Minnesota

The girls were thrilled to get out of the Arizona heat and up to Minnesota for our annual trip up north. Lots of adventures to share…

Ava at the airport, ready to go

After the 3 hour flight (during which Ali wanted to be on the go the entire time), we finally made it to Minneapolis.

Ali loved being able to stretch out in the grass.

And of course the girls love the slip-n-slide and the sprinkler toys.

Like her big sister, Ali loves the swing…

Click on the image for a video of Ali in the swing

Both girls loved spending time outdoors. Here we are on a walk at the Nature Center.

Ava got to ride NeeNee’s horse.

Click on the image for a video of Ava riding...

Ava also loved picking carrots from Kay’s garden.

While Ali continues her quest to find things to put around her head.

Ava found some kids to play with.

and got better on the playground toys.

The girls loved playing on Pops’ boat.

Especially when we are on the water.

Three generations of boaters…

Ava might be a little excited out on the water.

Meanwhile Ali is proceeding to get most of her food on her face…

On our trip (on September 1st) Ali started walking on her own.

Click for a video of Ali walking...

Ava, Pops, and NeeNee did a cookout in the backyard one night, roasting hot dogs and smores.

The girls had fun doing singalongs on the deck.

Click on the image for a video of the wheels on the bus singalong.

Of course we had to get a photo of the girls by the pumpkins at the farm up the street.

After all that fun and flying home, Ava was a bit tired…

Summertime Fun

Ali continues to get more active (and adventurous), especially when trying to keep up with big sister. Ali loves rocking in the rocking chair…

And playing with Pepper.

But most of all she loves to hang with Ava.

In the dog days of summer, Ava tries to maintain her “cool”

But sometimes all we need is some fun at the Children’s Museum. We can practice scooping beans.

Or help with the checkout in the play grocery store.

Climbing over things is always fun.

As is giving rides to our little sister.

Sometimes Ali even practices for ballet on her tippy toes.

We do get a few days where it is cool enough for the park. Ali loves it when we chase her around.

And she can’t wait until she can climb as high as Ava.

Of course the Teeter Totter is fun too.

But nothing beats the slides.

Click the image above for a video of Ali on the slide

Playing with the toys in the backyard is fun…with the goggles on of course!

While Ava practices jumping off the waterfall.

But at the end of the day, all that playing wears Ali out!

Schooltime Again

August in Arizona means back to school. Ava is now in the 4’s preschool class – and excited to be with her friends!

First day of the new school year…

Patiently waiting on her star for class to start.

Ava showing off her creations.

Posing at the sandbox.

Playing (and playing dress up) with friends.

More dress up time

Working on an art project

Practicing scissor skills

And another art project.

Ava’s classroom theme is the Dr. Seuss. Everyone gets to take the Cat in the Hat home for a night (or two) to take pictures. Ava got the Cat over the weekend, which meant that the Cat got to go to her ballet class.

The Cat also went for a ride in the bike trailer.

Ava thought hard about letting Ali play with the Cat…

Ava is thoroughly enjoying school – she can’t wait for school days and loves her teachers…

Fun around the house

Some of our best moments are when we are at home. Here are some of the fun adventures around the house from the last few months…

Sometimes there is nothing better than making a fort in the house for the kids to play with…here they are showing off one of our latest ones.

Ava love driving around the house in Ali’s new car….

…and racing around pushing Ali in it too!

Ali and Ava are such great pals already – here they are playing in bed in the morning.

Later Ava gets to help Mom make some popsicles.

Ali is a hat girl – here she is with the fireman’s hat.

while Ava expresses her love for Pepper (just like she did with Chase).

Ali is starting to develop a little skill at musical performance.

Click the image above for a video of Ali playing

Of course we do have to get out to the neighborhood parks as well. Here’s Ava with an Ali sprouting out of her head…

More posts to come soon….