Minnesota Part 1

This year we did our annual Minnesota trip a little early (last year September was getting a little too cool for us). Ava was excited for another airplane trip. Since she is now 2, she got her own seat (window of course) which made it more fun for her…

Ava loved being at NeeNee and Pops’ house – especially since she can navigate the steps better. Pops even setup a swing for her on the deck, which was perfect for Ava (and Mom)

Ava liked being out on the patio…enjoying the cooler weather…

And chilling in the rocking chair.

One of the days we met up with Lola and Papa (Scott’s parents) and cousin Alisha and Maya at the Minnesota Zoo. The kids had fun with the animals, but even more fun in the play area.

Here’s Ava riding a fish…

Alisha and Ava heading into the splash pad…

Surprise – Ava is all wet…

The kids then had fun with the “eagles nest”

One of the days we went to the farm where NeeNee keeps her horse. Of course Dad had to take a picture of Ava and a windmill…

While Ava was a little intimidated by the big horses, she had more fun with Amos the kitty, who was a bit more her size…

Ava likes chilling with Pops…

And having breakfast with her fish Betty the beta.

Combining the fun of a bus with Mom’s favorite team, the Vikings, was a Kodak moment….

Stay tuned for more Minnesota fun….

Birthday Week

Hard to believe our little peanut turned two on July 13th! 

It started out with a big surprise from NeeNee!  She showed up on Ava’s birthday and was waiting with balloons when Ava and Mo came home from the gym.  Needless to say, they were both thrilled with the surprise!

Ava got right to work with present opening.

Ava and NeeNee are besties.  They had so much fun playing, reading, and swimming.  Thanks to NeeNee, Scott and Mo made it out for a date night too! 

Ava’s big party was on Sunday.  With NeeNee keeping her busy, mom was able to do some of the prep for the Minnie Mouse Club House themed event.

Ava coming in with the balloons after a swim…

Ready to part-tay with her Minnie Mouse ears!

Random party photos:

Happy 2nd Birthday Ava!

And a flashback to Ava just 2 years ago….

Visiting the Fire Station

On Friday we finally got to visit John and Renee, and their new baby Mallory. While Ava was a little interested in the baby, she had more fun playing with Mallory’s big brother Colin.

Here’s Ava, Mo, and Mallory relaxing on the couch.

After telling John how much Ava loves fire trucks and sirens, John invited us to stop by the fire station the next time he was working. So Ava and I did that this morning.

Here’s the big girl on the pumper truck.

After admiring the shiny truck, we got to go for a quick ride around the block. Ava loved sitting in the big chair…

With John driving the truck….

Ava was just about in heaven when John ran the siren...

After the drive, Ava needed to have her picture taken with John.

Ava was still talking about the sirens when she just went down for her nap…I think we’ll have to go down again soon!

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!