Daily Post

Ava helped me make dinner tonight! Im looking forward to baking with her too!

Dave and I wanted the end the holiday weekend on the up swing, so we headed to Great America! Wow , did Ava love all of the rides! She laughed and smiled the entire time. We wanted to introduce roller coasters to her at an early age. She rode alone and with Dave like the best of them!

We started the holiday weekend off with a trip to the Highland Park carnival. We then headed to the Naperville Rib Fest. Ava loved the rides! We ended the night at Dave Matthews Band and the fireworks! Ava was more than happy to party with us!

Ava went to her first soccer class today. She kicked a goal and ran around with the other toddlers. Grandpa Brant would be so proud!

Ava’s face lit up when she saw the Elmo bouncy house in the courtyard. She kept yelling “Ellllmo!” It was our neighbor, Olivia’s second birthday party. Ava bounced for over two hours, played in the water table and ran around with her friends.

The evening was topped off with an appearance by Elmo! Ava was scared and excited!

Betsy, Tim and Evan came for a visit this past weekend. We met them at Montrose Harbor and had a picnic and fished.

Ava and Evan stopped the ice cream truck and had a refreshing cool treat.

The evening ending a bit early because of a storm that rolled into the city!

We successful completed our first camping trip. We drove to Rock Cut State Park and let nature take over. The Rojas, Grace, Sanchez and Raul families completed our group.
Ava is meant to be in nature. She played, ate and slept hard! We hiked, grilled, played at the park, waited out a short rain storm, made S’mores, laughed and gained a couple of new owies. It was non-stop fun. Ava slept the best she ever has while in the tent. It made me and Dave think about how much energy she needs to expend in order to pass out!

Ava use to steal other kids’ scooters, so we decided it was time to buy her one. She started by standing in it while me or Dave pushed her around. Now she is starting to scoot by herself. She’ll be 23 months next week!

Dave and I did a stellar cleanup job after the camping trip. I was very impressed with our motivation to get everything washed and put away right when came home.

Ava was a big helped and carried her weight. She washed her car and entertained herself for most of the cleansing process. She is just too cute!

Ava loves Dave as much as her loves her. Both of their faces glow when they see each other in the morning and when he comes home from work. Dave’s adoration for Ava shows every waking hour of the day. He rushes home to see her and spends all of his free time with her. Ava has the best daddy in the world!

We celebrated Father’s Day with breakfast at Sarkis, a stroll through the zoo and Dave is now enjoying a movie solo.

Next year there will be another daughter for Dave to goo goo over!

Ava and I needed to get out of the house! We have been sick for the past week and needed to get some air. I took her on a peaceful walk through the conservatory. It was perfect!

Ava has been sick for the past few days. She had a high temp for two days, fine for two and now a cold. She’s stuffed up, has a runny nose and a cough. Dave and I feel horrible for her. Here’s to a speedy recovery!

Ava had a fun short visit to Northbrook to see the Memorial Day Parade. The morning was really nice but a little warm to spend too much time outside. Ava loves flags and there were plenty of them to look at and enjoy.

We are starting off Memorial Day weekend downtown. We are breakfast near the Bean and walked around on this beautiful day. Ava loved splashing around in the water fixtures. Nap and then off to the Graces for a BBQ!

Ava wanted momma to make her laugh while in Miami getting dresses. This video just makes us happy

While in Miami, we had dinner with Rick. What a nice, wholesome and sweet man! He suggested we head to Gulf Stream Racetrack and Casino. It was a bulls eye for Ava. Kids and plenty of space to run around.

Who knew that Ava would like rides? She went on the carousel at Lion Country, but kept pointing to the flying animals ride.
Ava rode the “roller coaster” two times and kept signing for more. This opens up a whole new list of places to go!

Birds were everywhere! We each fed the parrots and explored all types of animals.
Ava gave a few people a good laugh when she hit her chest and made an ape sound when we saw monkeys.

We packed up our bags and headed to Miami! The days were filled with sun, water, animals and Ava running around!
We went to Lion Country Safari and Jungle Island. Ava took the wheel as we drove through the open fields in Lion County. She enjoyed climbing all through the rental van equally as much as the animals.
After this trip, Dave and I realized how much energy this child can dispense!

Ava went above and beyond today. She was a perfect angel all day from the church to the late evening reception. We are so lucky to have her in our lives and we love her more and more each day.