Ava's Party in Arkansas

This past weekend we celebrated Ava's 5th birthday and my mom's 50th.  We had the party at my parents and invited family and friends.  We had 32 family/friends show up....and had a total blast. 

The weather was cold, so we chilli with all the fixings.  I made guacamole and we made rotel dip.  

We had another "wedding" cake as Ava describes them. She was big on having two tier cakes this year.  I don't know where she gets the idea for these things....at least we all know she comes by in honest.  

We planned a hayride, pinata, cake festivities and a bonfire.  It was by far the easiest party this year for us.  (Maybe because I could share responsibility...who knows!) 

Ava's Party in Texas

We had Ava's birthday party with her friends last weekend.  She had a total blast! 

We had her party at a gymnastics venue, which of course spelt like stinky feet.  

I won the party from a local e-newsletter that goes around and won a birthday cake. 

Ava insisted that she get a wedding cake for her party so we got a two tier (stacked) cake....for her 5th birthday. 

She is more excited about this birthday than any other.  She realized the concept of growth and age now.  Right now she is learning the piano and participating in Mud Works(a pottery class) at her school.  

Birthdays are so stressful!!! My sister in law and I have a new tradition that after the parties of our children they go home with their aunt.  So after Hayden's birthday, we took him home for a sleep over and after Ava's party, she went home with Krissie.  It is GREAT!!! 

Halloween 2008

We had a great Halloween.  

Ava was Giselle from the Disney movie, Enchanted.  

Ava was out of school so we got to do a lot.  

She went with me to VOTE!

Then we went to lunch and I made a dirt cake for a party we attended. 

After the party (hosted by Snow White), we stayed with some friends and went Trick or Treating in their neighborhood.  

Ava really enjoyed it.  

Roadtrip to Piney Country sans Dustin

Ava and I packed up and headed out to east Texas on Nov 1st.  We went to see family there and get away from the "city".  

My aunt and uncle built a boat dock last year and we had yet to see it.  

We had a great time with them and got a double dose of Babs.  (as she came in this weekend for Ava's bday party here.) 

I love seeing the bond that Ava and Bailey share.  It reminds me of my own relationship with Bailey.