UPDATE!

I know I've been really slacking with this, but most of the time I don't want to use my precious nap/TV time writing a post.  I'd much rather clean, cook, or look up recipes or things to do with the kids.  Or read other people's blogs who are much more interesting than I.  Words never come out the way they are assembled in my head and it sounds much more dull than it should.  I guess that's why I don't do this for money... :) 

Texas...We've been here for 2 months now.  CRAZY.  It's been a fun and difficult 2 months.  I really miss friends.  It takes a lot longer to make friends than I realized.  We're in the biggest ward I have ever been in and there are tons of young families like us.  Lots of people to get to know, but you also get lost in the crowd and you are constantly meeting new people that you don't get to know any one family really well.  This weekend we are having our first family over for a dinner and games night!  I still don't have a calling in the ward, but apparently LOTS of people don't.  Awesome.  The area is great--lots of great things to do, but it seems to take longer to get there.  I miss my awesome Phoenix libraries, too. 

Ben...He's growing up so much!  He talks all the time now.  It was like someone flipped a switch inside him on the drive over here.  He likes to tell Ashlyn what to do and is trying to teach her the ABC's.  He also tried to put her in timeout yesterday.  haha!  He loves shows on PBS and playing in the pool as long as you don't hold him--he likes to stay on the step.  He scares easily.  He won't go for a walk if the lawnmower is in use.  Ben loves to run to Ashlyn with arms open wide and hug her.  Sometimes this can go on for 10 minutes or so.  I need to get out the video camera!

No, I don't usually put ponytails on boys, but I just bought the elastic bands for Ashlyn and he wanted one, too ;)

Ashlyn...likes to run away from you in parking lots.  She doesn't listen well on walks.  She loves Ben's tricycle and hates sharing.  She loves the pool and will kick her legs when on her tummy.  I think she's ready for lessons!  She likes PBS shows, too, but doesn't sit still very long.  She loves to lie down on me and snuggle while she sleeps.  She loves books.  She had her first at-home haircut in June.

This is what happens when you let a one-year old paint.

She can sleep anywhere!