Found out this week that my quiet little Ava is quite the chatty girl at school. Her teacher said she and Olivia are just alike. I'm totally shocked by this as I have always felt Ava is the easier of the two kids. She is good at playing in a group but also can play by herself which is sometimes problematic for Olivia.
I guess at school Ava is mimicking the behaviors of Olivia except that when Ava gets in trouble she hides her face behind her hands. Appaerntly Ava was given watermelon for snack and didn't like it so she smashed it on the table. After being told she can't do that and that she had to keep it on her plate she blatantly took it off again and put it on someone else's plate. If Ava doesn't want to eat something (it's rare but it happens) she does not like it to be on her plate by the food she likes. So her teacher told her about germs and that she had to keep the watermelon on her plate. Ava then hid behind her hands for 10 minutes. Her teacher would tell her she could still see her but Ava didn't care. She was in hiding.
After school Ava got in the car and ratted herself out by telling me she had a temper tantrum and got a time-out over water. I asked several times and that was her story and she was sticking to it. Thankfully her teacher explained what happened and that she didn't have a tantrum nor did she get a time-out. She just hid. I guess in her mind she gave herself her own time-out. That's my girl.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
School Work
Ava's school work:
Olivia's school work:
So last year I was all productive and on top of Olivia's art and captured pictures of it as soon as she was out of school. This year I am finding that with both kids going to school everyday and every day there is a bunch of art and school work to photograph there is just no way for me to photograph all of it all of the time. They always say the second kid gets the shaft. Parents always go over the top with the first and then it trickles down to almost nothing with each subsequent kid. In other words- Poor Ava. At least I do take the time to hang it all up on the walls.
Olivia's school work:
So last year I was all productive and on top of Olivia's art and captured pictures of it as soon as she was out of school. This year I am finding that with both kids going to school everyday and every day there is a bunch of art and school work to photograph there is just no way for me to photograph all of it all of the time. They always say the second kid gets the shaft. Parents always go over the top with the first and then it trickles down to almost nothing with each subsequent kid. In other words- Poor Ava. At least I do take the time to hang it all up on the walls.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Out and About
This week was so busy with school starting and just a lot of random stuff that needed to get done so today as a treat we decided to take the kids to Six Flags. What a good decision. First the weather couldn't have been better. It was cool in the morning and hot by the end of the day with a nice breeze the entire day.
Second we packed just the right amount of food and capri suns that we made it through the day only spending $10 total to buy a drink, popcorn, and a funnel cake with ice cream. My neighbors had the refillable popcorn bucket and soda cup so it only cost a $1 for each.
Lastly, the weren't any lines. The kids walked right up to whatever ride they wanted and got on. This was especially nice at the end of the day when Olivia wanted to do the boat ride with Dave where they end up soaked at the end. Of course Dave shielded Olivia from the water so she demanded to go again to get, "more wet- I wanna be more wet." So they went again and she was indeed soaked.
We also saw all the shows. For the whale show we were chosen as the family pick to sit in the special up close Metro PCS section. Awesome. And in the shade. The tiger show we sat front row so when the tigers lunge into the water for their food they ends up being 2 feet in front of our faces. Ava's favorite. The bird show we had never seen before so it was fun and new. And of course we saw the sharks, the butterflies, and the lorikeets.
It was nice spending the day without diapers and a stroller and all the extra stuff we used to have to bring. I didn't even bring my camera. I just felt like I could capture more of the kid's joy and excitement if I wasn't behind the camera lens. All we had was a small backpack and each other. Man I love my family. I love spending time with them. I love looking over as this huge whale approaches and Ava's face is beaming and her hands are clapping. I love to hear how excited Olivia was and how big she screamed as the boat went over the ledge with her daddy. And I love to see Dave happily spending the day with his girls hand in hand as they walk through the park. Like I said, I love my family.
Second we packed just the right amount of food and capri suns that we made it through the day only spending $10 total to buy a drink, popcorn, and a funnel cake with ice cream. My neighbors had the refillable popcorn bucket and soda cup so it only cost a $1 for each.
Lastly, the weren't any lines. The kids walked right up to whatever ride they wanted and got on. This was especially nice at the end of the day when Olivia wanted to do the boat ride with Dave where they end up soaked at the end. Of course Dave shielded Olivia from the water so she demanded to go again to get, "more wet- I wanna be more wet." So they went again and she was indeed soaked.
We also saw all the shows. For the whale show we were chosen as the family pick to sit in the special up close Metro PCS section. Awesome. And in the shade. The tiger show we sat front row so when the tigers lunge into the water for their food they ends up being 2 feet in front of our faces. Ava's favorite. The bird show we had never seen before so it was fun and new. And of course we saw the sharks, the butterflies, and the lorikeets.
