Just a week in May

Stacy and I cooked our last Wednesday night dinner together last week.  On Sunday she and Rich will fly to Turkey, where they'll teach English at a school for at least three years.  We're pretty bummed, but happy for them at the same time.  We've had the hardest time explaining this change to Ava.  Because of technology (Skype, cell phones) she can't understand how we'll still be able to talk to them but won't see them in person.  She just keeps saying, "It's okay because we'll see them at church."  Any advice on making this easier on her, or us for that matter, is welcome.

It wouldn't have been a Wednesday night dinner without our best little chef to help.  We love this gigantic mixer.  It just purrs.

Between Josh's last final and the start of summer school/fancy externship we headed to Frost to see his family.  On a rare, chilly May evening Ava, Aunt Jaryn and Coach sat on the tailgate hoping to hear the first 'hi-oatie' howling at the full moon.

Ava kept insisting that they needed to 'scrunch' together to stay warm.

We met our favorite Cam and Michelle at Cafe Capuccino for bigger-than-your-face-fantastic pancakes.  Josh had a final on the day that Cam graduated from Truett, so we had to delay our celebrations by a few days.

I just love this shot.  Ava spent most of our breakfast in that exact spot.  We're so excited to see where the Amazing Reynolds go next!  (Click here for a little history on our friendship with Cam.)

On our way home from breakfast I had to snap some pictures of the gorgeous corn fields near the Locketts' house. 

{Insert pictures of the three of us lazing about for four days.}

We returned to Norman just in time for Ava's Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy Playnight/Awards Night.

Ava was excited to show off her skills for Daddy.

Waiting patiently with Gabby while the coaches lay out a plan for the evening.

Still waiting

Balancing on the beam

So focused

Just habit to keep my hand behind her, this is why they don't usually let parents in the gym.

Swinging on the bars

So strong

Swinging until she drops

Practicing her backward rolls

When do kids learn how to look at the camera?  I have at least four pictures like this for every one picture of her looking at me.  Thank goodness for digital cameras.  Loving that HLS look though.

Supporting herself above the bar

Blurry but darling shot of the girls waiting for their certificates.

With coaches Sandi and Teresa, who moved Ava and Gabby up two classes into the Kindercubbies.  That's right folks, our 4-year-olds are heading into the kindergarten gymnastics class.  To quote my dad when I texted him the happy news about Ava's achievement, "Awesome, I am so glad you married a man who is athletic."  Me too Dad, me too.

Gorgeous clouds in the neighborhood

On Sunday Rich and Stacy worked their last shift at Ted's (a local favorite Mexican restaurant).  We schemed and succeeded in being their last table ever to wait on.  Here they were at the end of their last shifts as waitstaff.  Congratulations friends, way to finish strong.

One of Ava's favorite things to do is cook with Stacy.

Carefully measuring out the ingredients for Nutella Chocolate Chip cookies

They were delicious, didn't last two days with this group.

The next day (in the same outfit, I know - she still needed a bath so I just let her wear slightly used clothes) Ava played in the backyard.

She was pulling some stray grass blades out of the flowerbed.

Not long after these pictures were taken we had to quickly gather our things and head to the law school basement.  "Historic\tornadic activity" was predicted for the late afternoon/early evening and we decided to go underground for safety.

 

Even though it's an invitation for everyone to give me hell, I packed up what we'd need to get through a full night at the law school.  We had enough groceries, clothes, vitamins, asthma and allergy meds, blankets, pillows, cameras, boardgames, and toys to last a few days if need be.  I guarantee you the one time I don't overpack will be when a true weather apocalypse does happen.  So, you're welcome to everyone who safely rode out the storm.  Keep teasing me, that's just fine.

Even though we were in one of the safest rooms in the basement, we made Ava wear her bicycle helmet and stayed under the desks while the sirens sounded.

Several church and law school friends joined us in our 'hidey hole'.

So thankful to hear the all clear for Norman!

I'm happy to report that we all made it through the storm unscathed.  Other than various colors/types of insulation and other debris in the yard, the house was fine too.  Never a dull moment with the crazy Oklahoma weather.

And a happy little video of the Bave singing a song to help her not miss Daddy so much while he's at work: