Spring is SpRiNgInG to meet us...

Happy Spring Ya'll!

We have survived a cold, wet, rainy, snowy winter and now have a great anticipation of birds chirping, flowers blooming, grilling out, and burning off all that pent up energy by just getting into that FRESH air...

Spring, we missed you and welcome you with open arms~

The Circus is IN town!

We went to the Shriner's Circus this year with our friends, the Harmon's. Ava and Maddie are only 2 months apart in age. We try to get them together as often as possible so we take advantage of fun playdates... One Super excited young lady. She has already pointed out the tigers, elephants, ponies and clowns. She can't wait to see what else will be revealed as the night begins.


Two Big Girls in big girl seats. Ava noticed the numbers on the back of the seats about half way through the circus and insisted that she sit in seat number 3 because she was 3 years old. What a smarty pants... we lucked out that Maddie was ok with this; she's still technically 2.



Tigers...they were so calm and patiently waiting their turn...good thing they went first.



Ava was amazed at the trick riders...Don't worry, she WILL NOT be trying this at home.



And, no circus is complete without the clowns...

Building good habits...

Today I completed 30 minutes on the ellipitical machine while Ava played in her "chicken"...aka...Kitchen. While I was sweating and begging God to just get through the next 30 minutes of my life, Ava was happily pretending and climbing on the exercise bike like a monkey. She would say "excuse me" as she passed me...as if I would or could run her over. I had my headphones in, singing {if you could call it that}-very badly to some of my favorite songs. When I would stop singing to catch my breath, she would say "sing some more mommy". I guess your mother's voice is the sweetest sound ever because no one else in their right mind would want to hear the noises coming out of my mouth :)

So, now to get to the good habits... Once I was done and off the elliptical, Ava wanted to try it. I thought sure, why not...she'll never be able to straddle that machine when the pedals move anyway. NOT the case. That little turkey was able to keep up with me moving the arms/pedals. She was even strong enough to move the pedals herself! She's gonna be a little workout queen before too long...

Heading to Georgia

We went to Atlanta to visit Uncle John & Aunt Jennifer and to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our baby cousin. We got to see Aunt Jennifer's tummy and tell Baby Brady that we can't wait to meet him~!

Here are some really sweet pictures to share...



















While we were there we found a park for Ava. She is always learning something new and this time it was how to "pump" her legs!!

Hotels

Well, let me say that Ava is too accustomed to staying in hotels. This morning when we went down to the lobby to have breakfast I asked what she wanted. She informed me, without hesitation, WAFFLES! Apparently we stay too frequently :) When we came back to our room later in the afternoon, we found this. The housekeeping staff must know just how special Bear and Dolly are to us...

Three for Three!

Ava celebrated her THIRD birthday in style. I really hope we haven't set the bar too high...we celebrated times 3!!

TAKE ONE:
Her Birthday... February, 9, 2011....

Three fingers for our 3 year old


A special birthday breakfast - powdered donuts, three of them; with candles for blowing and making a wish :)


Putting on your shoes all by yourelf...and looking a little more awake!




Opening presents from Mom and Dad.







TAKE TWO...Atlanta - visiting Uncle John and Aunt Jennifer.


The Loot of gifts...



Definitely getting the hang of *opening* presents.


Giving baby Brady kisses in Aunt Jennifer's belly...so sweet!!


TAKE THREE: celebrating at home with friends, Grandma/Grandpa, and Aunt Nancy

Three Candles

Happy Birhtday to my sweet baby girl. You have grown into such a beautiful little 3 year old. You are so smart, you remember everything and you are so loving to all your "babies". I hope you are seeing those traits in me and your daddy :) You are the light of our days...

You've grown to do so much this past year. Your vocabulary has taken off. It may be well advanced for such a young girl. For example, last week when it snowed, we got our shoes a little wet while jumping through the snow. When we came into the house...you made sure to take your shoes off...or in your own words, "I have to take my shoes off OTHERWISE I will get snow in the house". Other words you favor recently: actually, in stead of, episode.

You are very good at using your manners. You say "please" and "thank you" a lot. When prompted you are able to use "yes Ma'am/sir". But mostly you use "excuse me" and "Bless You" appropriately. You are very caring. If you are playing with your dollies, you will often ask them "do you want a blanket"? And, you always ask me and daddy questions about our well being...so grown up coming from such a sweet little girl.

You are potty trained...well, kinda! You are still working very hard at being successful. We like to encourage you with candy and special treats (painting fingernails). I am so proud that you take such pleasure in being successful!

Happy Birthday Goose!
I love you!
Mommy