Wicked Dreams Come True

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We took Ava to see Toy Story 3 on opening night at our favorite Warren Theater. Josh and I saw the first Toy Story when we were in eighth grade, and this movie was just as magical. Parts of the film were a little intense for the Bave, and at some point of the movie each of us were in tears- although for quite different reasons. Ava because she didn't want the Toys to fall into the inferno at the dump, Josh and I because we don't ever want her to grow up. Ever.

Ava was transfixed by the beautiful rainbow-colored curtain in the theater, which rises majestically before the movie begins.

Lately Ava spends more time than ever playing with her Legos. We, read Santa, bought them for her for Christmas and she would play with them when Josh and I begged her to, mostly because we love them too. In the past couple of weeks she has really started to enjoy them alone, although we often join her. Here was a combination daddy-daughter build.

Reading color words on balloons

When we swim with M Ava usually wears her floaties. They allow her some independence in the water. We knew she would start swimming lessons at OU soon, so we had been practicing without them some.

Ready for her first swimming lessons without Daddy and Mommy in the water

The lifeguards float these nifty platforms in the 3-foot water so that the kiddos can safely wait their turn to swim. Grace and Ava love the platform!

Floating on her back

Swimming fast with the noodle, trying to reach the yellow fish.

Sweet little swimmers

Enjoying some after-gymnastics Chick Fil A ice cream

Ava loves these little gerbils at the public library.

Poor baby woke up early Wednesday morning burning up with fever.

She had no other symptoms, just a crazy high fever. The doctor said her lymp nodes were swollen, and she was probably just fighting a virus. Sweet Stacy brought her these beautiful flowers.

Ava took a little rest in the living room, check out that leg.

While she slept Grace's family brought some popsicles. We felt so loved and taken care of while Ava was sick, thanks everyone!

Once the fever princess was out for the night I got started on a little sewing project for my new nephew, Nolan Lee. Remember the shirt that started this little sewing project? I had some scraps of the shirt left and decided to use it to make a super-preppy onesie. I also used some of my favorite paisley fabric to make a second one. I saw these on ETSY and decided I could easily make them myself.

With the virus behind us we hopped on our faithful steeds and headed on down to Texas.

I know I've mentioned that when Josh and I were first married we worked at a little cafe in Brenham, Texas. Josh worked in the kitchen and I made coffee drinks, smoothies, Italian sodas and served food out front. I loved-loved-loved this job. I had so many precious customers who came in daily for their morning coffee or afternoon tea. One such customer returned from a much-coveted trip to New York City for Spring Break with news of a play. She practically ran across the cafe, grabbed both my hands over the counter and began gushing with words like 'Oz', 'amazing songs', and 'Elphaba'. She had me at Oz. I've been a BIG Wizard of Oz fan for as long as I can remember, an almost unhealthy obsession at times. So, in March of 2005 I decided that I had to see Wicked. Flash forward five years. My sweet hubby and the sweet hubby of a dear friend treated us to Wicked tickets in Dallas.

I woke up Saturday morning with 'track butterflies'. Although when I told Josh about them he said that was impossible, and then I quickly reminded him that "Uh-huh, I ran the mile in 7th grade." My state-track-meet-running-husband just shook his head.
Anyway, I was pumped!

A dream come true

Grainy, happy couple

The play was absolutely fantastic, everything I'd imagined and more.

We spent the next day relaxing with Sarah and Brandon.

Obviously, Nolan was there too.

Strolling around the fountain with Daddy

I think she wanted to jump in for a swim.

Waiting so patiently in the display window

Doesn't this look like a paparazzi shot?

Sarah got all kinds of love!

The Una Día Sisters

My Reading Dragon

This week OWC had Mission Maddnes, their version of VBS. Ava participated with the K-1st grade class since I was helping. She loved it!

Unfortunately, we had to drag out the nebulizer this week.
Fortunately, I ordered two adorable pediatric masks for Ava to use during her breathing treatments. This one is her Dragon. We also have an Elephant. The new masks make her so happy, definitely worth the small price. If you are in need of some mask spice in your life, I highly recommend Pediatric Mask.com. Reasonably priced and extremely speedy delivery.

I have been bathing Ava at M's house after we swim or have a sweaty day outside. After her bath I blow-dry her hair while she sits on M's bathroom counter. On Monday I heard her saying something over the noise of the hair dryer.

"Mommy, H-O-T, hhh-ah-ttt, hot!"

I jumped around and praised her amazing reading skills, then asked her what the other word said.

