Ashton & Bryan

My boy's got hops!

2008-05-23T12:57:00.007-06:00

Ashy seems to be getting so big so fast. I have really noticed it in the past few weeks. Perhaps it is seeing him next to Baby McLaren. Anyway, now that summer is approaching we are spending much more time outside and with fun friends.

Bouncy... Bouncy... Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun!

Just giving a shout out to all my peeps!

This mango is too ripe. It is getting all over my face and clothes.

Walk for Autism

2008-05-04T16:28:00.018-06:00

Walk Now for Autism - Utah 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008 Cottonwood High School - Murray, UT

What an amazing event! We had a wonderful time and we want to thank all of those who donated to Ashton's team in this fund rasing event. ABC News/Channel 4 was on site to document the event. Check out this link and look for Ashton in a brief TV moment (about 1 minute and 28 seconds into the clip):

http://www.abc4.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=81768@video.ktvx.com&navCatId=8

Seriously?

Who's in??

Bently is holding Ashton's watermellon.

Ashton says next year he is riding...

Losing Our Marbles!

2008-05-01T17:35:00.004-06:00

Let me just start out by saying, this is one toy that gets plenty of use. Ashy and I have spent countless hours playing with the marbles. This time I was fortunate enough to build a track as tall as he is without him knocking it over before I could get to the camera. Ashton goes through phases with the marbles. Sometimes he can only have one on the track at a time and then other times every marble has to be in action. Typically - when every marble is getting into the action, we experience gravity issues with the track.

If you notice, the marbles aren't cutting it in this picture. Ashy went with a Titleist... However, it doesn't quite go down as easily as the marbles.

Bryan's Cabo Trip

2008-04-28T20:39:00.015-06:00

A Room with a View!

I definately needed a vacation with all that has been going on in life. I was really looking forward to this trip. I did have some reservations about leaving work behind since things have been so busy for us in the office. I did get a chance to train someone to cover for me so it only took a few phone calls at the beginning of the trip to relax me. We had an incredible time in Cabo San Lucas. It was the fastest 7 days I think I have ever experienced. This place is definately on my list for "Must See Again".... My spanish skills although initially rusty, were dusted off in no time. I had a few dreams in spanish while I was there. Crazy!!

The weekend was set up to just get away and no have an agenda. It was only a day into the trip and we had the week planned. After speaking with several people I mapped out the "hot spots." My only regret.... we didn't book 2 weeks.

The beach was incredibly clear and the water was warm. In Cabo, the weather remains the same about 360 days a year. They say it is plus or minus 5 degrees. There are 5 days a year that get a little cooler or rainy. Most of the places do not have windows so the outside breeze coming from the ocean cools the place down. Some of the restaurants and night life stops did not have roofs.

Sammy Hagar of Van Halen has a place called Cabo Wabo and without notice will stop in for a live performance. I wasn't that lucky to see him but it is an exciting place non the less.

One of our days was dedicated to "The Buggy's" We had heard that you can take a day an go on a buggy journey. I was hoping more for a course and some competitive drivers but it was more of an open journey and "sunday drivers."

I got a chance to experience the "real town" of Cabo too. It took me back to some of my days in Vina Del Mar. I do feel bad that I always seemed to forget the camera and so the trip wasn't documents as well as I would have liked it to be. However, I won't be able to erase my memories.

This is the pool as seen from my perch!

Rest and Relaxation?? What is that?

Picking out the ride. I guess I will go with the Home Depot 20 Buggy.

In the driver's seat anticipating a dust storm. Although my bet is this 20 buggy is in the lead.

There are jumps on this course. NICE!!!

Taking a driving break on the Pacific Ocean side of Baja. Bigger waves and cooler water.

I sure hope this tree branch holds.

Patio Dining on the Beach! Another night when I didn't have the camera, we ate right after sunset at a "reservations only" spot called The Office. I took my shoes off at the door and walked down onto a sandy beach filled with Tiki Torches and high class excitement. Incredible meal and might I add... great company. :)

It is too hard to say goodbye. See you soon Cabo!

Stop Drop and Roll!

2008-04-06T18:58:00.020-06:00

Bryan and Ashton both enjoyed themselves thoroughly at Bentley's 3rd Birthday Party Bash. The theme was a fire truck and the party was well equipped with all of the accessories. The party was a complete experience starting with Fire Chief hats and "Pin the badge on the dalmation." The highlight was operating the fire hose and of course eating cake. (A favorite of both Bryan and Ashy.)

Let the games begin...

Pinning the badge on the dalmation! It looks best right here.

Now that I have the badge in place I am gonna take this mango over to the other end of the room so nobody steps on it.

The sirens can be a little loud.

I am ready! Send me in Captain.

Mastering the art of fire supression.

Extreme Fire Fighting Power!

No party is complete without a pinata.

The crew that dowsed the flames.

Who's the boss in this picture???

Big Pimping Corvette Style!

