It seems like just yesterday that Ashley was just 6 little pounds, and now she is 6 big years! I can't believe it~ such a big girl! Thursday was her day and she went to school and took treats for her classmates, got a surprise birthday lunch from daddy, and her teacher even let the class have a mini dance party which Ashley totally loved. That night we were off to Gatti Town for a fun family dinner.

The real party, however, came to life on Saturday as we hosted all of Ashley's fancy, fashionable friends for manicures, makeovers, and a style show. So adorable! Our little diva darling is growing up!

Happy Halloween!!

Ahoy, Matey!

Always the Super-Star!

Trick-or-Treat!

Now Showing...

High School Musical 3. I could probably just leave it at that, but for those of you who want a few more details, here it goes:

My mom and Aunt Biddie called Thursday night to say they were coming in town on Friday to spend the weekend with us-- they wanted to take Ashley to see HSM3 on opening weekend. So, I ran out and bought tickets in advance just in case this magical movie was to sell out.

So after a day of shopping, we ditched Trevor and Jonathan and went to stand in the line to be seated. The ONLY males in the line were 2 dads, who were holding birthday cakes and bags of presents, obviously bribed and possibly drugged by their wives and daughters to attend this sacred event.

Once the workers opened up the barrier to let us go forth and be seated, the crowd of girls started to squeal (er, scream) with excitement. You would have thought Zac Effron himself was escorting them! We make a mad dash up the steps of the theater to get our seats. After a snack run, it was time for the show to start. The manager of the theater came out to welcome us and remind us to please do any singing and dancing while remaining seated. Seriously?

The lights dim and the audience again bursts into screams, cheers, and fits of giggling. And this was just for the previews. Not to give away any part of the plot (I know you are dying to see HSM3 and plan to rush out to see this movie tomorrow, right?) but the opening shot is a close up of Zac Effron/Troy Bolton-- more screaming. EVERY time this kid comes on the screen, you guessed it! Screaming! I knew this movie had power, but I completely did not anticipate this level of enthusiasm. Wow.

I will admit that even though the cheese from this movie was dripping off of the screen, it was quite entertaining and enjoyable. The choreography is amazing, award winning probably. And again, not to ruin the plot, but during the graduation scene (sorry, it is called Senior Year) Ashley and her old lady posse were dancing in our seats.

Go-Getter Girl and Teddy Bear Tex

Ashley is such a Go-Getter~ literally. She was presented the Go-Getter award at school this week for exhibiting self-control (seriously?) and I'm not sure she has been this excited...ever. It's actually a really big deal and she not only got to sit on the stage during Friday Morning Live (pep rally at school), she got to eat lunch at the fancy table in the cafeteria. But, the BEST part about being the Go-Getter is that Teddy Bear Tex, the class mascot, gets to come and spend the weekend at our house! Woo Hoo! This bear is very special and Ashley knows it. He went to dance class with her on Thursday night, they had a tea party on Friday, and today Mr. Tex was lucky enough to get to go to the Fall Carnival in Melissa, TX. We went back to visit all of our old friends and Tex went along for the ride. He spent most of the time in Trevor's stroller. Hey, Trevor refused to ride in it so Tex took advantage. Anywhoooo... The Maywalds went with us and got to meet Tex in person and experience the magnificence of Melissa, TX. We had a good time, and Tex did too. He returns to school bright and early Monday morning, hopefully with no tears. From Ashley that is...

Winner, Winner! Chicken dinner! (look at the certificate)

Tex and Ashley at the Fancy cafeteria table

Tea Party Tex

Carnival Cuties

Happy Fall Y'all

We've been to the pumpkin patch, so now we can officially say it's Fall. My mom came in town this weekend and we randomly stopped by the pumpkin patch close to our house to choose some pumpkins for the porch and hopefully to carve. Despite the very windy conditions (which was perfect for Trevor's double ear infection--Mom Of The Year is my name!) we had a great time. Ashley even got to launch a pumpkin, and she's sportin' the jack o lantern smile!

Let's pick a pumpkin!

On the hayride with Nonna

I think I can, I think I can...

Say cheeeeese!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Trevor is, that's for sure. On Saturday, Sara and Jack came over and the boys threw the ball around a bit. That night the Bergman's came over for more football-- not sure which games were on 'cuz Marcy and I were too busy chattin' and cleaning chocolate off the walls and floor (whole other post...). On Sunday, Trevor watched 'Da Boys with Jonathan. Unfortunately the team represented on Trevor's shirt in the video did not represent on the field... sic 'em.

Fabulous

Ever since Ashley was a baby she has been very friendly and outgoing. She never meets a stranger and always makes at least one new friend when we go places. Other children are drawn to her~ it has been this way forever. I was not worried about moving back to Frisco because I knew Ashley would adjust well and make new friends easily in Kindergarten.

Well, that's an understatement. The minute she walks into my classroom at the end of the day ALL of my students act like she's a rock star. "Ashley! Ashley! Ashley!" is all I hear and they are quickly focused on her and not the super-cool thing I was doing or saying. Other children who are not in Kindergarten know her name, say "hi", and give her hugs as she walks down the hall. When they see me they refer to me as "Ashley's Mom", not Mrs. Ellis. What?

Anyway, recess is no different and since I have recess duty every other week I witness it first hand. Today I look over and there is her posse following close behind and literally copying everything she does. They are dancing and doing cheers, so cute and innocent.
When we got home later I asked her about it and this is how the conversation went:

Me: What were you and your friends playing at recess?
Ashley: dancers and cheerleaders
Me: Oh. Can anyone play?
Ashley: Sure, dancers and cheerleaders usually have big teams.
Me: Oh, right. Are you like the "teacher"?
Ashley: I guess. I told ****** to be it today but they all said it was still me.
Me: Why?
Ashley: (shrugs her shoulders, looks baffled) They think I'm fabulous.

OMG!