What a difference a year makes

Here we are at CPK last summer enjoying a nice lunch (and a relaxing one since our babies slept for most of it!)

Here we are a year later (summer #2 with our kiddos) at the same place celebrating the beginning of summer.  What a difference a year makes! They were running around today, hiding in corners of the restaurant, making a mess, talking up a storm, and making it very challenging for us to sit and have a conversation for longer than a few minutes! This picture almost didn't happen because we couldn't get them (mine actually) to settle down long enough to snap the shot! So blessed that I have amazing friends to go through this journey with. Can't even imagine what next summers picture will look like! 

Father's Day a the ball park

Ava and I surprised Steve with tickets to a baseball game for father's day.  We went to Angels stadium to see the Yankees play the Angels. It was family fun day at the park so there were a ton of kids there and some fun kiddy events going on as well. At the end of the game they allowed kids to run the bases for free, so after double checking that Ava could participate even at her young age we stood in line for about an hour so she could run the bases. Once we got to the front they wouldn't let her in.  They said she couldn't run and was too small. :( I think they thought she was younger than she is and couldn't walk because Steve was holding her when we got to the entrance. I saw other kids her age doing it and didn't think it was fair that she was being told no because of her size. Normally I would accept it and move on, but for some reason being a mom has really taught me how to speak up! I went back to the entrance and told them my child was capable of "running" the bases and if anything would only need someone to help steer her in the right direction. Luckily, they let her go and also had some Angels girls help her around. She had a blast! I don't know why but watching her do this on her own, without Steve or I, and seeing how happy it mad her brought tears to my eyes.  She made it all the way around without much stopping. She definitely made sure to step on home plate on her way out, which made me very proud!  Running the bases was something so silly, but in that moment I felt so proud of her I thought my heart was going to burst! All in all, it was a great father's day! Steve may have a girl, but he definitely has a sports loving girl (so far)! She loves to watch baseball, basketball, and always wants to play basketball with Steve.

Here are some pictures from our day at the ball park.

Of course she had to wear her White Sox outfit to the game! Thanks Papa for the nice pink shirt! 

Loved all the people, cheering, and hanging with her daddy. 

Daddy's girl <3

Here we go! Getting a little help from some new friends. 

And she makes it all the way HOME! Wanted to stop here to chat with everyone, but the girls kept her going. 

So proud of our big girl!

Ok, this had nothing to do with father's day, but took these adorable pictures of Ava and her friend Asher today. They were enjoying a little snack and play time while their mommies shopped (or at least attempted to shop).

Ava loves to feed people and Asher loves to eat.....it's a match made in heaven! 

Kicking off the summer by turning 17 months....

Summer is here, finally! I am so excited to have the next few months to be a "stay at home" mom. I am very lucky to have a job where I can have this time off with my baby every summer. We have a very  busy summer planned with lots of swimming, gym class, trips to visit friends and family and more! Maybe I can actually keep up on updating the blog for the next few months too!

On to my 17 month old adorable, spunky, stubborn, but most amazing little girl a mom could ask for!

I absolutely love this age! She is talking up a storm, basically repeats everything she hears you say (which means I really need to watch it while driving)! She is also starting to say 2 word phrases such as bye bye dada or bath mamma, bad dog (what we say to Bruce often) and her favorite phrase, shoes on outside, which means take me outside right now or you are going to be sorry. Along with all the language her personality is really starting to develop and I just love the little person that she is. She is so sweet, shy at first, but once she is comfortable becomes her spunky self. She loves to give hugs and kisses all the time!

Some of her favorite things to do right now include, playing with any ball (especially her basketball), reading books, doing just about anything outside, feeding Bruce things he should't have, and climbing up on things she shouldn't be climbing on.

She loves to point out your nose, mouth, ears, eyes, head, and belly. Yesterday grandpa taught her tongue and teeth, which makes her giggle when she finds your tongue.

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks.....

Farmer's Market with Ava's best bud Claire

These two area hilarious to watch together, they play sort of (parallel play) and make each other giggle. 

The running stroller has saved us so many times. When Ava won't nap or is in need of some down time we go for a run and usually within 20 minute she is out! 

Ava's first bounce house experience at Ashley's 2nd birthday party. I thought she would be scared, but she got right in and din't want to get out. 

We do not travel lightly anymore. A baby, bunny, and at least one sippy cup have to come with....always! 

Reading with daddy. <3

Bruce and Ava have become best buds.....it might be because she feeds him any chance she gets! 

So intrigued by the puppet show at gym class. We just joined a new one for toddlers and Ava loves it! 

Playing with the "bops" at the Farmer's Market

Mimi daycare

I am really really behind in posting on the blog. The end of the school year is always a very busy time in our household. Steve and I both finished up the school year this week and summer has officially begun!!

A few weeks ago my mom came out to spend time with us and watch Ava for the week. Ava had an absolute blast. She loves her Mimi so much and has been asking for her every day since she left. Mimi and Ava enjoyed many trips to the park, playing with her new water table, and just hanging out. I love watching my mom with Ava....they have so much fun together and Ava loves her so much. Brings back wonderful memories of my own childhood. :)

Here are some pictures from the week.......

Watching the sharks at the Aquarium 

Mimi and Ava watching the fish 

I do believe she only did this because she had no idea what it was!

Out of ice cream with dad and Mimi

Playing at the park with Claire

Petting zoo at the farmer's market

She couldn't get enough

Loves the rabbits or as Ava calls them, "bop."

Playing with the water table Mimi bought Ava for the summer.