Once upon a time. . .

. . . there was a blog. It was never especially brilliant, but it was alive. Not only was it alive but it was full of life, mostly because it was full of Asha. Asha actually means life in Swahili and perhaps something similar in Arabic (at least that's what a Saudi studying in Santiago told me a week ago). Having just returned from a month in Spain, I can honestly say that Asha carries a real magic within her. I can't explain it, but there is just something amazing about that kid that draws everyone to her. Of course, what I'm saying is not much different than what a lot of parents think about their children. And that's great. What I'm saying about Asha is not in reference to any other child or an attempt at self-congratulations. This post may be a failed attempt at resurrecting a feeble blog that barely existed before, but one way I know how to put more good into the world is to share the joys of knowing and loving Asha Scout Wade. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the past month:

On her way to conquer Spain!

 There's nothing like a limón granizado at El Retiro

At the Alcázar in Segovia

 Monarchy or Republic?

 Asha loves street performers and they love her.
Having a few monedas on hand became a must.

Kickin' it with the boys

Taking our love of Argentina to the end of the world (Finisterre)

Beachcombing in Galicia

She usually poached food, but occasionally Asha hit the students up for finer things

 Em contemplating the end of the world (Finisterre)

It's been a loooong time!

Best of April

My girls! 

 Had to get a picture of the sweet noose I made for a play my students put on
and, of course, Asha wanted in on the action

 De tal palo, tal astilla

 Asha was very proud to be sporting her first bigote

Daddy's first attempt at a ponytail (not bad, right?!)

 Our little community playground is a favorite destination.
She can just hold herself up like that forever

 One of Asha's favorite places in the world: the Howingtons. Whether snuggled in a blanket, perched on Julie's lap, or tanking another box of chocolate milk, Julie-Cy's is it.

bliss

eating her snacks in the sunlight

soaking in the rays

wiped out after a day at the beach

pure joy

meredith college

love these two

jon's first graduation as a profe

Asha sharing her 'view' with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus

oh, how i love this little soul!

wizard daddy

true love with a wicked do

googly eyes she found on a poster of president monson - "prophet has googly eyes, asha say"

napoleonesque drink from her sippy

true love

happy birthday ash! we love you so.