Barack-O-Lantern

I'm Barack Obama, and I approve this pumpkin.

Josh carved a Barack-O-Lantern for Halloween. It was a welcome therapy from grueling LSAT practice. Ava wanted nothing to do with the squishy process. More Halloween photos to come.

Thomas and Friends

After watching an episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8 where they take the kiddos to spend a day out with Thomas, I found a similar event in Rusk, Texas. Ava, Josh and I drove to Coach and Mimi's house on Friday after school. The next morning we all woke up early and headed to see Ava's favorite TV star. I left Ava in her pajamas so she would be comfortable on the car ride.


Ava was very loving during our picnic. I think she was excited to be out of the car.

Enjoying a picnic with Mimi.

Ava and Abby braced themselves for a fun day.

After a yummy picnic lunch, we all headed to the station.

Ava peered down the tracks in search of her friends.

A much anticipated Thomas wound his way through the trees with a high pitched "peep peep".

Coach and Ava ventured forward to meet Thomas at the station.

A shiny Thomas blew smoke from his smokestack. He was beautifully blue!

Three thrilled Thomas fans

Bubbles, trains, and grandparents, if someone had been singing music from The Sound of Music Ava might have exploded with excitement!

We had fun perusing the gift shop/tent. Ava particularly enjoyed the Thomas tent.

Ava poses with Emily, Mommy's favorite train on the Island of Sodor. According to the theme song, "Emily really knows her stuff," as all really useful females must.

"Hello old friend," Ava says to all of the trains. This is as close to starstruck as a toddler can be. (She was almost as excited as Mimi would have been if Sting had been there.)

Ava was headed for the pond. A few seconds after this shot Daddy rushed to grab her.

There was so much applause from our little train lover that day. Most of our pictures of Ava had blurry hands.

Thomas surprised Ava and Coach with a loud "peep peep".

Happily on our way. The 30 minute train ride was just right for little Thomas fans.

We enjoyed perfect weather, pleasant company, and plenty of napping on the way home.

Fall pictures

Before I post the adorable fall pictures from today, I have to show off the latest addition to Ava's nursery. I never had a specific theme in mind with this sweet little room, just a color scheme and a vague idea. I've enjoyed piecing it together as we discover interests that she has. I found these adorable birds in the Pottery Barn Kids magazine, and had planned to make some of my own. However, back during the summer Mimi found them on sale for cheaper than we could make them...so she bought them for us! My little bird loves her little birds. There is a green daddy bird who rests on his nest tending the three baby birds. Pink mama bird hovers around tweeting specifics on how things should be done. Art imitating life? Perhaps.

And now to the pumpkins...

Pops, BaBa, Ava and Coco haul the pumpkins down to the picture spot.

Ava helps unload the harvest.

Sittin' pretty.

Yay, Ava threw an acorn!

Ava is a black kitten for Halloween. Here is a sneak preview.

This was such a funny moment. Ava is not too fond of Coco, and she was telling her to "Stop". She is such a good kitty.

Last but not least, Ava has mastered the kiss. She loves to smooch ya' right on the lips, and you better not try to back out of it too early. In this shot she has a death grip on my head...at least it's a loving death grip.

Fort Worth Zoo

Why did we even bring the stroller?

We all enjoyed feeding the birds!

Ava leans back as Daddy brings the green bird in a little too close.

Everyone helped to "shoulder" the Ava burden.

Look Baba, flamingos!

This is Ava's "I'm excited and I know where to go, follow me" stance.

Uncle Nate and Ava watch the monkeys wrestle.

Aunt Sarah holds Ava close as they watch the gorillas.

A few Sundays ago we decided to visit First Baptist Fort Worth Zoo. What fun!

Margaritaville?

Okay, does anyone else picture Jimmy Buffet every time the presidential candidates mention Warren Buffet?