"C-O-L-D, cc- O-llll-dddd, cold! Mommy it says cold!"

Now, I realize she had a little environmental help with this. It is logical that the faucet handles would say hot and cold, but it's not something we've ever talked about. She is eager to find words that she can 'read' everywhere we go. In my humble opinion she is showing signs of pre reading. I'm not sure who is more excited! Do you think it's too early to pull out Anne of Green Gables?

On Friday the preschool playgroup from OWC met at Jump Zone to play for the morning.

I love the Bave in light blue.

Jump Zone is also a showroom for playground equipment. The girls really enjoyed the tire swing.

Climbing

Grace at the bottom of the tall slide

I love this picture. She had just conquered the tall slide, so proud.

WARNING: Slightly proud wife posting below, if you're offended or sickened by this please stop reading now.
HLS conquered his own 'tall slide' this week. He received his grades from the second semester and absolutely rocked. He Am-Jured Civil Procedure (click here for full list) and is in the top 15% of his class.
Remember that line in Legally Blonde where the professor says, "I wonder if she just woke up one day and said, 'I think I'll go to law school,'?" That's pretty much what happened with HLS. He was in his last year of seminary, knowing vocational ministry was not for us. Sure, he studied political science/history in undergrad and we were watching a lot of Will & Grace at the time. Those two things do not guarantee a successful venture in law school. He is so relieved that maybe this law thing is for him. He adores his summer internship and is often heard 'using legal jargon in everyday life'.

He's come a long way since this picture, taken the night before he started law school.

In other happyhappy news, this darling couple found out their Baby Cashew is a
BOY!
Nolan Lee is expected to make his grand appearance on Halloween. Ava will finally have a cousin, what a treat!
Read more about them here.

Splish Splash

Just a little coincidence that I am posting on a very special day - hope you had a happy birthday Coach!

Our summer 'routine' has officially begun. Josh has started his externship with the US Attorney's Office in Oklahoma City, thanks for keeping that zucchini incident between us. He's loving it so far, and looks terribly handsome in a suit every day (we're welcoming any donations for the Clothe The Law Student fund, suits are expensive). Ava and I are spending our summer nannying for a sweet family with passes to everything fun within driving distance from Norman. We kicked off our week at the zoo.

Ava loved these tortoises.

See what happens when you cut your own hair?

Chick-Fil-A has released a new spicy chicken sandwich (so very delicious). To promote the new sandwich their enormous cow was parading around the restaurant wearing a fireman's hat. Ava was terrified of the cow. Every time he would walk near our table she would scurry underneath the table. Luckily I caught one of these little trips down under on my phone.
We left after this picture and she finished her lunch in the car.

Swimming in the neighborhood pool with M (the kiddo I'm keeping this summer)

Watering plants for J and JK while they are out of town

Fresh-picked tomatoes with sea salt

Yum

Snap-happy Daddy

OWC (Our Wonderful Church - my new name for our church, for about a zillion reasons. Those of you who are old friends will be shocked to hear that I am co-teaching Ava's Sunday School class, yeah...it's that good.)
Anyway, OWC had a Movie Under The Stars on Sunday evening. Even on the most stifling summer days, evenings here are breezy and bearable. The night started with games, chalk and bubbles.

Big chalk is difficult to hold.

Soapy fun

Movie snacks - snowcones with sour straws

and popcorn

Not sure how the tiny girls scored these comfy beanbag chairs

The kids enjoyed the movie while most of the adults chatted behind them. Such a great night.


Between zoos, museums, pools and movies, I'm 'teaching' Ava and M for a little while each day.
My one-room schoolhouse
M worked on some pre-third grade math while Ava practiced addition and subtraction with her farm animal manipulatives.

Practicing the letter 'Cc'

M and Ava are both the only children in their families, and they're both thrilled to have someone to play with for the summer.

A run to Hobby Lobby for gray thread turned a little kooky. This was Josh's take on 'The Full Armor of God'. No worries, he's not the one teaching Sunday School.

We met up with the Browns at the splash pad at 7:00 one evening. They are genius parents, knowing that the water turns off at 8:00. No reason to argue and cry to stay longer if the very essence of the splash pad is gone. Maybe we'll be that smart someday.

Not quite ready to drench herself

Still thinking about it

Making a dash under the spray

Splashing a little more with Grace

We're not sure if Grace really likes the splash pad.

Daddy tried to talk Ava into running through the rainbow.

Soaked, finally

Grace's baby brother, Owen, watched the squealing girls - with a little leftover carrot on his chin.

Our little burritos

Today in one picture