Annual birthday Zoo trip

Every year around Afton's birthday we go to the Zoo. This year it was beautiful weather and we enjoyed sunshine, t-shirts and yummy food!

Here's Afton's interpretation of an elephant!

I don't usually take animal pictures but this was Afton's inspiration for the shot above!

This was just funny. I am always trying to get Afton to pose for pictures and this little fake, cheesy smile was just enough to make me stop clicking and enjoy watching her ride the merry go round!

The slide is always a hit!

A quiet moment wrapped safely in dad's arm while riding the train, for the second time!

Afton loved feeling the water and watching her reflection in this huge ball.

Last year this fake elephant scared Afton a little but this year she couldn't wait to climb on it's trunk!

We had so much fun walking around and looking at the animals. Afton really likes the giraffes and doesn't like the birds wandering free. During lunch a huge turkey came to our table and Afton was trying so hard to be brave. She wouldn't take her eyes off the turkey and finally asked Dad if she could sit on his lap. Once he left she saw a younger boy who was also scared and somehow the two of them ended up chasing a poor peacock away.

Right now

Right now:

Afton

loves to count - and she loves me to count with her

we count the steps as we walk up and down the stairs

we count how many hops it takes to get to the bathroom

we count ponies

we count each finger as she licks ranch dressing off

we count green beans

we count trees

Afton

loves to watch Rio

it's our girls night movie when Brett is at a BYU game

sometimes we get an ice cream cone and sometimes we make popcorn

Afton

loves to sit on the right side of any couch

it doesn't matter which couch or who's house

she always cuddles up into the same corner of the couch

Afton

seems taller

none of her pants fit, they are all too short

Afton

is asleep

after a long day of hiking around Cascade Springs and a 20 minute nap in the car

Afton

will talk in a deep voice and say she sounds like a Guy

Afton

is eating really well

she is eating sliced pizza, sandwiches, and her favorite, toast with cream cheese

Afton

will kiss me on the lips and hug me so tightly

Afton

is fun to run errands with

she sticks by the cart, gives me her opinion and makes me smile

Afton
loves to repeat things. She'll say it back with a questioning tone.

Afton
loves to recreate situations. Once her sock came off with her boot and now she'll say, oh that always happens to me or oh it didn't happen to me.
If we're playing and something funny happened she'll reposition me to have the same thing happen.

Afton
loves to have me squish her and say, oh my this couch is lumpy!

Afton
can and will play for hours by herself with her toys. She'll sing and quote Diego.

Afton
loves blue BYU things because of Daddy. She likes blue suckers, points out blue cars and told Daddy we were making a blue BYU cake for his birthday.

Afton
walks into a dark room and says "can you see me?"

Cascade Springs

We love Cascade Springs! It is such a long drive but we always enjoy our time (Alpine Loop) and have fun once we reach our destination.

Cascade Springs is a fun little spot filled with wooden walkways, natural springs coming out of the ground, trout in little ponds, waterfalls, and bridges.

We packed some treats, grabbed our warm clothes and had fun looking for falling leaves and changing colors.

Pony Party

I can't believe Afton is 3! Time definitely hasn't flown by but it's hard to believe how much she has changed over 3 years and how much she'll continue to change.

She is amazing and fun and makes us laugh. Brett and I are grateful for every minute and can't imagine life without her.

Afton was so excited this year for her birthday! She knew she wanted a pony party and of course I said YES!

It was freezing that day and everyone was nice to pull out coats, hats, and gloves to brave the cold weather.

We ate hot dogs, chips, veggies, and potato salad. We drank root beer and had cupcakes for dessert.

The kids took turns riding this cute pony and Afton had so much fun!

Afton reluctant to give up her turn and go to Daddy!

Watching the pony...

Amazing pony cake my mom made! Afton was so excited!

Cute polka dot balloons!

Enjoying a delicious cupcake!

One of the only moments with Afton actually wearing a cowboy hat.

Ahhhhh happiness...

With the pony gone and presents unwrapped, Afton is finally ready to go home.

Sharing the back seat with her balloons.

Afton was pretty dirty by the time we got home.

Adorable cupcake toppers! Thanks mom!

Holdy and Afton checking out the gifts!

Party favors! Root beer and pink lemonade tootsies!

Afton's 3

I can't believe my little cowgirl is 3!

 

Birthday crown

A lot of the time I can find Afton playing somewhere in the house by herself. Usually in the living room or kitchen. She loves playing on our tall kitchen chairs because they are the perfect height for her to reach her toys! Our chairs are usually covered with ponies, frogs, dinosaurs, cups of water, you name it.

This picture was taken after preschool and they had celebrated her birthday. She got this adorable crown (thanks Kira) and didn't even consider taking it off!