Having fun with "Nanny"

We just got done with a week full of fun with Josh's mom, Shelby. Ava was a little worried about Nana when we met her at the airport, but once we walked into our apartment, the worries washed away. Nana and Ava were best buds. Ava even added "Nanny" to her list of vocab.

The weather was just perfect for her entire trip. (Fall is really the best time to come visit the bay area) So we took full advantage of it and went shopping, almost everyday. The town we live in has a great outdoor mall, with fountains and music and fun little shops. But I think Shelby's favorite part was the Nordstroms. I think we went to Nordstroms 3 different times during the week...but who's counting :) I must admit, it does have a great cafe. Since the weather was perfect we decided to eat outside on the deck. Three little birdies perched right behind Ava anticipating our departure so they could snag all the dropped food. Here is Ava and Shelby out on the deck.


Ava isn't one to shy away from a tickle fight!


Ava kept signing the word "more" every time a tickle fight ended.


Stay tuned because there are lots more pictures to post.

My grateful list

Josh left bright and early this morning to fly out to Toronto for a business trip. After a stopover at LAX he boarded his plane and got settled in for a 6 hour flight. You must imagine my huge surprise when only a few hours into his connecting flight my phone rings and his caller id pops up. (if you're viewing this on google reader, the flash video won't show. So you'll actually have to go to our website to see the video)

Upon waking up today I had no idea that I would be going to sleep with a sense of extreme gratitude to my Heavenly Father. Taking a queue from Oprah, I thought it would be appropriate to write 5 things I am grateful for today.

Ignorance - I guess the saying is true that ignorance is bliss. Josh didn't call me to tell me what had transpired until he had actually landed safely on ground. I had a minor melt down once we got off the phone, and I knew he was okay. I don't know what would of happened if I had known what was going on during the flight.

Firefighters - Here is a picture that Josh took from the plane once they landed. He said there was a handful of firetrucks following the plane in case anything happened. I am so grateful for the response and preparedness of the firefighters. Even though nothing happened, it is such a relief to know if something had, there would be someone nearby to help.


Flight crew - I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the pilot and the crew. I am so glad that the pilot reported the incident immediately to the tower. I am so grateful for his training that prepared him in landing the plane. He will never know how much I appreciated everything that he did.

Tomorrow - This experience made me realize that you really do not know when you or one your loved ones last day will be. Everyday is such a gift. I will be even more grateful for tomorrow when my husband walks through our front door again.

The Gospel - What a tremendous blessing it is to know that our Heavenly Father is always watching over us. Through the good and the bad, we are never alone. There is never a moment when we cannot come to Him in prayer. It is such a blessing to know that He is there, waiting to listen and comfort us. I am also so grateful for the atonement. That no matter what happens here on earth, we will all be reunited once again in heaven.

When Daddy comes home

Anyone who has been on the phone with me when Josh walks through our front door, has heard the loud squeals of a little girl. We both look forward to his return the second he leaves in the morning. Anytime Ava hears anyone outside or hears the phone ring she always asks, "Daddy?!" It's just so cute to see how much a little girl loves her daddy, and how much he loves her. I just wish I got the same welcome home scream when I return from mutual.

Bows

Did you know that Walmart carried cute bows? And they're cheap too! Cheap, cute and I don't have to spend the time making them myself. It's a win, win, win!

Gotta look good

I asked Ava if she wanted to go get the mail, and of course she said "Ya!" (she hasn't learned how to say no yet, so pretty much she says ya to everything) She speedily walks over and decides which pair of shoes to wear. Of course, the pink crocs won. She promptly sat right down on her tush, waiting for me to come on over to put them on. Once the shoes were successfully on, she ran to the door and retrieved my shoes. I grabbed my keys and thought we were all set to go outside to get the mail, but I was wrong. Ava quickly turned around searching for something. A few seconds later she retrieves her sunglasses from her toy bin and is set to go check the mail in style. Each and everyday this little girl does something to crack us up!

What did you put in your mouth now?

Stop right there Ava, what are you eating?


Is that a peanut butter and jelly sandwich you're eating? You know the doctor said no peanut butter until you're 2 years old!


Well, that was before your 15 month appt. Once they noticed that you were still chillin' in the zero percentile for weight, they gave peanut butter a go ahead. Along with ice cream, half n half in her cereal, and food anytime she touches her little finger to her mouth (which is the sign for eat).


So that means you can have peanut butter cookies, mini ritz with peanut butter, pb & j. The possibilities are endless! And all your little friends still have to wait 9 more months to taste of the goodness that is peanut butter.


What is th at? Oh, you want more of your sandwich.


Why, of course. Enjoy your lunch little girl!


Just don't touch me!


I didn't mean it! You know I love you very much.


Next time just try to get more of your food in your mouth!

Choo choo

I am happy to announce that I finished reading Breaking Dawn yesterday. Don't worry, I'm not going to give any of the story away. I liked the book, but I didn't love it like I did the 1st and 3rd one. The last few hundred pages were really good. I'm sad to see the series come to an end. But she could easily write more books about the other characters.

Last week Ava and I and a few friends headed over to Tilden Park. You don't know, or maybe you do know just how relaxing it is to be surrounded by pine trees and a cool breeze. Sometimes the breeze was a little too cold! This park is awesome. It has a carousel, botanical gardens, petting zoo, a lake, and the reason we went there was to ride the steam trains. The trains are miniature size, just perfect for the little ones. And only 2 bucks per ride with 2 and under riding free. Do they know they could charge more? I'm not going to tell them :)


My little passenger had no idea was in store for her.


Do you notice there are no seatbelts. The sides of the train aren't even tall enough to stop a fly from falling out of the speeding train. So Ava had no choice but to sit on my lap the entire ride.


Don't worry, this isn't smoke. Remember, it's a steam train! Thanks goodness.


I'm trying some new hair products; wind, rain and more wind...like?


Here's a little better picture. We rode the train twice. The first time Ava had no idea what was going on and was completely silent. But by the second ride she couldn't stop from jabbering.


If any of you are in the area, you should totally check out the steam trains. I really need to find time to check out the other attractions at the park!

Away till further notice

The mailman kindly delivered this to my door today...

...yes, I am one of those people who preordered their copy online. Hey, it saved me a trip to the store! All housework will be neglected as I fully devote my time to reading this much anticipated book.