Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend kind of slipped up on us this year therefore we planned nothing.  May was a busy month for us with Mark's work, my volunteer and sewing and social engagements that before we knew the end of May was here.  With the rain coming in and out most of our ideas didn't pan out but none the less we had a good weekend.  Saturday there was a Lake Fest going on at Lake Talacco on post but as we headed there the pouring rain came so a trip to the lake turned into going to Dothan to Shop.  Later that evening I met up with some friends at our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner and drinks.  We had a good time catching up and eating the yummy foods.

On Sunday we spent the day going through closets and reorganizing.  We are wanting to have a yard sale this weekend so we took advantage of the long weekend to get more junk together.  Yesterday we headed out early for one of our usual day trips to Destin.  We arrived at 9am as usual set up only to stay 15 min because of large dark clouds rolling in.  In typical beach weather fashion in rolled in fast and left fast but by that time we were dressed and loaded.  We headed to the outlets for a quick stop at some of our favorites.  By this time the weather was bright and sunny.  We then grabbed a bite to eat at "The Back Porch" restaurant. I have always heard great things about this place and the location did not disappoint.  It was right on the beach which was great to Keep Ava entertained while we waited.  The food was ok.  I think we are just partial to Harry T's.

On the way back home we stopped off to have a quick walk on the beach.  As we were walking Ava met a little friend named Harley and we let them play together on the beach.  The ocean had made a small pool on the beach, perfect for two 2 year olds to splash and play together.  Harley's mom was there and we all started talking when her husband came over looked at Mark and said "Captain Legaspi".  Talk about a small world...it was one of the guys in Mark's company when he was in Command in 2007 at Fort Campbell.  He is now out of the Army and living in Louisiana.  It was nice to catch up and a perfect way to spend Memorial day with my favorite hero.  Many times this weekend my thoughts and prayers went out to all who are serving and risking thier lives for the life we live and as well to all of the veterans Thank You!

Randomness at home

The last few weeks have been super crazy so this week we have taken it easy and spent more time at home.  It's been super hot and sunny so unless you are in the water or wait until the sun starts to set you are miserable.  Yesterday I told Ava to go get her swim suit and I would put it on her and go get in her pool.  She says "Sim soop?  OK!"  and comes back with a swim suit and her winter hat in her hand.  I put her suit on and she puts on her hat and continues to wear it out side in the 95 degree heat.  Too funny!

Also yesterday we got an exciting package in the mail.  Ava's back pack, nap mat and lunch box finally arrived.  Ava starts the 4 week summer program the end of June for one day a week.  This will ease her into the three day a week program she will start in August.  She was so excited and wanted to lay down on her mat right away and carry her backpack and lunch box.  I can't believe how fast she is growing up!!!!

What's all over her face you ask? Lipstick!  She got into to my purse.  Luckily she didn't get it on anything else. She was so proud of the fact that she did it "I self" (my self).

Her favorite way to swing.

I had her first and middle name put on there since Ava is so popular these days

She was over the pictures at this point and I think the Back pack may be a little too big!

Trying her dap mat out

Awesome Ava

Mark taught Ava to Say Awesome last week and we just can't get enough of it! I just think it is so cute how she says it. This morning when I was talking to my friend Brooke she told me I should get it on video and I did. Check her out!!!!

Ava update

Miss Ava is really growing fast and making us laugh everyday with the things she says.  It really is amazing how a few months ago she was barely using words we could understand and now she is speaking full sentences.  My favorite thing she says lately is the word Awesome.  As some of you know Mark has a huge sweet tooth and is always wanting ice cream or a slushy.  He has gotten Ava hooked on milk shakes as well.  This past sunday when Sonic was having Happy Hour we headed to our local Sonic for a treat.  When the order came to our car Ava said "My ice ceam"?  I said "yes Ava this is your ice cream".  She replies back "AWESOME".  Mark and I couldn't stop laughing!!!!  It is really nice to have her be able to communicate with us and tell us what she wants and needs.  She gets alot less frustrated and so do we.  She will be learning even more when she starts the Mom's day out program in August where they will be teaching her all sorts of new things.  I am excited for her to go but it is bittersweet because this is just one more reminder that she is growing so fast.

This was Ava's first very own milk shake taken a few months ago.

Military Ball

Since Mark teaches at the Captains Career Course every six months we go to a Grad Ball.  It is always such a good time to celebrate the achievements of the students who are about to graduate the course.  There is always a funny speech and slide show highlighting the events of the past 6 months so it is very entertaining.  We had such a great time and it was nice to get all dressed up for an evening out with my handsome husband.

