Swinging, swinging, swinging in the sheets

Sure, chores take a wee bit longer when Ava's around.  But chores are way more fun when Ava's around.

Ava's 20th Month

This month we stepped up our efforts at molding Ava into a productive citizen. We've harnessed her youthful exuberance in the kitchen by making her both sous chef and dishwasher (as we explained to her, you've got to start somewhere). In addition, we've started her Miss Manners training by taking her out to eat at honest-to-goodness restaurants with some frequency. Just when we started patting ourselves on the back, though, Ava started speaking in full sentences. Turns out, those first sentences were commands and outright refusals.

But we're hardly slave-drivers around here. Ava visits the zoo so often that she now screams "ANIMOWS!" or "AFRICA!" every time we hop on the highway. And when we're not at the zoo, we're spider hunting in the backyard and puddle jumping on the sidewalk. Here are some pictures from her latest adventures...

Movin' On Up

It's a time of transition for Ava and her daycare pals!  This week Ava, along with her ChildRoots friends and teachers, will graduate from room 7 to room 4.  Room 4 boasts a more challenging play structure and a kitchen arranged so the kids can serve themselves lunch. Yeehaw!!

In honor of their graduation, we thought we would share a few photos from the last 8 months. Recommended listening: Barbra's "The Way We Were."

Room 7 enjoys a family-style meal

Precious.  Am I right?  Ava's the one holding a bunny.

Each morning her teachers rearrange the room to keep things new and interesting.  Ava likes to destroy these creations before the other kids have a chance to enjoy them.  You've got to get up pretty early in the morning...

Peek-ing and boo-ing, and all that.

Catch ya later room 7.