John at work...

Alright, so this isn't what he does everyday!

Aaron 20 Months!

It has been a while since I posted an update on Aaron. He has become quite the sweet yet strong-willed toddler! He is a very gentle child. I typically do not worry much if there are babies nearby or if he is holding something breakable. Aaron is also very affectionate, quick to give hugs and kisses to me, daddy, the dog, the chickens and of course his stuffed toys! As most toddlers do, he certainly has a will! Discipline is a large part of our day, with time-outs becoming more frequent. I think he is getting it though. Just today he sent himself to time-out after hitting the dog. He sat still starring up at us with a sullen look on his face. What a funny little guy!

We continue to monitor his food allergies. Milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts and sesame are on the AVOID list. He will be re-tested when he turns two. We are hopeful that he will out-grow some of the allergies. It takes some creativity but it isn't too bad. We just roll with the benedryl and epi-pen in tow!

Anywhere Aaron goes he runs. He loves to run! The playground is a favorite place, he loves the slide. He now is putting two and three words together. He has an enormous vocabulary! Chasing Adah (the dog) is a common pastime. Adah is liking Aaron even more these days now that he can throw her ball! Taking care of the chickens is a top priority for Aaron. He loves to help feed them treats. Other favorite things include: Elmo, eggs (not eating them though!) instruments, baths, other kids and animals.

*The photo above was from our ski trip to Dillon a couple of months ago. (Photo courtesy of my mom!)

Welcoming the New Year

I seem to have unintentionally taken a break from this blog. It has been a crazy few months around here. We have had a fair amount of bad news lately. Since Halloween at least one of us has been sick. Aaron and I haven't had more than five days of health at a time before coming down with something else. I miscarried in December. There has been plenty of other stressful family issues as well.

God is good though. He has blessed us in so many ways. We have experienced so much peace over the last few months. He has blessed us with employment, great health insurance and good doctors. It was wonderful to spend time with family at Christmas. However, we are SO ready for the new year!

Here are some pictures from the last few months. We have had some fun this Fall/Winter!

Aaron feeding the chickens. He LOVES to feed
the chickens.

Hiking!

Our little guy.

Sledding in Grand Junction! You have to take advantage of any
amount of snow that falls in the desert!

Aaron and two of his cousins, Katie and Tyler.

We have chickens!

Soon we will also have eggs!



We got four Buff Orpington hens. We are looking forward to fresh eggs. They are young but should start laying in a month or so. John is going to build a coop. Aaron likes them quite a bit. Adah would like to eat them.

Aaron's first camping trip

We finally took Aaron camping! We have done a lot this summer, but hadn't been out camping yet. With Aaron walking well, it seemed like the perfect time to go. We just went for one night. Poudre canyon is fairly close so that is where we went. Our little campsite was perfect! Near the river for fishing and quite secluded. Unfortunately, I was so busy making sure I got everything Aaron needed I forgot my camera! At least I had my cell phone!

As we expected, Aaron had a blast! He spent his time throwing rocks, exploring the campsite and watching the river. We got him to bed around eight which gave John and I some alone time. It was so much fun to sit around the fire, roast marshmallows and chat. We will be looking forward to more outings next summer!

Here is a video of Aaron throwing rocks:

We are glad he enjoys camping!

First Birthday pictures (finally)!

Monkey cupcakes!

Party time!

Opening gifts.

A special cupcake for the Birthday boy! Milk, egg, tree nut, peanut and sesame free!

He was not so sure what to think! He did eventually nibble at it a bit.

Home Improvements!

Three years ago John and I bought our first home. It was a foreclosure in need of some TLC. Slowly but surely we have worked, improved, cleaned and updated. Although it has been a lot of work it is amazing to see the changes and what a difference they make. It has been really cool to work together on this house and turn it into a home.

Here is my first before and after picture. I will try to continue posting before and after pictures from time to time. Enjoy!

Before:

After:

We replaced the front door and added a security screen door. We also did some landscaping. The lawn needs mowing, but you get the idea!