a haircut...

So I have continuously been cutting Ava's bangs trying to get the sides to grow out and refusing to get her a real (real, meaning we paid for it) haircut. Greg and I stared at her this morning with her bangs hanging all over the place and decided that today was the day. She was unsure at first, but once she found the right car for her and Dorah was dancing on the television screen in front of her (brilliant idea, by the way) she was good to go. Then, the sweet girl who cut it offered to put it up for her. As you can see below, she was thrilled with her new look! :) And any event that ends with a sucker and a balloon is good with Ava!

Greg and I would rather Charlie live in someone else's home. He is quite possibly the neediest cat ever to walk the face of the earth. However, this makes him perfect for Ava because he is willing to take whatever abuse she may dole out just to get a little attention.

Last summer trip to Mimi and Papa Eric's house.

BFF

Ava and Emme... growing up too fast!

More end of summer photos...

Ava would prefer to never wear shoes... unless of course they are her thlip-thlops or her cowboy boots. And despite my emphatic announcement that she will not wear anything that says princess, she loves all things jewelry and makeup. This includes having her toenails painted. And to top it off, while having a conversation about the olympics (she loved the diving and gymnastics) my mom suggested to her that she could be an olympian some day. "NO!" she stated firmly. "I want to be a princess!" And finally, despite my attempts to show her some other "really cool costumes" she has her heart set on being Cinderella for Halloween. I suppose I get what I deserve.

Push me high mommy! I want an underduck mommy! Watch mommy, I can touch the trees! Watch mommy, I can hang upside down! Watch mommy, I can give you a heart attack! Okay, she really didn't say that last one, but she might as well have.

summer is over...

There is so much I want to blog but I am having a difficult time keeping my eyes open so, as usual, I will save it for later and blog a few of my end of summer photos before I head to bed. The time for laying in the grass and searching the yard for caterpillers is over. Today we took the air out of the pool and pulled the flowers from around the mailbox. All sure signs that I am back to school and Ava is back to Miss Trish's house. The transition has been a piece of cake this year as Ava is so excited to see her friends and do all of the fun projects Miss Trish plans for them. She is growing up so fast that I wish I owned a pause button.
Since I can rarely talk my husband into taking pictures for me... Ava and I spent and afternoon playing with the timer on my camera. This was my favorite shot!

The last summer popsicle.

Miss Trish welcomes us back with a trip to the playground. Ava was devastated when we had to leave.

more fun...

The kids love to play with, well, okay, mostly they enjoy harassing my cousin John. He is an incredible sport about it. It wears me out just watching them!

Ava loved the four wheeler. My uncle Bob had mowed a path into the little field in the front of the house. (Don't worry mom, we didn't go over 8 mph!)

Alex and Ken goofing off in the yard.

Bob and John enjoying the fire and the conversation.

more wisconsin fun

What is it with boys and fire. Jake didn't leave this spot once the fire was lit.

Every kid loves water balloons! Well, except Ava once she realized what happens when they pop!

The un-birthday cake with too many candles to count and too much melted wax on it to eat!

No problem, there was strawberry and blueberry shortcake!

the trip home...

I love going home! Don't get me wrong - I love living in Indiana, but a piece of my heart will always belong to Wisconsin. What I love most is that when I go back we do the same things we have always done. We ate great food (thanks to my Aunt Luanne who should own her own restaurant), we visited and relaxed, we rode the 4-wheeler, we watched the kids run and run and run, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery (including the sunset below), we ate some more, we opened un-birthday presents, we ate strawberry shortcake with homemade ice cream, we sat around a camp fire and laughed, and we swatted at the mosquitos. Yes, even the mosquitos make it feel more like home. My aunt and uncle are the king and queen of hosting a party and this was a great one! Ava is still talking about riding the train with "unca bob" and "aunt luyann". As usual, I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

chugga, chugga choo-choo!

Papa and I listening for the train whistle. I love that they heard it at the same time and made exactly the same face.

All aboooooard!

Sitting on Auntie Luanne's lap as the train starts rolling.

She loved it! Can you tell?

Happy 4th of July...

We braved downtown this year and it turned out to be a perfect night. We went to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game and then watched the downtown fireworks right from our seats. Beautiful weather... beautiful fireworks... beautiful country!

can't stop blogging them...

I can't stop blogging pictures - I love too many of them!


Here is Quince again - love those eyes!

Mamaw Nika, Emme and Quince riding on the boat

Emme spinning on the swing

The house by the lake

recent favs...

Quince... the most rolls I've ever seen. She is the rolliest polliest baby ever and you can't help but want to squeeze her when you see her. Sweet as can be!