Snow video

Here is Ava laughing at Bode eating the snow. Oh how we love that sound! (The video is the wrong way and I apologize, but I don't know how to fix it!)

SNOW DAY!!

We got hit with a bunch of snow today, and Ava got to help clear out the driveway with her Daddy. It was nuts! My outside girl! (In the middle of the driveway behind Ava is the mailbox that got demolished by the snow plow.) She took a little time out to eat snow with her dad. Bode had a great time, too!

Grand Rapids Children's Museum

We took Ava to the Children's Museum today and she had so much fun! The penguin play area was her favorite, I think!!

My perfect gift

Ava LOVES to play with the wrapping paper and "wrap herself" up. It is too cute! She keeps asking for tape!

DYSON!!

When we bought our Dyson vacuum about three or four years ago they had an offer for a free toy Dyson. We obviously did not have children yet, but I decided I needed to send in for the cute toy. Ava has been really excited about the big vacuum lately and today we got out her vacuum to see if it was as cool as I thought it was a few years ago. OH YEAH!!! She has been "vacuuming" for about two hours thus far today and there is no end in sight. I should have waited until Christmas, it would have been a great gift!!

By the way...Ava's hair is a crazy mess as it is every morning and I didn't "do it" for these pictures, sorry! and, yes, that is Ghostbusters on the TV in the background!

Off to Gymboree...or college?

Nick picked out Ava's outfit to go to Gymboree Play & Music class today and I nearly cried when I saw her all ready to go--she looks so grown up! I admit that I put her hair up, but the rest was all Daddy's fault. Where did my baby go?

"Balls" on the tree?!

We set up the Christmas tree before I put Ava in the tub and when she got out Daddy had decorated with some ornaments. Ava was so excited to get at the balls on the tree she wouldn't let me fix her hair for a nice photo!

Mommy's kitchen helper

Ava really enjoys spending time in the kitchen helping anyone who might have a job for her. Here she was enjoying filling a measuring cup and pouring the water into a bowl in the sink. She did this for about 15 minutes (I had to empty the bowl about 10 times) but she was very proud of herself, and so was I! She didn't spill any water anywhere!

Bath fun

Ava's hair is getting so long, it was difficult to get it to stay in this mohawk--but Daddy was determined!

Thanksgiving at Grandma Judy's

We spent Thanksgiving day at Grandma Judy's and Ava took a HUGE step...she let Grandpa Bill hold her! It only took about 19 months, but she willingly let him put her on his lap! It was great! These are not good photos, but the moment was quick and I wasn't ready with the camera, sorry!

Blocks

Having fun stacking blocks!

Climbing?

The best way to get to that light switch? Very carefully! (It helps to have some chocolate on your face, too!) Do you think we need to clean up our messy room? YIKES!

Puzzles!

Ava is getting good at identifying some colors and putting the pieces back in her puzzles...my smart girl!

Addicted

Ava REALLY wanted her paci and was dedicated to finding it, so she squeezed between the wall and her bed...where she found one! Silly girl! How will we ever nix this addiction?

Niight time cuddles

Ava likes her night time routine--a drink of water and cuddling...with Bode!

Beautiful November Day

I was fortunate to have an entire day off to spend with Ava and we took full advantage! Here are some pictures of her enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Cute, warm clothes!

Thanks to Grandma, Ava is ready to explore outside--despite rain, snow, wind or cold! We love you Grandma!

Halloween #2

We couldn't decide what Ava should be this year, so here she is, using the force as Yoda! Trick-or-Treat!!