any given time, she is walking around trying to find the next pair of shoes to put on regardless of if they fit her or if they are even hers.  This may be trouble....

First haircut

Excited about spray park at stl children's zoo

stl zoo train ride!

Just like big brother!