Hot, Cold. Hot, Cold.

The weather can't make up it's mind. At least it's been nice on the weekends. We got in some adventures and hikes on the three day weekend. This next weekend will be nice too which works out perfectly for Ava's birthday. We hope to have a picnic in the park with the Thaynes. We're keeping it small, just family. It will be lots of fun. Ava as entered her terrible two's a little early, but nearly on cue. Meltdowns and tantrums are part of the day now. They only last 3-5 minutes, reach their peek and then it's as if nothing happened. So funny. We love our little darling. :)


A minor meltdown with kicking and flailing. I can handle this, I think?


This art car reminds me of Austin. You see them around a lot there.


That's quite a car horn.


Emerson and Uncle Rex play cars.


Cutie patootie. We are going to phase the binkies out soon. I am not looking forward to the tears. :(


Kidstowne park in Apex, NC. Big playground.


Picking flowers in the lawn.


Seeing more kites these days. :)


Running.


Daddy and Ava at Fearrington Village.


Picking more flowers.


Ava likes to hand her collections to me for safe keeping.


Pretty babe.


I'm keeping a close watch on the trees. They seem to bloom overnight. So excited!!!!


Here is an early bloomer. So pretty.


Lovely blossoms.


Eating outside at Fearrington Village.


Playing at the Tobacco District in Durham.


Ava and Mommy.


Durham skyline icons.


Playing by the fountains.


Exploring.


There is something about these ground speakers that Ava loves.


The Nielsons.


The Tobacco District at night.


When all else fails, we give Ava her favorite treat. Butter. Nothing else, just pure butter. She tends to get it everywhere and in her hair, which is not a good look. Daddy tried to keep it out by putting a pair of tights on her head. Did it work? Sort of. Was it funny looking? Totally.


Mommy and Ava on the Eno River swinging bridge.


Walking across.


Playing by the river.


Swimming lessons!


The Eno.


Throwing rocks in the water. This was a very fun game for little A.


It was amusing to see what she wanted to throw into the water. This big log probably weighs more that she does.


Taking pictures with Daddy.


This is a public cabin near the trail. It has no doors and lots of small rooms for camping. It would be fun to stay here.


Ava has a look.


Inside the door.


Checking out the rooms.


Helping mommy make a fairy house.


Gathering sticks.


Finishing touches.

Boo-Boos, Birds and Hikes

I am soooo excited for spring. This is my absolute favorite time of the year. Better than Summer, better than Christmas. I can see some buds starting to form on the trees. Yayyy! That's the good news. The bad news? (not really that bad) Ava slipped in the tub and chipped her tooth. The dentist says she will be fine and just to leave it. They don't really cap baby teeth. Anyways, she'll get a new one in a few years. I just wish teeth could heal. She is still our pretty little doll!


Chalkboard fun.


We brought back a tub of sand from our last beach trip. I put it in a wrapping paper bin and Ava really digs it. Get it? Digs it?


This is a children's museum by Becca's house. I heard good things and have been wanting to check it out. Ava enjoyed herself thoroughly.


Fancy play kitchen.
_

Baking up some felt pies.


Playing with the big kids.


Making a valentine for daddy.


What a beauty!!


Riding on her little scooter.


We went out to dinner on the weekend and I wore my new $10 dress. Fancy.


Running around the playground.


Sweetheart.


The birds are coming back!


The squirrels never left.


Nor did the seagulls.


Ava thought these were strange looking ducks.


Rex is really getting some good pictures.


Pretty shot.


Off to join the fun.


She walked up this hill most of the way. I helped her at the top.


A hike on the White Oak trail.


Lost in the grass.


Enjoying a piece of nature.


Off down the trail.


Cool sunglasses gals.


Big girl Ava.