Wedding Fun

Saturday was John and Marcy’s wedding. The wedding ceremony was in the morning right near their house in Lake of the Isles. We all took a nice stroll from their house to the lake and back for the ceremony.

Getting ready to walk down to the ceremony.

The happy couple leading the way.

Ava is distracted with her toys.

Ava managed to chat through much of the ceremony – she liked having everyone around. After the ceremony we all had brunch at a nearby restaurant.

Here’s Ava with Nene.

Getting walked around as well.

After a much needed nap (for the grown ups too) and some relaxing at the hotel, we were ready for the evening portion of the celebration with a party at the newlywed’s house. But first we took Ava to Mo’s friend Megan’s house to hang out for the evening with Renie and Finn. She definitely had fun playing with the older kids – Finn was quick to show her how all the cool “big” kid (he’s almost 4) toys work.

Ava and Renie

Its hard to believe, but Finn (the 4 year old) captured this shot of Mo kissing Ava goodbye.

Megan sent us some cell phone updates during the party:

“Wow.... Can she eat!”

Needless to say Ava slept well on Saturday night…

Pre-Birthday Bash

We spend much of last week in Minnesota for Mo’s brother’s wedding. Escaping from the desert we were reminded that this is what summers are about – being able to be outside on a patio without sweating.

Ava and Pops on the deck.

While we were there we had an Ava and Pops Dwyer birthday bash. Now remembering that we haven’t really introduced Ava to sweets yet, we weren’t quite sure how she was going to handle it. Needless to say, Ava is a sugar queen! Of course some balloons are always fun to play with as well.

Ava enjoying the balloons.

And discovering frosting off her cupcake.

The aftermath a few minutes later.

Luckily Pops was willing to share some of his cupcake.

Of course we had to video Ava eating the cupcake…so here goes…

From AvaHighlights

We'll have to see how Ava does in a few weeks for her first Birthday!

Swimming Lessons, Parties, and First Father’s Day

On Thursday Ava wrapped up her first session of swimming lessons. After 8 sessions in 2 weeks, she got her “report card” on how she progressed. She’s not (yet) Olympic material, but she does have fun in the water – and is even learning to jump in off the wall on the count of 3.

Getting ready with a rubber ducky.

Fearlessly approaching the water.

Ready to get in…

Swimming (and trying to drink the water)

Later Ava had her first popsicle for a little teething treat. Let’s just say that the enjoyed it – but it was certainly all over her.

Saturday we went to Mike and Sarah’s for a get together – everyone has kids in the under-a-year set. So of course we started the evening early and were home by 8 (so we could get Ava to bed). Ava had fun playing with Will, who is only 4 days older than Ava (but about 1.5 times her size).

Playing with Sofie’s activity mat and books…

Sunday was Scott’s first Father’s Day. Ava slept in (a little) and then we all went on a hike. We then went (minus Chase) to the pool to relax and cool off for a bit. Here she is playing in the afternoon…

 

Later this week we head to Minnesota for Mo’s brother’s wedding….and it will be nice to escape the heat of the desert.

Frisbee with Chase

Ava and Chase get along great – she loves to see him (especially when he is running around the house with a toy) and he tolerates her (especially since he gets her leftovers). But now they are starting to play together more – Ava laughs when she chases him around the house (disturbing his nap time). And Chase loves to steal Ava’s toys…sometimes from right out of her hands.

Yesterday they were having fun sharing the frisbee.

Step 1: Ava is happily playing with the frisbee by herself.

Step 2: Enter Chase (note Ava mocking him with the frisbee in her mouth)

Step 3: The tug-o-war begins…

Step 4: continuing the battle…

And here’s a video of them playing in the family room…Ava’s laugh is precious!   

From AvaHighlights

Oh, and Ava is 11 months old on Sunday – hard to believe its almost been a year already!

Dancing in the Heat

In most of the country, summers are a time of fun – being outdoors and enjoying good weather. Here in Arizona, its not quite the same – with temperatures approaching 110 already, we have to find fun indoor and near-water activities.

It turns out that one of Ava’s favorite activities is to dance. She loves going to Shake, Rattle, and Roll at the library (although she tends to mostly watch the bigger kids). And she has taken up a role as Mom’s dance partner at home.

Obviously Mo is leading…

Ava is contentedly following…

Ava loves to be up high!

Naturally all the dancing works up an appetite. Here’s Ava with the remnants of dinner when she attempts to feed herself (and maybe wipes her hands across her face).

Since we’ve been swimming almost every afternoon to cool off from the heat, today we decided to get Ava a new swimsuit. Here she is modeling off her new bikini at the pool. She was going to strut down the catwalk, but since she can’t quite walk yet this will have to do. 

Last night we went to visit John, Renee, and Colin. Scott was holding Colin for a while in his legs.

It reminds us of when Ava could fit in our legs only 11 months ago (July ‘09).

That about sums up our busy weekend. Hopefully you all are enjoying summer weather!