Birthday Par-Tay

Because Ava's birthday is so close to Christmas (next time, we'll have to plan better), we had her birthday party this past weekend. We were thrilled to host many of our family and friends, some of whom flew in just for the day (good job, Kumbare Steven) to celebrate with Ava.

Our Ava Bug had a Ladybug themed birthday party. The first rule of a ladybug party to put the baby in a ladybug tutu. Obviously.

The second rule is for mama to make a fondant-covered ladybug cake. Which I'm going to shamelessly flaunt here.

I *may* have chosen the theme to coordinate with my Christmas decorations. Or, if you think I'm ready for the loony bin, it could have been a coincidence. Totally.

We were so excited that Ava's great-grandparents made the trip up for Ava's party!

I figured the huge cake might be a bit much for Ava. So she got a cupcake.

"What is this strange confection? Dare I taste it?"

She dareth. "Why, 'tis a wondrous explosion of sugar and red dye #2!"

"I declare this "cupcake" fit for queens. I shall have another".

And her Dad did, indeed, insist on her having another. A decision which was later regretted.

*I have no idea why Ava started talking like a 19th century English lady. That child....*

After cake, it was time for presents. Where to begin...

I've never met her, but this Cinderella seems like a wise woman. An appropriate gift, too, as Ava got a couple pairs of swank shoes for her birthday. Mom is jealous.

Ava has also recently learned how to give hugs. So she spent a lot of time snuggling her stuffed animals. Love.

The next day we went to the OPCC's Christmas party, where Ava had her 2nd Santa Claus experience.

"How did you get here? I saw you last weekend in North Carolina. This seems suspicious".

"A magical sleigh and eight tiny reindeer you say? Where are your glasses and mustasche?Mom, 'Santa' here smells like beef and cheese."

It was a great weekend and we truly appreciate the effort and time everyone took to be there for Ava. We love you all!



 

Thanksgiving

Another whirlwind couple weeks with Thanksgiving, Ava's birthday party, and the beginning of many (we hope) Christmas celebrations. Our first stop: North Carolina for the annual Thanksgiving/Christmas extravaganza with my family. Past events at Cooning Thanksgiving have included head weighing (my dad has the heaviest, if you were wondering), nostril flaring contests, and posterior (read: butt) measuring. This year, Ava's Great-Aunt Pam threw an early birthday party for her so that everyone could celebrate together.

As with all of Pam's projects, the party was flawless. With one exception.



The birthday girl, was a sleep-deprived-out-of-her-element-booger a little overwhelmed with all the attention and people.

Exhibit A

Later, Santa himself made an appearance at Cooning Christmas! Elle and Sophie told Santa they wanted a puppy. Santa told Ava she wanted a baby brother. Zip it, Santa.

Elle and Sophie tried to explain the Naughty and Nice list to Ava.

Ava chose her side.

In all seriousness, we had a great time, as always, with our crazy, loving, funny family. We can't wait to do it again!

Lucky Number 11

Disclaimer: I know nothing about poker and gambling. If you take your gambling seriously, then you probably don't want to read this because I am going to absolutely murder poker terminology. Also, if it's that important to you, get a life.

Hey Kate, how about a little game of poker? I borrowed Dad's chips.

Um, are you sure that's good idea Ava? I mean, you do have a bit of a temper. I think I'd just rather chase squirrels and sleep on the couch.

Who, me? Nah. It'll be fun. Just a couple of hands between sisters.

Here are your chips. I'm pretty sure the blue ones are worth twelve rainbows and the white ones are worth eight teething biscuits.

Yes! A flush of four kings! She'll never beat that!

Why do you look so happy, Kate? Let me just flop this boat on the river. And let me see your cards. That's part of the game. You share your cards.

Okay, so my Jack and three beat your four kings.

Are you sure about that? Because four kings seems like it would be a pretty decent hand. 

*sigh* Kate, I don't make the rules, except when I do. So just hand over your chips and hope for a better hand next time. Geez, spoilsport much?

Maybe I should take a tip from the pros and put on my shades so that Kate can't read my tells.

Pay no attention to the kitty on my sweater. I am a seriously serious poker player.

This is going to end badly.

Wait a minute. How did I end up with four jokers? I think these are worth five sparkle ponies each and trump anything you've got. For sure.

I don't think jokers are even in poker Ava. You should know that, since you're the "dealer".

If I don't win then NOBODY wins! This poker match is OVER!

(sings) Trouble....trouble, trouble, trouble trouble. Trouble's been doggin' me, since the day I was born.

Happy Eleven months to my little gambling gal. My wish for you is to never play craps like your Mom and to stay away from the slots. Unless you're feeling lucky.

Halloween Wrap-Up

When I first began planning Ava's Halloween costume approximately 10 months ago, I was flummoxed. My requirements for her costume were:

1)Must be cute

2)Must be REALLY cute

3)I want to try and make it (I know I can't sew, shhhh)

4)If I can't make it and it ends up a Theo-Huxtable-dress-shirt-disaster, I have to be able to buy it somewhere

I finally settled on an idea. What if I made Ava a dalmation and then Kate could be a fire fighter. Who would expect the baby to be a dog and the dog to be a person?! I just blew my own mind right there.

Here was my initial sketch. I'll be waiting for my art school scholarships to roll in.  

So imagine my surprise when it turned into this.

::Polishes knuckles, pats self on back::

And Kate even agreed to participate.

Grudgingly.

We took a quick spin down the street but Ava, for reasons unknown, decided she'd had enough.

Happy Halloween, dammit.

In other news, we made a quick trip to Chambana last week for Grandma E's birthday.

It warmed my heart to see Ava at Curtis Apple Orchard, where I used to go as a kiddo.

Grandma and Grandpa were pretty excited to take Ava to pick a pumpkin.

In fact, my dad had to field test each pumpkin to ensure it's superior quality before he'd let Ava have it.

Happy (belated) Halloweenie!

Halloween Kick Off

Last night Grandma & Grandpa P took us to the country club for the annual Halloween party. There was a hayride, a haunted house, a pumpkin patch and much more.

Grandma loves her little dalmation.

Grandpa taking Ava on a stroll through the pumpkin patch.

Two EXTREMELY nervous fathers holding onto their daughters on the hayride. Liv went as a pig and wore her pig head the whole time. Win.

Megan and I ate s'mores (we may have had to push some little kids out of the way to get to the s'mores station) and ran after Ava and Liv picking up pieces of Halloween costumes. A shoe here, a hoof there...

The pumpkins are mine, all mine! Liv did, in fact, take multiple pumpkins home. Who can resist the sweet little piggy?

After a clothes change (to keep the costumes in good shape for the big day) and some dinner, we took off. It was the perfect way to begin Halloween week.

Check ya later!