Hurricane!

I'm sure you know about Hurricane Irene. It passed by Washington D.C. not even a week after the earthquake. What's up with that?! Anyway, we weren't really affected by the hurricane in any serious way. We did have a lot of rain and wind. It started raining 10 am on Saturday and didn't stop until Sunday morning. It got worse in the evening, so we just stayed home and watched a movie. We didn't lose power, though it flickered a few times (some of our friends and family lost power though). We took a walk Sunday morning and saw a lot of trees that had been knocked over and broken limbs, but that happens every time there is a big storm here since there are so many trees.
I'm glad that we didn't have to evacuate like a lot of people did and that we didn't have any flooding, though we are 3 floors up anyway. We've looked at a lot of pictures and read about some of the damage and deaths that Irene caused. It's really sad and makes me grateful we only got rain.

It has definitely made me think about being prepared We don't have a lot of food storage since we don't really have room. We do try to keep some extra cans of food and baking supplies on hand. And we don't have a 72-hour emergency kit, but I would like to put one together. Any suggestions?

Earthquake!

Yes, we had an earthquake. Ryan and I were visiting Pennsylvania though so we only felt it a little. Since this is Ryan's last week of vacation before he starts his new job we decided to go tour Philadelphia and at the time of the earthquake we had stopped at Arby's to get lunch. At first, I thought Ryan was shaking his leg and therefore shaking the table (he thought the same thing about me.) But then the whole floor was shaking. It shook for about 20 seconds. It was pretty weird and we were trying to figure out what was going on. Then we heard about the earthquake.

My neighbor called me because our building was being evacuated and he said that it was pretty strong (a 5.8) and the whole building was shaking and the pool had waves going. When we got home last night, there were a few things that had fallen over and all the pictures on our walls were a bit crooked. So we felt our first earthquake.

The Crockett Crowd

On Wednesday Ryan's mom came to town to babysit Tayzlie, Townsend and Tenna. Ryan and I got to hang out with them a couple different times.

First, we went and played laser tag. It was fun, but I'm terrible. I think the kids really enjoyed playing (that group includes Ryan).

The next day we went to the National Zoo in D.C.

Here is everybody enjoying the zoo.

Asher's our 'wild child' and decided he wanted to be a leopard. I don't think his crawling speed competes though.

Tennessee watching the panda bear.

Asher loved the petting zoo. They didn't have many animals out but Asher knew just what to do without any encouragement.

He reached right through the fence to pet the animals.

He even liked the cow. When he's older and gets to milk cows when he visits Grandpa and Grandma Haddock he'll learn better.

Overall, it was a really fun day and I enjoyed visiting the zoo with the Crockett Crowd.

Asher and Mommy.

Asher and Daddy, and cousins Tayzlie and Townsend.

6 Months Old!

Asher's Stats:

Weight: 20 lbs. 14 oz. (94%)
Height: 28 in. (93%)
Head Circumference: 17.5 in. (70%)

It's hard to believe that Asher is 1/2 a year old. He is a big boy. He even thinks he's big enough to play with the big kids.

We went to a mall and thought we'd see if he'd crawl around in the kid's play area. He loved it. He was crawling everywhere and had no fear. I'm just glad that the older kids didn't run over him.

He climbed up on the toys wanting to show the older kids that he could play too.

Asher is great at crawling. Once he figured out how to get his hands and legs working at the same time there was no stopping him and he just keeps getting faster and faster.

He not only crawls all over our apartment but he likes to crawl up and down our hallways. And they are pretty long so we're quite impressed with Asher.

He is also great at bear-crawling, where he uses his feet instead of his knees.

He has also figured out how to sit all on his own and also to pull or climb up on things.

He only gets up to his knees when he is upright, but if he is leaning forward he can get all the way to his feet (like the ladybug at the mall above).

Of course this means that our apartment is going through the process of becoming baby proof and Ryan and I are learning to shut doors. But it still doesn't stop Asher from getting into mischief. Here he is spying on dad in the shower:)

One of his favorite places to climb up on is our mirror. He just loves his friend in the mirror, they do a lot of kissing;)

Asher also has become much more active during his baths. He enjoys them so much more now that he can splash around and turn around and play in the water.

