I need a little help...

So as a preschool teacher I received TONS of candles as gifts, which I have steadily been trying out. However, I haven't really come across a candle that continually gives off a lasting great scent. So, any suggestions of candles I should try? Thanks for the help!

the big day

Last Thursday was the biggest day of the year for our family, since we celebrate both our anniversary and Brody's birthday. Ok, so the anniversary hasn't actually been celebrated yet (although I did get my present) but we did celebrate Brody's first birthday with a little bbq party with family and friends. Lately it seems that Brody is getting to be a lot more kid and a lot less baby. He working on walking, trying to climb up slides at the park and even thinks he can swim by himself in the pool. I think he sincerely believes he's as big as three year old, except for the tiny little fact that he only one. Brody is such a funny kid, and he if he's ever at your house he'll explore it ALL! He's so fun and I can't believe how fast this year has gone. As a sum up: I LOVE our little guy!

American Idol

Tonight was the big culminating event of the Ashton's holiday celebration, so we headed to downtown LA to have CPK and attend the Idols Live concert. The top ten idols performed: Chikezie, Ramiele, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook, Carly, Brooke, Jason, Syesha, David Archuleta and David Cook. The first two were a little boring but Michael Johns came out singing some Queen, and the whole show took off from there! The concert was really fun and it was great to spend the evening with everyone!

Beach day

On Saturday we went to the beach with Justin's family. It was actually the first time Brody's been at the beach to play rather than for my walks. I didn't know how he'd like the beach, given the pool fiasco, but he absolutely loved it! He loved having the water splash over him and flow back through his toes! He did get a little upset when the water would wash back out, but other than that he had a great time! It's soo fun to watch him experience new things and we were thrilled he enjoyed his day at the beach!

All bundled up to help dry off, it's one of my favorite pictures of him!

Taking Brody in the water.

Brody's practicing boarding on land before he heads into the water.

4th of July

We spent the 4th with Justin's family (my parents were visiting my new niece in Washington) and had quite a day! In the morning we had some amazing cinnamon rolls, and later that afternoon we had an all-American bbq with hot dogs and hamburgers. Afterwards we headed to the park for a big game of whiffle ball. Then after an interesting game of ninja moves taught by Rob, the fireworks finally started. It was a great 4th!

Justin up to bat.

Just setting up camp to stake out an area for the fireworks show.

The most intriguing toy to ever cross Brody: an iphone!
I was a little apprehensive to see how Brody would respond to the fireworks but he was completely enthralled! I don't think he blinked the entire show, so fascinating! Family, bbq, and fireworks, another great 4th! And ps, the band-aide is for a little cut Brody got earlier, just the pit"falls" of trying to walk.

Feelin' pretty cool

Well I finally got on the computer to do a little blogging and found this award given to me by my sister Wendy:

So on the same note, I also award this honor to other entertaining bloggers: Caroline, Holly, Lisa and Paperback writer! Post it up and share the love! Thanks Wendy!

Gettin' comfy

Today while feeding Brody he got real squirmy and suddenly busted into a new feeding position. He kept his foot on the tray through the entire feeding. Normally I'm really not comfortable mixing feet and food, but it was too funny. Surprisingly his foot was clean throughout the entire meal, pretty impressive!