My Preschooler

I haven't shared much about Ava and her school year so I thought I would do a quick summary of how her school year is going.

We just finished up the first 9 weeks of school and Ava is doing very well. Her teacher was out on maternity leave for the first several weeks, but she is now back and Ava seems to be adjusting well. Here are some things from the year so far.

• For some reason Ava (and several other students) call their teacher Rhiannon instead of Mrs. Rhiannon. I have no idea why, but we have had some talks her about respect. Mrs. Rhiannon said she is having a tough year and that at least Ava knows her name! :)



• Ava already has a nemesis at school. She and another little girl just do not mesh. Her teacher says it's because they are both such strong-willed little girls.



• At parent-teacher conference, the only negative for Ava is following directions and listening. Typical...



• On her first "report card," Ava has mastered all of the skills listed (shapes, colors, certain letters, body parts) with the exception of knowing her ankle and listening to directions.



• Everyday Ava comes home with tons of papers she has worked on. Most are just random drawings of letters, people, flowers, and hearts.



• She can write her first name correctly. (with a capital and two lowercase letters)



• She loves it!
• Here she is on the first day of preschool.
  

Here she is on October 1st.

Depot Days

Here are a few pictures from Depot Days. This was the 2nd year in a row that it was a disappointing mess. We did have a good time with Courtney and Lindsey who went with us. Other than that, it was a real snooze.

Ava waving at the parade people.

Love this goat!

Ava acting silly.

Swimming in Decatur

Just popped in to show a couple of pics that I had taken in Decatur back in July and never posted. It just doesn't seem possible that we took that trip 2 months ago. These were taken at the pool in our hotel. Ava is scared of pools, but finally loosened up a little bit and got in. She did enjoy putting her feet into the hot tub. Harrison loved it and really liked floating around and being pulled around at high speeds, typical daredevil!

The Family Reunion or as Ava says, "The Family Union"

These pics were taken on Labor Day weekend after the family reunion at Reelfoot Lake. Last year we didn't get to walk around the lake because the ice storm had damaged the walkway. This year it had been repaired, but Ava was scared to walk over it. I thought we were going to have to carry her around it.

I'll say it again....

hands down, the nastiest baby in the world!

He loves to eat and he always makes a huge mess. He wants to feed himself and that food will find itself in his hair and ears, as well as all over the rest of his body. He steals food and takes off. Today at Nana's, he stole all of Ava's cookies. He had 2 in each hand and was cramming them in.

Thank the lord he is feeling better and his appetite is coming back. I was afraid he might lose a pound! ;)

He was running a fever and clearly not feeling 100% in these. Poor little guy!

Loving the oreos!

What you don't see...

is that Ava was running a fever and not feeling well.

that since August 14th we have all been sick in a continuous circle with at least one of us ill at all times.

we were in a hurry because it was almost dark.

it was Labor Day weekend and my Aunt Bo was behind the camera.

we were in the middle of what appeared to be a mosquito bog.

it was a nice weekend and I am so thankful for this picture of us as we are right now.

He and She

• She can make him smile at the drop of the hat.




• He can get on her nerves and cause her to have a screaming fit.




• She can share with him and be so sweet or be selfish and make him cry.




• He can pester and steal toys and pull her hair.




• She can share her drinks and food and he can steal that food and run.




• They can both be the sweetest things on earth or they can give you a run for your money, but I wouldn't trade the pair of them for anything in the world.

It's time to do a dancey-dance...

3 weeks ago Ava started dance class. She is taking a combination of tap and ballet, which is what all of the little ones take. I have been looking for something for her to do and this is right up here alley. She was so disappointed when cheerleading camp was cancelled over the summer, so she was extra jazzed about dance class. Not to mention that two of her friends, Jenna and Lindsey, are in class with her. They meet once a week for a 45 minute lesson and at the end of the year, there will be a recital. Adorable. So much fun to watch! Love it!

I stand at the door with Harrison and watch my baby girl through the window. I know that it is early in, but I hope she has more grace then I do!

(The word Dancey-Dance comes from Yo Gabba Gabba just in case you were wondering.) Also, these are not great pics, but I didn't take the bog camera. Ava is wearing the pink tutu. The bandages on her arm are from the 5 shots she got that day!

"4"

Here is what 4 looks like:

• It is still as dramatic as the day is long.



• It is excited for school and especially recess.
  
  
• It is making new friends and playing very hard.



• It is not eating lunch at school and then clearing us out of house and home after school.



• It is whiny and at times, unbearable.



• It can be cuddly and oh so sweet.



• It is a sponge soaking up all of the new things coming her way.



• It is giggly and it has no concept of an inside voice.



• It is loved.

8 months

This is what 8 months has looked like. I have loved it and it has been such a good month. Still a Momma's boy, but definitely gaining independence, especially now that he is walking.