Nashville Zoo!

Of the 6 years we lived in Clarksville not once did we ever go to the Nashville so.  I suppose part of the reason was due to the fact that 5 of those years were with out children and 3 years Mark was gone.  Well we finally went a few weeks ago when we were passing through to head back to Alabama from Kentucky.

After the stressful week we had we decided to unwind with a quick overnight stay in Nashville before heading home to Alabama.  Since we had never been to the zoo we thought this would be the perfect time to take Ava.  We arrived early before it got too hot and it was just perfect.  The animals were out, Ava was in a good mood and we were comfortable.  Ava really enjoyed the petting zoo where she got to brush a goat.  We had a great time at the zoo and spending time in Nashville.  We sure do wish we still lived close to Nashville!

I just loved these birds and how beautiful their blue feathers were

Ava was saying "yoohoo goat come here".  She cracks me up!

Hi daddy!  Ava loves the Lions and just had to ride the lion on the merry go round.

It's Been Awhile!

Whew!  What a crazy month this has been.  Normally by now I would have posted at least 6 post on my blog but we have been on the go and super busy.  A few weeks ago we made a unexpected trip home to help out a family member and were there a week.  I did manage to remember to pack my camera but somehow forgot to pack my tooth brush. Go  figure!  Here are some cute shots I got of Ava at my parents house.  The tree house that I grew up playing in has recently had a facelift and was the perfect backdrop.  Ava made me work for these shots that is for sure!  As other photographers can agree too, Ava is not the most easy child to get to smile.  She is super serious in pictures and rarely looks at the camera.  Here is my attempt.

I got a smile YAY!!

Poor thing had had enough at this point

Saying Cheese LOL!

Labor Day Weekend

Our Labor Day Weekend began with a wedding.  Our sitter, who we have used for the past year got married on Friday and we went to be a part of her big day.  The ceremony was held outside at a local Park in Dothan.  Despite the 90 degree day we had had the 6:30 wedding was comfortable and very beautiful.  Ava could not wait to see Miss Moren as she calls her, however I don't think she recognized her in her beautiful dress and vail.  We had a great time and were so happy to be a part of Lauren's big day!

Waiting for Moren to walk down the isle.  Fruit snacks always keep her happy at least for a few minutes

Congratulations to Justin and Lauren!!!

Trying to get Ava to smile but something else caught her interest. Look at those big brown eyes!!!

On Sunday we decided to head over to Albany, GA to the Flint Riverquarium.  I had heard great things about the riverquarium and just knew Ava would love it.  She did in fact love it and had a wonderful time.  We arrived right during what is normally her nap time so I was worried but we had a great time.  The turtles were her favorite by far.  She even got to see a seahorse and baby piranas get fed.

I wish this picture would have been better.  I rarely get such a big smile while taking pictures.  Look Ava has a twin :)

I think Mark had just as much fun as Ava in the kid discovery zone!

Ava explaining to us where the turtles are.

The riverquarium also has a craft room where she was able to make a "disco bird".  The disco bird consisted of a CD with construction paper glued to it for the body, eyes, a beak and Ava's favorite...the feathers.  She was so proud of her creation.

There was a large lizard exibit with a deck platform around it.  Ava thought it was a stage and danced for us.  She is quite the performer!  

The rest of the weekend we spent doing things around the house.  It always feels good to get things checked off of your "to do" list.  We finally finished painting our hallway to match the rest of the house and I sorted through of all of Ava's fall and winter clothes to see if any of it still fit.  Thankfully a few things still do and the rest I will be selling at a local consignment sale coming up.  Now here closet is all organized YAY!  I also got some sewing done and got almost caught up on my orders.  It's nice to have a productive day and a great weekend with my little family!!!

Baking with Ava

Last night after dinner Ava wanted cookies.  I have been trying not to have cookies in the house because I like to eat them to much but I did have a package of chocolate chip and walnut cookie mix.  Just add butter and an egg, mix and bake and you have some yummy cookies.  Ava enjoyed helping me mix and put the mixture on the cookie sheet.  What a great helper I have!!!!  Maybe one day we will make some from scratch.

Ta-da!!!!

Trying to say cheese with a full mouth. I better work on her manners!

First Day of Pre-School

My baby is growing up.  It's hard to believe she is already 2 1/2 years old!  This year we enrolled Ava in a Mom's Day out program at a local church.  They will be spending the day doing crafts, activities, music, and play.  This year they said they are going to focus on learning first and last names, shapes, colors, letters and letter recognition.  This program will be so good for her and Mommy too!

Check out Ava's new short hair cut.  She wouldn't sit still so Mark just kept cutting away. I think it turned out cute!

She did so well on her first day!  Neither one of us cried which was good but she did want to hang on to her lunch box instead of putting it on her hook.  

The school had a "Boo Hoo" Brunch for all of the parents complete with yummy food and a "survival kit" with chocolate and tissues.  On my way out I was able to see Ava come out to the playground in a line and play for a little bit.  

I got Ava a little gift to celebrate her first day at pre-school complete with stickers and a movie.  She had a blast!  The teacher said she had an excellent first day and was the "mother hen" of the class taking care of everyone.  That's my girl!!!!