Ava in her Pool

These photos were taken back in June during Ava's first swim in her pool. She was very hesitant at first to get in, but once she realized that she could splash without fear of reprimand, she was all set. We haven't got to swim as much as I would like this summer, but we have made time for playing in the water a couple of times a week even if it is just the water hose.

Flashback Friday

These 2 pictures are what I call "The Mush Mouth Face." Ava used to make this face all the time when she was teething. I love how young it makes her look (or old I guess depending on how you look at it).

A Conversation with Ava

Ava gets up on my lap this morning and the following conversation took place.

Ava: Pizza?

Mommy: Pizza?

A: Mmmm, I love pizza.

A: (cont) Chocolate?

M: Chocolate?

A: Mmmmm, I love chocolate.

M: You are a silly little girl.

(Photo taken while in Indiana at Nona and Muncle Mike's)

Indiana Trip

Okay, I am finally getting around to posting a few of our Indiana trip pictures. I will be posting a few more later. So....

As I talked about before, while Ava and I were on our mini vacation, we headed up to Indiana to stay a few days with my aunt and uncle. I used to spend almost every break from school with some type of visit up to Indiana, but since Ava has been born, traveling is a lot more complicated. You should see my packing list! So, this was the first time that Ava and I had been up there (except when I was about 4 months pregnant with her). Our main objective for the visit was for my aunt to get some pictures of Ava since she is working on setting up a photography business.

Ava was in kitty heaven when she arrived because Bo and Mike have 3 cats. For 3 solid days, my mouth was on autoplay, "Stop Chasing the Kitties!" and "Easy! Don't be so rough!" But they tolerated her and did a little bit of playing. Ava and I were also appreciative of the fact that Bo and Mike own "The Little Mermaid" and that earned them some street cred with Ava.

After some shopping, eating, and browsing, we decided to take a little day trip to a place called Lake Shakamack. When we first arrived, Ava was asleep and was so happy to wake up to see horses. She has loved petting and watching horses, but up to that point, she had never ridden. Mike arranged for Ava to ride a little miniature pony because we weren't sure if Ava would ride with the guide for a trail ride and they wouldn't let her ride with us. So Ava met John Deere and to this day, when she gets on her rocking horse, she calls him Deer. Ava liked looking at the pony and wondering around more than riding him, but after being around the guide, a sweet lady named Nicole, we decided to do a short trail ride. Guess I shouldn't have been worried about Ava not riding with someone else because she just let them pass her around. As soon as she was up on that horse she started saying, "Yeehaw!" and cracking me up. It was so adorable seeing her up there. She was fine riding with Nicole and just enjoyed the ride. Every one in a while Nicole would wait for my horse to pull alongside so I could see Ava and take pictures. She was like a little cowboy holding on without even having to be shown how. I have to admit that I hated to see the ride end because it was so much fun, but I don't think my rear end could have handled anymore. I was sore for 3 days after the ride.

She had the best time and I thank Mike for stopping and letting us go on this little adventure. I know Bo had as much fun as we did. She also earned the name Nona from Ava. Ava had a wonderful time visiting Muncle Mike, Nona, and Emma (the cat). She still wakes up saying, "Where's Emma?" and is talking about the cat and not her baby doll. It was great fun... now on to the photos!

Ava Storyboard

Here is a little storyboard I made of Ava's new portraits.

New Ava Portraits

New Ava portraits are up at my photography blog. Link is over on the right hand side of this page. Let me know what you think and which one is your favorite!

I Love....

Michael Ian Black. He completely cracks me up. I love watching all the VH1 specials like "I Love the 80's" and "I Love the 90's" because he is so dang funny. I ran across an excerot from his book today and it was hilarious. Here's the link http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?pid=618817&tab=1&agid=2 the excerpt is called "What I Would Be Thinking If I Were Billy Joel Driving to a Holiday Party Where I Knew There Was Going to Be a Piano." Funny stuff. In case you don't know who I am talking about, here is a picture:

Cracks me up!

KY Recap

Last weekend Ava and I headed out on the road for a trip to visit family in Kentucky and Indiana. Ava had a birthday party to attend so we were little late hitting the road, but arrived in KY around 8:00 that night. Since my family loves to be outside, that is what they were doing when we arrived. Trayton was there playing outside and Ava enjoyed the chance to play with someone who is just as big a bully as she is. They are so rough together, but always have a great time playing. My Nanny was there too and we enjoyed a little BBQ supper before Ava, Nanny, and I headed to Nanny's house to stay the night.

After about 4 hours of sleep (not my decision, but Ava's), we visited Mammaw and then headed to church. Ava went into the preschool class for Sunday School and did really well. She colored and got along really well with the other kids. I sang a special at church and after church we went to the Majestic House. Those of you from Princeton know that this is a popular place after church. Imagine my surprise when after just 4 hours of sleep, Ava tuckered out during the meal and fell asleep at the Majestic House. This is something she has not done in a long time. Usually if we are out and about she is wide awake and taking everything in, but she was just tuckered out!

After gathering our things we enjoyed some more outside time (even though it was so hot) and Ava and Trayton played on the slide and in some toy cars. I don't guess I have really talked about it, but Ava loves, loves, loves slides. If she sees one, she wants to stop and go play on it and when we are playing, she does not want to leave when time is up. My dad (Gramps) played with Trayton and Ava on the slide and they had an absolute ball. I also burned off a few calories pushing them around in the cars. They had a great time, but man, I am too old for all that running!

After a few days in Indiana, we headed back to town and Ava got the chance to play with Trayton once again. Nanny and I took them down to the creek and they had fun throwing rocks. Anytime Ava can pick up and throw rocks is a time of bliss for her. We took my brother out to Pagliai's for his birthday and then we had a girls' night at Nanny's again. (Sorry about your air conditioner, Nanny!)

The next day, I woke up so ready to get home. After a long visit, you are just ready to get to your house. My mom and I took Ava for a little photo shoot at Big Springs, a little play time at the Legion park, lunch, a visit with Gramps, and then we hit the road. We made it home by 3:30 and there is no place like home.

So there you have it. A really, really long post about our time in KY. If you have read this far, bless your heart. I just didn't want to forget the details later on down the road. I will be posting our Indiana pictures later (which involve Ava's first horse ride). So, on to the pictures...

I don't know whether you can tell or not, but Ava just pushed him this picture so he would hurry up.