2008-04-06T18:36:00.004-06:00

Bentley has mastered the art of sharing! Well, maybe he just needed a driver. Ashton stepped up and took the wheel of this mean machine. The Compuware Mobile 1 Chevrolet was flawless today. We want to thank Goodyear for creating the tires that kept us running solid despite the track conditions.

The Compuware Mobil 1 Chevy.

Right turn Clyde!

You Decide...

2008-04-03T16:43:00.007-06:00

There are no secrets anymore. Ashton has officially admitted to holding imaginary fruit from time to time during the Kodak moments. Now we are leaving it up to you to determine exactly which fruit he was displaying on Easter Sunday.

An apple? Maybe a tangerine? Nope... Check out this Easter Fruit Platter.

Opening Easter presents can be so exciting! Perhaps this is the face of a little boy with an ear infection.

Behind the Times

2008-02-28T17:10:00.007-07:00

So I must say I have been behind the times on keeping up with this blog. Needless to say there has been a lot going on. I pose a question to all of those out there whom may have tested positive on your "Are you addicted to blogging" tests. Does thinking about blogging count for anything?

I know... I know... It isn't blogging until there is a new post. Here are just a few things we have captured over the past... (well, I won't say months.) Let me start over with that. Here are just a few things we have captured since the last posts.

Hanging out!

I think Jaxon is just now realizing that Ashton likes to hold imaginary fruit during pictures.

Presents!

Cookies!

Oh, and more hanging out!

2 Years Old & Counting

2008-02-28T16:50:00.004-07:00

" Check out my 2 year old smile. It is much improved from a year ago."

December 19th Ashton turned 2 years old. Thanks to Aunt Lisa for spending the time to work on the car. Great Cake!

South Towne in December

2008-02-28T13:49:00.010-07:00

During the month of December, Ashy and I set out to enjoy ourselves. We spent time at the mall, going out to restaurants, and getting ready for Christmas. If you have not experienced South Towne Mall as a 2 year old, we invite you to share our experience. Let me just say, as many times as I have been to this mall these stops were a first for me.

First Stop, the food court where we dove into a corn dog and then jumped on the merry-go-round. We must have had to many french fries with those corn dogs cause our faces explain everything.

Next Stop: Naturally, the slide.

"I believe I can fly."

"I think I see my house."

And of course that Santa stranger!

Overall, South Towne is a must see and Crazy Double Trouble gives this holiday resort two thumbs up!

St. George Get-A-Way!

2007-10-25T18:28:00.010-06:00

October 2007 Trip to St. George!

I will be honest. I was a bit overwhelmed with the idea of loading up the car with a two year old and driving 4 and a half hours south to St. George. All said and done, it wasn't quite as bad as I had imagined. I would like to thank all the little people whom helped to make the drive possible. Marlin, Dory, and Nemo known as Shark Bait (Oh-ha-ha). Oh, and P. Sherman on 42 Wallaby Way.

Besides watching conference, we found quite a few other fun activities.

BOWLING:

Immediately upon arrival at the lanes, "Ash" began to size up the competition. At this point he was unsure if the competition would be the competing bowlers or rather the 16 pound bowling ball he could barely grip. To put it in perspective, Bryan would be using a 105 pound ball with no color preference!

After much consideration, an 8 pounder with colors honoring the deer hunting season of October was selected and dad was brought into the picture for a little moral support. One thing the picture doesn't capture is Ashton's comment to me saying, "Like this?"

"Just so you know, it only started left because I didn't have on fancy red and blue shoes!"

TABLE HOCKEY:

Bentley took me to school!

RACE TRACK:

"Speed, Speed, Speed! Thanks Grandma for working the pedals."

Annual Recovery Run

2007-10-01T16:24:00.000-06:00

The Utah Alcoholism Foundation

3rd Annual 5K Run for Recovery
Saturday, September 15, 2007, 8:00 a.m.
Utah State Capitol to Gallivan Center

The Troops Before 3.109 Miles! Look for this picture in the National Publication since we all signed the waiver for some serious royalties.

Finally at the 2 and a half mile mark, Bryan passes the walkers...

Brad Taylor and Bryan in an all out dead sprint to the finish line. Or at least a light jog to the finish line.

There is nothing like a warm water and a mushy apple after a 5K run! Thanks to everone for the fun. We had a great morning!

Splish splash I was taking a bath

2007-10-01T16:13:00.001-06:00

So what could be better than a clean boy in the tub?

Two Clean Boys in a Tub!

Ashton sure enjoys spending time with Bentley. We have all noticed that Ashton is so much more aware of the people around him. In fact, he is now becoming quite the follower.

So that is how this shower works!

Ashton has always showed his mechanical side. Whether he if flipping the buttons on the electronics or figuring out a new toy, he always seems to find something that lights up, opens and closes, or flips and twists. Keep up the good work Ashy!

