Airplanes and Ocean waves

We took Ava on her second plane ride! She thinks that it isn't really a vacation unless you travel on an airplane...We're headed off to Panama City Beach...can't wait to watch Ava's excitement.
We never leave home without "bear" and bow blanket!


The beautiful white sands...can't wait to soak up some rays, and play in the waves!



My Mom, Aunt Betty, and Uncle Don




Ava's Pawpaw taught her all about seashells...



She knew conch shells, sand dollars, hermit crab shells,starfish, scallop shells, you name it!




Here's our crew on the beach. It was supposed to be a small, quiet, family vacation for just the 3 of us...I love it when God intervenes and provides you EXACTLY what you need :)



We clebrated Dave and Jimmy on their birthday!









The water was very ROUOGH and there were several times the beach was closed. BUT, we took full advantage of the times it was open. There were great sand bars so it was super fun to wade out in the calm pool of water created close to the shore. It was like a built in pool! Ava really enjoyed seeing the fish...although, she didn't like it when they nibbled her toes (I didn't like it much either)...Ava even made a few friends on the beach, despite having so many cousins available! Fun times playing in the waves with cousins we rarely get to spend time with...was good for the soul~


Clobbered by a wave ~ take 2!
I'm glad the first one wasn't photographed...Ava and I wiped out {I even lost my sunglasses, but somehow Ava kept her hands on her toys!}



Ava loved the seaweed by the end of the week...she said it tickled her feet in the water.






More fun time sexploring the waves...





Building sand castles and burying Sam!




The nightife of a 4 year old-



Hangin out at the hotel ~ waiting on a rain storm to pass!


My Sweet Nephew, Brady


Ava and Brady being super silly!

Father/Daughter Dance

Around Father's Day, Ava's school sponsored a Father/Daughter dance. Hawaiian was the theme, they did their best to dress the part. It was a sweet night. We talked it up for days and Ava couldn't wait to have a special night with her Daddy!


Ava got a beautiful carnation from her Daddy to celebrate this great night...





The report at the end of the night was two thumbs up! They had a blast. They got to dance and play games, dinner and dessert were even served. I hope this becomes an annual event!

Spring wonders

Looking for the moon I believe! Don't really know, just thought it was cute...

A Package for Ava

Even at 4, she's already learned that it's a pretty big deal to get a package in the mail! She tore through it like Christmas morning!

Thank You, Jimmy, Jennifer, AnaGrace, and Sam! She LOVES it!!


I don't really know how you knew...but she's just recently learned about Hello Kitty!



Can't wait to get those flip flops on.



A model? Ava has worn this watch daily!

A day on the tractor...if only I had some hay...

Early summer days here can be gorgeous. We try to take advantage of the lingering spring like temperatures. Since we swapped Ava's bicycle back with Nana and Pawpaw, she was left with her tractor and scooter. She loves the tractor especially...mostly because it's like Pawpaw's, but also I think because it doesn't go too fast and get away from her.







She rides around the car in the garage and makes a loop on the driveway. Usually talking about Pawpaw's tractor the whole time.

"STAYcation" - part three

The Final installment of the Staycation...Our last day of fun. It is bittersweet. I have really enjoyed being able to show off my town but hate that it's almost over! Ya'll will have to come back soon...there is so much left to do!!

Downtown Adventure #1 - The Arch



We parked and walked over to the Arch. We wanted to have a good parking spot so we wouldn't have to move the car for the ball game. And... so we could have the good photo ops of the arch...

On our walk to the riverfront, Ava had the best view!


Stnding by the south leg of the arch...Mel, Tom, Ava, Brooke


Leaning about the building of the Arch...haha


In the elevator pod to take the ride up to the top!!


Looking out the windows at the top...looking toward the stadium...


In line to ride back to the base...I didn't know this about my cousin until today...she is a little claustrophobic and skeptical of heights. I was so proud of her, she didn't let that stop her from experiencing the top of the Arch! {and of course, we have proof that she was there!}



Downtown Adventure #2 - Cardinals Game

Heading to the GAME!! Let's go CARDS!!


We had AWESOME seats...with a perfect view of the arch...



Can't tell you who won the game that day...I think we did...but it doesn't matter, it was a super fun day!!

"STAYcation" - part two

After a quick night's sleep to recover and refresh...we ventured out to the Magic House!


Ava and Brooke have always been much like sisters...well, with an 8 hour drive seperating them anyway...


The girls made bubbles...



Brooke did her best to raise Ava...


We each took turns to photograph our profile...



Brooke showed off her strength-


The girls learned the power and strength of magnets.



WHOA!!!


Such a silly girl...either that, or she was super hot...


Ava wore herself out climbing Jack's beanstalk...


We learned a little about the government...


...especially that they'll let ANYbody be President :)



That must not have been a serious speech!



Exploring the construction site.




Well, that's enough fun for today. We have business to take care of. Tomorrow is packed full of downtown fun including the Arch and a Cardinals baseball game. We can't take them to the ballpark without having Cardinals gear...off to the mall!