The park on a Sunday afternoon with Aunt Budd

Aunt Bud ( Loretta ) is visiting us this weekend.

Fun times with family. What's better?

~ The Ascencio's ~

Kensington and Bikes

Last night we went to Kensington for a bike ride and walk. Rarely does a day go by when Abby doesn't want to ride bikes.

I love how a three year old, when asked to smile, smiles with their mouth but not their eyes.

It really is a beautiful park.

George and I were walking and I stopped to let him look at the lake. He doesn't talk yet, and I obviously did something to make him mad because he started to scream with his head back and the veins in his neck sticking out. He does this often and we almost expect that he'll turn into the Hulk one of these days.

Have fun with the rest of your summer,
~ The Ascencio's ~

Vacation 2011

We took a vacation last week.  

Saturday morning we loaded the car and drove to Union Pier, MI.  The 'Cernech Family' rented a great big house for the week to celebrate Grandpa's 60th Birthday.  

We kicked off festivities with a Luau Birthday Party.

Elisabeth made the cake.

 Hannah did the decorations.

 Alex & Zoi provided the entertainment.

 Instead of traditional presents, we put together a photo book of 'Rick through the years'.  I think we all enjoyed creating the book as much as he did to receive it.

Abby helped blow out the candles.

Everyone enjoyed the pool because it was pretty hot outside.

We also ate some watermelon.

A few of us were brave enough to go kayaking, which was very relaxing and pleasant.  Except when Abby, who was sitting in the middle of my legs, announced 10 minutes into the 2 hour trip that she needed to go potty.  Thankfully Grandma was navigating our kayak... she found a place where Abby could hop out and I didn't! 

We visited the local splash park.  This was George's favorite part of the vacation.  He was free to run and climb and not be in trouble.  This picture of him shows him running with a smile on his face, which is what he did the entire time we were there!

We went to the beach on Lake Michigan.

And we took some group pictures to capture our week.

 Abby announced at the end of the our trip that Hannah was her Best-Friend.  We also did a little shopping and we let the girls pick out an outfit...

Here is a group shot of everyone!

 We had to get a picture of Grandma and Grandpa with their 6 grandchildren.  George is screaming... which is what he did anytime I wasn't holding him... so this picture captures George very well ;-)

Before I sign off, I need to thank the rest of my family for taking pictures... Tommy and I always bring our camera but it somehow doesn't make it out of the case!?!  So, thank you Grandma, Rich, Elisabeth and anyone else who took the above pictures.

I am glad we were able to spend a week with family.  Grandpa's actual birthday is not for another week or two, and I hope he is able to spend part of his birthday going through the pictures and feeling the love of this past week!

Until next time,

~ The Ascencio's ~

PS - I almost forgot to mention the funny things that happened to the Ascencio clan in Union Pier...

The Jeep wouldn't start one day and we had to have it towed, turned out it was a loose wire and a quick fix.

Abby was bit by a bug near her eye, causing it to swell large enough we took her to the doctor.

George fell in the pool head first.  I immediately grabbed his ankle to pull him out and Daddy was somehow out of the house and there to catch him.  It was several minutes before my knees stopped shaking, but George seemed unphased.

Summertime

We've been staying up late, playing at the park, in our Olympic size pool and enjoying our favorite dessert!

We can't believe it's the middle of July already! Can Father-Time take a vacation???

~ The Ascencio's ~

Snack Before Bed

Who doesn't like a little something before going to bed?

Summer Fun - Old School Style

We are just hanging out today enjoying the hot weather by staying cool...

And of course, a time out.

Enjoy your day too!
~ The Ascencio's ~

Preschool Exhibition 2011 - Infinity Gymnastics

Abby has been going to gymnastics since she was 18 months old.  A few weeks ago, she participated in her first

"Infinity Gymnastics Preschool Exhibition".

I didn't really know what to expect... she's only 3.  But, I've watched her week after week and I know how much she loves to do gymnastics.  And I was proud of my little Goose!  She waited her turn, she listened to her coach and did what the coach said without someone showing her what to do first.  To non-parents... this probably isn't a big deal.  But, to anyone who has a 3 year old, I imagine you understand how proud I felt watching her among the other children.

Here she is getting ready for the big show in her new leotard.

Abby on the Beam
(the audio is almost as good as the performance ;-))

 Abby's floor routine 

(sorry about the terrible video, we are just figuring out this parent thing...)

Abby on the Vault

Abby on the Bars

She earned a medal and a certificate for participating.
This is my favorite picture of the day (she's all the way to the right).

Abby had her own cheering section.  

Grandma and Grandpa Ascencio were front row.

Sophie and Brenden came, too! 

(Magnus and George had enough at this point...)

Of course, Aunt Katie was her best fan!

Because it was Abby's special day, she got behind the camera to catch a few memories of her own... I'm not sure she's going to take after her Uncle Pat when it comes to taking photos, but you can be the judge...

As a parent, I feel very content that my daughter is healthy, learning and loved.
What more can I ask for?
I'm just looking forward to see what's next!

A proud, happy family,
~The Ascencio's~