many more days to come...

like many summers before us, we will be spending many days enjoying the sun and water at the pool!  i have been on a 'remember when' kick as of late, and thought it would be fun to see how ava has changed over the last few summers!

in 2008, girlfriend rocked a bikini and her crazy hair.  her hair would turn this way when wet.  after nap time, it was especially 'lioness-like' :)

in 2009, her crazy hair had grown a lot, and she rocked a new "swim soup" from aunt sarah!

2010 was all about the accessories.  she didn't set foot in a pool without her beloved puddle-jumper.  she also donned sunglasses that coordinated with the polka dots on her suit.

in 2011, she's rocking another two-piece and a tan!  girlfriend has been spending lots of time in the sun at school.  she's practicing swimming without a floating device, and loving the beginning of summer!

it's a celebration [kinder edition]...

may 27th was a very special day for our little!  not only were we headed to school for her kindergarten program, but she had also been selected the previous monday as the citizen of the month in her class.  may's character trait was "Loyalty", and ava was chosen because of her ability to be a loyal [or as she told her aunt sarah, a "royal"] friend :) 

we started the morning with her citizen of the month breakfast!

there were pancakes and cereal for the kiddos.  each child that was selected for their class was called up front so that they could receive their award.

after breakfast, we headed to the gym and waited for the kindergarten program to start.  the songs were so sweet, and i have to admit it made me pretty emotional!  i was more emotional on this day than i was the day she started kinder! ha!

after the program, we headed back to ava's classroom where her teacher presented them with a keepsake book.  It was the perfect time for a few "end of year" photos!



 we are so proud of her and the little lady she is becoming!

first and last...

on your first day of kindergarten,

you were filled with anticipation, not knowing what to expect.

on your last day of kindergarten,

you were so relaxed, the school day just part of your routine.

on your first day of kindergarten,

you wondered who your friends would be.

on your last day of kindergarten,

you were friends with every kid in your class!

on your first day of kindergarten,

your hair was cut in a cute little bob.

on your last day of kindergarten,

your hair came just past your shoulders.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you had me pack your lunch.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you packed your lunch all by yourself.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you had all of your baby teeth.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you had been visited by the tooth fairy five times.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you knew your numbers.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you can add and subtract your numbers.

on the first day of kindergarten,

you could write your name.

on the last day of kindergarten,

you can write short stories.

we have had many firsts by the last day of kindergarten.  we are so proud of you! seeing you learn and grow is truly amazing! on the first day, you were my little girl. on the last day, you were my brave, confident kid! before the school year began, i couldn't picture what kind of kid you'd be---but this year has shown me what the next several will be like!  and although it is a bit scary, i can't wait to see what else is in store for you!

diving in...

maybe it is just me, but i absolutely despise bathing suits.  i have never been a fan, but add 20 extra pounds, and then swimsuit shopping becomes pure torture.  i have spent the last few weeks scouring the enter webs and stores for a new suit.  i would just skip a suit all together, but texas weather demands at least some pool time, especially when you have a kiddo.  so, in honor of National Swimsuit Confidence Week  [thanks, Katie, for posting about this!], i decided to take the plunge and purchase my summer suit.

  i headed over to Lands' End to see just what they had. i really did think that lands' end was a little matronly before.  but the VS swimsuits and target teen options just don't cut it for me now. i mean, i am in my mid-twenties, a mom, and do not have the same figure i had in high school.  i was beyond surprised at what i found - some super cute suits!  I loved that they had so many tankini options [this girl will never wear another bikini for as long as i live]. Although i am not brave enough to post me in all my bathing suit glory, i will show you the suit i decided on:

Oahu Cluster Floral Lingerie Strap Tankini Swimsuit Top

Oahu Mini SwimMini

i really like the print on the top!  they had matching bottoms, but i prefer a solid fabric over my rear.  and the dark color helps too.  i went with the skirted bottom in hopes that it will conceal [at least some] of my thighs.  me - and my stretchmarks - will be grateful for that extra coverage on the bottom.

so there you have it --- hoping i got the size right and that i like it when it gets here!  i was also able to get a coupon for $10 off and free shipping [retailmenot.com].

do you have your swim suit yet?  where did you get it?  tankini/bikini/one piece? boyshorts/hipsters/swimskirts?

la-la-la lately...

we have been busy the last few weeks doing everything and nothing at all :)

ava is struggling to keep it together the last few weeks, but summer is in sight! she is tired most days, and super cranky in the mornings! she had field day on friday the thirteenth, and was really excited to wear her field day shirt ;) the   She has lost two more teeth --- that has the count up to 5 total --- and looks pretty silly with her big girl grin!

  she has sprouted the last few weeks as well.  we took a trip to the outlets a few weeks ago for new tennis shoes, and also made a stop at a local children's resale shop for some great finds!  i was able to get a pair of crewcuts shorts, gap shorts, a pair of nike athletic shorts, and a pair of danskin shorts all for under $30!  the shop hit or miss, but this trip was definitely a success!

she tries my patience most days, and i know i drive her crazy, but i love her more than i ever thought you could love another person!

we spent the past weekend at home [a rarity for us!] and got caught up on house work, laundry, and other odds and ends.  we ventured out on Sunday for lunch and a round of putt-putt!

I have a few vacation days planned for the end of this week!  I am headed to spend some one-on-one time with Preston! i.cannot.wait!  i love that little boy to pieces, and l-o-v-e getting some quality time with him!

My little brother and his fiance are also coming in to town this weekend, so we will be having some family time!  hope you guys are having a fabulous week!

wordless wednesday...

easter 2011...

we had a wonderful easter with our best friends [aka family].  we woke up early sunday morning to see what EB left for ava and preston!

mr. p l-o-v-e-d the sunglasses he found in big cousin's basket :)

then we headed outside to find goodies!  i think preston was just happy to be outside [little man loves it outside!]. ava took the egg hunting seriously!  she was sure to tell me that it didn't matter what egg preston picked up, because her aunt sarah told her they were really all for her! ha!  and let me just say, EB [aka aunt sarah] knew what she was doing when she left the root beer for the princess!

after too much candy for ava and a little nap for preston, we all got cleaned up so that we could head to lunch at sissy & greg's house!

we had a great lunch, and another egg hunt for ava and uncle brad!

i hope your easter was as hoppy as ours!

take me out to the ball game...

or over to preston's house for his first birthday bash!  i had so much fun helping sarah with the details of this little boy's birthday extravaganza!  we made a 'wishes' board for guests to sign, wreath for the front door, and birthday banners! 

traditional ballpark food -- hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and baseball cupcakes-- awaited the guests!

sweet little boy just enjoying being one!

miss ava lost her front tooth during the party!

but not before we snapped a cute photo of the kids!

then it was time for the birthday boy to open presents and eat his birthday [cup] cake!

preston and his awesome parents!

of course, i had to have some lovin' too!

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and just for fun, a little comparison of the kiddos as they celebrated turning 1!

Happy Birthday Preston Robert!!!!!  We love you!