Happy Second Birthday!

Our sweet angel is 2 years old today... what a fast 2 years it has been. We've seen a lot in this time, grown with love in our hearts, and learned what fills the extra time that we have. We are blessed! We love you Ava! {sorry that you are a little sick today, hope you get to feeling better soon!}

Day at the Salon

Ava and I had a nice night at the salon. I went to have my hair highlighted so you will see no pictures of my foiled head...but Ava had her first professional "do" - by Annie. What a big girl. She sat in my lap and watched while Annie put the color on my hair. I talked to her about getting her hair cut and that it would be her turn in the *big* chair next {she practiced}.




Then when I out of my chair, she looked at me and said "Ava's turn"...that's right! She climbed right up into that chair like she was born to sit there :) She even liked the smock with the puppies on it. Ava showed off her counting skills while Annie was putting it on her.




She thought it was pretty funny when Annie sprayed her hair to dampen it, laughed out loud even. I think her favorite part was being able to look in the mirror, it didn't take her long to figure that out... *that's Ava!* she exclaimed.






She gave a few quizzical stares as Annie used to razor to get some loose ends... and she kept looking at me saying "hair cut".




But in the end she just kicked back in that seat...look at her legs pulled up and her arms relaxed there by her side :)



Annie even saved some of her locks and made up a certificate for her! Not bad for a FREEBIE! What a great memory...



When it was all over she got out of the chair, got a sucker, and sat patiently while Annie finished my hair. I can certainly say that I have NEVER before {and probably won't with the next} seen a 2 year old sit so still and patient in a waiting area! Thank you Jesus for this graciously patient and easy going sweet baby girl...

Ava's Tea Party

Have I mentioned before what a dramatic and imaginative child Ava is?? Well, let this demonstrate.

She loves to play with her tea set. She even pours "tea" into her cups and pretends to take a sip. She takes the spoon and pretends to take a bite off the plates! It's priceless to watch. Today I saw her sharing her tea with her dollies. Apparently she is waiting on Daddy to come home because she's holding the tea party at the back door. Then, just like the good little helper she is, she cleans up her mess!!!






She is also a very good little Mommy. She must have an excellent role model ;) She will get her dollies (every single one she can find) and a blanket (yes, one blanket for each dolly...we are very consistent) and put them "nite nite". Sometimes I even hear her singing a song to them...usually it goes like this: "row row row row boat hmm hmm hmm hmm dream". She will cover them head to toe and pat them on the back... a little rough at times, but we will work through that eventually. She has also learned recently to put her dollies in "time out". Now, I know this must come from daycare because she has sat in time out a total of maybe 3 times at home. And...they ALL have to go, not just one...ALL of them. Maybe she's not such a good mommy, I mean really, if you're gonna have that many kids at least control them! :)

opening presents

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Originally uploaded by amyrshores@yahoo.com

Here is a quick little video of Ava opening some of her presents on Christmas morning! She loved taking the paper off the packages :) And she was super excited to get her puzzles...

More Pig Tails

Look how long her hair is getting! So So So sweet! And, she is brushing her teeth, she's gonna have some good grooming habits :)

Party Hat

Celebrating our friend, Matt! He turned 3 today so we went over for a little party. Complete with cake, ice cream, and party hats!

Happy New Year!

Dinner with friends to welcome the new year! Ava tried her best but we only made it until 1030... she is too busy and nosey to just find a quiet corner to lay down and rest. She tries to keep up with the big kids, she's afraid she'll miss something! I carried her out to the car and she was asleep on my shoulder before we even got to the end of the driveway! Happy New Year!!!! We hope that ya'll are all blessed with the joy that comes from great friends and family!