Mother's Retreat

Becca gave us all a big treat by organizing a retreat at Hanging Rock State Park last weekend. We hiked to the top of hanging rock, saw 3 waterfalls and did another hike to an observation tower on our last day. There were smores, and silly stories and games and laughter. I felt like a kid again. Lots of fun!!


Hanging Rock from the lower trail.


Becca and Rhonda on top of the mountain.


A view.


Anna and Becca do some yoga.


Sitting near hidden falls.


Rhonda, Abby, Anna and Becca posing behind hidden falls.


The whole group at the top of the observation tower.
Danille, Rhonda, Becca, Abby, Anna.


Climbing out to a view.


Perched.


Zen.


360 view from the tower.

Spring Spectacular

I love Spring. It's my favorite season by far and far to short it seems, but we have been out enjoying it. You wouldn't know it to look at he photos below, but it has gotten pretty raucous around here at times. Ava is a growing girl and displays all the emotions and behavior of a normal of 3 year-old. (Heaven help us. :) She is a little lamb with a lion's roar. If she hasn't gotten her way and she is particularly upset, she will say, "I a grumpy old troll." I'm not sure where she got that expression, but it appears to be true. :) Enjoy the adorable photos below, as they are silent and won't get tears on you.

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After all this time, Ava has just noticed the camera and now requests her picture to be taken.

We have been out picking wild flowers around the neighborhood.

A pretty spring bouquet.

Wearing a pretty Easter dress at the American Tobacco District.

Wind in her hair.

New summer sandals.

Doing tricks.

Dancing.

A kiss for Ava.

Luvs too.

A good day.

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Luvs for Mom too.

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Splashing in a fountain.

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Hiding in a sculpture.

Wet toes.

Pretty girl.

Standing on a lawn speaker, an old favorite.

More fountains.

American Tobacco District landmarks.

Beautiful architecture.

More grand architecture!

Happy Birthday Ava

Well it's been a few weeks since our last post. I think I will be doing one a month this year. I think I have well documented the early years of Ava's life (ha, ha) so we will just do an update now and then. That said, Ava turned 3 on Feb. 25 and is becoming a big girl. As she put it, "I a little baby, but I grow and grow to a big girl." She wants to be a big girl in the worst way and have strong muscles too. What a doll. Congratulations to Dad on his retirement after 40+ years of dedicated work. We love you Dad!



The baby goats have been born at nearby farms and have welcomed the public to come see the cuteness.


Swinging on a tire swing.


Ava sitting in a giant chair at the children's museum.


Livi an Ava doing some gymnastics at the park.


Kicking the giant ball around a tennis court.


Go, Livi, go.


We had our firs snow of the year on Feb. 20. That should do it I guess.


Don't eat the yellow snow.


Riding the boats at Pullen Park.


Riding on the carousel too.


Ava always picks the kitty cat with a fish in his mouth.


Smiles.


Teeter-totter.


Eating lunch at the mall with her best pal Madison and her brother Christian.


Holding hands.


In the elevator.


Back to the mill on a sunny day.


Picnic on the dock. The sunshine was great!


Wearing mommy's glasses.


Ava's birthday party was lots of fun. The kids played and played and had a picnic in the living room.


My friend Richa made a beautiful cake for Ava. Amazing!! Thank you Richa!


Blowing out the candles.


Opeing presents.

The group: Becca, Livi, Emer, Gigi, Metta, Ava, Mommy, Madison, Liz, David, Christian.

A real fun game. *sigh*

The birthday girl eats some cake. (Thank you cousin Lily for the cute shirt.)