Snow Bunny

Skylar LOVES the snow, she points at it says 'BRRR'...then says 'touch'! It is so cute.

Erik rocks one out!!!

how cool is this pic, Chris captured this on his camera phone, way to go Chris! The snow at Caberfae was AMAZING on Saturday, they got 12 inches of fresh snow friday with an additional couple before daybreak on Saturday! Needless to say we had great skiing conditions, best in a long time...a blast of a weekend!!

we waited a little to long....(or short)

I was organizing Skylar's closet and I found her robe....needless to say I should have found it earlier...

Skylar's first time Cross Country Skiing

We got the back pack for Christmas (thanks Pop-Pop) and we have been dying to get out there and see what Skylar thought. She loves being in the pack inside and she loves to be outdoors, so we thought she would love to be out with us when we cross country ski. It was a success, she seemed to enjoy being out and she was bundled very well, so the cold was not a factor. The pack has a roof and windows so it keeps the elements out. It was so cute, every time we passed someone on the xc ski trail she would say "HI", it was very cute and she was pretty popular!

New Family MOtto...

enough said, right? This wonderful sign hangs in the entry way at the cabin, my mom got it for me for my bday, she thought it fit:) It totally does, thanks Mom!!

Cute Girl, Silly Hat...

Is this why we love Michigan...

...the scenery is beautiful...the temp (YES that is the temp from Sunday Feb. 10 without the windchill) BRRRR......

Ty Ty & Sky

It is so awesome that we live so close to Chris' family because Skylar gets to grow up spending a lot of time with all her cousins and second cousins (and they are all so close in age)! Here is Skylar with cousin Tyler...Tyler is 10 months older than Sky, its so cute when we go to play, he walks around saying "Skylar down, play!" and Skylar is of course intrigued by Tyler!

Sammuel Cole Martin

Here is the newest sweetie in the Winquist Clan!! Congrats to Cari, Ryan & Tyler!

A new cousin...

Last week Monday Cari & Ryan welcomed another precious little boy into this world, Sammuel Cole Martin, was born on Monday Jan. 28, 2008 weighing in at 8 lbs and 21 inches long. He is so cute! Of course I forgot my camera so I will put some pictures up after this weekend, hopefully I will see them then!

12 month pictures

So right now Skylar is not much into to sitting for a picture, candid ones, ok fine, but don't ask her to sit and look at you. I did get a couple shots, but after about 5 she had had enough.....

...ya think??

Up...Downs... & Gratefulness

This week has been a whirlwind...I have had 3 extremely busy days at work (working 10+hours, actually worked almost 13 on Monday!), an unruly 1 year old, and an absentee husband (he had to go to Vegas for work).

This short experience has made me see life through the eyes of a single parent and man has it made me grateful that I have a wonderful husband and I don't have to go through life alone! I cannot even imagine doing IT ALL on my own, it amazes me that so many women (a big hand goes out to both my mom and Christopher's mom, as they were single mother's through some of the tough years) live their lives like this...I know that we must take what life gives us and make the most of it but I just can't even imagine. Being a parent is such an amazing experience of highs (the amazing joy of watching your child grow, develop her own personality, and figure out life), and of course lows (a screaming 1 year old that can not be consoled, feeling helpless when you can not take the pain of an ouchie away, the feeling that there are not enough hours in the day), each and every moment is so much better when you have someone to share it with. So with that said ... I am even more grateful and thankful for love, friendship and support of my husband, God is good!

We love and miss you Daddy!

Remember to not take your loved ones for granted, to be thankful for any help that you get, and remember even on a tough day that there are other parents that due to their circumstances have a lot more to deal with and they do.... be grateful and thankful that God has blessed you with the situation that he has!

...why can't I take a bath...

Doesn't it look like that is what he is thinking...I really wish that Buster could speak, because at times it would be very funny to know what is running through that doggy brain!

Attention Seeking or Just Confused???

The other night Buster was being my shadow (whats new) and I was losing patience so I told him to go lay down...Skylar and I finished dinner then went in her room to play, I was relieved that I was not being followed...well when we walked in Skylar's room, Buster was sitting in her chair, I think he is either slightly confused or seeking some attention...needless to say he misinterpreted my command to 'just go lay down', I guess next time I should specify where:)

Happy 23rd Birthday Haley!!!

Happy Birthday Haley! We love you SO MUCH! You are a great sister, best friend, and Aunt! We hope you had a wonderful day!
Love & Hugs, Ashley, Chris & Skylar

12 month check up

On Friday Skylar had her 12 mo check up...She did great, lots of hugs to the doctor and smiles all around...well until shots, she was not a happy camper. She is so funny though, her dramatic side really shines through. She would of course cry during the shot then she would calm down as she cuddled with me then she would stare the nurse down and start screaming again, as if the nurse did not realize Skylar was upset with her!!! She's growing like a weed, she weighs 18 lbs. 12 oz. and is 30 inches tall. She checked out great and is right on track! What a blessing:)

Clean Plate Club, here I come!

I think the pictures say it all!

Snack Time at the NEW table...

I Love my new table. I sat at it today and had a snack all by myself! I am so lucky to have such a nice Aunt that would spend so much time to make me such a special gift! Thank you so much Aunt Hales!

p.s. you can come over to have a snack whenever you want! :)

More Cake...

this weekend we had another round of birthday cake and ice cream Great G'ma & G'pa Winquist, G'ma & G'pa Frye, Uncle Tom & Aunt Jacqueline, Ali & Aubs...we had a great time, Ali was a big help blowing the candle out:)

Happy Birthday Skylar

My baby is one!!! I can hardly believe how fast this year has gone by! This year was filled with great moments and lasting memories. Skylar has gone from a needy infant to an even needier toddler (the problem is she is developing her own definition of 'need' which differs from mine at times). She can also be very independent! Needless to say she is keeping us on our toes and we are enjoying every moment of it!

Tonight we enjoyed a little dinner and birthday cake with some of the family...Grandpa Mueller, Aunt Hales, Aunt Boo, and Grandpa Hansen all came over to help celebrate. We had a wonderful time and Skylar was spoiled as usual, she got some fantastic gifts! Thank you:)

yummy, this cake is good!

our little birthday girl!

sitting 'cool' at the new table that Aunt Hales made

oooo...new balls for the ball pit!

peeking out of the new back pack...we got this great new carrier so that Sky can go with us on our cross country trips...she loved it, it has a little roof and rain windows to keep the elements out!

My little climber

Skylar is starting to be a climber...she climbs in and out of her chair and has now been trying to figure out if she can get up on the back of the chair, she also stood up in her highchair the other day, guess I need to start using the seatbelt:)

Mommy's LIttle Helper

...maybe not...

Battle of the CHAIR...

Skylar or Bruiser...
...who will win???

they both look pretty darn cute in the chair, maybe we should get one for Bruiser!!

Kissy Face

Skylar now makes this face when I ask her to give kisses...along with squeaky kissing sounds!