Yuba 2007

2007-09-03T13:41:00.000-06:00

Summer Fun of 2007. We enjoyed the north beach at Yuba this year. This location has always worked out great for kids since the water is so shallow. Ashton did his best walking on the sand. We all thought it was a very flat spot, but going back to basics it was uneaven ground. Ashton was great on this trip and the pictures speak a thousand words. Compared to last year, Asthon was so much more into exploring the surroundings. However, he still didn't like sand on his hands or feet. We spent a lot of time "exploring" on the blankets under the tarps.

"Oh, I hope that wasn't a pin worm my dad told me about."

"Who made the ground so uneven. I can hardly walk around here."

My First Boat Ride. Oh, and I got to see my Dadda surf...

Ashton loved playing in the water.

"Follow me Dad! It is only waist deep."

Chillin' with the powdered donut gang! I think Grandpa Ric still holds the record as noted by the coveted trophy of maintaining the left over powder on his lips.

The windup.... And the pitch.... (good form Ashy)

It is hard work to be this cool.

Winding down around the campfire. This is one of the last times that Ashton "assumed the position" with dadda...

Animalistic Behavior is Hard Work

2007-08-28T15:46:00.000-06:00

A day at the Zoo can be very hard work. I mean, seeing all the animals, spending time with cousins, measuring up to the gorillas, and snacking can be tiresome.

Give me another year or two...

Can anyone tell which cousin likes to ride the train?

This picture says it all.

"We had a way great, play date..... With you!"

2007-08-08T10:21:00.000-06:00

For those familiar with Blues Clues, I hope you are singing the song right now. Once I started to organized the pictures for this post, I kept singing it over and over again.

On July 31st, the cousins had a special play date at Bentley's house. The afternoon was filled with eating lunch, swimming in the pool, jumping on the tramp, and just laughing with the other cousins. The pictures from the play date demonstrate Ashy's ability to use his imagination. Ashton is now getting to the point where rather than just sitting around and watching the others, he is emerging and trying to follow and play with the other kids. It is definately an exciting time.

Apparently, Ashton is the only one in this picture holding an imaginary watermellon. And he does it so well.

"It must be my imagination, but I swear there was a cupcake here a minute ago."

Fun With Bubbles!

2007-08-08T10:06:00.000-06:00

And No! Bubbles is NOT the girl next door. We put the bubble machine to the test by making it frantically work to keep the excitement floating in the air. Ashy reaches to pop the bubbles in the air, but then ultimately gets a concerned look on his face when the freshly popped bubble sprays bubble juice on his hands. He is so sensory and aware of what he has on his hands.

24th of July

2007-08-08T09:47:00.000-06:00

The boys of Crazy Double Trouble celebrated the 24th of July by going to the Butlerville Days Festival. The weather did not want to cooperate with us, but we did enjoy the parade. Ashton had a front row seat while he witnessed the excitement of police motorcycles, fire trucks, classic cars, floats, bands, and dancers. Aside from the rain that began to fall, Ashton's highlight was a blue dum dum sucker. Now I thought I had seen that boy concentrate in the past. He definately wins any awards that are offered for the dedication he put into devouring the little sucker.

During the morning hours, I ran in the Draper Days 5k race with Kim and Lisa. For some unknown call of nature, we were seperated during the first mile, but I was able to watch my two sisters bolt across the finish line. I am now starting to feel the pressure of stepping it up to an 8k race. Stay tuned...

Just a little stretching.

The runners.

Later that afternoon...

Here come the police motorcycles.

Wow, the fire trucks are loud.

The art of concentration.

In the evening hours...

Assume the position.

Doing Time at The Rock

2007-07-16T16:11:00.000-06:00

Rockport that is...

Ashton and I enjoyed every minute we spent at Rockport during the 2007 Annual Jones Family Camp Out. We stayed busy in so many different ways...

Playing on the Beach and enjoying the sun.

Fighting for the hat!

Entertaining the other inmates!

Solitary Confinement...

Complete relaxation at the fire.
We put Ashton in a jumpsuit in order to recognize him as a true member of "Double Trouble"

Mooning Everyone!

This is a well mastered trick that requires the right genetic chemistry. As you can tell by this angle, Ashton is truly his father's son. No shame in sharing the little dimples while pinching a penny.

Walking the yard.

Playing "Patty Cake, Patty Cake - Baker's Man"

I just "kneed" a little more Dad time!

Does anyone have a snack?

Showing off our teeth!

The calendar is already marked for the next Annual Jones Family Camp out. We will need a year to recover from all the excitement. Ashton's personality is starting to blossom. He will definitely let us know what is on his mind. However, at this point he can always be persuaded with fancy treat. This is yet another genetically inherited trait. This boy can eat. We are gearing up to be a linebacker right now, but at this pace a defensive end may be in the picture.

Double Trouble

2007-07-10T16:06:00.000-06:00

Double Trouble is brought to you by Ashton and Bryan Alexander.

"We strive to keep you informed on what is happening in the world of these 2 boys taking the world by suprise!"