Happy Valentine's Day

Normally I'm not a big fan of Valentine's day. I mean, I don't hate the holiday, but I never make a big deal about it. But since Ava is getting older, it's been fun finding different things to make with her to celebrate together. So we've kept busy today. I even let her skip her nap today. (I do have other motives for that...no nap=early bedtime!)

This is for daddy when he gets home. Ava's first time to write "I love you". Can you find the "v"?


Ava had her first dentist appointment today. She did great but unfortunately I didn't get one picture of it. She got a special treat afterwards for being so brave. We went to Chick-fil-a and got some ice cream. Oh, and a sucker when we got home.

We've also been enjoying this beautiful day. Lily has had a rough napping day, so outside seems to help with the crying.

Hope you all have a fun Valentine's day celebrating with your love ones too.

Ava's birthday

Finally...Ava's party. The first few pictures are of Ava's actually birthday. We made her a pancake shaped like a number 3. She loved it!

Since we had just got back from being gone for over a week, we were ready to stay home. But we told Ava she could do whatever she wanted to do. So, she chose to keep her pajamas on most of the day and wear her cowgirl hat. Along with watching Toys Story 1 and 3, and if I remember correctly, we watched one of those twice. Wow, a dream come true for her!
Then we made some brownies so she could have a little dessert that night. (Don't let Sophie look Catherine. She's eating some of the batter. ha!)



Then we let her open one gift from Lily that night. She had fun and that could have been the end of her birthday. But wait...there's more....


The next Saturday (Jan. 8) we had a little party for Ava. And I'm glad we did because the week between her actual birthday and her birthday party, she was telling me that she's not three yet because her friends haven't come over to celebrate.

I made Ava a birthday shirt with a giant cupcake on it with three candles. But, as soon as Sophie got there, she wanted to dress up like a princess and she kept it on the whole night. So, next year I may not try so hard to make a birthday shirt for her.

Sophie and Ava reading together. I'm sure that didn't last long.

Catherine and baby Micah - what a cutie!

My sweet, lovable Lily

Ava's birthday cake - a GIANT cupcake

Grandma Jan and the girls

Miss Amber and Ava

Ava opening her present from Sophie.

And here was the rest of the evening. Playing with Mr. Potato head that Ava was not willing to share, as you can see.

Ava had a great time celebrating! Now that she's three, we hear it all the time. "I'm three now, I can do it." Our little Ava is growing up and is changing so much. She's becoming very thoughtful, especially with Lily. She loves taking care of her. If Lily cries, then Ava will run and get her a toy right away. There's no need for Lily to start crawling anytime soon since we have Ava around. She is also our encourager. "You're so pretty, momma." or "It's okay, mommy. I will take care of you." I've started journaling some things she says because I never want to forget them. As any three-year-olds, we have our moments with melt downs, throwing fits, not sharing, etc. But we pray that God will use Ava to serve Him one day. And that she will shine her light in such a way that she may glorify Him. (Matt 5:16)

We thank God for bringing Ava into our lives 3 years ago. He has already used her to draw us closer to Him.

Birthday Party With Family

After we left Jonathan's family, we went to visit my Grandma Jo at Princeton, IN. While we were there, we celebrated Ava's birthday. We first went to Chuck E Cheese, then on to a favorite mexican restraunt of mine. My aunt, uncle and cousin came, along with her three kids. Ava always enjoys seeing Elijah and Ella.

Papa and Lily

Ava and Ella riding, what I think was a rollercoaster. Ava would just stare at it and wouldn't move, Ella was a little scared and had to hold Ava's hand. It was cute.

Ava riding the horse. This was definitely her favorite ride.

Ava did not like Chuck E, but she still wanted to see him. We definitely couldn't get too close though. This is Ava watching Chuck E dance from a distance as she's holding on tight to mommy.

Belated birthday wish for Cate

(This was meant to be posted on Cate's birthday, but we are almost 2 weeks behind. ooops! And I'm pretty sure Ava was on a sugar high. I couldn't keep her still.)

We miss and love you, Cate. Come see us soon!

Christmas

We had a lot of fun during Christmas. Our first stop was Birmingham, where my parents live. My brother Jeromy, and his family, were able to make it this year, along with my sister and her family. So we had a full house. It was crazy, but the good kind of crazy. The cousins had fun together, too. Here are a few pictures of our time together.

One day we went to the Galleria and let the kids ride the train. They had fun, especially since Uncle Jeromy wanted to ride with them.

The kids had matching shirts on for Christmas day, but I never got a picture with them together. I guess that's what happens when you get 7 kids together. We did get Eli and Lily, but this is the best we could do. Still cute though!

The making of a ginger bread house. This was a big hit!




Don't worry, this isn't a real oreo cookie. Although I'm sure Lily would've loved that.

Lily trying out Eli's new Thomas the Train.

The first of many presents to come.

After we celebrated with my family, we left for Jonathan's family's house. We drove at night, which was great. Both girls slept the whole way. Unfortunately, I didn't get any picture from our time there. But, you will see a picture soon of Ava's Christmas and birthday gift. It's a massive playhouse that Jonathan's dad built. He did an AMAZING job! They will be bringing it down when it gets warmer out, so I'll show you pictures then. I'm sure Ava will be living in it most of the summer.

Eli's birthday

I have so much to update about - Eli's birthday, Christmas and Ava's birthday. We'll start with Eli's birthday and slowly update with the rest. Eli (my nephew) turned one on December 22. My whole family, minus my older brother and his family, all went to my parents for Christmas. So we celebrated Eli's birthday together while we were there. My mom suprised my sister and made an amazing train cake. She did a great job with it!

The Shinkle family










The girls enjoying their cake together.

The famous one-year-old picture. He had fun, can you tell?

Silly sisters - (you're welcome, Annie.)

Eli, what a sweet boy you are. We love you and had fun celebrating your birthday with you, even though you are wearing a pink bib that says princess on it. I miss those kisses you would give me!

One more week until Christmas...

and we are ready!

Here are two photos of Ava playing in the snow last week:

I think her favorite part was eating the snow.

After Ava was finished making snow angels, we warmed up with some hot chocolate.

What do best friends do for each other at 3 years old?

Ava's dance moves

Who do you think taught her how to dance like this?

Christmas is almost here

Our Christmas tree is up and our stockings are hung. We so love this time of year. Ava is loving our Christmas tree lights. She loves turning off all the lights with only the Christmas lights on. We also decorated her room this year with lights. She loves it! We are trying to start a few new traditions this year. One being our advent calendar. There are LOTS of ideas out there. I got my idea from a friends blog. You should check it out here. We also have been reading this to her everyday. (Thanks, Catherine!)

Setting up Ava's nativity set




Little treats are inside and something special written that Ava gets to do everyday with mommy and daddy. I get just as excited as she does.