The Big Visit

I'm not sure were the time has gone, but I am finally getting around to posting pictures from our big weekend (May 18th). Uncle Anthony (my brother) graduated from UW Stevens Point and we visited with family before the big day. Ava had a great time with the kitty and Grandma and Grandpa - not to mention her Great Aunt Terri and Cousin Amber. I am more than a little upset that with all of the pictures I took, I somehow missed taking one with Terri and Amber - if anyone has one that they can send to us, it would be very much appreciated!!!!

It was wonderful to see everyone and spend some good, quality time with the family. Special thank you to G & G for your hospitality over the weekend!

The Barn

I found this barn and barn animals with a tractor at a garage sale - a $5 bargin! It has been something different for Ava to play with. I was distracted packing some things up a couple feet away and the next thing I know Ava is saying "Eh - Eh". She opened the barn doors, crawled through and got a bit stuck!

Good stuff!

Busy Growing Up

Ava likes to feed herself - sometimes I try to help more than she would like, but in these pictures she wrestled the spoon away from me so she could get to the applesauce herself. She's a bit messier than when I feed her, but I guess it is good for her to want to do this on her own!

We are taking a day off from going to the Y to go to Toddler Tuesday at a local museum. They have many activities for kids to do and I am hoping Ava has a good time.

We're Back!! Happy Mother's Day!

We had intended on having a picnic today, but the weather just didn't warm up like we were hoping.

We went to Rochester for a little shopping and so Ava could play at the playland at the mall. She was having a great time! Our adventure ended as soon as she ran out of the playland and down the mall hallway - YES, SHE RUNS - the little stinker!

Catching Up

Here are some pictures from around Valentine's Day. Our little valentine was busy finger painting her valentines although she found it more entertaining to finger paint on Mommy and herself. Needless to say she was immediately thrown into the tub for some cleanup afterward!

We gave Ava a Valentine's teddy bear that she really seemed to like. She gives him big hugs and carries him around the house.

She seems to have turned another page as we find ourselves looking at our little girl and realizing that she is not a baby anymore. It is always exciting to see what new things she is going to do.

On a side note - I have been extremely terrible at not only updating the blog but also contacting some special people. I apologize and hope to be getting in touch with you soon! Have a great day!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Schmollinger!

Here is Ava sitting at her table. The chairs are a bit big for her, but she still manages to scoot up there and sit down like a little lady. There have been times when she decides she would like to crawl up on the table.

We hope Grandma Schmollinger has a very happy birthday!

Super Tuesday!

The Koopman's went to caucus last night and little Ava headed up the cheering section for Obama. It was a good thing we didn't have to stay any later because it was getting late and she was very ready for bed!