Back to School

Summer break is over and the kids are (thankfully) back into school. Both girls are super excited for their new schools and to see their friends. Ava is starting Kindergarten at a charter school (Archway) and Ali is doing 2 days of preschool each week.

The girls managed to stay still (briefly) for their first day of school picture…

Ava quickly found her spot and got to work. She was definitely ready to go back to school – she loves seeing her friends, learning, and keeping busy. Getting her to tell us about it is another story though…

Ali likes carrying her backpack “like a big girl”. On her first day she found her friends and left Mom and Dad in the dust…she loves learning, playing, and doing crafts.

The girls have fun playing in the mornings before they go off to school…

Our gym did a back to school pool party that first weekend. The professional photographer caught a few good photos of the girls…an action photo of Ali

and one of Ava in the splashpad …

More to come throughout the school year!

San Diego

Our week in Del Mar was great – we got to spend plenty of time on the beach and get some much needed time away from the Arizona heat.

On that beach time, there was a bunch of rain the first few days so there were a bunch of sand dollars washed up on shore. The girls were into collecting the sand dollars and the shells…

The even braved the waves.

Ava was on critter patrol. Ranging from a partial lobster she found on the beach…

To the two kissing snails she found outside the townhouse….

…and the starfish at SeaWorld.

Ava got to spend a day at SeaWorld for her birthday. She made the most of it with the giant sea turtles.

and watching the sea lions.

And of course all of the shows.

 

We found a good park for the girls to play in.

and even had them entertain us in the backyard‘.

Ali had lots of the fun in the sand…burying herself and friends.

or showing off her sandcastle prowess.

Coincidentally our friends were renting a place a few blocks away. We saw them at the beach, and did an outdoor concert together. The kids all liked the swings.

And we celebrated Ava’s birthday with some cupcakes.

 

With all the activity during the day, here’s what a typical evening looked like when the kids were finally worn out…

We’re looking forward to going back next year!

Ava’s 6th Birthday

Our big girl is now 6. We did a little birthday celebration at home, with more celebrating planned for our week in San Diego.

During the week, Ava did an art camp. Here she is posing with her friends and her artwork.

And showing off at her “gallery” show.

Ava chose homemade cobbler for her birthday. Here she is (with little sister watching intently!)

And the two happy girls with their cobbler…























Ali decided to help Ava unwrap her presents...

Which included a Vet dress up outfit.






















and a new desk!

Happy Birthday Ava!

Ava’s Swim Meet

Ava’s swim team (Swim Neptune) had a meet this week. Ava came home from practice all excited for it, so we did the meet. Prelims on Wednesday, top 6 get to do the Finals on Thursday.

Ava picked free, back, and fly. And she rocked it.

Here’s Ava at the start of the free.

During the backstroke (the one without the swim cap)

And with some of her ribbons for the races.

Ava qualified for the finals for all three events. So back we went the next day. Ava had her game face on for the events.

And came home with three medals! Awesome job Ava!

Later we celebrated with a cruise around the backyard pool in the boat.

Ali’s 3rd Birthday

For Ali’s 3rd Birthday, we did a staycation at the Princess resort.

We started off loading her up with sugar (a Frozen cupcake).

Then got her excited with the Frozen dive toys.

Which she was good at diving for.

And happily enjoying the pool.

Ava is (close enough) for the water slides…

which we did a ton of times.

When we weren’t in the pool, we had fun with the sand.

And Ava got to go in the giant water ball thing.

The next evening we were back at home. Ali got to open more presents.

and more presents…

Happy Third Birthday Ali!

May Update

The weather is finally warm enough for the backyard pool! Here the girls are ready to jump off the waterfall…

The girls have fun with playdough in the back yard.

And on the carousel at the train park.

 

Ava the flower child at the Flower Child restaurant (for Mom and Dad’s anniversary / Cinco de Mayo)

Ali has discovered the fun of umbrellas in the rain.

And of making rain when we wash the car.

Followed by a nice casual lunch.

Sadly school is over. Here’s Ali with Mrs. Marmaduke on her last day of school

We also did a day trip to Christopher Creek. Ava and Ali did a little hiking by the stream.

And bubbles too.