Getting Dressed

Okay, so I tried. I tried to get them to dress up a little for Thanksgiving. Yes, I was brought up to dress up for the holidays. Somehow my mom felt that if someone took the time to prepare and cook a nice dinner than you showed your appreciation by dressing up. So upon sharing this with Ava, the tears started. Not full blown out tears but the sniffling and upset expression. I told her she could pick what she wanted but "no jeans, sweats, or T-shirts". She has tons of pants, leggings, shirts, dresses, appropriate shirts and sweaters. She had lots of choices here. She begrudgingly proceeded to pick a white button down shirt (somewhat like Daddy would wear) that she wore LAST YEAR for Christmas and a pair of cream pants. Which, had she not grown would have been fine, but with the arms landing just past the elbow hardly a "nice" outfit. I decided to let it go as she was already upset about this whole thing. Then she said she needed a tie (yes we are trying to be like Daddy here). I told her she doesn't have a tie. She gets more and more upset. I said maybe she could borrow one of Zac's. She is more appalled then ever. Wear Zac's tie, no way. She'll borrow one of Daddy's. "No" I say "Daddy's are way too big". She is getting more and more upset by the minute. In an attempt to pacify her, I offer to make one with a ribbon. This is surprisingly acceptable to her. Ugg, she would have looked better in a T-shirt and jeans now! Of course her insistence of wearing a tie, only made Zac want to wear one too. Only problem here is he is insisting on wearing his "My Grandma Makes the #1 Best Turkey" shirt, which you can imagine doesn't have a collar for a tie!!!!!! Yes, he wore the tie over this shirt. (luckily the ribbon didn't stay tied well, and Ava let it go). Well here are some photos from Thanksgiving at Aunt Debbie's.

Thanksgiving

I know this is early (as Thanksgiving is just under a week away) but as I've been incredibly late on all posts, I decided to switch things up and feel good about being on top of things for just this once! No, really, mostly I just wanted to express how truly grateful I am. While not wanting to get all sappy on you I can't let this holiday get by without sharing how utterly happy, lucky and thankful I am. Yes, these two crazy faces have much to do with it, along with their just as crazy face dad does! But, it's even more than that. That's what gets me, that with them it doesn't seem fair to have more. But, somehow, I do. I have incredible people all around me - always. I'm surrounded by positive energy and support - always. I know this sounds exaggerated, but really truly and honestly its not. I LOVE my husband Jon. I LOVE my two kids Ava and Zac. I LOVE my mom. I LOVE my dad. I LOVE my sisters. I LOVE my brothers. I LOVE my best friend, Stephanie. I LOVE my nieces. I LOVE my nephews. I LOVE my in-laws. I LOVE my cousins. I LOVE my aunts and uncles. I LOVE my friends and neighbors. What's more, is I feel they all love me too. So this is what I am so grateful for, cause what could really be more?

Chicago

We stayed two fun filled nights in Chicago over the summer! Ava wants to stay five nights next time. The girl (and Zac) loves staying in hotels and swimming. We hit the aquarium, the Children's Museum at Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and two trips to the Disney store and so much more! Ava just had to get every Princess & Prince Barbie Doll and, well, Daddy couldn't say no.

We went up the John Hancock Building earlier this summer. Can't wait to go back and see all the Christmas decorations very soon!

Little Dragons Black Belt

She did it! Earned her Little Dragons Black Belt in August!

Milwaukee County Zoo

They're showing off their airbrush tattoo's thanks to Daddy coming along on this outing! Also, have to show off "Alex" the lion & "Marty" the zebra, or at least that's what my kids named them (from Madagascar). Our next this to the zoo we saw three new baby lions too! Pictures are a little fuzzy, but possibly will be included in a future post. On a previous trip we stopped in on the train display, that captivated Zac.

Camel ride

She rode the Camel! After several attempts over the past two years, Ava rode a camel! She has wanted, insisted, to do this for two years now. For two years now, I've taken her, bought the ticket, stood in line only to have her freak out into a panic when she was to mount the camel. What's even more shocking is she rode him all by herself! All other attempts, I would have rode with her. This time, she was ready and went it alone! So glad we were able to mark this victory! Zac rode too, but mom went with him!

And a few photos from Fox River Park.

Warmer Days

With a fun filled summer, I have so many photos to share. These are two from the beginning. Ava is sporting her Spiderman snorkeling gear (which she received for her birthday from BFF, Jason) and Zac in one of Daddy's favorite Baseball T's. Yes, Ava wore the goggles around the house much of the summer and even outside while playing with friends outback. It is a look!

Wonder Where or Underware?

Just had to share a song...Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How I Under Ware You Are! OMG - yes this is how my most precious two (almost three) year old was singing this sweet song. I just had to share this before I forget and I just could not let this get forgotten, you agree? Oh, how I will soon miss his sweet, soft, slurring voice. He sounds sweeter then a newborn kitten (if a kitten could actually talk that is). I love the songs he sings, could listen to him all day long. Other favorites are Row Row Row Your Boat & ABCs & the newest from Preschool is Gray Squirrel (Grey Squirrel, Swish your Bushy Tail) while Swishing his back bumper back and forth.

Rainy Day

the rain won't slow us down!

Labor Day

Had the cousins over for Labor Day. Headed to the Fox River Park while Daddy and Zac napped.

Fabulous Five

I don't know about this whole turning five thing, but I guess I don't have a choice. She is now five and not looking back! Once again we went to Six Flags for her Birthday and we so glad to have Aunt Stephanie, Jason, Grace, Brayden, Uncle Tony, Alexis and Emily join us. What super fun. Ava was especially excited to have Uncle Tony take her on the Demon (an upside down rollercoaster)! What a great fifth birthday! It is still all she talks about - we will have to get there a few more times this year.