Before heading out I had our sitter snap a couple of pics.  I love how Ava joined in and smiled so pretty!!!!

Swing Set Fun

Ava has really been enjoying the new Swing set we bought for her last week.  Mark finally had time to put it together this Saturday and after several frustrating hours it was ready for play.  Mark was ready to throw the whole set away a couple of times when he was getting frustrated but seeing Ava have so much fun with it made it all worth it.  Now she can swing and slide when ever she wants.

Mothers Day

I got exactly what I wanted for Mothers Day...A trip to the beach with my favorite little girl and wonderful husband.  We left our house around 7am and arrived on the beach by 9am.  We went to our favorite little spot just before you get into San Destin.  Ava didn't want much to do with the water but loved to play in the sand and look for  "sea sells" (sea shells) with Daddy.  I had a very relaxing time watching Mark and Ava play while listening to the waves crash on the shore.  After a few hours of playing on the beach and a quick wagon ride down the beach we headed to lunch at our favorite place Harry T's.  It is right on the water where boats cruise around. Such a beautiful view.  Afterwards we went for a train ride and a quick shopping stop at my new favorite place Destin Commons.  There are alot of nice shops and even a play ground for the kids.  Wish would could have stayed forever but had to return home to prepare for the work week.  What a great trip we had and a perfect way to spend mothers day!

Our view from our table at Harry T's

Huntsville Race

This past weekend we headed up to Huntsville, Alabama for Mark's mountain bike race.  My uncle and his family live there just a few miles down the road from where the race was so it was a perfect time to visit them as well.  Ava had such a good time playing with Alex and Alison.  I think they probably needed a nap after we left.  Ava was constantly saying meer (come here) Alison and wanting her to go up and down the stairs with her.  We don't have any stairs in our home so she thinks it is so fun to go up and down.  

Sunday was Mark's race so we headed up to the top of Monte Sano for the race.  Luckily it was right by a play ground so I could keep Ava entertained for the day while we waited.  Mark's race started at 9:30 but the course takes about an hour to ride so it was alot of waiting but we had fun.  We were so proud of Mark coming in 4th!!!!

On the way to Huntsville at 6am.  Ava had to wear her shades and watch Dora LOL!

Playing Wii with Alex.  Not really but she thought she was.

She was so excited to see the playground.  She was moving so fast the picture came out blurry.

Making sure the bike was ready for the race.

Good luck kisses for Daddy

Mark had his game face on.  Even the guy to the left of him said something to him about looking serious ha!

Ava used the leaves as pom pom's to cheer Mark has he went through the finish line.

Congraulations Daddy!

Giving the metal to Ava

Way to go Mark!!!!

Retail Therapy

Mark has been gone all week for work and then had a race in Georgia this weekend so Ava and ventured out for some shopping today.  I found all kinds of great deals to spruce up my wardrobe and picked up a few things for Ava.  It was a nice outing for sure!  Since Ava was so good I let her pick out a toy and what do you know she picks a cash register.  As we are waiting to check out she said "purse momma, card".  I got out my wallet and gave her an old gift card and she knew just what to do with it.  She started swiping like crazy.  I've got a shopper on my hands!!!!

Ava swiping the credit card oh no!!!

These pics were taken earlier in the week.  I can finally get Ava's hair in pig tails.  They stick straight out like Pippy Long Stocking but it's a start!  Yesterday Ava chased me around the house looking like this (see pic below).  Play hat, no shirt and baby in the stroller lets go!!!!

Tricycle Fun

On Wednesday's and sometimes Friday my Friend Karen and I have a nanny come to our house to take care of the kids.  It's nice because we can take care of appointments, run errands or grab a lunch date with the hubbies.  We are so happy we found Lauren through a friend!  She is so good with the kids and is going to school to be an early grades elementary school teacher.  As military spouses it is hard to find someone you can trust to watch your kids and without family around it is even more important to find someone if you can.  We are thankful to have her.

This Wednesday she watched the kids at Karen's.  When I went to pick up Ava as usual she didn't want to leave.  She loves going to Karen's house not only because they have toys that she doesn't have but because she loves playing with Abby and Aiden!  Anytime we leave the house she asked if we are going to Abby's house and if you ask Ava what her name is it is Abby.  It is so cute to see them play together!

Yesterday Karen and her husband put their house up for sale and will be moving sometime late summer.  It will be sad to see them go but hopefully the Army will bring us back together again.  The Army already stationed us together 3 times so why not a 4th!!!

Abby and Ava