Fall Frenzy

Ava has thoroughly enjoyed going back to school and becoming a third-grader.  

School remains fun and Ava's love of reading continues to blossom.  Her eyes are fine but she sometimes likes to read wearing fake glasses.

Ava's extracurricular activities continue including meetings, projects, and trips with her Girl Scout troop.  They recently made animal toys and donated them to the Irvine Animal Care Center where they took a tour and learned all about pet adoption.  For those of you looking for a pet, the IACC offers adoptions seven days a week and has a special "Home for the Holidays" adoption fair on December 6.

While Ava doesn't have any pets at home, she sure has a lot of Beanie Boos, and she gets to play with her tortoise Divot when she visits Grammy and Poppy.

Other than Christmas, Ava's favorite holiday is Halloween.  Not only did she get to carve pumpkins, but she got to trick or treat at both Disneyland and in our own neighborhood.

Thanksgiving isn't too shabby either as Ava loves cranberry sauce and is able to help more and more in the kitchen. 

Ava has been able to spend time with cousins in both Northern and Southern California this fall, some of whom are more enthusiastic than others when it comes time to take pictures.

Ava still has time for friends - after school, on the weekends, and when distant friends come to visit.

With Christmas quickly approaching Ava better be on her best behavior as Santa is watching.  Check in next time to see how she does.

Campeones, Campeones! Ole, Ole, Ole!

This fall Ava's entire team returned for Icebreakers 2.0.  Despite facing injury and illness, the Icebreakers ran the table and finished as regular season champions going undefeated in all 9 games.  In the post-season tournament the Icebreakers made it to the finals before losing a heart-breaker 1-0.  Most importantly, the Icebreakers played with heart, determination, and good sportsmanship, and had fun doing so.

For their efforts, the team was presented with "Champions" t-shirts at their year-end party.  The girls are looking forward to one final go-round this fall at the La Jolla Rec All-Star Tournament before re-teaming in the spring for Icebreakers 3.0.