Getting Stuck!

Asher is crawling around like crazy these days. He loves playing and exploring. It is so fun to see him be inquisitive and explore new rooms and things in our apartment. I'm having to watch him more carefully because he will crawl away and disappear on me.

He is getting really good and making a mess.

And getting into things he shouldn't.

Crawling away from the scene of the crime. "Wasn't me!"

He also has gotten himself into predicaments with his exploring.

He gets stuck! It is so funny because he just can't figure out how to get out:)

Asher's too big now to fit through places he thinks he should.

Asher's Eating Experience

Next week is Asher's half-birthday! Yay! Lately, he has done really well eating the rice cereal and has been really interested in our food. So we thought we'd take it to the next level and give him some vegetables!

Here's a picture of his reaction.



But, really, the picture doesn't do it justice. Here's a video of Asher's first vegetable experience. This is Ryan feeding him.



So, he really didn't like the peas. But, like a good kid, he kept eating them (while continuing to make faces). But, he couldn't pretend to like them forever. Melanie took a turn feeding him, and Asher let us know what he really thinks of peas.



I didn't get the rest on video, but let's just say it was like a waterfall out of Asher's mouth onto his bib. Except it wasn't water. See below.



Good to know that his gag reflex is in good working order :) Anyway, Asher's a great kid, and we're sure he'll be eating his vegetables like a champ in a few weeks.

Go-Karting

While Richard was staying with us, we decided to go Go-Karting! Ryan went last year with some guys from church and has since wanted to go again. Of course Richard was the perfect excuse because Ryan just loves to goof off with his brother and all they talk about are cars and The Simpson's. I know Go-Karts aren't cars but they were the next best thing I would let them race:)

Ryan, Me and Richard suited up and ready to race.


Racing around the track (I think Ryan is #9, the one in the lead)

Here's me!

Asher got to watch with his very own babysitter, cousin Tayzlie.

The next morning, Ryan and Richard took a bike ride into D.C. I'm glad that Ryan was able to go do some activities with his brother. Thanks for visiting Richard, and for playing with Ryan:)
While they were off biking I took my cousin Kendra to the airport. She was here for an internship during the summer and we really enjoyed having her around and getting to know her better. I hope she comes back next summer! And of course Asher stayed with his cousin Tayzlie. I think he really enjoyed having someone to constantly play with him. It was pretty funny too because he would follow her around. Where ever she went he would crawl after her. I also started a sewing project with Tayzlie. I am helping her make a chalkboard pillow, and will have to post pictures when I finally get to my craft post.

Uncle Richard

Asher met his Uncle Richard this weekend. Richard is in the Army, but is on leave right now so he is able to visit.

Richard and Asher.

Richard and Ryan. (Richard is Ryan's younger brother)
Ryan just loves to hang out with his brothers. He has a special relationship with each one. When Richard is around, expect to hear a LOT of The Simpson's references:)


Ryan showing Asher, at a young age, how fun it is to climb trees.

John and Julie's family, Trent and Wendy's family, Us, and Richard all got together at the Tripple's to celebrate Richards birthday as well as his visit.

Everyone loves birthday cake.

Asher hanging out with his cousins Tayzlie and Kylee.

I also have to post Asher's church time activities. Since he sometimes gets loud and yells in the middle of church, we sometimes end up in the foyer. The foyer is a whole world of it's own- baby world! Asher loves it. I think I am going to have to start taking him to play group.

With so many people around and lots of babies his size, Asher has a blast at church. Sometimes I wonder if he is loud in Sacrament meeting or class just so we end up in the foyer. I'm glad that he enjoys church, but hope one day he'll enjoy church for the right reasons:)

Another reason to love the foyer: it's filled with girls! Do I have to start worrying already?!?

I mean, he already lets girls crawl all over him. What's going to happen when they get older?