Wildfire Firebugs

Ava has been taking gymnastics classes at Wildfire Gymastics for some time and recently moved up to Firebugs where she is pushed and challenged more.  She has really been enjoying her new class and has been working on new skills and tricks including the balance beam, parallel bars, and handstands.

A Galaxy Not So Far Away

Like all smart pre-schoolers, Ava has discovered the joy of Star Wars.  As part of her indoctrination, she has had the opportunity to see some of the Star Wars characters - including her favorite R2-D2 - up close and personal.

Our first trip was to Legoland with its awesome Star Wars exhibit featuring life size characters and recreations of scenes from the Star Wars trilogy sextology.

Closer to home, we got to see the real R2-D2 and C-3PO as well as vehicles, costumes, and props at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana.  This is an exhibit that even non-Star Wars fans will enjoy.

Of course the museum has more to offer than just Star Wars, and we learned about math and science at the museum's new grocery store,  speed pitch, and Dora and Diego exhibits.

4 1/2!

Ava belatedly wishes everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and hopes St. Valentine brought you love and happiness. 

Ava celebrated Valentine's Day by decorating goodie bags with her friends, eating cupcakes, and exchanging Valentine's with them.

Valentine's Day is also Ava's half-birthday and we celebrated together with some new books and small toys.

Hollywood Boulevard

This past weekend Ava took her first trip to Hollywood to see Disney's "Lady and the Tramp" at the El Capitan Theater.  Before the movie we enjoyed organ music, the classic Mickey Cartoon "Puppy Love," and even an appearance by Mickey himself.

After the movie Ava enjoyed a Mickey-shaped grilled cheese sandwich at Disney's Soda Fountain.

Just outside the restaurant, we took a picture with Mickey Mouse.

We also took time to explore Hollywood & Highland, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and searched for handprints and footprints at Graumann's Chinese Theater.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011 being an odd-numbered year, we made the drive up to Oakland to spend Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa.  

Before the big day Ava helped out in the kitchen,

 And had the chance to play dress up and eat bagels with Sophie.

 On Christmas Eve, Grandpa read The Night Before Christmas.

The family gathered together on Christmas morning to check our stockings and open presents.

As Santa's note explained, Ava was "mostly good" throughout the year and she was rewarded with Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Market.

Whilst in Oakland, we took time to visit Fairyland and the Little Farm at Tilden Regional Park.

Ava celebrated New Year's Eve back in Irvine with poppers, noise makers, and Anderson Cooper's countdown.

On New Year's Day we spent the morning enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather at Crystal Cove.

Pre-Christmas Celebrations

Ava has had many chances to celebrate before Christmas day arrives.

For the annual Good Shepherd Preschool Christmas Show, Ava and her friends all dressed up and sang their hearts out.

As an Orange County native, a visit to Disneyland to see the decorations, fireworks, and "snow" is a must.

Helping mommy bake cookies is another favorite activity,

As is making gingerbread houses.

This year we are driving up to Oakland for Christmas so we celebrated early with Grammy and Poppy at our house.  The festivities began with a round of hot cocoa,  progressed to opening presents and helping others with their gifts, and ended with a wonderful dinner and dessert.

Christmas time is here

Christmas time is here and our family is enjoying every minute of it.  From Christmas lights outside to advent calendars inside, our house has become very festive.

Ava has plenty of Christmas spirit, and Ava has already ridden the Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train to visit Santa,

Helped pick out our tree at Johnson Brothers in Irvine,

Decorated our tree,

Warmed up with hot chocolate,

And played with our train and Christmas Legos.