Lovin' Summer

I don't think I've ever made a secret of the fact that I love summer, and I'm completely delighted that Ava shares that love.  So here are a few quick pics of my girl taking advantage of some gorgeous weather.  Enjoy!

Enjoying the awesome new elephant exhibit at the zoo.

When the Lundstroms came to town.

I love the chaos of a full house.  Loved ones chatting, the refrigerator door opening and closing when someone's looking for a snack, and the delightful sounds of family loving our girl - and her loving them back.  And who better to be the instigators of those wonderful sounds than grandparents?  In the span of only a few weeks, we were lucky enough to host Grandma Sally, then Papa and Grandma Pat.  Needless to say, Ava was in heaven.

Here are a few highlights from the long weekend with the Lundstroms:

First, we headed up to the mountains for a short hike.

Ava had to borrow Grandma's sunglasses and hat.  It was bright up there!

Sometimes you just gotta dig.

Then followed that up with an afternoon at Heritage Village.

They didn't want to let her ride the horse unless she held onto the saddle horn.  As you are probably well aware, Sister is not so keen on being told what to do, so after "politely" refusing to do what they asked she decided to walk away without a ride.  This was attempt number 2, and she managed to skirt the rules just enough to feel like she won.  That's my girl.

The next day was just as beautiful as the one before, so we spent it at Belleview Park. 

Despite a rather disturbing cough, this little guy was a favorite.  I had no idea a goat could even get a cough.

"I got this, Grandma."

Then there was this moment:

And sometimes you just gotta run half-naked through the yard carrying a purse and wearing someone else's hat.

But I think the best part of the whole weekend was watching Ava fly a kite all by herself. 

Thanks for a wonderful weekend, guys!  Can't wait to see you again soon!

First Day of School

I (as usual) have lots to catch up on, but a very important milestone was reached here yesterday, so I wanted to make sure I gave you an update.  Ava started preschool!  Now, since all of you know me, I'm sure it will come as no surprise to any of you that this was a source of great stress to me.  Late at night my brain would conjure up helpful thoughts such as, "What if she doesn't make friends?  What if she's scared?  What if her teachers are distant cousins of that creepy witch from Oz that they dropped the house on?" 

See what I mean?  Helpful.

You will be pleased to know that my neurosis was completely unwarranted.  Our brave girl walked right in like she owned the place, grabbed some toys, and proceeded to play.  Here are some pictures of her completely ignoring me.  Since that's what she did until I kissed her goodbye, these are the only pics I have to show you.

No need to drop any houses on these teachers.  They're pretty nice.

Today was Day 2, and once again I was so proud of my sweet girl.  She walked in, laid claim to a bin full of animals, and turned to confidently ask three little girls if they wanted to play.  Ava and I were both pleased to hear them say that they did. 

On days like this, I love being wrong.