Fun with my Cousin

Ava and Hay had a terrific time last night.  They have always played well together and look like siblings.  

There are so many pics the will say more than anything I could write. 

I don't know where Ava picked up sticking her tongue out in pictures.....

Our weekend with the Aunties

Ava and I (and sometimes Dustin) go about once a month to Dallas to spend time with my great great aunts.  Auntie C is 87 and Auntie M is 90.  We try to spend a whole day visiting, listening to their stories and eating is always a priority.  We choose really good food and share a lot of laughs. 

Ava is such a joy to them.  She is almost old enough to stay the night alone...maybe next year.  I just pray that they make it.  

Aunt C has had several strokes in the past month.  She is now living with Aunt M.  It is sad and very reminiscent of the beginning of the end with Granny.  

Since Ava was a baby she has had a fascination with the water fountain at "the aunties" building.  

Here is a pic of our latest excursion.  

Saturday in Pictures

We had a blast watching the gymnasts.  They were great.  Ava slept through about half of it....kids! 

I couldn't get good pictures of the show because they were moving to quick.  Most of my pictures are blurry even on the correct setting.  Urg! 

We did have fun though. 

Preparing for the Big weekend!

Our day started at 4:30.  We were up with Ava who is having some major allergy induced asthma.

Bless her heart.  I think we should name her nebulizer, as it is a constant companion this time of year.  

Massimo went to be pampered at 7a.m.... bath, trim, ear clean, nails filed and teeth brushed.  We can't do it anymore.  At least I can't.  I should video my attempt and send it to America's Funniest Home Videos.... trying to groom a 95 pound dog that is taller than me standing.  

Here in Texas, some say that "yankee's" are all persons living north of the Red River.  LOL 

I may not agree but this weekend is the Red River Shoot Out (I think they have changed the name now) and there is such a competitiveness in the air.  We are braving it and heading to Dallas anyway to meet and watch the USA gymnasts on tour.  Ava is super excited.  

Sewing is still coming along....may not have anything to show by Christmas but should by Easter.  

Oh, and last night we went to eat sushi.  I told Ava that if she would eat one piece I would personally call Santa.  I knew that she wouldn't do it...well she shoved a california roll in her mouth, gagged, chased it with her drink and said, "Mommy pick up your cell and call Santa."

There is no doubt Ava is mine.  She will call your bluff in a split second.  I told her that with the time difference he was fast asleep with Mrs. Claus and we shouldn't wake him as that would not be beneficial on her behalf.  It is now 8:30 and I have to figure out who to call so that she doesn't recognize the voice.  We used to call my Papaw, but now she knows his voice... the joke is on me and I better produce.  Think I have the perfect solution...more to come.  

Sewing Endeavors

So,  I have reconnected with an old friend....my sewing machine.  Last night I started sewing again and then had to stop and laugh.  I will continue this journey and see where it leads me.  

If you will notice, I sewed one square wrong....hahaha.  I was talking to Ava about a book Dustin was reading her while I thought I could multitask....I soon realized I could not.  

Massimo

Our dog, Massimo, is definitely a true member of our family.  He weighs in at roughly 90 pounds at 11 mos and has true character.  

He enjoys sitting in chairs, resting on tables and when he wants to come inside to nap in his crate he simply rings the bell.  The bell I am speaking of isn't just any bell, it is our wind chimes.  He will scoot a chair over until he can climb up and reach the chimes.  He then rings them until he gets our attention.  He will hit the chimes, run to the back door and wait.  If no one opens the door he will continue this until someone does.  If we don't open the door, he gets put out and goes the the nearest window and barks.  

I really think he is part cat.  He is a 90 pound dog/cat combo.  Dustin is thinking about taking him bird hunting this fall.  Don't know if he is mature enough yet, but we shall see. 

Ava likes to ride him like a pony and he fully condones it.  He really loves her and feels like its a special treat to wake her up in the mornings.  He is so gentle and she always gets right up when he wakes her.  

Ava's best friend

Ava has had the same best friend for nearly two years.  Her name is N.  They just got back from Disney yesterday and we had a playdate today.  Acutally we cleaned the boat in preperation of winterizing it and had free child labor.  LOL 

Our boat's name is Wave Hog.  We are still Razorback fans even though we live in Texas. However we are die hard Cowboy fans....as I am listening to the game while I type.  Felix Jones is amazing tonight. 

N decided to dump water on Dustin, so he got popped with a towel as the last picture shows.  LOL