Ava is FIVE!

My darling Ava is five today. I almost can't bear it. She has been almost no trouble since the moment she was born - even before, actually. I am so very proud of her. She is loving and kind, thoughtful and generous. Everyone who knows her, loves her.

Happy Birthday wonderful Ava!!

Family Pictures

Stink

I stink as a blogger these days. I don't seem to be able to do anything real about it, so I'm trying to confess and just let myself stink at it. I don't have room on my 'do that because you should' list for this one. Sorry folks!

Ava's birthday is coming up soon, so if you talk to me on the phone or email me...please mention that I should blog about her birthday...and probably Charlotte's too...

John and Hannah's Wedding Party

The kids had a lot of fun playing in a gravel pile at

John and Hanna's wedding party!

In trying to save Isaac from swallowing a piece of gravel,

I think I accidentally made him swallow it.

Baruch did a little snoozing on Uncle Peter.

Havah looked like a little doll.

Fun with Havah!

When Havah comes to visit, we have a great time!

Chocolate Cone

We went to Sharon Woods for lunch today. After we played, we ate ice cream cones. Ava had a chocolate one. I offered to clean her face for her, but she said she'd already cleaned all of the chocolate off! Not quite!!

First Ice Cream Cone

Isaac plays piano

Big girls in a big new bed!

Today Mark put the girls' new big bed together. Here they are, all snuggled up together. It took a while, but they finally fell asleep.

Charlotte wasn't a bit excited about the idea of giving her crib and dresser to Isaac. As much as she does want to be big...she's still my tiny girl.

Ava has been so excited about the new bed. She's been carrying a tape measure around for a few days, ready to help daddy put the new Ikea bed together. (she was very puzzled when we left the store with a stack of heavy boxes and no bed) And, she handled herself like a champ for most of a busy 'helping' day. She sat and consulted with Mark at the beginning, then ran to Ikea with me for a replacement part. Then, she rested on her old bed, watching Mary Poppins on my iPhone while Mark finished up.

Anyway, here are my 'way too big' girls, sharing a great big bed! But don't worry! If you ask Ava what the rule is, she'll say "don't get big"! (Or maybe "don't take toys away from your brother".) And she'd be right!

Mary Poppins

We are at the Aronoff for Mary Poppins!

Ava says that she is awake.

Then why is she flat on the floor?

Friend-Sister

Today Charlotte said, "That is Ava, my friend-sister."

Sent with iPhone love...

Thank you, vitamix!

For the fresh whipped cream!!

Lunch was a success.

Mark says you're not full until you make a mess. Isaac is full!!

Ava loves Nutella!

First Day of School

Here is my tiny, grown-up girl on her first day of preschool. Ava has been going to preschool at the YMCA for about a month. She likes it and thinks she is so big. I remind her all of the time that she should enjoy this preschool because after this we get to do all of our school together, at home with mommy!

Just like Ava!

Charlotte wants to be just like Ava. Here is a prime example. She is so in love with her paci, but to be like Ava....

She's even got the finger on the nose move down perfectly!

Best Friends...

Ava and Kira are best friends now. They always knew that they loved each other. They would spend birthdays or vacations together, and they talked about each other constantly, but now it is real life. They talk about funny things together, they mimic each other, they get Charlotte in trouble together, they fuss at each other. They live life together now, and they are friends.

We love Kenny!!

Ava's second written word!

We know who she loves!!!

Number 14!

Daddy had to work late..

So we're having chocolate chip pancakes while we jam to loud girl music.