Happy memories

I have been going through photos lately. This one made me laugh all over again! Ashton must have been 1 1/2 years old at this visit with Santa. I had forgotten that she stuck out her tongue. I have a sneaking suspicion that her brother Ben was lurking behind me encouraging her to do that!
This was such a fun day for me as well as "my" girls. Ashton, Robyn and I packed lunches and set out for a hike and picnic on one of my favorite land trust trails. The girls each picked up the perfect walking stick for their big adventure. We had a picnic on the rocks. Ashton was around 8 and Robyn was 6. This was a special treat for Robyn as she had just become a "big sister" so a "girls day out" was called for!Here is my "happy camper" at around age 7. I used to take Ashton and Ben camping at Lake Pemaquid and we had many fun trips together. We would camp next to Ashton and Ben's Auntie and family. The girls would ride their bikes around the campsites and of course go swimming in the lake. Each night the kids looked forward to sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and making somemores. We always dreaded having to take down our tent and come home!Trying to decide if the water was warm enough to go in!
The above photo was taken on a visit to her great-grammy's. Ashton was about 6 here. She was replendant in her pink jelly shoes and of course, a pink handbag. She was a purse lover way back when....I don't think there were many trips to shop that she didn't talk me into buying her a purse. Luckily she didn't mind the clearance purses!
Here she is at about 2. After having two boys I loved dressing Ashton up with frilly socks and stylish shoes. Again, another long time habit of hers seems to be collecting shoes. I wonder why? Ashton started Tap and Ballet lessons when she was 3. Each spring all the various classes and levels would put on a big dance recital over two days. She always had the prettiest costumes. Prior to each recital, she would have her hair done in a french braid or curled. These recitals were so adorable!
Here is Ashton stepping out with her pretty pink umbrella. She purchased it in Disney World with her spending money. She had it handpainted just for her and personalized with her name. Oh how she loved her umbrella! She was about 6 in this photo.
Here is my budding ballerina again. She was 6 at the time and this was her costume for an annual dance recital. I still have her pink ballet shoes tucked away.