Christmas 2011

Let’s just say that Ava was definitely into Christmas this year. We had put some gifts under the tree prior to Christmas eve, but after she went to bed a lot more gifts came out. Christmas morning was priceless, seeing her run out, stop dead when she sees all the new gifts, and shout “Santa"!”. That moment itself made Christmas more enjoyable.
Earlier in the week, Ava and NeeNee made Christmas cookies. Ava is getting to be a good baker…


On Christmas Eve we had some friends over…6 kids under the age of 2 1/2 in the house!
Ava and Sofia played with books (and Ava tried to open presents)
Christmas morning (actually all day) was continual day of opening presents, playing with new toys, and repeating.
Ava with her new bike, and the baby doll high chair.

Trying out her new bike.

Playing with her new kitchen toys.

Opening more presents…

Enlisting Pops to help play with the toys.

Of course Ava still managed to be a bit of a ham…
She likes the new toys…tent, train cars, etc.



After all that fun, Ava will be disappointed when Christmas is over…although now she will be even more excited (if that is possible) for Santa next time.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It is nearly Christmas and we haven’t posted an update since Thanksgiving. What have been up to for the last month? Glad you asked – we can tell you in pictures.

With the cooler weather, Ava can finally enjoy the outdoors more. She loves the parks, especially if there are swings.

Ava also has fun riding her big wheel.

Ava is also a good helper. Here she is helping Dad get the Christmas decorations out of storage. Ava also helped put up the Christmas lights outside, and decorate the tree.

Ava and Dad did a trip to the train park for the holiday lights. We’re still not sure if Dad or Ava had more fun.

Dad and Ava have fun with the train a few times as day as well.

We did some family photos with a photographer…

While we don’t get much snow here in the desert, a few of the shopping centers do bring in snow for the holidays. Ava loved the snow, but was a little hesitant when she was sliding on the ice…of course like any kid, she needed to hand us her mittens right away.

We’ve also been filling our days with other fun stuff. Ava loves Christmas music (especially the “Reindeer Song” aka Rudolph), as well as the various Christmas books. She is also obsessed with our neighbor’s blow-up snowman and Thomas the Train (“I see Thomas and Snowman” is a request anytime we get into the car). We’ve definitely enjoyed the Christmas lights around the neighborhood this year.

Stay tuned for more Christmas photos over the next few days!