Andrea's Home!

My friend Andrea moved to Yellowknife last summer when Ava was still a tiny baby. She was the first friend to come to the hospital to meet Ava when she was born. We were so excited that she was able to make a trip home this summer!! Ava loved hanging out with her and even let her hold her for a couple of pictures.

Later on in the afternoon we took Ava outside to play on her new swing that JP hung in our backyard. She also had to have some time on her slide that we've set up on our new deck. It was a great day!














Ava meets Andrea when she was first born!














Ava and Andrea one year later!!!

Happy Canada Day!

It's been a tradition of ours since JP and I first started dating to spend the afternoon in Halifax on Canada Day. We always go to Public Gardens and then head down Spring Garden Road for some "Bud the Spud" and ice cream. This year I wasn't really sure if the weather would cooperate, but luckily we got to squeeze in a couple hours before the rain started up again. Ava LOVED being in the city and I didn't realize how sheltered she is by living "in the woods" as I like to put it. While we were walking towards the Gardens she just kept looking all around at all of the people, totally mesmerized. A bus drove by and I think she nearly jumped right out of her stroller!!! :) Anyways, we had a great visit with the ducks, listened to some music, enjoyed some fries, then headed back to Beaver Bank.


We went to a BBQ later on in the day hosted by our friends Ryan and Krysta. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of that since Ava was into EVERYTHING...JP and I had to take turns sitting down after chasing her around the house and backyard. Our friends Maggie and Stuart were there with their 3 month old baby and Ava was insistent upon climbing into her car seat with her and kept exclaiming, "Baby! Baby!" Luckily Nanny came by to pick her up to take her home and JP and I were able to enjoy some good times with our awesome friends. Happy Birthday Canada!!!!

Ava's New Adirondack Chair

My mom got Ava a new adirondack chair for lounging beside the pool this summer. She decided to test it out this afternoon with her Baby in the living room. Now if we could just get rid of this stupid rain!!! She's just so darn cute, I had to take a few pictures. She gave a nice big toothy grin too! She's now up to 6 teeth in total (four on the bottom...including a molar, and 2 on the top).

Sarah's Bridal Shower

Ava and I took a trip to Antigonish with my mom for my cousin's fiancee's bridal shower. Ava was quite the little entertainer in her polka-dot party dress that my cousin sent up from the States when she was born. I'd been waiting forever...or so it seemed for her to fit into it and Sarah's shower was the perfect occasion! Ava was a bit timid at first when all of the guests arrived, but she soon realized that she actually LOVES being the center of attention...I think she gets this from her mom! The only photos I was able to get were before everyone arrived, since she would not sit still for any more pictures after that, but at least you can check out the awesome outfit!!! Oh, and check out Ava's "concerned" face with the wrinkled brow...she does this all the time now, especially after she hears the word "no"...which is quite often!!!

A Three-Ring Circus!

I decided to let Ava try to eat her cereal right out of the dish, but quickly realized that this was not the best idea! Before I could stop her, she'd dumped the entire bowl onto the floor. Then, of course, the food became toys rather than a snack. I couldn't resist grabbing the camera to capture the expression on her face!!!

Later that night, the little monkey discovered that Mommy forgot to put her shoes away. These were also a terrific pair of playthings for her to investigate. As JP always says, "It's like a three-ring circus around here!" The circus is lots of fun though!!!!

Happy First Birthday Ava!!!!!!

Okay, so there's no excuse why it's taken me over two weeks to blog about the most exciting event in Ava's life so far other than the fact that I've returned to work, got a new job, and went away for a weekend...well maybe there are a few excuses, but no good ones!!

Ava turned one year old on June 4th. We celebrated the special occasion with a small party at our house the weekend before. Both sets of grandparents were there along with Ava's best friend Alexa (who'll be turning one later this month!!) and my friend Kari (Alexa's mom). We decorated the house with lots of pink and purple streamers and balloons to go along with the "princess" theme. On the afternoon of the party once all the guests arrived we let the babies play for a bit. The cutest thing was when Ava went over to Alexa, kissed her and started playing Pat-a-Cake with her like she does with her dolls!! After a bit, I helped Ava open up all of her gifts...she was one lucky birthday girl!!! Then we enjoyed a BBQ and the two-tiered castle cake that my mom baked.

It was a wonderful day celebrating a wonderful little girl! JP and I are so proud to be her parents and we've enjoyed this past year immensely. Ava is the best thing that's ever happened to us and we really feel blessed to have her in our lives. We were so glad that we could share it with the important people in her life and I'm glad that I can share some pictures and video with everyone else who loves her too!

Ava the "Project Manager"

Our backyard has quickly turned into a construction zone with the long-awaited arrival of our new swimming pool and deck! Ava has adapted quite easily to napping during the day to the sound of jigsaws and nail guns. On this particular day she decided to be the "Project Manager" just like her Daddy and watch the guys work from our living room window to make sure they stay on schedule!! Maybe Strescon could give us a little baby hardhat for her to wear!!! :)