Early Mornings

When I say early morning I mean 'early' morning. 2, 3, 4, o'clock in the morning. That seems to be when Afton wakes up lately. She doesn't usually cry anymore when she wakes up. She just stands there saying, Mom? Momma? Mommy?. And of course my heart melts and I can't resist.

I find it amazing though that I can transition from a deep (much needed) sleep into being wide awake and on my feet! Sometimes she's fussing, getting comfortable, or dreaming about something wonderful (I like to think) but sometimes she just stands there softly calling for me.

I can usually change her diaper (unless she's wearing her panda p.j.'s because heaven forbid I take them off), get her a little milk and cuddle until she's ready to get back in her crib. She can put herself back to sleep but must need some reassurance before that happens.

She did have FOUR teeth poke through last week which would explain a lot but sometimes it's random and I find myself back in bed at 5:30 in the morning wide awake and exhausted (how is that possible) wondering why my hair was ruined (again) or how I am going to become a professional photographer.

No matter what time, there's no sweeter sound than that little voice calling out a name I thought I might never hear, Mom? Momma? Mommy?

I can't get enough!

Brett said the color pictures were much better so I added a couple to the bottom. Either way...

I can't begin to express how much I love this kid. She is amazing and I am constantly fascinated by her words and actions.
Lately she is big on kisses which I will gladly accept. I love everything about her and I am so lucky to be her mom!

Tracy Aviary

I love Tracy Aviary! It's somewhere I've been going for years and holds a certain nostalgia. The area, the surroundings, the experience, and the feeling inside the Aviary always remind me of the past even though I'm creating new memories.
I love creating new memories with Afton. Last year on our trip to the Aviary Afton had a group of goslings following along side her stroller nipping at her toes. Luckily she didn't remember.
This year Afton was happy to explore, investigate, and communicate in her own way with the birds she liked. One of which was the vulture. She was very concerned and talked to the bird. We spent quite a bit of time there.

Thanksgiving Gardens with Grandma and Grandpa Keetch

Thanksgiving Point Gardens is running a $2 Tuesday special through August. Grandma and Grandpa Keetch took advantage and invited us to come along.

It was beautiful and I found so many great spots to take pictures. I was really wishing I had my big camera with me but in all reality I was following a 1 year old and still managed to get a few good shots with my little digital.

Afton melted into her stroller for a bit (it was 90+ degrees) but after a while she perked up and wanted out! She loved running around the flowers and through the bushes and trees.

Halfway through our walk we came upon the children's area which Afton couldn't resist. There was a sandbox, a little stream, a million other kids, a maze, and plenty of other stuff to keep her occupied. She and Brett spent some time in the stream and when we finally continued on our way Afton was very unhappy!

During our walk Afton found a cute little bunny! We spent some quiet time watching and wondering.

Grandma and Grandpa Keetch found a nice little bench where they were able to cozy up for a while!

A lot of fun! Thanks for the invite Grandma and Grandpa!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

1/2 cup butter
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup sour milk (regular milk with 2 tbsp. vinegar)
2 1/2 cups flour
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups grated zucchini

Mix first 5 ingredients well. Add remaining ingredients. Before baking, sprinkle top of cake with 1/2 cup each: chocolate chips. brown sugar, and or nuts.
Bake in 9x13 inch greased pan at 325 for 45 minutes!

Thanks for sharing Tiff!

Bear Lake

Bear Lake was a little strange this year. Everyone was scattered and we all seemed to be doing different things at different times. It was as windy as always and having Afton around changed the trip entirely for me.

Brett and I rented a condo this year. It was great. I packed Afton's blankets and bunnies and of course we had to have her Kipper DVD. When we were at the condo I didn't feel as stressed because Afton watched cartoons and was able to take care of herself a little bit. Once we got outside she was a hazard. I know I hovered the entire trip but everything seemed dangerous. The water, the fire pit, the sharp edges jutting out from the trailers, the cousins zooming by on their bikes, the hot grills, and a handful (at least) of other dangers lurked around every corner.

Halfway through the trip Afton fell off the monkey bars and landed flat on her back. As she hit the ground she somehow bit a hole in the middle of her tongue and was bleeding enough to really scare me. I scooped her up and carried her to camp. She was crying, breathing funny, and holding very still. We ended up giving her a blessing and taking her to a nice doctor who saw us after hours in his clinic. Afton had a bruised back and the doctor couldn't emphasize enough how lucky we were she didn't land in any other position. We finally got back to the room and she slept until about 5:30. I gave her more medicine and put her in bed with me. Even though I didn't really sleep much after that I was happy to have some snuggle time with my baby girl.

Afton took two naps on the boat and loved honking the horn and holding the steering wheel. She is a little fish just like her dad and didn't seem to mind the cold Bear Lake water. I didn't even get in above my knees! Oh well.

Right outside our condo there was a fun little bridge. Afton was drawn to it so I used it as a chance to work on my photography. I love taking pictures and am hoping to continue to improve my skills and get a new lens soon!
Hint Hint Brett! :)

The last day a few of us decided to go to a cave I have always wanted to visit. We drove through a beautiful canyon and once we arrived we learned the next tour wasn't until two and it was only 12:30. Brett and I didn't think Afton would last through the wait and then the tour so we wandered around, ate some lunch and left for home.
The girls had fun watching the chipmunks while drinking their blue sugar water (somehow Afton had a half full drink in her hand most of the trip - hmmmm)!

I made cookies!

I don't bake anything and my friends know this. Loni finally couldn't stand it anymore so she came over with her sister Jen's yummy recipe. We let the girls play while we made tons of these yummy chocolate chip cookies!
Thanks Loni and Jen!



1 lb butter (room temperature)
2 cups brown sugar (packed)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla
5-6 cups of flour
1 1/2 - 2 bags chocolate chips
2 cups nuts (optional)

Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes!

Pole dancing? What?

I know I shouldn't even SUGGEST anything but these pictures just cracked me up. Afton is such a funny kid.
I also love her hair in these pictures. It was one of those rare days she actually let me do it!

New Panda PJ's

Afton picked these out last time we were at Costco. She LOVES them!

She REALLY loves that she now has Panda feet!