Is it really December already? We had a wonderful and busy November and look forward for December to be just about the same! After my mom's visit in early November my sister came for a week to see us. We had a blast hanging out and Ava was obsessed with her Auntie Beth and everything that came with her. She loved pretending to put on her shoes, clothes, and makeup. Poor Beth had her suitcase torn apart daily by Miss Ava.
Here are some pictures from her visit.
 |
| Playing at the beach after our run on the boardwalk |
 |
| So full of spirit. Always keeping me on my toes! |
 |
| Enjoying an evening walk with her Auntie |
 |
| She wanted to do everything just like her Auntie. <3 |
This past weekend we enjoyed some extra time home with Ava and a weekend of family time with NO GRAD SCHOOL!!!!! It was so nice having Steve home and having a few extra days to spend as a family. On Thanksgiving morning we ran the first every LA Turkey Trot downtown with our good friends Sara, Mike, and their daughter Claire. Steve ran the 5K along with Ava and Claire who "ran" (were pushed in the stroller) by Sara's parents while Sara, Mike, his brother, and I all ran the 10K. It was such a fun morning and great way to start our Thanksgiving. We spent the rest of the day at Grandma and Grandpa's house enjoying a relaxing afternoon and some very yummy food and great company. Sandra, Jake, and Penny came down from San Francisco and Ava was very happy to spend the day with her Auntie, Uncle, and cousin. Ava loved running all around Grandma and Grandpa's house and especially enjoyed going up and down their stairs, several times! With all the excitement of Thanksgiving she was too busy to nap at all, the whole day! She actually held it together most of the day and night, but once we got in the car to drive home, she was out cold!
On Friday, we some friends over for dinner. Greg, Megan, and their daughter Hannah were in town from Arizona. Ava and Hannah had a blast playing together, after Ava got over the fact that she had to share her toys and her play space.
 |
| Ava and Hannah in the bath. |
 |
| Teaching Hannah some new songs. |
 |
| Ava wanted to sleep in the pack and play with Hannah. |
 |
| Page and I with Hannah. |
 |
| Yep, still not sure I can handle two. One is plenty for now. :) |
 |
Playing an innocent game of tug of war. I actually think Hannah won this one, she's got some muscle on her!
|
On Saturday we took Ava to the Long Beach Aquarium. For Christmas Mimi and Papa got us a yearlong membership so we can go visit the Aquarium anytime we want! Ava loves everything about this place and was a lot more daring this time around. She actually fed the birds, touched a sting ray, and did not shy away from the shark tank.
To top off a fabulous weekend we went out and got our Christmas tree on Sunday. Once home we got out all of our decorations and started to decorate the tree. Ava loved the ornaments, but unfortunately she didn't want them on the tree. It was a battle to get her to hang them up or to even let me hang them on the tree. She kept taking them off saying, "my ornament, play mommy." As a result the top half of our tree has ornaments. :)
We got out the Christmas books and ornaments that I had tucked away last year (and totally forgot I did that until we got the box of decorations out). I love starting these traditions with her, especially the ones I had as a kid. We always had Christmas bears and books that would only come out at Christmas and I would get so excited to play with them for the month they were out and look forward to it every year. We have read, "Polar Express," every night since Sunday and I foresee that continuing throughout December. <3
 |
| It may be tiny but it is still our tree and we love it. |
 |
| Every morning she says hi to the stockings and goes through each one. Mommy's stocking, Ava's stocking, Bruce's stocking, and Daddy's stocking. |
