Splashing and Skipping

So, we've had all of this wonderful rain lately... Well, I decided that cold and wet is not something to miss, so Ava put on her boots and we headed outside! I am not quite sure what part the broom was playing in all this, but it was essential to her. She hadn't ever noticed the puddles before, but since this day she sees them everywhere!

This day she also managed to drink some rainwater out of a flower pot before I could get to her! Gross!!!

Keegan Christopher Anton

This is Charlie's almost twin! Keegan Christopher Anton, our darling cousin, was born just a few days before Charlotte. Here he is...and isn't he darling!!!

Smiley and Wiggly

Ava's down for a nap, so Charlotte and I are playing. Check this girl out! She is great!

Family Day and Charlie's first visit to the airport

This past Saturday we threw everything and everyone into the car and went to Coney Island for the 2nd annual Cincinnati Walks for Kids, to support our local Children's Hospital (where Dada works). It was like a stroller march! Strollers everywhere, but we like ours best.

Ava met her first clown - she didn't like the clown at all, especially when Mama hugged the clown. Guess we'll try that one again another time.


Then, on Sunday, Charlotte and I met Gram at the airport for a short visit. Gram was on her way home from Kansas City, after helping Sean and Danielle move from California. Charlotte loved being snuggled by Gram - and Gram loved it too!

Charlotte Grace is one month old and Patrick Cole is 12 years old!!

Charlotte Grace was one month old this week. She has been the most darling baby...very sweet and easy. Thank God for Charlotte!

Also, today is Ava's cousin Patrick's birthday. In a family full of girls, he is our favorite boy! Last night he scored the only touchdown in his football game. He is a wonderful athlete - where on earth did he come from? Here's Ava trying to tell him 'Happy Birthday'.

Happy Birthday to Patrick and Charlotte Grace is one month old

Charlotte Grace was one month old this week! Hooray! She is a wonderful little baby! We are so thankful for her!

It is Patrick's birthday today! Patrick is the only boy in our family - besides all of the dads of course - so he is super special to us. Last night he scored the only touchdown in his football game. He is a wonderful athlete...we're not sure how that happened, but we love it!

Ava got a cookie frosting kit and she washes her car!

A friend (Linda Brubaker rocks!) brought over a cookie frosting kit that included the letters to spell out 'Ava' and 'Dad'. So on Saturday afternoon, Ava and Daddy sat down at the table and frosted and sprinkled cookies. Ava was a little unsure about green and purple frosting, but she dug right into the pink! What a girlie girl! It was a fun to watch Daddy cut loose with the frosting once he realized there were no rules!

Here's the finished product!

I'd also taken a big of harassing from a friend because Ava had never helped me wash my car. Quite frankly, I prefer to think of washing the car as someone else's job (Sharonville Car Wash). But, we solved the problem by having Ava wash her own car! The car is compliments of Calvin and Jude Kimmel. Thanks boys!

Ava makes a face...and marks her turf

I forgot to put up pictures of Ava with some of the presents she's received as consolation for becoming a big sister. I only have a couple so far...more to come...

Ava received a musical Dora book...I actually make this face after she plays 'Row Row Row Your Boat' for the 78th time!

Then, we have this series of funny shots from when she received her cousin Patrick's Elmo doll. It seems like she was rolling on stuff to mark her territory. This doesn't surprise me. She learns all sorts of things from our dog!

Hangin' with Daddy!

Ava and Charlotte had their favorite playmate to play with yesterday evening...Daddy!

Charlie is getting so big - and she's wonderful! Ava says and does everything...some of it when you're not looking! This morning she 'helped' me with the laundry. Then, she helped me fix all of her 'help'.