The Oakland Zoo

Even though we don't live too far away to the San Diego Zoo (not to mention the Santa Ana and L.A. Zoos), Ava's first trip to a zoo was to the Oakland Zoo. Ava has been learning about different animals, but farm animals like neigh-neighs, baas, moos, and goats are her favorites. The Oakland Zoo has a nice little petting zoo area where we were able to walk into the stables where the goats and sheep live to visit them.

Ava was a bit hesitant around the animals, especially the larger ones.

But she did have enough confidence to pet one of the baby goats, and I'm sure she'll be running up to them to pet them next time.

While we weren't at the zoo all day, we did get to see some of the more exotic animals like tigers and giraffes.

Ava's Second Christmas

Ava took full advantage of the twelve days of Christmas, as our Christmas festivities went on for some time. We started out by going to church on Christmas Eve where Ava was excited to see the kids' Christmas pageant. The pageant included a kid dressed up like a donkey (which Ava called a "neigh-neigh," her word for horse - close enough). Then it was back to our house where Ava got to open up her gifts from Grammy and Poppy before drifting off to sleep and dreaming of Santa.

On Christmas morning, Ava awoke to find that Santa had left a kitchen for her complete with a grill and a few food items like hot dogs.

Of course there were plenty of other gifts to open as well.

We then stopped at Grammy and Poppy's house for a nap and a chance to warm up.

Then it was off to Auntie Lizzie and Uncle Michael's house for more food, gifts, and a chance to see Santa.

After Christmas in Southern California, it was time to head up to Oakland for the next round of Christmas activities. Santa really knew what Ava wanted as a kitchen was awaiting her in Oakland as well. Ava's mothering instincts have already kicked into play as she became quite fond of feeding tomato sauce to her "baa."

Ava had more presents to open as well.

While in Oakland, Ava spent time visiting family and friends,

Playing outside,

And reading too.

Getting Ready for Christmas

While many people get ready for Christmas by running around to the mall to buy gifts, and to the store to buy food and drinks for guests, Ava's pre-Christmas activities are a lot less hectic and more fun.

Ava spent time dressing up,

Playing with mommy,

Decorating cupcakes,

Eating at her new table,

And learning how to color.

Picking out Christmas Trees

Instead of picking just one Christmas tree this year, Ava got the chance to help pick out Christmas trees for our house as well as for Grandma and Grandpa's house in Oakland.

In Irvine, Ava got to run around a Christmas tree farm as well as our local lot.

And in Oakland, Ava braved the cold (at least compared to Irvine) at the Boy Scout lot.

Ava helped us pick perfect trees, and maybe next year she can help us put on a few of the ornaments.