Birthday Celebration

With Asher's birthday being in June, I figure we have 2 ways we can go for a party:  water fun outdoors (and even with water this is pushing it), or hiding out in the AC.  We ventured outside this year to the water table (thanks Aunt A and B!!), baby pool and sprinkler.  Since the majority of the kids in our life are under 4, this was great!

Asher really "got it" this year that it was his birthday and he was being celebrated.  He. loved. it.

This Boy...

This boy!  My "sweetest boy," as I call him.  The one who has taught me to laugh, cry and love more than I ever thought possible.  This boy is now 2 years old!!

This boy brings so much amazing joy into my life; our lives.  I just love him so much.  And I tell him that; often.  And it's often accompanied by kisses.  Because I know there will come a day when he'll look at me and give an exasperated sigh, and say "mom" and give me a look. Until then (and probably even after), I'll tell him, and kiss him, all the time.

This boy talks or sings non stop.  Really.  If it's too quiet, something is not right.  He absorbs more than I think and then spits out a word, phrase or song lyrics hours or days later.  He now says please, thank you, and I love you. He likes to say his ABCs and count to 10 (with some assistance).  And he sings "You Are My Sunshine" and "Happy Birthday" frequently.

(Yes, he is wearing Halloween jammies- ha!)

He's developing a sense of humor.  He loves to laugh and his smile lights up his whole body.
He likes trucks, sports balls, and is drawn to musical toys.
This boy is super sensitive.  I love this trait.  Yet, at times he can be very strong willed. Can't we all.
He loves to dance and read stories and is super energized by having his "people" (family) around him.
I'd say this boy had a pretty cool day on his birthday. He started off at swim class.

He then had his 2 year old well checkup.  (Ok, not cool.)  He's now 27 lbs. and just over 35 inches tall.

He met his brand new cousin, Nathan, who is also his new birthday buddy!  (On the left is Nathan and on the right is Asher from June 11th exactly 2 years earlier!!)

He had lunch at Portillos (maybe mommy was more excited than Asher) and topped the day off with ice cream!

Happy 2nd Birthday Asher!!  Your "people" love you more than words can say!! 

Easter- part 2

A bit late, (I actually forgot I hadn't posted this) but here is some more from our Easter fun.  

Checking out their loot.

The Three Musketeers- I just love 'em!!

 Asher is really in to "reading" cards he receives.

I hope everyone had an amazing day of celebration!!

January-March; A little of what we've been up to

Here's a little bit of what the Dahls have been up to.

We've spent lots of time with friends.

We said, "See you soon," to Auntie Belinda, Uncle Nick, cousins Toby and Levi as they moved to Denver.  We had a family party and also a small group party in their honor.

And while this picture and video were from a few weeks before the move, I just love them of Toby, Braylen, and Ash.

Asher got his first (and I hope last) bite.  Owie- right on the face.  He healed up just fine though.

Asher is loving animals, so I'm really glad I got a zoo pass this year.  (I highly recommend it!)  We have made many trips to the zoo.  So many trips.

He has a new love for hats.

This boy just loves to dance!!  He'll say "dance" and do his signature moves.  He also often asks us to put music on.  So cute!!

He is quite the singer.  Sings all of the time- really.  He's not sure of most of the words still, but he makes up his own words like a pro! Such a sweet little voice (and a little more dancing).

He became a superhero for a day.

He's gotten numerous haircuts. (He's pretty much a pro at this point.)

Asher loves bath time.  It used to just be what he had to do.  Now he has the best time.  Laughing, playing with toys, splashing (mainly us) and saying "splash"! Then he points to Brandon or I and says, "wet."  Yep, thanks kid.

B-ball (or any sports ball) is a huge favorite. Not really sure what to do or how to play yet, but fascinated none the less.

He discovered his love to "smash"- playdough that is.  He asks to play with it almost every day.

Asher started driving the car shopping cart at the grocery store.

This kid still loves all things outside.  I'm convinced he would live outside if he could.  (Which would not bode well for his super fair skin.)  He stands at the sliding door saying, "outside" even if he just came in from playing.  He loves his little play structure (thanks Slager Family!), his sand/water table, going for a wagon or stroller "ride," and can't wait until it's swimming time.  Our neighborhood park has been a god send.  It's so cute when he just wants to run and run- that's his new thing.

And Asher's ultimate pastime- eating! It's growth spurt time.  He not only asks to eat often, he then consumes lots of food.  It shocks me sometimes!  While he is still often picky on what he likes, his new favorite food?  Hummus.  Not kidding.  Love this kid.

Happy Easter!

Just a quick little Happy Easter from the Dahls!! 

We were in the right place at the right time for an unexpected, free Easter Bunny picture- super excited about that!  Also, I managed to trace his little, and a bit chubby, foot as a fun project.  Not an easy task when working with a toddler.  Hope you all have a great day.  

Thank you Jesus for the ultimate sacrifice!  He is risen indeed!