Fall 2012 Pictures

We had our pictures taken recently by a very talented, Elli Keener in our little downtown.  I love my little family and feel very happy and blessed.

Texas State Fair...before Big Tex went down

 We went to the Texas State Fair this year.  Every year, I'm amazed at how expensive it is to attend with a family! But nevertheless, we still went and had a great time.  We went on Dr. Pepper Tuesday, which meant $5 admissions and 1/2 price rides.  I'm always looking for a deal!  We went the Tuesday before Big Tex burned on his 60th birthday.  I know he is an icon and a tradition, but some people were really upset.  There were flowers laid at where his feet had stood and even a funeral.  A bit crazy for me, I guess I'm not a true Texas yet.  Something I am crazy about - my family!  Here are some pictures of our memories...

Ava in the petting zoo.  There were lots of animals, and they all looked miserable and overfed. 

Joe and Jeff enjoying Fletcher's Corny Dogs

 Ava's first Fletcher Corny Dog.  We were supposed to share, but it wasn't quite 50/50 split :)

Ava wasn't quite tall enough for most rides, but enjoyed watching Joe on them.  

Until next year....so long Big Tex!

Blog resurrection...

There were a couple of reasons why I stopped blogging, but recently there have been some circumstances that have made me change my mind.  The most obvious one to me is that I'm not remembering as much as I thought I would about my kids and the milestones they are hitting.  It's called 'mommy brain' and I might as well come to terms with it!  I'm not even going to try and catch up the more than a year that I have not blogged, so I'm going to start with video of Joe singing and playing his sister's pink guitar.  This is his version of 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman.

Joe started Kindergarten on 8/27/2012

Ava has started making her Christmas wish list early

And most days, they love each other to death...

'Tummy Time'

Somebody got his first ball and glove!

 Mommy and Ava staying warm while the boys play catch

Just chillin' in my bumbo

Five months...

Yesterday, Ava turned five months old.  Time is flying!  She is officially rolling over from back to front and still not a huge fan of tummy time.  She's trying to sit up, especially in her car seat.  She's laughing more and more each day...the most at her big brother and her daddy.  She has got them both wrapped around her finger.  On Sunday Jeff and I were getting ready for church and I could hear Joe in Ava's bed singing to her.  I went to look at them and he was laying down next to her, just playing with her hands.  It melted my heart.  Next time I'm going to grab the video camera, because I'm sure I'll need to remind him someday that he once loved his little sister!  We are truly blessed with amazing and healthy kids.  Happy 5 months, Ava!  You enjoyed your big brother singing Happy Birthday to you ;)

Four months...

Ava turned 4 months old on Christmas Eve.  We didn't quite get our monthly picture in her room since we were traveling on that day, but here are a couple in her Christmas dress.  She had a good check up and had to get her shots.  Unfortunately, she had an ear infection that we are on round #2 of antibiotics.  Thank goodness, she hasn't been fussy or running a fever with it.  We just hope it clears up with this round of medicine.  It seems like we are going down the same road we did with Joe, ending with tubes.  We'll see.  She was 15 pounds, 14 ounces and 26 3/4 inches long.  Both measurements are above the 95th percentile for her age...what can I say, she's my chunkey monkey!  At four months, she was sleeping through the night, eating ~5 ounces every 3 to 4 hours.  No cereal yet, I'm waiting until about 6 months.  She continues to exclusively breastfeed and since she's satisfied and sleeping through the night I'm not in a hurry to start the cereal.  She continues to amaze me with her laid back attitude and is melting our hearts with her precious smile.  We love you Ava Jane and are enjoying every moment of your life!

Merry Christmas...

Joe loves his new watch from Auntie Marti

Grammy and Ava

Grammy and Grandpa got a new TV to go above their fireplace...they must have been good this year :)

Auntie Marti bought Joe this book...

...it comes with sound effects

After spending a few days with my family, we left Christmas Eve to come back to Dallas. We had such a great Christmas with our little family. Here are some pictures...

Ava giving her Parisian bunny kisses that her Auntie Marti brought her back from Paris