Viva Valdez

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

First Day of School

Ava so excited that Daddy could take her to the first day of school this year

Excuse Ellie's binky, she was very emotional that her sissy was leaving her for the day!

Ava first day in 4 year old class at Mother's Day Out preschool

Backpacks and lunch boxes come in the mail!

Ava needed a big girl backpack this year to hold all her schoolwork and homework folders.

Ava has school on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Ellie has school on Wednesdays. Mondays are errands day for Ellie and I. On Tuesdays we have Bible study and grocery shopping. Wednesday is my free day, Thursday is Ava's date day when I take her to the YMCA to practice her swimming in the indoor pool, and Friday is Ellie's date day while Ava is at school. The last couple of Fridays we have done the Zoo, Park, and Bounce house. Bean is thriving with the one on one attention.

Doesn't this tiger look like he is about to eat her here?

Bounce House fun

Backpack Babes

Ava telling Ellie how much fun school is

Ellie's first day in the toddler class at Mother's Day Out Preschool

Ellie has finally learned that fountains are not public baths...big step for her!

I was so proud of Ava being chosen as the first "Noble Citizen" of her class! The one answer to her question that has me perplexed though is the, "If I had just one wish it would be to have a new table and chairs". I bet the people at Ava's school are wondering what is going on in the Valdez house for Ava to ask for such a staple thing. HA!

So proud of her! Her teachers have both told me that she has the best manners in her class. Funny story, one day I was scolding her telling her that she was not being a nice big sister for not sharing with Ellie. She said, "But Momma, I AM a Noble Citizen though!" I had to "fake cough" aka laugh into my hands after that comment.

Ava's self portrait that she drew- I love that she did the brown eyes, redhair, a freckle, and most importantly- a big giant smile!

Georgia Roadtrip 2011

Georgia is always on our mind. This year we were excited to make the Marietta and Lake House visit with Greg. Our kids basically disappeared while we were in Marietta. Our younger cousins Tilly, Elinor, and Davis all took them under their wing and showed the girls a great time. We got to catch up with Aunt Julie, Uncle Ed, Jena, and Dean and other extended family members. Always the highlights of Marietta is the incredible Southern cooking from my family, the six chickens, and the pool. Our time at Gigi and GrandBob's lake house was incredible. I have never been anywhere more relaxing or beautiful. On "busy" days on the lake you would see 4 boats all day. Greg and I did morning swims everyday, we went boating, fishing, swimming, white water rafting, and had cocktails on the party deck in the evenings. We are so blessed to have such an incredible family all around and we will make sure that our Georgia summer trips continue to be a family tradition even when we move cross country.

The girls love the swing set

Tilly teaching us about Chickens

chicken laying an egg - doesn't get stage fright with Greg

Ava wasn't afraid of them this year

Ellie always has no fear!

swingtime baby!

Greg catching up with Aunt Julie

The kids playing duck duck goose

family super jump

One of my absolute favorite pictures- Look at Mini hanging in there on the end!

Ava toss

Gosh they look alike

Chicken fights

Cheering!

Jigsaws at the lakehouse

baking with Gigi in the early morning

lotion up Daddy!

love the new party deck!

GrandBob making a splash!

Superjump with Gigi

Woot!

I was brave enough to do the super super jump

Insert scream

tube time

Daddy's girls

ready to boat!

Captain Bob

At one point both girls fell asleep on Gigi- so sweet

She is not a baby anymore and growing up too quick!

This is hysterical and Ava will be so mad at me for posting this one day- Ava had to pee so we had to stop the boat and Greg had to hold her over the side. That is fatherly love!