Art

There's nothing like sunshine and some new art supplies to get our creative juices going.

(Ok, I helped but Ava chose where every color went)

Little Monkey - always climbing something!

We're soooooo ready for Spring!

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party

Happy 3rd Birthday to our amazing little girl!  She had a blast at her Pink Party and was showered with awesome gifts.  Thanks to everyone for coming and making her feel so special!

Ava was especially excited for Penelope to arrive to share anything and everything with her:)

Beautiful Scarlett.  Almost everyone at the party was decked out in pink.

Dancing, running, showing, tossing balloons, popping balloons, yelling, popping balloons, squealing and tons of laughing from 8 cousins under 8 in our little house.  It was chaotic and pink and a blast and Ava was in heaven.

Busted with pink M&Ms.  The boy has a serious sweet tooth.

Saying "Cheese!!"

Awesome front and back carriers for Baby Rosie and her friends.  (Thanks Grammy and Patti!)

Amazing dollhouse and furniture that YayaGumpy and her cousies gave her.  Thank you guys!!

She got them all out herself.  With a little help from her cheering squad:)

Happy Birthday, Bayba!  We love you more than words can express!

I get some of that cake too, right?!!

Pink ice cream, of course.

Babies crashing - the official sign of a good party.

Texting

We have a 'No Toys at the Table' rule at meal times.  Apparently I overlooked their play cell phone as a toy at the table and found Ava 'texting' at lunch yesterday.

Ava: "I need to text Patti. Need to send her a message. Yeah, I texting Patti."

Puts the phone to her ear, "Patti?  I just sent you a message."

Hands the phone to Henry, "Say Hi to Patti, Boy!"

Henry:  "Go!"  (Also means Hi!)

Huh?  Where'd she go?  Guess I'll keep eating and see if she comes back.

Frosty the Snowman

We finally got our Frosty. 

Big thanks to Patti for Frosty's parts:)

Snow?! What snow?

A few weeks ago we went looking for some snow to jump into and this was what we found.  A little disappointing for a certain little girl who really wants to build Frosty the Snowman.  But, Frosty was quickly forgotten when we realized just how awesome it is to run around the neighborhood in January wearing only a fleece:)

 Literally running back and forth.  They couldn't contain their excitement for the fresh air!

Crazy shadow dances.

 Today was another gorgeous 40 degree day so we got out for morning AND afternoon walks.  

Puddles in January!!!  Lots of happy splashing.

With love ~

Tucson Sisters Weekend

Two weeks ago the kids and I were fortunate to have been invited to join Sisters Weekend in Tucson.  It's a music-making-wine-drinking-hiking-laughing weekend my mom spends every year with her two sisters and we were thrilled to be a part of it this year.  I'm sure the wine consumption was far under par and the music making came more in the form of egg shakers and kazoos instead of 3 very talented singers and musicians, but we all had a wonderful time with beautiful weather.  Thank you to Patti for hosting and getting us there, Karen for the delicious food and goodies for the kids, and Grammy for ALL of your help with the kids and fabulous food!  You guys are the best!!

We took some great walks and hikes in the mountains.

Rode lots of bikes.

 Visited a great little farm with pretty horses, donkeys, silly goats and sheep, 

and this not-so little piggy. 

Ava's clearance-airplane-toy proved to be a winner.  Her "Shortcake Friends" still haven't left her side since the flight down there. 

Had a dance party before heading to the Zoo.

Took a private train ride with Grammy.

Entertained by the Howler Monkeys. 

And ran off some good energy before lunch at an ice cream parlor.

 Patti treated Karen and I to a 2 hour horseback ride for my birthday - it was Amazing.  Breathtaking views and a wonderful ride, I can't wait to ride again.

We put on our favorite lipstick

for birthday dinner and red velvet car cuppycakes made by Grammy and Ava while we were riding.  I am one lucky Mommy:)

Finally, we all donned matching tops for a photo - a Sisters Weekend tradition. 

Ava and Henry left their mark for Patti and Mark as well:)  Thanks for a wonderful trip!