Oh Chute

We spent almost every afternoon this week at a park. Windy, but beautiful weather has comfortably settled in. We love to lay on a blanket in the grass. J and JK will drop by to entertain with far-fetched fancy stories or a magic trick, and Ava feels the need to snuggle up close, no matter how warm the sunshine is. I asked her to back up three times before I could finally snap a picture of her whole face (no zoom on the phone).

Sunday afternoon was pure bliss. Ava and I changed out of church clothes and into play clothes at lightening speed. We set out in the jogging stroller ('doggy stroller' according to her, no idea why). One of the most wonderful things about living on a college campus is that you have access to miles and miles of beautiful sidewalks and friendly faces. After a brisk walk we stopped at this fountain for almost an hour. As I mentioned on Facebook, I was a little reserved about sticking our feet in the water. What is proper fountain etiquette anyway? A scene I remembered from the local news about some Oklahomans goin' noodelin' helped me quickly toss aside any reservations I had. A state that accepts grown men sticking their entire arms into a river crevice until a whale of a catfish clamps onto it, boasting that they use no bait save their own flesh, would surely accept a hot-footed mommy daughter team soaking their tired tootsies. Ava fluttered around the fountain, throwing in leaves, pebbles, and flowers that happened by. Every fifteen minutes the bells would peal, what I imagined to be, our Sunday afternoon theme song.

How lucky am I that the dearest, darlingest three-year-old who lives with me knows how to sort silverware?

and is a whiz at returning her cups, plates, and bowls to her shelf in the pantry?

Every silver lining has a cloud. Senior Taciturn, formerly known as HLS. This has been the view of the dining room ALL weekend. It's finals season. First one May 4, last one May 14.
Pray for all victims please.

Before bed Ava and I played a rousing game of Chutes and Ladders. She was Elmo, I was Zoe. See me on square 7 while she's on square 100? That was the legitimate game board, no cheating or scooting.

The end of today has felt a little like this game for me. We found out that the person who has been renting our (still unsold) house in Texas will be moving at the end of May. As if finals haven't already alerted our stress level to orange, let's just add some glittery pink polka dots. If you or someone you know is interested in renting or buying a home in central Texas puh-lease let me know.

In happier news, on Saturday night Ava decided to wrap up our school time with something akin to the grand finale at a fireworks display. She matched the capital and lowercase letters from her arches, said their names, gave their sounds (multiple sounds for those tricky tricksters), and then counted all of the letters...52 in all! She is so eager to learn and then show off what she's done. Not trying to be 'one of those moms' forever bragging about their little genius, but if you're reading my blog it may happen sometimes. Can't apologize for loving this girl to the moon and back.