George & Daddy

I signed George up for a class this fall. One hour, once a week. I was worried when I sent in the non-refundable payment.
George isn't a people person and Daddy doesn't like to leave the house.
Well... What do I know?
George loves it so much that daddy looks forward to taking him and talked with the teacher to add a second day each week!

But, don't take my word for it...
Judge for yourself!

For those of you who know my son, I think you can agree George is not always this happy!

George being happy, makes us happy!

~ The Ascencio's ~

Falling for Fall - Part Deaux

This time of year in Livingston County, MI SPICERS is where all the cool people go.

Pretty cool, huh?

(They took this picture especially for Mommy! )

Abby's preschool class had it's first field trip of the year. Daddy and George tagged along. They took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and then picked out their very own pumpkin!!

Then it was back for cider and donuts before being turned loose to play, play, play.

This was the first year Abby could peddle these giant tricycles, and it doesn't look like George is far behind.

In a few years we are going to have the kids apply for a summer job at The Werries Farm, Chapin, IL. What do you think Uncle Dean?

Daddy is one of the only Daddy's to be at all of the kids events during the week. He is loving every minute and wouldn't have it any other way!

Love,
~ The Ascencio's ~

Falling for Fall

I think having kids has made me appreciate the smaller things in life.

I am falling in love with the seasons.

We've brought out the jackets, gloves and boots.  

The air is turning colder and the leaves are dropping.

And of course, we have visited a few apple orchards...

George has definitely grown since last year... 

this is one of the only pair of pants that fit in length.

And, Abby has grown too. 

I didn't realize how much until I saw this picture and how short her sweatshirt was...

Abby enjoyed the train.

 

The slide is always fun!  

There wasn't much of a crowd, so Abby went down again and again. 

 I have a fear of George getting hurt on the slide when he is on my lap, so I hold him really tight... I look kinda goofy, but he had fun ;-)

 

Talking about looking goofy...

What visit to an apple orchard isn't complete without a wagon ride?

 George was very interested in the tractor.  He would stand up and look over the edge and stare at it, but when it started to move, without being told, he would sit on my lap.  He can be such a good boy at times... this being said after I pulled his pajamas out of the trash a few moments ago...sigh!

There is a giant bubble you can jump on at the apple orchard in Kalamazoo.

George started out pretty timid, but it didn't take long before he was running around and tackling Aunt Loretta!

This will be our last visit to the apple orchard with Aunt Loretta.

She got a promotion (hooray) that is moving her away (boo).

We are focusing on the positive situation for her, because otherwise Mommy Ascencio wouldn't be getting out of bed. 

But, we will miss her.  

Facetime is no substitution for the real thing.

Every morning Abby asks "What day is it?".

What she really wants to know is what does she get to do that is fun that day?

School, Dance, Gymnastics, Speech...

She loves them all and looks forward to each day.

That is how Tommy and I feel about watching our kids grow up.

I imagine every parent is in love with their children... and we are no exception.

We have been doing the parent thing now for 3 1/2 years and each day is better than the last.

No kidding around... we love these kids more than imaginable!

So, we hope you feel loved, because with these posts we are sharing our treasure with you!

Love, 

~ The Ascencio's ~

Family, the more the merrier

A few weeks ago, my brother and sisters and I traveled back home to attend the wedding of Bev's niece, Alicia.  Since Bev is married to my Dad, does that make us cousins???  I'm not sure what the official legal relationship is... but who cares?  

Family is family.

It felt nice to be included on such a special occasion.
The wedding was beautiful... full of personal touches and sincere happiness.
Alicia is so creative and talented that it is no mystery we are related by marriage!

(Alicia and her mom, Nancy.)
(Alicia, I hope you don't mind I stole this photo from facebook...)

Since the wedding took place near my hometown, it wasn't a surprise to learn we knew the photographer from years ago.  He was nice enough to gather our immediate family for a picture.

