Ava's First Trip to England

Our family has been looking forward to our trip to England for some time now and the next two weeks will be full of many firsts for Ava.  After a visit with Grammy, Poppy, and Divot, our trip started off with a rest at the AA Admirals Club at LAX and thanks to using every last mile we had Ava was able to travel in style - first class to O'Hare and business class to Heathrow (unfortunately we will be in second class/steerage/sardine class on the way home).  Ava soaked up all the perks, the most important of which were the warm chocolate chip cookies (even more exciting than the lie flat beds).

Upon arriving in London, Ava got to experience her first tube ride and her first rude Londoner.  Daddy got up to allow an elderly woman to sit down, a guy tried to poach the open seat so Daddy blocked him and slightly bumped into elderly woman #2 who proceeded to complain about the people with lots of luggage (not recognizing that the guy with all the luggage was trying to help out her friend.

After dropping off our gear at our apartment, we made the short walk past Charles Dickens' house to Coram's Fields.

Our main goal was to find Dimple, the bunny that Ava adopted (thanks to Grandma and Grandpa).  We easily spotted Dimple but he was in a shy mood.  We plan to come back again to see him eat and hop about.

Coram's Fields has tons of play areas for kids of all ages and Ava especially enjoyed the zip line, while Daddy joined in for some fun on the swings.

Dyeing for Easter

Ava's Easter activities spanned several weeks and included egg dying, Easter festivals with friends, and a party at home with friends.

On Easter morning, Ava woke up to find that the Easter Bunny had left a basket with books, toys, and chocolate.  Before breakfast Ava ran through the back yard for her solo egg hunt.

After breakfast, we headed for church where Ava listened to the music, colored, and enjoyed another egg hunt.

In the afternoon, Ava joined her cousins and friends for yet another Easter egg hunt at Uncle Eddie's house where our family - including Grammy and Great Grandma - gathered for an Easter party. 

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.