Princess Aurora's Halloween Adventures

Ava and her friends began their extensive Halloween preparations by visiting Tanaka Farms where they got the chance to each pick their own pumpkin. They also tried other tasty treats such as carrots freshly picked from the ground.

She also went to Irvine Regional Park on multiple occasions where she got to choose her own pumpkin and play with her friends.

Before Halloween itself, Ava's play-group got together for a wonderful Halloween party. After months of prepping to become Princess Aurora, Ava finally got to wear her costume. Her friends all came as their favorite characters as well, including fairies, a boxer, Superman, Thomas the Train, Elmo, Jessie, Cinderella, and Buzz Light Year.

On Halloween afternoon it was time for us to carve our pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. Ava helped us take out all the pumpkin goop and seeds so that Mommy could roast them in the oven.

After dinner time, Ava dressed up as Princess Aurora again and Ava went outside to trick or treat for the very first time. We had practiced many times over the last month and Ava knew exactly what to do. With just a little bit of prodding Ava knocked on our neighbors' doors and said "trick or treat," and "thank you." We didn't expect to get further than our block, but Ava loved trick or treating so we stayed out a long time.

After returning home, Ava got to eat a lollipop - something she usually only gets after visiting the doctor.

A Trip to the Petting Zoo

Not too far from our house, in San Juan Capistrano (yes, the place with the Mission and the swallows), is Zoomars Petting Zoo. We recently visited Zoomars so that Ava could feed the animals. Zoomars features llamas, donkeys, goats, horses, and lots of birds. While Ava was scared of the goats (indeed, I wasn't to thrilled with them either since they were pretty aggressive and tried to climb onto me), she really likes the llamas and bunnies.

The longer we were there, the more comfortable Ava became with the bunnies, and eventually she was confident enough to hold them and feed them all by herself.

We ended our day by visiting Ava's favorite animal - horses.

Top Chef: Irvine

Ava has quickly become our own little Top Chef, and loves to help out in the kitchen. Not only does she loves putting on her apron and helping us cook, but she also helps us put away the clean dishes. She's certainly ready for the next Elimination Challenge.

Ava has her own kitchen too, and when she's not helping us she dresses up and cooks for herself. Aren't her boots awesome?!

Time for Pre-School

Ava recently started Mommy & Me Preschool at St. Paul's Preschool in Tustin. As you can tell, Ava was extremely excited to start her first day of class.

With her teacher, Mrs. Young, Ava learns songs, makes art projects, and participates in circle time. She also plays in the playground with various toys, and pretends to be the conductor of the local trolley.

The Happiest Place On Earth

We have been making use of our annual passes to Disneyland by going once every few weeks. While terrified of some of the rides, Ava really enjoys a number of the rides (and patiently waits her turn in line), especially It's a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Mad Tea Party, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. She can sing the Small World song and looks out for her favorite characters.

In addition to the rides, Disneyland is a great place to meet the Disney characters, and Ava recently befriended Winnie and Tigger.

Disneyland also features the Big Thunder Ranch - a petting zoo with goats and sheep.

Sometimes we go to Disneyland on our own, and sometimes we meet friends or family there - like Grandma and Grandpa.

Summer Fun

One of the best things about living in Southern California is the great weather. Even during the middle of the summer it usually isn't too hot, which means we get to spend a lot of time playing outside.

Sometimes in regular clothes...

Sometimes in her bathing suit...

And sometimes in nothing but a diaper!

Of course Ava likes to spend time inside as well - whether it's playing at MyGym or playing with some of her birthday presents at home.

Whether she plays inside or outside, nothing cools Ava off better than a nice frozen yogurt.

"I Be Two"

Ava's birthday started a couple days early as our friends Becca and her daughter Sophie came to visit from Oakland. Ava and Sophie had fun together playing in the pool, holding hands, and eating yogurt.

On the morning of Ava's birthday, we went to our patio where Ava was surprised by her new playhouse.

Ava got to open presents too - including several dolls and lots of books.

For months we worked with Ava to teach her that she was one year old. As she approached two years old we had to start teaching her that she wasn't going to be one anymore, but that she'd be two. Ava thought it was funny to continue to say she was one despite the fact that I tried to teach her that two was cool and one was yucky. Just as her birthday approached she started to say, "I be two." And without prompting, she said it as she ate her birthday cupcake.

Ava's Winnie the Pooh themed birthday party was held the following day and her little friends had lots of fun playing inside and outside the house, fishing, coloring, and splashing in the pool.

Abby baked and frosted Ava's cake (for the adults) and cupcakes (for the kids).

After everyone left, and after a short nap, the birthday girl decided to play in the pool with all her clothes on and had a great time doing so.