 

(Abby, me, George, Rich, Alex, Jenny, Bev, Dad, Dean, Isaac, Karen, Hannah, Elisabeth, Loretta)

Abby and George had a great time at the wedding.

Abby found several little girls to play with...

(Abby is in the navy blue dress)

In fact, she had such a good time running around and playing in the rocks that I'm not sure her shoes will make it to the 'hand me down' bin :)

George had a good time, too.  He was the one who puked on the floor causing a delay for the wedding party to join the reception.  Sorry Alicia and Mason, however he did have to much (milk) to drink!  He also really enjoyed the Hershey Kisses on the tables!

We wish Alicia and Mason a lifetime of happiness, and hope for some playmates for Abby and George!

~The Ascencio's~

Our lives are busier and busier... and I LOVE it!

One thing I've learned in my short life is that tomorrow will always come and it's much easier if you look forward to what it could bring. 

I was thrilled to find out that Starbucks has the Pumpkin Spice latte back on its menu... to all you Starbucks haters... don't knock it 'til you try it.  Definitely something to look forward to each fall.

Another wonderful addition to our routine is dance class.  This fall Abby is taking a tap/ballet class with 5 other little girls just up the road from our house.  Here are few pictures from her first few classes.

 

 

Abby has a cousin the same age who is interested in all of the same things.  Dancing, singing, gymnastics and just being silly little girls.  We went to a parade last weekend and they had such fun together.

We also had a birthday party for our nephew Brenden, who turned 7.  It doesn't seem that long ago when he was a baby dressed up as a black cat for Halloween.

Here is a picture of Abby, Magnus and Ryan enjoying a snack while Brenden opened his gifts.

 Abby really really really wanted to sit in the giant birthday chair.

We had a special visitor to watch the Lions on Sunday... Nancie!  Of course Abby likes her, but even George liked her and that is the best Ascencio welcome we've got ;-)

Today was Abby's first day of preschool at her new school!

She loves to play with other kids and do things in a group, so she LOVES school!

She did great... just like we knew she would.

George is also taking a class this fall.  

Once a week Daddy takes him to a Playtime Band class with other kids his age.  He gets to play on their cool toys and do group activities with instruments and songs.  The drums seem to be his favorite instrument, and the basketball and hoop was his favorite toy.  ALL BOY!

I can't stop our kids from growing up, so I'm embracing and loving it!

George is definitely a momma's boy, which made it so special to see him play instruments with his teacher and classmates.  Abby is in preschool, gymnastics, dance and speech and has been asking me to do soccer and cheerleading.  If you knew me in highschool, you know where she gets her desire to be involved.  If it was offered, I was doing it!

We are looking forward to making some apple pies, pumpkin bread and sweet potato anything.

And, of course.... watching our favorite team win some football games :)

GO LIONS!!

Enjoy the beginning of fall,

~ The Ascencio's ~

PS - In case you didn't know, the Lions are 2-0!!!!  

<Raise the Roof>

Last Sunday Before NFL

Grandma and Grandpa Ascencio know they won't see us on Sundays starting next week until February. So they invited us over for lunch today. And Johnny and Katie's families too. Wasn't that nice???

All of Abby and Georges' Ascencio cousins were there. Abby and Magnus rode bikes with Caleb. George played with the dirtiest thing he could find... Chalk.

Noah and Magnus were caught helping themselves to the girls tea!

Sophie was so nice to share her Popsicle with George!

But he thought it was his to keep. Poor Georgie!

It was a fun afternoon before school starts next week.

Thank you for having us.
Love,
~ The Ascencio's ~

Beach Buddies

It's Labor Day Weekend and it's a heat wave! The forecast called for rain, but we took a chance and met Karen and Emily at the beach.

We are glad we did because it didn't rain at all and ended up being a perfect day to spend with cousins!

Thanks for a great day and half of Emily's lunch!

Love,
~ The Ascencio's ~