Happy Birthday, Jim AKA Papa Hicks

{Picture taken in December 2005}

Today is Brian's Dad's birthday. I just wanted to wish him an extra special one. He is such an amazing father to Brian and myself; he has filled the void for my father, who is in Heaven. Thank you Jim for being such a wonderful Father to Brian and myself;most importantly a wonderful and loving grandfather to Ashleigh.  You and Ma are the best. Although we don't get to see you guys as often as we would like, you are always in our thoughts. We love you and hope you have a fantastic day!  We love you!

A little photo session in West Palm Beach

I got out my camera and started taking pictures when I seen Ashleigh laying on the swing at my friends house; I decided to take some of Andrew as well.  

Our mini trip to West Palm Beach

Ashleigh and I decided to take a short trip to West Palm Beach Tuesday-Today, to see our friends, Jennifer and her boys Andrew & Colin.  Ashleigh and Andrew had the best time.  We went to the beach the first night we arrived; it was so beautiful, and the kids had a great time running and splashing in the water.  I took a few pictures; however, since it was nighttime they did not turn out the greatest.  

The following day we went to a local water park; it was phenomenal.   The kids had so much fun.  Ashleigh and Andrew had to take a swim test to swim in the "big kids" pool.  The swim tests consists of swimming one lap without touching the ropes or the sides of the pool; Ashleigh passed it!  We were all so proud of her; what an accomplishment at age 4; swimming a lap in an olympic size pool.  I am SO PROUD OF HER!  The lifeguard made a comment that she was a really good swimmer and she rolls over to her back really well.  :)

**Oh, by the way the lifeguard that tested Ashleigh and Andrew was the oldest lifeguard in Palm Beach county; he was 75, but didn't look it. **

After all this fun, we went back to Jennifer's house and let the kids play a little while outside on Andrew's amazing tree house his grandfather built for him {I will be sure to put a pic of it up on here}.  Ashleigh wanted to spend all of her time at Andrew's house outside on this treehouse.

Today, we had to say our goodbyes and head back home.  We had a wonderful time and am very thankful for wonderful friends like Jennifer and her beautiful family.  

I will finish posting pictures later on tonight; however, I wanted to go ahead and get a head start.  Enjoy!

Dancing the night away.

Ashleigh on the Zip line!

Ashleigh's biggest cheerleader!

Ashleigh finishing her swim test!

The kids with the lifeguard that tested them; the oldest in Palm Beach county.

At the amazing water park!

At the beach!

Hope you all are having a wonderful day and week.

4th of July

We had a good 4th of July. We were invited to our friend Leo's party; it was great. We had hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Ashleigh enjoyed spending time with Hannah and Abby. After the party Hannah and Abby came to our house to stay the night. It rained, so we post-poned the firework show that Leo had planned; however, after the rain had stopped the girls did sparklers in our backyard. then they proceeded inside for a crazy fun night. They had a sleep out in the living room, after insisting on wearing their Daddy's t-shirts to bed. 

They woke up the next morning, bright-eyed and busy tailed, ready to start the day at 8:30 am {this is early in the Hick's household}. 

Update on Brian's grill: 
They installed the wrong granite, so the process is going to be slightly delayed. They have, however, completed the electrical portion. It is coming right along. Posted are some pictures of the process, so far. 

Oh, I forgot to mention I have started a "Chore" chart for Ashleigh as an incentive to have her keep her room cleaned; hopefully, this will work. Wish me luck!

June Update with Pictures

I have finally sat down to write an update on here.  As I stated below, I have been really busy with school, this semester, I am taking a full load this summer; yes, I was crazy for doing it, but know I am getting closer to the end.

Ashleigh is doing great; she is learning new things everyday. She continues to love art; she can keep her self busy all day long {if I let her} just working on her art work.  I think she will take after her Grammy, who has a special love and appreciation for art.  

Ashleigh attended a week long gymnastics camp with her friend,Peyton, as well.  This was really good for her because she stayed there from 12pm-5:30pm;  it allowed her to mingle with other kids and experience being away from Mommy {other than being babysat by friends}.  She did really well.  I might sign her up for a 1 hr/1x a week gymnastics class; this is just a thought right now.

A lot of emotions hit me at the beginning of June when I suddenly realized {with the help of my friend, Diane} that Ashleigh will begin Preschool in August vs January; she will be going all day, all year.  Florida changed their program to begin in August instead of January to reflect a full year instead of half a year.  I had prepared myself for her to begin in January so needless to say, I was a bit overwhelmed and emotional.  She will be entering the school system, which means that it is the beginning to her growing older.  No longer do I have a toddler, I will now have a school girl.  I cannot be more proud of my little girl; she is very smart and I look forward to watching her learn and grow.  

Ashleigh spends a lot of time in the pool and playing with all of her

 friends {now that they are off for the summer}.   She is like a fish in the water. 

Father's day was wonderful for Brian.  Every year Ashleigh and Brian go swimming for Father's day; it is a tradition that we will keep.  We also went to our neighbors for dinner; med. rare brandy and orange marinated steak and the fix-in's {Yummy}.  We 

{Ashleigh & I} got Brian some cooking stuff for his new outdoor grill.....{Oh, 

have I not mentioned this, yet?}  Brian is getting an outdoor kitchen; they have already st

arted and expect to be finished in a few weeks.  He is so excited! He has been wanting to do this for years, and finally he gets his wish come true.  I am so happy for him.

Ashleigh swimming with her Daddy; 

one of her favorite things to do with Daddy

Ashleigh with our loving MiMi; whom she adores. 

  She recently told her: "MiMi, you love everyone, don't you?" 

Yep, she sure does.

Oh, yeah.  I forgot to mention we went to t

he local bee farm for an educational experience for Ashleigh; of course, she loved it!

Ashleigh & Jenna hanging out after swimming.

Ashleigh visiting her preschool for the first time with Peyton.

     Ashleigh in her first gymnastics class

Flowers from Daddy; I love flowers, especially from Daddy!

Finally, we have the start of Brian's outdoor grill.

Happy Wednesday to you all!

New blog design

I would just like to thank Erin for a beautiful new blog design!  I will put together a post {with some new pictures} later.  I am really busy with my studies at the moment.  I just wanted to share my new thoughts of my newly designed blog.