The Arboretum

Monday Ava was out of school, so we decided to have Hayden stay the night Sunday and head to Dallas on Monday for the Arboretum.  It was so cold.  I got introduced to a double stroller...man those things are a workout! I am not use to pushing 80 lbs up hill in gravel.  LOL 

The kids enjoyed it though.  We went with my aunt Mary.  She is 90 and a breast cancer survivor. 

Hayden didn't have a jacket and didn't want to wear a pink and leopard one so he decided to wrap up in a blanket.  

The kids had a blast and we all went to eat at "Betty's Place" afterward.  A chinese restaurant that we have eaten at with my family for nearly 15 years.  

Our Saturday OUT

We left early Saturday morning to run some errands.  Decided to stop in on a football game, remembered Founder's Day was going on and then planned for another Fall Festival late afternoon.  

We were literally outside ALL day and it couldn't have been a more beautiful day.  

We went with some friends of ours to Founder's Day and I didn't have my camera.  Ava won the stick horse olympics, played with a python (held it herself and wrapped it around her arms), jumped to her heart's content in bounce houses, rode a pony and before leaving hopped on a kiddie train ride.  She had a blast.  All the adults had fun too.  We got free food and fellowship.  It was at at local high school with a parade to start it off. 

Next stop, another Fall Festival.  Ava, N, and N had a blast.  The girls got their faces painted (suppose to be ponies) N played laser tag with Dustin.  We waited in line to go down the huge slide and were told no due to the girls not having socks.  I was beside myself.  O well. 

After all the fun we relaxed in our lawn chairs with blankets and hot chocolate to watch Spiderwick Chronicles outside on the jumbo screen.   It was a great day. 

Oh, and Ava rode the "mechanical" bull for 20 seconds.  LOL 

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.