Parties

Last weekend was a weekend full of parties – 2 different birthday parties to go to. More on that in a minute. Mo is definitely excited that Ava finally has enough long hair for some pigtails….

Back to the parties. First up was our neighbor Lauren’s birthday party, where Ava got to do some cupcake decorating…

Like Mom, Ava likes her icing!

After getting amped up on sugar, the kids all had fun dancing around the house. Ava has her tutu on since it was a “Fancy Nancy” party…

The next day was Charlotte and Alexander’s birthday party. Unfortunately, with the water and swimming, we didn’t get any pictures. But let’s just say that with both Elmo and Mother Goose at the party, Ava and all of the other kids were entertained!

The various parties had Ava fired up for the week. She decided to entertain us at home a few nights with her own dance party….click the image below to see a video of Ava dancing.

Click the image above for a video of Ava dancing, from AvaHighlights

 

Every summer we get a kiddie pool for Chase. Yesterday we finally got around to getting one. While Chase was hot from his morning walk, Ava decided it looked like too much fun for him to be in there by himself….

Finally, here’s Ava calling up all her friends to wish them a happy 4th!

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Fun at home

After the Florida trip, we’ve been having fun around town. Ava definitely manages to keep herself busy. Here are some highlights from the last few weeks.

Ava of course has to start every morning with a healthy breakfast. Here she is scooping out her cereal.

Dad and Ava went to the Children’s Museum one morning. Ava likes the mini- “Trader Joe’s” where she can do her own shopping.

And she can throw the fruits back into the bin too.

She also loved the play room with the sneezy button - she couldn't stop laughing at it. Click the image below for a video of the laughing girl...

Click the image above to view the video, from AvaHighlights

 

Another morning, we went hiking. Ava loves to hike by herself across the bridge at the end. Here she is showing off her skills…

We of course had to go to the horse/train park. Ava loves the carousel…

…almost as much as the little train car.

On Sundays, Ava likes to read the paper with her breakfast.

But most mornings, she just loves clowning around in front of the mirror.

Ava is the epitome of style, even if it is her own style!

Florida Part 2

Our friends, Tisha, and her daughter, Romy joined us for part of the time. Ava likes having a “bigger” kid (Romy is only 4 months older than Ava) around to learn from.
Ava of course loves her apples.
But almost seems willing to share it.

If Romy is quick enough, that is.

The girls loved to look out the balcony at the pond below (looking for ducks and fish).

And play with the matchbox cars.

But most of all, they just liked being buddies.

Ava came back from the trip asking for Romy constantly.

Unfortunately, Ava also had her first episode of pink eye in Florida.  Although that didn't slow her down from having fun while dining out at nice restaurants:

Or spending some time in the Sanibel Island parks on a beautiful Sunday morning...

Relaxing with Dad in the hammock

And searching for shells with her new 'shades.'

Florida Part 1

Last weekend we took a trip with the extended Ameduri family to Sanibel Island FL. After a full day of travel, we arrived at the condo ready to wake up and start the next day with some beach and pool time. Let’s just say that Ava was ecstatic about a water slide in the pool that was just her size.
Ava counted out the 6 steps up the slide (she’s really gotten good at steps after all the practice).
Once at the top, she navigates herself into position.

Then quickly slides down, with a smile on her face the whole way.


Once Ava gets down, she can’t paddle to the edge quick enough to go do it again.
Here’s a video of the whole sequence:

Click the image above for a video of Ava doing the water slide.

After water slides, we of course had to go for a stroll on the beach. Here’s one of Ava and dad checking out the sea shells.

After all that activity, time for a little lunch. Ava loves sitting in a high chair (she kept requesting it!).

Ava got a chance to meet all of her cousins – Alicia and Maya. They liked the water toys.And of course had to show off for Papa.

Ava’s favorite seemed to be the squirt gun.
Here’s a video of the squirt gun antics.

Click the picture above for a video of Ava with her squirt gun.

One last stroll on the beach…

We definitely miss the ocean and the lush green….back to the dry desert!

Neighborhood Fun

With Ava we now know a lot more of our neighbors – not only the ones with kids, but all the others that Ava likes to say “hi” and “bye-bye” to whenever we are out walking.

The other weekend we had 2 sets of neighbors over for dinner – with a 3 year old (Lauren) and 1.5 year old (Sofia). The kids (and parents) all had a blast.

Here are the kids with their drinks.

And eating dinner.

After toasting each other, Ava and Lauren each took a sip.

Over the weekend we also went to the train park. Although Ava was more interested in the flowers.

And of course we had to ride the carousel a few times…

After riding the carousel, Ava came home and wanted to continue riding horses. Here she is on her little horsey.

I think this photo was accompanied by a “giddy-up”.

Good thing we don’t have a train at home otherwise Ava would be trying to ride that!

Ava the Entertainer

Many days, Ava is our main source of entertainment – whether we’re laughing at her giggles or watching her dance, she definitely likes center stage.

Speaking of stages, a few weekends ago we went to the outdoor concert again. While Ava was not quite as showy as last time, she was still front and center with the band (and the other kids). 

This time we did at least manage to get a quick video of her dancing to the music.

Click the image below for a video of Ava.

Click the image above for a video of Ava dancing.

Ava is in love with her matchbox bus. Which happens to be Dad’s old bus – amazing that she likes a nearly 40 year old toy.

She also lovers her best dog, Chase.

Ava is also starting to be a better kitchen assistant. That is when she doesn’t try to eat what she is preparing.

Got to run – she’s off again!