Today in Ava

Responding to Ava chucking her shoes across the room...

Brian: We don't throw shoes.

Ava: Here is my response:

1. Shoes are not people.
2. Shoes do not have feelings.
3. Shoes are made of fabric and do not break.
4. Shoes are soft and do not hurt.

So I can throw shoes. There's no reason not to throw shoes.

May 2014

May 2014 Album

Having lived in Portland for going on 14 years, we know that when false summer comes around--be that in February or in May--you better get out and enjoy it while you can.  So we did.  Despite some work trips for Brian and a much needed trip gallivanting in wine country for Helen, we still found time to get outside with the kiddos.  We explored the botanical garden, visited the Rhododendron Garden, took a day trip to the coast, attended a carnival at Ava's future kindergarten, and spent plenty of time playing on the porch and in the playhouse.

It wasn't all fun and games, though! This month we said a fond farewell to our buddies and neighbors the Thelens (Nate, Amy, Carter and Olivia) as they moved to their new house.  We've known this day was coming for three years now, but it was still sad to see our friends and the kids' playmates fill up three moving trucks (yes, 3!) and drive away.  Sure, they're only a mile away, but still. 

Swimming!

Can you tell we're excited? We're excited.

Let It Go Already

There is A LOT of singing that goes on around this house. Like every other child on the planet, Ava's favorite song for a while was "Let It Go." Even without ever seeing the film--because our kids live sad sheltered lives--she's managed to pick up most of the words from kids on the playground, a youtube clip, and that one station that seems to play the song at every hour of the day (the "Frozen station" as she calls it).  Stick with it through :40, when she really brings it home.

Don't worry folks, although James is discouraged from joining his sister in song, he still has music in his heart.  Here's a James medley/mash-up for you:

And, finally, an Ava-sung lullabye.  Always short on the lulling.