Violet is 8 months old!

Ashton walks into the sing along

Ashton walks into his sing along! It was so cute!

All I want for Christmas

Their 1st song was "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth." How cute!

Jingle bell rock

Ashton had his sing along Winter Fest at school today. He wasn't very participatory but I was so glad to catch it! This was our 1st "school" event and I was so excited. Too bad he wasn't as excited as I was!

The Holiday Season

As I navigate through a new journey in life, I am grateful for the holiday season coming around the corner. It distracts me from the reality of what my life is about to become and the excitement that Ashton brings with every Christmas lighted house and tree. It is just as exciting as it was for me as a kid. The anticipation of getting gifts... the situation is just reversed nowadays. I am just as excited to give Ashton (and Violet) gifts this year. I want to run down the stairs as a family and play up the idea that Santa Claus came in the middle of the night and left us presents! I am also excited because Ashton seems to be understanding a little bit of Jesus. I'm not sure how much he understands but he does identify crosses and churches, and can now identify baby Jesus. We often sing Happy Birthday to Jesus so that he understands that we have a Merry Christmas because it was Jesus' birthday. So when I have gone overboard with spending too much money on the kids, it's not only distracting but an excitement towards this holiday season that I haven't had in a long time. It's always nice to have family get togethers and fun to enjoy the company, but I haven't had the childhood excitement in a long time! I think living it through our kids with bring JOY!

Welcome Baby Riley Donato

 Proud Dad! Poor Jr. looks tired after only 3 days!

Proud Auntie Aleyna! Glad that Violet is FINALLY (sing it... Hallelujah) sleeping through the night!

Basically the story of my life!

 Starts out with Ashton teasing Violet with one of her toys

 Ashton's little smirk and Violet's annoyed look

 Ashton saying he's sorry with a kiss

 The kids being kids

 Yes, a devilish grin!

 Violet looking for rescue into Mom's arms... or was she just trying to pull up to stand. Which I might suggest is not a smart thing in a tub with unstable legs and feet!