It was nice spending the day without diapers and a stroller and all the extra stuff we used to have to bring. I didn't even bring my camera. I just felt like I could capture more of the kid's joy and excitement if I wasn't behind the camera lens. All we had was a small backpack and each other. Man I love my family. I love spending time with them. I love looking over as this huge whale approaches and Ava's face is beaming and her hands are clapping. I love to hear how excited Olivia was and how big she screamed as the boat went over the ledge with her daddy. And I love to see Dave happily spending the day with his girls hand in hand as they walk through the park. Like I said, I love my family.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ava's first Day at School
Today's the day she has been waiting for... School!!!
Ava couldn't wait to get inside that classroom.
And what did she find sitting right by her desk? Scissors and glue. Today's gonna be a good day.
Ava couldn't wait to get inside that classroom.
And what did she find sitting right by her desk? Scissors and glue. Today's gonna be a good day.
Monday, August 9, 2010
First Day Back to School
First Day back. It was a great start today. I woke up, worked out, Olivia woke at 8 A.M. and we showered and washed her hair and made it ever so pretty for her first day of school. Then Ava woke up and I got her dressed and we headed downstairs for breakfast. They ate, played their Leapsters for a few minutes and we were off. I loved this so much better than the 8:30 time slot we had last year. Of course that is what Ava will be doing this year but she is always up and ready so I have a feeling Olivia will be going with me to drop off Ava in her jammies and having breakfast when we get back so we don't have to wait on her.
So far 6 of the kids are back from last time and Livy has 5 other new kids to meet and play with. I hope she is having fun and I can't wait to pick her up and hear all about it.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Dance Performance
The girl's had their dance recital this weekend. They were fantastic. Ava loved the stage. Olivia loved it too and was especially excited when they received flowers afterwards. 
After the show we all went to C.E.C for playtime with the other kids. It was a long and fun day with soccer before the recital but it was totally worth it. The kids did amazingly well. Next week we have our finally soccer session and then we will start gymnastics. Olivia is dead set on learning how to do a kart wheel and the last time I tried to show her I felt like I couldn't walk for 2 days. I have learned to leave those things to the professionals.
After the show we all went to C.E.C for playtime with the other kids. It was a long and fun day with soccer before the recital but it was totally worth it. The kids did amazingly well. Next week we have our finally soccer session and then we will start gymnastics. Olivia is dead set on learning how to do a kart wheel and the last time I tried to show her I felt like I couldn't walk for 2 days. I have learned to leave those things to the professionals.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
End of Summer
Summer vacation has been a blast. Aside from some minor setbacks like the air conditioner dying at a really inopportune time, thankfully we bought another A/C before the temperature sky rocketed back up, and it only cost a mere $2000 to replace, insert sarcasm wherever, things have been fast and entertaining.
The girls have spent the summer between dance and soccer. On the days we seem to have nothing planned we still ended up finding something great, free, and enjoyable to do. We have seen a movie every week, we have been to countless water parks, played with neighbors and friends, BBQ'd, went swimming, you name it we've most likely done it. It has just been wonderful. But as always things have to change and another transition is upon us...school. And let me tell you I am so glad I enrolled Liv in the middle class starting at 10:40 because she has become a sleeper. Today in fact she woke up at 10:32 A.M. Who does this? I was up at 7:30 when the dogs wanted to go outside. Ava was up by 8 A.M. Apparently Liv needs her beauty sleep. So in a week school begins, the girls have their dance recital, and soccer ends as well.
I found a place that gives free dance lessons to kids under 5 and it is actually taught by the girl's hip hop teacher so Ava will still dance on Wednesdays after we drop off Liv at school. Ava's really excited she gets to dance in a class all by herself this time. I am excited that it is free.
So my last post was about packing to go to Grammie's house. We got there and swam all day for 4 days from sun up to sun down and then even at night under the stars. We are all really tan. Here's a few pictures of our vacation:
And yes at my mom's house Ava still squeezes into a high chair that she calls the queen's chair. She likes it because during the day she can sit in it and paint since it has one of those preformed cups in the tray to hold the water and it is high enough that she can see the TV over the back of the couch while she is doing it.
Breakfast outdoors after the first morning swim.
Livy the diver.
Trying to jump out as far as possible.
Dave's cannon ball attempt. He made a huge splash. We were slightly surprised there was still plenty of water left in the pool:)
Ava's cannonball.
Digging for carrots in Papa's garden.
Deciding who gets to hold the shovel.
And then after 4 entire days of swimming at Grammie's house we came back only to go swimming at my friend's house with her two kids.
Ava being chased by Jay.
And then we had soccer practice again. Liv's a fast runner. A lot of parents comment on how quick she is and how well she can manipulate the ball.
Training.
There are countless more pictures of the play date at the park with Nick and other activies we have done but those will have to wait for another day. I am done uploading pictures.
