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The End of a Full Summer

Don't worry, we're still here. It's the last gasp of summer and it has been full season of change for our little family. New schools, new jobs, new schedules and a whole lot of fun, visitors and traveling. I promise to give an update soon. It's on my list of a million other things that have been neglected this summer for the sake of soaking up the sun and these two amazing little girls.

Rainbow Party

 At last, some pictures of the birthday festivities for Ava. We always seem to be lucky with wonderful Spring weather and this year didn't disappoint. We spent a lovely afternoon outside with lots of friends running around out back yard. Ava had a fabulous day and that's all we always ask for. It didn't hurt that Nanny Jane came to celebrate with us too.

Ava had requested a "rainbow party" so we did out best to fill her up with as many rainbows as possible. Daddy accidentally let go of the rainbow balloons as we were setting up, argh.

The bouncy house is the best entertainment for preschoolers that money can buy. Ah, complete exhaustion.

 Always a few tears at a birthday party.

 And friends to make you feel better.

 Making her wish. Vanilla cake with lemon frosting was specifically requested this year and absolutely no cupcakes. She wanted a big cake for 5.

 Think we look alike? Hazel was just as excited as Ava for the fun filled day and presents. Thanks to everyone who was so generous to this little sister too. Hazel just thinks the world of her big sister.

 Rainbow birthday favors.

The last gasps of exhaustion and a bruised ankle. Next year will be a quieter year but we'll always be happy to celebrate our little girl.

Happy 5th Ava!

Happy 5th birthday to you my amazing Ava Jane! I can't believe we've been parents for 5 years now. It's hard to imaging life before our girls but there is no doubt that they have made our lives unmeasurably richer despite the sleepless nights and the hair pulling.

Ava is such a wonderful little girl filled with determination, curiosity and a seriously silly side. Her little world is about to open up as she leaves preschool and heads off to kindergarten and I can definitely sense we're at the beginning of something new for her. She is so excited about learning, meeting new friends and eager for a change. And I'm constantly so proud that she is my little girl. Love you Punkin'!

More Phone Kids

Snuggle Bunnies

Oh you two are beyond adorable. Silly and sweet, smart and inquisitive, rowdy and independent - those are our girls.

Changes for Hazel

Here's a glimpse of what Hazel is up to when she's not hanging out with Mommy during the day. Hazel is now scheduled to start at her sister's preschool in July where they will be together for a few months before Ava heads off to kindergarten. I can't believe what a big girl she is already getting ready for school.  But she is already so used to hanging out there she seems to already belong.

 Hazel has two little nanny share mates that she shares with Carmen. It will be sad to not see them so often after the Summer is over but she has been very content with her little friends and it's time to move on. Hazel is chatting up a storm and can easily hold her own on the playground. She'll have lots of new friends her size at school and we're excited to see Hazel develop a new little gang of friends just the way Ava has.

Auntie Sara's Shower

I drove out to Nevada to celebrate Auntie Sara with her mom and friends at her baby shower. We are so excited to meet the newest little cousin in July. It was great catching up and seeing the "bump". I so wish we all lived closer, sigh.

Daisy Rolling

Don't worry, we're still here. The girls are thriving and obviously enjoying the Spring weather. Life is just busy and happy...

The Kids Are Hiding in My Phone

I am frankly a little horrified about how often I download my "real" camera these days. I'm supposed to be photographer but I'm a mom and that means no room for lugging around a digital SLR if I'm chasing kids that I'd rather not lose.  In steps a wonderful little piece of technology that is changing how I've been documenting my kids. While my camera may not go with me everywhere my iPhone does. It's good for a quick shot when cuteness strikes. But then in steps Instagram, a wonderful little app that has been making me excited about taking photos of things besides my kids again. This is about as far into social networking as I'll get begrudgingly, but if you want to follow along with out a smart phone check out my feed here. There will be time for "real" picture taking as they get older and sit still longer and when I kick down for a smaller camera. But for now, the kids are hiding in my phone and it's giving me a little freedom to shoot. Here is some of what has been hiding in my pocket.