6!

Well, my baby is now 6.  Crazy!  Her birthday was a few weeks ago and as long as we live in NW Indiana, it will always fall on the first week of school.  This year her birthday was on the second day of school but we still managed to make it a fun day.  At school she got to wear a special birthday crown, I brought in Subway for lunch (her request) and we all went out to CiCi's for dinner (her choice again).  Afterwards, we came home opened presents and had some ice cream cake.  Not too shabby for turning 6!
Fun facts about Ava:  She is very much a girly-girl-she is often wearing a skirt or dress but at the same time, she loves to play outside and doesn't mind getting dirty.  She absolutely loves horses.  She cannot get enough of them!  She loves pink and purple, playing with friends, riding her bike, pizza, blueberries, strawberries, cheesesticks, legos, swimming, and just about every animal.  Ava is such a joy to have around. She is friendly, inquisitive, helpful, and clever.  Happy birthday to my sweet girl!

Blowing out the candles.

Money!  Thanks Pau Pau and Goong Goong!

Horse books!

Ava was so excited to see that she got this:  Barbie and a walking horse.

4th Grade and Kindergarten

Say what?  That's what I thought as I got my kids ready for the school year.  It's a bittersweet time.  I love that they are growing and learning new things, I just wish it wasn't happening so fast.  This year Alex is starting 4th grade, which sounds crazy to me and Ava is (finally) beginning kindergarten.  She is so ready and excited to join her brother at school.  Here they are on their first day:

Rest of Summer

Summer vacation seemed to have flown by this year.  After we got back from Canada, the kids went back to camp for a few weeks, Ava had a birthday party, we went to the beach again, went to a fun cub scout bowling and mini-golf activity, and my mom and step-dad came down to visit.  The kids had a great summer and are looking forward to fun, new adventures next year!

Uncle Tristan and Bosko visit for a day.  My brother and his dog stopped in Indiana on their way back to Utah.

Lip synch performance at camp.  Ava is in purple.

Alex performing a Blues Brothers act at the camp lip synch performance.

Ava's birthday pool party.  So much fun!

Goofing off in Chicago.  Day trip with the kids and my mom and step-dad.

Outside the LEGO Store-Chicago.