This stroller has been through it all. I remember the day I went out and left Brian home with both kids. When I came back in the door what I saw was rather shocking. Ava had baby Noah in her play stroller and was pushing him around the house.
Now fast forward a few years...Lucy has a new baby brother (Noah Jr.) and you can imagine what she wanted to do with the same stroller. Great minds??? The look on Lucy's face is slightly more devious than Ava's. She wanted to take brother for a real ride. Malcolm looks worried.
I haven't been to the Museum of Flight in years! A lot has changed, and it was really fun to see the kids experience the museum. My dad used to take us here, wish he could have been with us today. Such a group of characters!
This was a big deal. My baby girl went on a trip without me, or daddy, for five whole days. She got on a plane (with auntie and Lucy), flew to Arizona, and had a marvelous time....all without me! I missed my girl, but am grateful for the time she got to spend with nana, auntie, and Lucy. I had a pretty great time with Noah while Ava was gone, but boy did he miss his sister. I didn't realize how much those two played together and kept each other entertained. Wow. He talked.....a LOT. It was a great few days with my little guy.
Meanwhile...in Arizona.....Ava the lizard hunter!
This is her sweet friend Lancey. They became fast friends on our last trip, and Ava was able to spend Sunday afternoon with her.
Apparently she was cold...in 90 degree weather.
Message to her brother!
1) Fierce Ava. 2) She never leaves home without Tiger. I wrote her a note to open each day she was there. 3) This little lady was busy! 4) Look at that face, she looks like her mama.
Park time!
Somebody didn't want to leave...
We bought this little red play kitchen for Ava when she was about two. My kids don't really play with it too much anymore, but I just couldn't get rid of it. In recent weeks I've been pleasantly validated in keeping it. Ava & Noah have been watching Master Chef Junior and LOVE it. As soon as they finish an episode they disappear into the toy closet and emerge with a cardboard/wood/plastic culinary masterpiece. Then there's my cousins kids; Gwenna, Amelia, Caleb, and Gideon have been over recently and played with it. Finally, Lucy Lu. She is the latest in line to enjoy all the splendor of the little red kitchen. I think it shall stay right where it is....for at least a little longer.
I can't believe this sweet little bundle of spunk is turning one. Last Christmas we were eagerly anticipating her arrival, and this year we are chasing her around the house. She's full of energy and constantly makes me laugh. I love to squeeze her! Those cheeks are so kissable, and they get lots of kisses. Ava and Noah adore her, and are more than happy to "babysit" her.
We all look forward to watching you grow, sweet Lu, and seeing how God's perfect plan will develop in your life.
We love you Lucy Lu Lu! Happy Birthday!
So much personality! Love this girl.
This crazy crowd....
It's a rare sighting, Lucy sitting still, and can only mean one thing...somebody doesn't feel good. Not only sitting still, but snuggling with cousin Ava. Drink up these sweet moments while they last, Ava. It took ALL my willpower to keep working out and not quit to get in on the snuggles.
Going...going....gone...goner.
Happy birthday Katie! We stopped by to give her birthday hello's and presents. Lucy was looking pretty sleepy on her way down to see us at the car, but it didn't take much from Ava and Noah to get her giggling. She was doing this for quite a few minutes before we finally grabbed the phone to record it. I was cracking up! Such a big girl! Cousins are the best.
For Noah's reading time today he decided Lucy would like to hear a Piggie and Gerald book (currently his favorite....because there are "shouting" words). He's getting too big! It wasn't that long ago he was Lucy's size and I was reading to him.
I told him the "shouting" parts needed to be toned down a bit for Lucy, we don't want to startle her. He did great! Lucy gave her growling approval (okay...those might have been for Pete-y). She's such a big girl sitting up!
Babysitting this little pumpkin is a pretty great job. Making her smile is the best. I'm blessed to be her auntie.
I also love that, without fail, no matter how grumpy she is....get those pants and diaper off and let the smiles and babbling commence. She also happened to really enjoy listening to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds during her diaper free time!
1. Blowing bubbles and making zerbit sounds, nicely done. 2. I call this one "drunk on toes". 3. A baby "selfie" taken by me laying on the floor, next to her, while showing her the camera image (of herself). Usually when the camera comes out she gets very serious....I guess we'll call this her playful side. Auntie isn't too sure about that sly grin and choice of fingers. Hmmmmm.
She's here! We are just a little excited to meet her...and she's finally here! It was a very long night, and man oh man did Ava reaaaaally wanted to stay til she was born, but little Lucy Margaret had her own plan. No matter, we are so happy she is here and look forward to many adventures together! (when they told me her name I couldn't help it...)
Okay...Ava and I may have been a little more enthralled with Lucy than others.
My camera is a little weird and does this thing where it puts pre-pictures into a sort of montage. Anyway...this one was kind of cute.
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