First, Next, Then, Finally

If any of my former students (or parents) are reading this blog, this title is for you! Writing was one of my favorite things to teach to my sweet kindergartners. In an attempt to get my students to sequence their stories correctly, we used to sing a little song. "First, next, then... FINALLY!" Hand motions, snapping and a little bit of attitude were incorporated as well. :) My hope was that the song was effective in helping my students. Tonight, the song has been effective in getting stuck in my head. So here goes...

FIRST, my sister-in-law and 2 nephews came for a visit last week. We enjoyed spending time together, eating dinner, hosting a party, and of course letting the kids play together. While playing, Ava tried on Jack's glasses. Is she adorable, or what?

The switcheroo didn't last long. Jack couldn't see without his glasses, and Ava couldn't see with them. We are so thankful that Jack and Finn are exceptionally nice to Ava. They are always willing to share their toys with Ava, play with her, entertain her and make her smile. Thanks boys! Can't wait to see you again soon.

NEXT, Ava toyed with Fergie's emotions by taking her bone away and giving it back. Taking her bone away and giving it back. Taking her... you get the idea.

When Ava was done playing with Fergie, she moved on to her favorite thing in the world. Her books. See the look of excitement/mischief in her eyes? The excitement was because she knew books were in her immediate future...

The mischief was because she knew she was going to turn over every basket, pull out every book and leave no page unturned.

As a former teacher and lover of children's books, it warms my heart that Ava is so enthralled, interested, consumed and excited by books.

THEN, we went to Bounce U to celebrate Alex Wallace's 3rd birthday party. At first, I wasn't sure how Ava would do considering she was one of the smaller participants at the party. After putting her in one of the bounce houses, it became pretty clear that she was going to be just fine. 

Since birth, Matt and I have both thought that Ava has my fingers and toes. In other words, her fingers and toes are freakishly long... like mine. Due to my freakishly long fingers, I am able to palm a basketball, and a men's basketball at that. Well ladies and gentleman, she may not be palming a basketball, but Ava is on her way to following her mother's footsteps. Literally.

Even though Ava wasn't big enough to bounce by herself, she enjoyed being bounced by the bigger kids at the party. I would put her down in the middle of the bounce house, bigger kids would jump near her and she would crawl bounce around.

FINALLY, Ava wrapped up all of her fun with a dip in the tub. All we have to do is say the word, 'bath' and Ava will take off across the floor and head straight to the bathroom. The girl loves some bath time.

The following picture does no justice to Ava's splashing abilities. What you can't see are here legs rapidly thrashing through the water, her arms pumping up and down, her face plastered with elation and her mom and dad... soaking wet.

I couldn't resist. It was about time for another cute butt shot, don't you think?