Milestones and Pumpkins

Aspen has made some huge milestones this week. On Tuesday she both crawled, and popped a tooth! (Bottom right) She's been trying to crawl for a while, and has come very close, but kept pushing backwards. She has finally figured out forward momentum, and while it's not particularly graceful yet, it's happening! Video to come. Sister's toys: watch out.



Unfortunately, she also has come down with another little cold, so we're trying to take it easy. But she's still a very gentle soul, and doesn't complain much at all, unless you try to clear her nose. (And she still sleeps pretty well at night, bless her heart!)

Meanwhile, we made it back to Rock Creek Farms with some of Sabine's preschool friends. Colorado does have decent scenery.

Aspen rode in the BOB stroller for the first time, and tolerated it pretty well, but it was a hot day, so we all got thirsty and decided to head home for something to drink after about an hour or so. Fortunately, we got a shot of most of the group before we left!



We also made it back to Cottonwood, just our family, to get our actual pumpkins.



Sabine took the traditional picture against the measuring tape. To see last year's, click HERE



And then Aspen got her first annual picture at the measuring tape! Thank you for the assistance, big sis!



Then we got a wagon and took off to find a pumpkin.



Pumpkins were found



And kissed!

Much hilarity ensued. But since a certain baby refused to keep her hat on, we had to get out of the sun. We stopped for one last picture, and came home.



And in other news, on Friday we had a partial solar eclipse. I showed Sabine how to make a pinhole in a piece of paper to see the eclipse on the wall. I'm not sure she completely followed what we were talking about, but she willingly took a picture with the eclipse, anyway. (You can see the pinhole light on the wall on the brick next to her cheek--it looks like a half-moon.)

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Quick before it passes us by: Happy birthday, Daddy!

We celebrated Sabine AND daddy's birthdays last weekend with Nana and Aunt Dani, getting sushi and opening gifts at their house while the cousins ran around together. (Except for Aspen, who worked hard on crawling!)

And then we celebrated again on Thursday with Grandmom and Grandpa, lamb burgers, and cake. Sabine got to stay up late to have cake. It was worth the struggle to stay (somewhat) composed!





The girls gave daddy a glass block with this picture in it to take to his office:



And it's worth noting because it may never happen again, the Broncos not only played but WON on BOTH Sabine and Dustin's birthdays. (Sabine's birthday happened to be on a Sunday, and the Broncos happened to have their Thursday night game the following Thursday--Dustin's birthday.) Go Broncos!

But more importantly, we love you so much, daddy! Thank you for being so wonderful.

Five Years Old!

Our big girl turned five on Sunday. I have a new appreciation for the saying "the days are long but the years are short."

The festivities began on Friday, when Grandmom and Grandpa came to visit. They brought a special gift.







A doll made by Grandmom's friend. Mommy had one when she was a little girl, and Sabine loved to play with Strawberry Girl. So when Sabine's own arrived, she promptly named her Blueberry Girl.






Aspen reserves her excitement for avocado and the cats.



In the 24 hour period after her arrival, Blueberry Girl managed to go on a food drive in our neighborhood, helping gather donations for our local food pantry





and go for a hike



and out to eat, although I forgot to get a picture at the restaurant.

On Sunday, both girls were up bright and early, so we began the day with some presents from mom and dad, and a few from relatives that had arrived in the mail.





After breakfast, we had to quick get ready for the party, which Sabine wanted to do at the same gymnastics place as we did it last year. That was fine with us--her guest list included 25 of her nearest and dearest, 22 of whom attended, (along with siblings and parents) so we were just as happy not to be at our house!

The kids spent a good hour burning energy on all of the fun equipment.







At the end, they did a few games with a parachute.











Culminating in one where Sabine sat in the middle, and everyone walked around slowly, holding the parachute, wrapping her up.



Then with a quick tug, she went spinning. THAT was fun!



One shot of most of the group!



Then Sabine got to lead the line to the tables.



We had some pizza



And then a Lalaloopsy cake. Sabine decided what kind of cake she wanted months ago. We had a little cake done professionally (mommy's cake decorating skills were not up to Lalaloopsy) and then had cupcakes to go around.





There were several new faces at the party this year, including little siblings



And little cousins!



Once we got home, we didn't have a whole lot of time for presents, (although Sabine certainly got quite the haul!)



though one special "boyfriend" insisted that his mother stop for pink roses on their way to the party for Sabine, so we immediately got those into water when we got home. I think they kind of blew her mind.



Some good friends came up from the Springs, so we had them back to our house after the party, and then we all walked over to Nana and Aunt Dani's, to visit with them.



Where Sabine got more lovely presents!





Nana and Aunt Dani somehow knew she loved Polly Pockets, and she now has practically an entire Polly Pocket village! We just have to keep the little parts away from a certain little sister.



And little cousin!



All in all, it was a great celebration for an incredible little (big) girl. Sabine, we love you to the moon and back. You are strong and independent and kind and compassionate, and we couldn't be prouder of the amazing person you continue to be.