Getting ready for Christmas

The Ameduri household was in full swing during the lead up to Christmas. Other than a little hiccup weekend where everyone was sick (and Ava missed her preschool performance for a second year running), the holiday season has been great.

Ava holding her Clarice reindeer watching the tree lighting at the Scottsdale Quarter shopping center.

Ava had a blast helping to decorate the Christmas tree.

Ava and Ali watching the train around the tree.

Our gym did their annual pajama party with Santa. Ali loved Santa’s beard, while Ava was a bit shy again.

Ali with Santa.

Santa and the girls…

Ava making a gingerbread man.

Ava and Ali were awesome with other preparations as well. Ali had lots of fun with wrapping paper….

While Ava is starting her training as a pastry chef.

Three generations of cooks at work!

We also took full advantage of all the lights around. There were some great ones in our neighborhood – which made it more fun for our family walks.

Ava is pretending to lick the candy canes.

Petting the polar bear.

Ava and Dad joining the snowman family.

One of the resorts nearby also did a great light display. Ava liked posing by the tree while we were waiting for the train.

“Monkey” Ava with NeeNee and Pops while waiting for the train.

Ava the Tumblina

At the beginning of December Ava had her first Tumblina’s performance (a combination of gymnastics and ballet). It was our first chance to see all that Ava has learned in class over the last few months. Although they were a little distracted having the audience, Ava and her friends did awesome!

First up, Ava had a little pre-performance refreshment…

The girls are anxiously awaiting the start of the music.

Ava is of course checking out Mom, Dad, and baby sister Ali.

Once the performance started the girls did great. Here’s Ava in the “sleeping” portion of the routine.

And doing her pirouettes.

Click on the image above for a video of the ballet.

After the ballet performance, we were treated to some gymnastics. Ava is helping her friend Lily to warm up.

Ava did great on the balance beam (maybe all the practice on the curbs is paying off).

And the somersault rolls.
Handstands are one of Ava’s favorite things to do on the walls at home.

Of course like any performer Ava wants to make sure that the audience is watching…

Click on the image above for a video of the gymnastics.

Afterwards the girls each took a turn on the mini trampoline.

Click on the image above for a video of the trampoline.

We’re looking forward to what Ava learns in the next few months!

Where did November go?

Ok, so we’ve been a bit lax about posting. Between Halloween into Thanksgiving and then the runup to Christmas, we have had little time for an update. So without further ado, here’s a quick rundown of November.

Ali continues to grow and get more mobile. She is now rolling across the floor to get to her toys. She is definitely one of the happiest babies we know – she loves to smile at everyone, giggle, and adores her big sister.

Happy in the stroller around Thanksgiving.

Finding her fingers while waiting with Mom.

Reading books in bed in the morning.

Meanwhile Ava continues to thrive at preschool. She got to play doctor in class, and have a pumpkin party.

Ava is also becoming a little gymnast, climbing on the toys at the playground.

We did manage to squeeze in one last pool day over Thanksgiving weekend.

But of course the girls’ favorite time is being together. Sometimes Ava likes to hold Ali in the morning (yes that clock is right – they were both up before 6 on this day).

And sometimes the girls like to just cozy up in bed together…

More posts to come soon.

Chase in Doggie Heaven

Our best dog Chase made the transition to that great big field in the sky today. He will be missed! Some highlights from the years….