New Fire Chief in Town

We had a neat opportunity to go with our play group to visit Fire Station Number 3 in Chesapeake. It is the newest station in the city and the guys were anxious to show it off. We had a wonderful time and a big thanks to our brave firemen serving us!

The fireman teaching the kids how to stop, drop, and roll.

The kids were ALL about seeing the new fire truck. 

Of course of all the neat gadgets on the truck Ava was fixated with the cones. 

Here comes the fire chief!

These men were brave to host 15 two year olds

Ava was terrified of the fireman in his uniform. She is very shy with strangers especially men. 

Her favorite part of the day was getting the fire chief hat

They were showing us the spray capabilities of the fire truck. So neat!

"Wow Momma!"

Favorite picture of the day

The guys actually got a real call at the end of their presentation so the kids got to see them all get in their gear, jump in the truck, turn on the lights and sirens and go protect the neighborhood. Wonderful experience! 

Ava REFUSED to take off her hat the rest of the day. She even napped in it. 

Mall Meetup

During the nasty rainy days last week we joined some of the moms in our meetup group for a play date at the mall. They have a kids play area where they can get their wiggles out. We then took them to Barnes and Noble where they have a train play area, did some shopping at Crazy 8s while they watched Curious George, and then ended the afternoon by riding the carousel. Many of the indoor play places in the area have closed due to the slow economy so we are anxious about how to keep the little ones busy this winter. Suggestions are welcome :) 

Ava ADORES trains and cars. She calls them "Choo Choos" and "Beep Beeps".

They all actually played very nicely together and are starting to learn how to share

The kids watching Curious George while the Mommies shopped at Crazy 8 (it is like Gymboree's version of Old Navy- Great deals!)

Ava could not get enough of the carousel. She was so excited

Ava's friend Emily

She was nervous at first but started squealing as soon as we started moving. She was just as excited to get a horse stamp at the end of the ride on her hand. All day she kept showing it to me and saying, "Neyyyyy! Neeyyyyyyy!".....She is all about animal sounds.

Merrick on the choo choo 

Emily and Ava rode the rides together

They are just as happy to play in them when they don't move as when they do....let's see how long that lasts for.

Labor Day at Lake Anna

We spent Labor Day weekend with the Valdez Family. The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious, and it still remains the most relaxing hideway in Virginia.  

Ava is not used to big dogs and thinks of Sammy more as a horse.  He is such a good dog that he didn't mind at all.

She moves so quickly that she is a blur these days! She was wrestling Uncle Justin for most of the weekend 

She was more tolerant of the life vest this year than last year.

Swimming in the lake. She loves the water noodles. 

Hanging with Aunt Jess and Aunt Candace sunbathing

Greg and i figured out how to make our own recliner with the water noodles

Here comes the Captain

Ahoy Ava!

playing with Aunt Can 

snuggling with Grandpa in the morning 

Jess and I were book worms 

Grandma Lita taking a snooze. No joke she fell asleep this way outside on the porch!

Ava loved that she could see over the side of the boat this year and got her own seat 

Love having Daddy with us

Ava's beverage of choice- Capri Sun 

I love when she gets tired because she lets me snuggle her

Driving with Grandpa

Now you see where Greg gets his Daredevilness- his Mom! Go Grandma Lita!

Ava was a good first mate for Grandpa

Ava's first tube ride with Daddy and Uncle Justin

She wanted to go faster but she will have to wait for next year for that

She is ready to drive that jet ski!

Don't worry she didn't ride on it. She was content with pretending

playing on the tube with Grandma