Berry Sweet Day!

About a month ago our great friends Erin, Daniel and their daughter Claire moved down here from Ft. Campbell.  Erin and I were pregnant together when we lived in TN so it is nice to be back together again and have our daughters play together.  Because Ava is in pre-school three days a week we have a hard time getting together but Wednesdays seem to work for play dates.  Last Wednesday we decided to take advantage of the awesome weather and head to the local Strawberry patch.

That morning Erin picked us up and we headed out for some strawberry picking.  I have to say that I was more excited about the picking than Ava was.  After she picked a few she was over the whole thing.  I guess she is not a farm girl!

 Once we were done picking we couldn't resist a photo opportunity by the big tractor.

We headed in to pay and pick up some yummy chicken salad and cookies to have on our picnic. A few other friends met us at the park and we enjoyed a picnic under a shade tree while the kids played.  It was a berry sweet Day!!!!

I am a Big Girl!!!

From time to time I still want to call Ava my baby but she quickly reminds me that she is a big girl.  Yesterday two huge milestones where crossed which proved that she is in fact getting to be a big girl.  One is that her potty training is going very well.  She has struggled with being consistent and never had she went #2 until yesterday.  Whooo hooo talk about a happy mommy!  I know there may be a few more bumps in the road but at least she got over the fear.

Also yesterday we put together her big girl bed.  Until yesterday, Ava had still been sleeping in her crib.  I know, I know, she is 3 and still in a crib but she had never tried to get out so why rock the boat right!?!?  Well, I was finally ready and we did.  Ava was so excited and she slept through the night with no issues.  She even took a 3 hour nap in it today.  I am so proud of my Big Girl!!!!!

 Ava's new bed.  We still need to paint the room and get the decorating done.

A happy Big Girl!

Mothers Day Beach Trip

My husband and little girl sure do know how to make a Mom feel special.  I received a beautiful dress and a day trip to the beach.

Our little diva is ready for the beach!

We headed out early that morning for Destin and headed straight to Harry T's for Brunch.  We just love to sit by the water while enjoying a good meal.

With a full belly, we headed to the beach where we met up with our friends the Huberts.  It was so nice for Ava to have a friend to play with!  We sure have enjoyed having Erin, Daniel and Claire here with us at Rucker.  We have been friends with them for several years when we lived in Tennessee and recently they have moved down here.  I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend Mother's Day!

Our Growing Girl

I just can't get over how big Ava is getting.  She started wearing 3T clothes in the fall and can wear some 4T clothes now.  Today when I took her to the doctor they weighed and measured her as always.  No wonder she is in 4T clothes!!!  She is 39 inches tall and weighs 31.5 lbs.  I looked up the average for a 3 year old and it says that most 3 year old girls are 33 inches tall and 30 lbs.  Her shoe size however is the size of a 2 year old which would explain why she is clumsy at times.  She is still wearing a 7.5 in her shoes.  They grow up way too fast!!!

Park Play-date

I think Spring has skipped us here in Southern Alabama!  The last few days have been in the 90's.  YIKES!  Friday I met some friends from MOPS for our play-date at the park.  It was already hot at 10 am but fun was had by all.

Ava's favorite is the swings!

Look at those eyes.  So pretty!

 I wish I had been more prepared and brought a picnic lunch like most of the ladies did but Ava and I slept in that day.

Rachel was in visiting from Texas.  It was so great to see her and her girls!!

Ava's New Style

Poor Ava has thin hair and most days it just doesn't do very well since it has been longer.  For awhile now I have wanted to take her to get it cut but just couldn't find the time.  Sunday night after her bath I had had it!  I went and got a comb and scissors and went to cutting.

 I was going for a bob look and to my surprise it came out exactly how I wanted it to.  Needless to say I was pretty proud of myself.  Ava's new do is so cute on her and her hair looks so much healthier.  The only negative is it makes her look like a little girl.  Where did my baby go?

I just love it!

Sorry for the poor quality of photo.  These were taken with my phone.

Race Season Begins

Last weekend was the start of another race season for Mark.  Like last year the first race was held in Gainesville Florida.  Ava and I went along and made a weekend of it.  We left right after Mark got off on Friday and arrived just in time for bed.  The next day Mark practiced that morning and then we headed out to check on Gainesville.  We made it to Lunch at Cody's just in time to see UK make it in to the sweet 16!

The next day we woke up bright in early to head out to the race.  There were a few familiar faces from last year and many new faces.  Mark finished 11th overall.  We are so proud of him!!!

And the winner is.....

Ava!!!!