New bed....for Ashton!!

Chris and I had been questioning whether or not Ashton was ready to move out of his crib so we decided to try it out over the long holiday weekend. He has proven himself to be a BIG BOY! He is doing fabulous at night and during naptime. He alerts us in some way or another when he's woken so we can come and get him, and he's only fallen out one time so far. We're very proud of him.

Snapshots from the Olson Thanksgiving

Chris and I hosted the Olson Thanksgiving this year since Chris was on-call and I wanted to do what I could to prevent Chris from missing one of the best dinners of the year. Well he ended up having to go in after all but got back before ALL the food was put away. We had quite a bit for leftovers since we were a smaller group this year. We always seem to go overboard on the side dishes or should I say my Mother seems to : D. My nephew and his girlfriend made a birthday cake for my niece, Samantha. If you're wondering what kind of cake it is, it's called a Punch-bowl Cake (it's made and served in a punch bowl. It was very yummy!! Ashton thought the candles were pretty cool too.

Cuddle time

My three boys.

Copper and Ashton have really gotten to be good buddies. We'll enjoy watching the two of them bond over the coming years. I also think they will REALLY appreciate one another after baby arrives in May 2009!

Daddy's Little Helper cont'd

Chris has been working on an addition to our home. We're incorporating a coat closet, 1/2 bath and mud room by utilizing space from our two-car deep garage. Chris has been working on it with any spare time he has. Of course Ashton likes to get in on the action. The project is going slower than Chris had hoped but we look forward to having that additional space to our home!! I'll be sure to post pictures when we're nearing completion and of course when it is totally finished.

Quality Control

It was the Hale's annual Christmas candy and cookie bake day, and Ashton was in charge of quality control. I think he's had his fill of cookies and candies for the day - don't ya think?

Trick-or Treat!!

Ashton and Ava had a blast going door to door collecting candy for their mommy and daddy's. I believe the candy is about gone since it's already been a week. Wow! What a change in weather. We couldn't have asked for a nicer evening to walk the neighborhoods. Copper and Riley even joined in the fun too.

Grandpa Olson's Birthday

We surprised Grandpa Olson last Thursday for his birthday by showing up at the Branding Iron in Preston. We practically followed him all the way to the table before he realized we were right behind him. It's such a joy to surprise loved ones in that way.

Ashton really likes his orange "Boo" shirt and just had to wear it (if you were wondering).