Hi Washington

Ava and Mommy are back from our adventure up to Washington, leaving Daddy at home to catch up on movies, chores and well deserved R&R. We had a great time although single parent duty was a little exhausting, especially with a toddler who came home with a cold and an ear infection. But really Ava was such a brave traveler and took all the driving and flying in great strides. She charmed everyone on the plane and made Mom look really good next to the baby in the row behind us who screamed the entire flight home.


It's hard to know what the highlight of Ava's trip was considering she got to soak up so many of her favorite people. But I would have to say that seeing snow for the first time was a real pleaser. She charged right on in, with Stella to lead the way. They kicked, they tasted, they tumbled.


Stella was a gracious host, sharing her bath, her toys, her stories, her clothes... We were so pleased to see how well these two played together. I'm sure they will have many more adventures to share in the future.


The two girls went just a wee bit crazy after bath time. This video just cracks us up. Believe it or not they crashed soon after for a long night sleep.


Thanks Katherine, Brian and Stella for a lovely but way too short visit. We're so happy for any time that we get together.


We then headed a little further south where Ava charmed Great Grandma Marge.


She got to play with Nanny Jane, Papa Dave and Uncle Chris who drove all the way out from Spokane. There was lots of exploring to do at Nanny Jane's big house. Climbing up the font stairs, peaking in each room and sliding down the back stairs was endless entertainment. That and Agatha the cat who wasn't quite sure what to make of Ava.


Ava is a big fan of "counter time" and measuring flour. She and Nanny Jane made oatmeal cookies together. It was the first but certainly not the last time these two will cook together.


She also had plenty to time to explore the "back 40", boats, bird houses, worms to dig, chestnuts to throw.... so many new things. Thanks family, love you.