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.

4th of July 2008

While the holiday was still plenty fresh in my mind I decided to go ahead and download our pictures and post them. We went to Joe and Anne's like we do every 4th of July to eat and hang out. Joe and Anne cooked a fantastic spread of hot dogs, ribs, some more meat, squash, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, rolls, cucumbers in vinegar, and more yummies. Delicious!

Anne had bought water guns for the whole family and we discovered that it is best to go ahead and do the family pictures before you get out the water to play in. Once you give kids water, it's hard to take it back. Bradley was the best example of this because he kept squirting everyone right up to picture time. It is also not wise to play in water where you are going to be sitting for your picture. It just makes a wet, yucky mess.

As usual, we donned the festive 4th of July wear. When you sit out on one of the main streets in a small town with all this festive gear, you are bound to get some looks. Joe really enjoyed waving his flag while wearing his Uncle Sam hat and Bradley got into the spirit too. I think people thought us strange.

After pictures it was back to water playing and I had to go home and get Ava some more clothes. I eventually fell asleep inside while Ava, Nana, and Aunt Beffy played some more. I guess I am still catching up from our little road trip. Ava is not one to let anyone sleep so she was sure to wake me up as soon as she got inside.

We decided not to attend any fireworks shows this year, but to stay at home and buy our own. Definitely not as spectacular, but more comfortable for us. Ava enjoyed the fireworks, but after a day with no nap, she was so grumpy. She even played with sparklers this year and threw a fit when we were done with them. She doesn't quite understand to keep them away from her body and I was afraid she was going to catch herself on fire. I was glad she wasn't scared of them like last year, but her love of fire is a little frightening!

So I guess that about sums up our little Family 4th and what we did. As always, here are so silly 4th of July pictures of the Rogers Family!

Ava and Aunt Bethany

Ava and Mommy and Daddy
Tiff and Bradley
Ava and Nana and Pop
"Old People can be so sweet." - Quote from Clueless - One day we will use this picture to disgust our children!

Ava waking Mommy up.

Ava enjoying sparklers.


Ava is mad because the sparklers are gone.
Anne writing her name

Bethany writing her name
Tiff and Bradley making squiggly lines
Ava is upset by whatever the sparkler is doing and because she can't hold it herself
The Rogers Family 2008

Sneak Peek from Ava's Photo Session in KY

More will be up this week on the photography blog.

Flashback Friday - Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! Ava and I are back home after our mini-vacation. I have downloaded pictures, but have not had a chance to sort through them and upload them onto the blog. Look for some new posts this coming week. Enjoy your holiday weekend!

4th of July 2007 - Ava's first 4th of July

I'm really missing this old gal lately...

Blogging Break

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will not be posting for about a week. Ava and I are traveling up to visit some family so we won't be blogging until next week sometime (probably the end of the week). Thanks to everyone who has been checking in and for your wonderful comments. We will be seeing you when we get back into town!

Just in case we haven't posted, have a Happy Fourth of July!

Flashback Friday

Today's flashback goes back to Ava when she was a newborn. We took pictures so I could make Ava's birth announcements and I had such a good time playing photographer with her. It's hard to believe that this was almost 2 years ago. My baby is not such a baby anymore, but a very opinionated toddler.

She's Got Style

There's no doubt that Ava loves clothes and shoes. Here are some recent stylish options straight from the Fashionista herself.

Outfit #1 - Hello Kitty hat, Hello Kitty socks, Hot Pink Crocs (That car she is holding up to her eye is her pretend camera.)

Outfit #2 - Mickey Mouse Shoes and hot pink high heels

New Photos

Head over to the photography site www.tiffanyrogersphotography.blogspot.com to see some new pictures!