Ava is 4!

Ava turned four on Friday, and we spent the weekend celebrating. On Friday she had preschool and got to bring a treat and wear a crown, and the kids all sang "Happy Birthday" to her - she loved it! We took her out for dinner, and she got to choose the restaurant; no big surprise, she chose Noodles (Mommy was thrilled, Daddy not so much), and as usual, polished off her mac 'n' cheese.
On Saturday, Grandma, Grandpa, Grandma Twila and Grandpa Bud came for the afternoon. We had lunch and opened presents and hung out. Ava asked for "princess stuff" this year...well, let's just say: "ask and ye shall receive!"
And, on Sunday, Oma came for the afternoon, and we had a party for Ava at Perpetual Motion, a gym here in Woodbury. She invited nine friends, and they all ran and climbed and jumped like crazy for an hour, and had red cheeks and sweaty hair to prove it!
Then they enjoyed some Cinderella cake and ice cream and opened gifts. Ava had a blast - she enjoyed every minute and is now thoroughly enjoying all of the great gifts her friends brought for her - thank you again everyone!!!
I can't believe our little girl is four - it seems so old! She has definitely grown into a sweet, smart and funny little girl, who I also think has to be the best big sister around. We love you, Ava!!!


Waiting for her guests to arrive


Mommy, Daddy and Ava (Charlie's in the stroller!)


Oma, Mommy and Ava


The whole group


On the balance beam


Cinderella cake


"Yum!"


Opening gifts


Home with Charlie

Awwww...

Look what I found today at nap time:

Storytime

Here is Ava "reading" a couple of books to Charlie after his nap. I challenge you to count how many times Charlie gets bumped in the nose as she's reading! :)

Charlie's Baptism

Charlie was baptized this morning at our church, and we were so happy to have all of the grandparents and great-grandparents in attendance, along with Charlie's godfather, Michael. Ava felt special, because she got to hold the lighted candle as Pastor Jon spoke. Charlie slept through the service, but did wake briefly as Pastor Jon poured the water on his head. True to his nature, he calmly took it all in, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.



We gathered at our house afterward for refreshments...yum!


Ava, of course, monopolized the grandmas' time - I can't believe they all fit in her little room!

Charlie

My friend Kelly graciously gifted her photography services and took some photos of Charlie last weekend. Here are a few of my favorites:

Washington County Fair

After debating whether it would be worthwhile to load up both kids and go to the fair this summer, we decided to go for it, and I'm so glad we did. (We had considered just having Joe go with Ava, while I stayed home with Charlie).
The unseasonably cool weather helped - it was 72 degrees at 2:00 in the afternoon - perfect for being outside. We stayed a couple of hours, and got to do a little bit of everything: went on a few rides (Ava LOVED the giant slide, which I had to go on with her - I, being a little uneasy with heights and speed, did not particularly enjoy it, but I did it a second time anyway); ate some fair food, watched the pig races, checked out the animals, and even played a little Bingo! Joe carried Charlie in the Baby Bjorn, and he slept the whole time.

Ava, watching the K-9 demonstration


Charlie, chilling with Dad

Soccer and T-Ball

Ava had her first taste of organized sports with the Parks & Rec Soccer/T-Ball Combo in July. She went with Joe to all of the practices, and I got to be there for the last day, when they had a real "game" - parents versus kids! She really enjoyed herself, and learned some new things, too. She's been practicing her t-ball skills with the neighborhood kids this summer, and she's keeping up pretty well for being the youngest in the group.