Greetings from San Diego

Saturday was the start of our vacation – a much needed week of relaxation and escape from the heat of Arizona. While we were packing up the truck, we let Ava entertain herself with a container of snacks. She is definitely trying all that she can to open it!
First try use your hands.

Next up, try to bite it off (or maybe see if you can get Chase to help).
Thankfully that kept her occupied for a little while as we packed up. Once we were loaded up, it was time to start the 6 hour drive to San Diego. This time we decided to try the northern route – something a little different than driving through Yuma. We also chose it so we could stop in the wine country of Temecula, about 1/2 way between LA and San Diego.

We had a tasting and a stretching of legs at Baily Winery. The grass was perfect for all of us to just relax for a bit.
  
Of course Ava wowed everyone that walked by. 
Sunday started off with taking Chase to the dog beach, followed by a nice walk around downtown La Jolla, and a picnic in Del Mar. We’re all enjoying the great weather – being able to go outside for a walk in the afternoon is such a great joy, and Ava loves chatting and smiling at everyone that walks by. More to come later in the week...

Getting Bigger…

This week was Ava’s 1 year checkup with the pediatrician. Its hard to believe, but our little tiny bundle of joy has gone from a 5 lb 11 oz and 19 inches long to an 18 lb, 28 inches long little mobile chatterbox. Let’s see, so that makes it 12 lbs 5 oz of weight gain and 9 inches of height, plus millions of smiles all in one short year!

Here she is with her new growth chart (a very cool gift from Uncle John and Aunt Marcy – made from wood reclaimed from trees in Minneapolis) “proving” that she is 28” tall (or would be if she stopped jumping).

Ava doing a little “here’s one for the crowd” as she is playing her piano.

Oh, and the piano doubles as a toy to push around the living room. Here’s an action shot of her pushing it over…

Since Ava is a year old and got a new ride for her birthday, Mo wanted an upgrade as well – here’s Mo’s early birthday gift…now she and Ava can ride in style!

Time to head to the pool to cool off and wear Ava out a bit…

Ava’s First Birthday

It is hard to believe, but Ava is already 1 years old (7/13 at 1:26 PM to be exact). Our lives have been forever changed by our precious little daughter.

On Sunday we had a birthday party (a Baby-que) with a bunch of friends and their kids over. It was great to see all the kids and range of ages/activities that they like to do. A little preview of what we have coming in the next few years. Oh, and we were able to catch up with the adults too!

Ava’s birthday cake…

And Ava’s personalized cake just for her (Elmo of course)

A little post-cake, pre-bed milk (no more formula – Ava is on whole milk now).

Tuesday morning we gave Ava her “big” gift from us. Of course we had to get her a Radio Flyer wagon – although the new versions have seats, and a canopy to keep out the sun.

 

Later in the day Ava played with her card from Lola and Papa – she loves to dance when the musical card plays!

Ava is multitasking here – eating the plastic broccoli from her play kitchen while riding in the wagon.

Later she had to show off the wagon to her friend Sofie.

And of course she got to eat more cake for her actual birthday. And for the record she does love sweets – she is definitely our kid!

Flash back to a year ago, where this was the scene…

It is amazing that in just 365 days, our little tiny newborn has grown up into a (nearly) walking, chatty little toddler that loves to eat food, smile, and laugh.

Fourth of July Fun

While Ava doesn’t yet appreciate fireworks or the Stars and Stripes, she does seem to like it when more people are around. With the long weekend, Ava got to play with her friend Sofie. Here she is demonstrating how to play with the toys.

Earlier in the day, Ava rediscovered her green chair. We used this to get her to chill back in the days before she could sit up. Now she is learning to walk by pushing it across the carpet.

Of course she always loves playing house. The door is a hit – she never seems to tire of opening and closing it.

The next day, Ava was helping Mom put dishes away. I wonder if Maytag tests their dishwashers for this?

Happy Fourth to everyone!

Now we start the countdown on the final week of Ava’s first year….   

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.