I am really glad that the girls are going back to/starting school. Olivia's brain seems to be exploding with knowledge. She watched a shark show on TV and is now obsessed with predator verses prey. Her vocabulary astounds me and her abstract train of thought is booming. We are so proud of her. She just sucks up knowledge every where she goes. Ava is smart as a whip too and as stubborn as me. She does what she wants when she wants otherwise look out. She has had the fortune of having the big sister to emulate so she is super smart already and ready to go to school. She practices her spelling words in the car and tries to read books. I know that she has them memorized but it is still cute watching her fake read.
I am also really proud of Dave and I. Last Saturday was the 7 year anniversary of when we met. We have had a great marriage so far, we hardly ever argue and if we do it is over something totally stupid like not leaving the dog out long enough so she craps outside instead of inside on my rug. We love each other, we talk to each other, and we truly enjoying being with each other. I hear a lot of our friends talk about money and how they hide it from their spouses. This has ever been an issue for us. We both know how much we have and what it is being used for. Also a friend of mine showed me the coupon trick and now I spend 1/3 on groceries and toiletries. It is amazing to see the total ring up to $250 and after the coupons I end up paying $46. Dave is proud of me for saving the dough and I am happy we have more money for other things. I see us as, "We're doing it. Without the help from anyone else, we made it." It did hurt to shell out $2000 for the A/C that I had saved for property taxes but at least I know that WE bought it and somehow WE will come up with the property tax money too. I don't really know from where... but we are in it together and together we will have to make it happen. It's hard being a one income family but I'm proud of us and proud of Dave for being a great husband, father, and provider for his family. I love you Dave and happy anniversary of when we met.
The girls have spent the summer between dance and soccer. On the days we seem to have nothing planned we still ended up finding something great, free, and enjoyable to do. We have seen a movie every week, we have been to countless water parks, played with neighbors and friends, BBQ'd, went swimming, you name it we've most likely done it. It has just been wonderful. But as always things have to change and another transition is upon us...school. And let me tell you I am so glad I enrolled Liv in the middle class starting at 10:40 because she has become a sleeper. Today in fact she woke up at 10:32 A.M. Who does this? I was up at 7:30 when the dogs wanted to go outside. Ava was up by 8 A.M. Apparently Liv needs her beauty sleep. So in a week school begins, the girls have their dance recital, and soccer ends as well.
I found a place that gives free dance lessons to kids under 5 and it is actually taught by the girl's hip hop teacher so Ava will still dance on Wednesdays after we drop off Liv at school. Ava's really excited she gets to dance in a class all by herself this time. I am excited that it is free.
So my last post was about packing to go to Grammie's house. We got there and swam all day for 4 days from sun up to sun down and then even at night under the stars. We are all really tan. Here's a few pictures of our vacation:
And yes at my mom's house Ava still squeezes into a high chair that she calls the queen's chair. She likes it because during the day she can sit in it and paint since it has one of those preformed cups in the tray to hold the water and it is high enough that she can see the TV over the back of the couch while she is doing it.
Livy the diver.
Digging for carrots in Papa's garden.
Deciding who gets to hold the shovel.
And then after 4 entire days of swimming at Grammie's house we came back only to go swimming at my friend's house with her two kids.
Ava being chased by Jay.
And then we had soccer practice again. Liv's a fast runner. A lot of parents comment on how quick she is and how well she can manipulate the ball.
Training.
There are countless more pictures of the play date at the park with Nick and other activies we have done but those will have to wait for another day. I am done uploading pictures.
I am really glad that the girls are going back to/starting school. Olivia's brain seems to be exploding with knowledge. She watched a shark show on TV and is now obsessed with predator verses prey. Her vocabulary astounds me and her abstract train of thought is booming. We are so proud of her. She just sucks up knowledge every where she goes. Ava is smart as a whip too and as stubborn as me. She does what she wants when she wants otherwise look out. She has had the fortune of having the big sister to emulate so she is super smart already and ready to go to school. She practices her spelling words in the car and tries to read books. I know that she has them memorized but it is still cute watching her fake read.
I am also really proud of Dave and I. Last Saturday was the 7 year anniversary of when we met. We have had a great marriage so far, we hardly ever argue and if we do it is over something totally stupid like not leaving the dog out long enough so she craps outside instead of inside on my rug. We love each other, we talk to each other, and we truly enjoying being with each other. I hear a lot of our friends talk about money and how they hide it from their spouses. This has ever been an issue for us. We both know how much we have and what it is being used for. Also a friend of mine showed me the coupon trick and now I spend 1/3 on groceries and toiletries. It is amazing to see the total ring up to $250 and after the coupons I end up paying $46. Dave is proud of me for saving the dough and I am happy we have more money for other things. I see us as, "We're doing it. Without the help from anyone else, we made it." It did hurt to shell out $2000 for the A/C that I had saved for property taxes but at least I know that WE bought it and somehow WE will come up with the property tax money too. I don't really know from where... but we are in it together and together we will have to make it happen. It's hard being a one income family but I'm proud of us and proud of Dave for being a great husband, father, and provider for his family. I love you Dave and happy anniversary of when we met.
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