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.   

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.....