We're Moving to PreSchool

So I was sitting outside of Chase and Ava's preschool today watching the moms come and go as I was getting all of our things together and I realized something. If you were looking for a way to capture the face of freedom, relief, and weightlessness you wouldn't need to look any further than outside the doors of a preschool. All of these moms go in carrying a ton of stuff; lunch boxes, bags, blankets, car seats, baby carriers, and whatever else their kids may require, but then you should see the change in them as they are leaving. It's amazing. They go from totally weighted down to totally weightless and free in a matter of minutes! I'm not saying these moms don't like being with their kids but boy, moms need a break some times. And the prospect of 5 uninterrupted hours of time that is not dictated by anyone else or their schedule brings a little smile to these moms faces as they practically skip to their cars!

I really started thinking about all of this b/c I was in awe at the amount of stuff I have to pack into my car on a school morning...particularly the first day of school back...It's like we're moving in! I made three trips getting it all (including the kids) in there! But then after I lug all their stuff in and drop them off and am coming back to my car...all I have is my keys. :)


Here they are on their first day back:

(seriously...this is the best pic I got of Ava. I mean, open your eyes kid!) When I dropped her off someone said, "Ava! You grew some hair on your head this summer!" Yes, it's true! I can even put a clip in it!

Chase was really excited! We got in the car and were just backing out of our driveway and he said "Are we almost there yet?". Ha!

And now here's the view from where I sit (that's Rachel Ray):

Stuff

Here's a photo update for all of my blog readers...all 2 of you. :)

Also I thought I would pass along Chase and Ava's stats from their doctor appointments.

Ava: 19 pounds (20%), 29 inches tall (25%), and get this...head is 18.25 inches (80%) -> girl's still got a big noggin

Chase: 33 pounds (25%), 41 inches tall (60%)


Trip to Colorado with friends:

Summer Time Swimming:

Children's Museum:

Frontier City:

Check out that face! But he loves it!

Happy Birthday Ava!

My little girl turned one today! I can't believe it! She's so spunky...lots of personality. She tries to say lots of words...sometimes she succeeds. She can stand but hasn't taken any steps yet. She loves her brother, son shine school, avocado, grapes, cheese, playing in Chase's room, climbing steps, watching baby einstein movies, etc. She has a temper when she doesn't get her way. She's finally getting enough hair to put a little clip in.

Here she is eating her birthday pancakes this morning. :)
This evening we took a fun bike ride.

A few days ago in Houston we had a little birthday party for Ava and Chase.

Hey this is not bad!

I think I'll have a little more.

mmmmm!

Yes, I definitely like birthday cake!

No, those messy fingers may not touch your new present!

Chase already had a birthday party a few weeks ago but don't worry he still enjoyed being the center of attention again....oh and the cake too.

And opening presents is always fun!

Here is a picture of Ava one year ago today....I think her looks have improved over time.

Also I thought you might like to see a comparison picture of Chase and Ava both eating their 1st birthday cake. (First: Ava July 2009; Second: Chase July 2006)

Baby Noah

My Nephew Noah was born! He is sooooo cute and so sweet.
Proud mom and dad Amy and Pete

Lots of dark hair.

Noah was born with a heart defect that is going to have to be corrected with surgery in the next 3 or so months. Please keep him and his parents in your prayers!

Fun in Houston

We took a little trip to visit MiMi and PaPa's house. It was super fun!

The whole crew
Teacher Wendi shows Chase how to do his work book.

Fun in the pool!

Chase loves the pool...Ava is not too sure.

Chase loves his little sis. (Yes, that is a Harry Potter lightning bolt on Chase's head)

ahhhhh

Ava and Uncle Wade and Aunt Wendi

View from the top.

Me and Ava!

Other Random Stuff...

Ava and her class at Son Shine School. She's the blonde in the front.

This is Chase dressed like a super hero at a friend's birthday party. :)

Happy Birthday Chase!

Guess who just turned four! Chase!
I can't believe it!

On his actual birthday we got up and had birthday pancakes. My mom always did that with us on our birthdays when we were growing up so I thought we would start that tradition this year!
This is what birthday pancakes look like! (That's a "4" in case you can't tell ;)

We had a super fun birthday party at McDonald's the next day!

We made lots of noise!

Ava thinks she's so big!
Nothing like happy meals!

We put batman tattoos on the kids...here's the only good picture I have to show for it. :)

They're actually all sitting down!

Mom, enough pictures already!

Mom and dad get to stand and eat off the trash can while the kids sit at the table. How gross is that! (Way to look normal Preston)

Chase with one of his birthday presents!

Trying out his new Spiderman bike! (Can you tell we're into superheros right now!)