Latest and Greatest in Ava's toybox

Yes, it is back-breaking, but you know we'll do just about anything for a smile like this.

Ava's First Driving Lesson

First let's find some good tunes.


Ok, everyone strapped in? We're headed out!




Piece of cake



We've arrived! Where to next?



WAAAAAAA! But I was just getting the hang of it.

Mouthful of Teeth

Y Agua, Agua, Agua, weeeeee!

Toddler Business

Here we are spending an afternoon at our friends Teryn and Jackson's house. It's always bound to be a blast with these two. Their salt water pool is especially refreshing in this August heat.


Double Trouble


Although Ava savors the moment, Jackson is not quite sure he's sold on the idea.


Our little Nemo

Precious Moments

God didn't gift me with anything resembling a pretty voice. But I LOVE to sing...privately. Besides prayer, there is no better remedy for brightening my day than blaring Christian Rock as I sing praises to my Jesus. The other (very mundane) day, Ava and I were having lunch without much being said- Ok, so I normally do the talking and she does the caveman grunting back. One of my favs came on the radio, "Beautiful One" by Jeremy Camp. With a burst of energy from left field, I jump up and begin singing, very much off key (always the norm), hands up in the air...praising the Beautiful One I know and adore. Ava, with hand in midair making its way to her mouth, stopped eating. So I, feeling a little embarrassed in front of this 13 month-old, stopped singing. Ava motioned her hands and signed "more." AAaaah, she wants "more" bread to eat along with her chicken. Ok, more bread on her tray...there you are...lunch is resumed. Not quite, Ava signs again "more." "Honey, you have plenty of food in front of you." Wait, water, you must want water. No problem, let me get you your sippy and...she signs "more" a few more times. Sheepishly I put my hands up in the air and sing my off-key tune. My daughter smiles. I smile. I sing louder and put my hands up higher in the air. She puts her hands up in the air. Tears fill my eyes, and joy fills my heart. What a friend we have in Jesus.

Play Buddy

Hmmm, what kind of trouble can I get into today?



I know, let's find a good purpose for this bucket.



Dog- Why can't I make myself invisible?



Cool trick huh?
Dog- Is she going to try to shove me in the bucket next?




Forget it then. Tough crowd...

Celebrating Ava's first year of life!

Proud Papa and the apple of his eye.



Birthday girl and Jackson (who's only a day younger)



Showing off her ability to show the big one-year-old she is.



Sapo Verde



Getting wet at the spray park in our neighborhood.

Horsing around at the Petting Zoo

Pardon me Mrs. G but you are in my personal space.


C'mon...kissy...kissy



Come back, was it something I said?

Promise Kept

I have made the promise to many of you that I'd resume blogging soon. In my defense, aside from being busy, tired, and yes, a little lazy too, our computer was attacked by a virus back in May. But enough with the excuses. I am devoting the next couple of hours to finding and sorting pictures so that you can all see Ava's busy and fun Summer thus far and how much she has grown, grown, grown. Hasta pronto.

PS. Make sure to also click on 'Older Posts.'

Do you hear the African Drums?

We've joined our friends Teryn and Jackson in moving to the beat in our Music and Movement class.




The best part of the day is that we get to play with our friends Teryn and Jackson

Fun, Easy, and Cheap entertainment

Two wacky parents, One energetic toddler, a park, and a tub.

Playing is learning

Loved ones loving on Ava

Auntie Jenna and cousins Alexa, Questin, and Mason


Uncle Dustin and Auntie Jenna


Auntie Sherry and baby Josiah (in the belly)


Josiah

On your marks...

Landon allows Ava a head start


He catches up to her around the corner



He steals a kiss as he zooms passed her

The Perks of Mommyhood

When my patience tank is running low, a flashing smile like the ones below fill it right back up.

Fourth of July hip, hip parade!

Another tradition in the making...4th of July parade at Hagan Park with the Byrnes.


My,don't we look patriotic.



Enjoying everything from the marching band to the dancing horsies.


Our friends Amy, Jamey, and Lily




Home, not quite ready for all the festivities to end.