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!!!!

More Destin Fun

After the beach on Sunday we went to Destin Commons Mall. We used to always go to the outlets in Destin but now we love going to the Destin Commons Shopping Mall. It is an outdoor mall with a wonderful play area for kids. We had so much fun watching Ava go and hold her own against all of the kids there. She is growing up quick!

The little girl in the purple top kept helping Ava on all of the slides.  It was so cute.  At one point they were holding hands through the play area.  No word was spoken between the two just play.

I love her reaction to the water splashing up.  She had such a fun day!!!

Beach Sunday

The last two Sunday's we have taken a quick trip to the beach. After hectic weeks at home we just need a little get away and new scenery. As always we loaded up early and started the day at the beach. The weather was over cast and very windy which made for some killer waves. Ava didn't seem to mind. She loved it! Mommy on the other hand was very nervous!!!!

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!!!!