The Reeves Family - thereevesfamilyphotos

Sidney Climbs the Rock Wall

Sidney is my little monkey. She figured out how to climb the swing set rock wall back in March. She is fearless - except when it comes to slides. She is suddenly afraid of going down slides so once she gets up the rock wall, I have to help her down the ladder on the other side of the swing set. (05-15-12)

Ava's HiNRG Performance: Big Routine

There were 3 different stations that the kids rotated around. This one was Ava's favorite! (05-12-12)

Ava's HiNRG Performance: Trampoline!

This is the longest trampoline I've ever seen! Ava was out of control! She could have jumped around all day long. (05-12-12)

Ava's HiNRG Performance: Flips!

Ava is always doing flips like this at home, but our bar is much lower to the ground. I thought Ava's arms were going to snap off! (05-12-12)

Ava's HiNRG Performance: Hand Stand!

Ava is still working on perfecting her hand stand. The little girl next to her in blue, Breezy, cracks me up! (05-12-12)

Ava's HiNRG Performance: Back Bend!

We have not worked on doing back bends with Ava at home. In fact, we didn't even know she could do a back bend! She learned how to do this at gymnastics. (05-12-12)

I'm a Little Tea Pot

This is the best performance we have seen of Ava at school. She tends to get stage fright in front of strangers. I think she did great! I love that she pours out of her tea pot handle! (05-08-12)

More Tissue Paper Fun

I think we know what Sidney wants for her birthday next year! (04-15-12)

Birthday Presents and Tissue Paper

As Ava tears through her birthday presents, Sidney amuses herself with tissue paper. (04-15-12)

Get Her Hammy!

Ava and Sidney are having so much fun riding bikes in the basement! And Tim and I are getting some exercise pushing Sidney around. (04-15-12)

Ava can ride a bike!

Ava figured out how to pedal and steer her bike within 15 minutes of practicing. Such a big girl! We are so proud of her! (04-15-12)

Happy 4th Birthday to Ava

We celebrated Ava's 4th birthday - she loved her Dora the Explorer birthday cake. This was also the first year that Ava blew out her candle! (04-14-12)

Sidney learns to pedal her tricycle!

Sidney got this tricycle for her birthday and she LOVES it. She is already learning to pedal! (04-07-12)

Pinwheel Fun

Sidney is very proud of herself for learning how to spin the pinwheel, which she calls her magic wand. (04-01-12)

Oh Man Oh Man Oh Man!

This is one of Sidney's favorite phrases. She sure had a lot to tell Nana Reeves. (03-18-12)

Happy Birthday to Sidney

Sidney has been singing Happy Birthday to herself for weeks! I was surprised that she didn't join in. I guess she was overwhelmed by the attention. (03-18-12)

Sidney bonks the balloons

Sidney and Papa Reeves have fun playing with her birthday balloons. (03-18-12)

Sidney's First Hair Cut

Sidney did not enjoy getting her hair cut. Fortunately, I cut it really short so she won't need another cut for quite a while. (03-17-12)

Bubbles!

Sidney is very excited - she thinks that she is blowing bubbles. Ava actually did blow some bubbles! So everyone is happy : )  (03-14-12)

Grandma Calypso (The Happy Birthday Grandma Song)

Tim, Alex and Elizabeth perform the Happy Birthday Grandma Song, titled "Grandma Calypso". (12-26-11)

Ava's Début Performance

Ava plays her first song on the guitar, "Oh There Was a Teddy", with Daddy. (12-25-11)

Save the Tiny Teddies

Sidney is playing in her new Dora ball house with her tiny teddies. I think she is pretending that they're in a boat and the teddies fell overboard. (12-25-11)

Ring Around the Rosie

Sidney plays Ring Around the Rosie with her second cousins, Elizabeth and Katherine. (12-24-11)

Monkey-ing Around

Another video of Sidney nearly hurting herself, although she's pretty impressive. (12-14-11)

Sidney's Big Jump

This scares the bejesus out of me.  I'm sure this will result in some lost teeth eventually.  (11-28-11)

Dancing and Singing Girls

Dancing and singing in the bedroom has become a nightly tradition. As you can see, the girls barely let Tim get dressed in his casual clothes after getting home from work. They demand to dance and play the "ticar". This is their favorite song. (11-28-11)

Jumping off the Couch

Sidney tries so hard - and is rather successful - at keeping up with her big sister, Ava. She's been able to jump since she was 16 months old but now she's taking things to a whole new level. (11-11-11)

Pumped Up Kicks

Ava's rendition of Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks". I heard her singing in her room during nap time through the monitor. I guess I have to sensor what I listen to on the radio now. (10-25-11)

Trampoline Flipping

Ava discovered a new use for the trampoline. (10-02-11)

Dada and Sidney's Latest Trick

Oh my goodness. I don't know where he comes up with these tricks. Sidney is such a good sport. (09-18-11)

Sidney Wii Dancing - Isaak Family Vacation

Sidney shows off some sweet moves. (08-12-11)

Hammy Games

Tim is always doing crazy things with the girls. They tolerate most of them well and even enjoy some of them. Sidney seems to enjoy the latest trick. (08-27-11)

The Ultimate Wii Dance-Off - Isaak Family Vacation

Tim and Chris go head to head in a Wii Dance-off. Both give a valiant effort but only one can win... (08-12-11)

Happy Birthday Shane, Matt and Rathy Tathy Cathy - Isaak Family Vacation

Austin and his dad, Rick, made up the lyrics for a happy birthday rap for me, Matt and Shane. We all have August birthdays. Tim on guitar, Alex and Elizabeth singing backup. (08-12-11)

Ava Jumps in the Pool - Isaak Family Vacation

Ava is becoming more comfortable in the pool. She can jump in from the side now. (08-12-11)

Sidney's 1st Somersault

Sidney has been trying for months to do a somersault. Tonight she finally did it! (08-08-11)

Grandma Reeves' Violin

Ava and Sidney love listening to Grandma play her violin! (08-05-11)

Cardinal Nation

Ava's rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame".  We need to work on the "peanuts and crackerjacks" part, but in her defense, she can't eat either so she's not very familiar with them.  (07-29-11)

Jumpy Jumps

Sidney is improving her jumps on the trampoline. She can get her feet off the ground now!  All you have to say is "jumpy jumps" and she heads for the trampoline and goes for it! (07-21-11)

Nooch Flipping

Dad invented a new game.  (07-19-11)

Ham Flipping

Dad invented a new game.  (07-19-11)

New Favorite Activity

Sidney loves to be pushed in the doll stroller. Ava always wants control of the stroller. It's a win-win situation! (06-18-11)

Elizabeth, the Penguin Whisperer

We got to go on a tour of the St. Louis Zoo. During our Behind the Scenes Tour of the Penguins, the trainer showed us how she "speaks" to the penguins. Elizabeth started speaking to them and Shadow (the penguin) had a lot to say back. Our tour guide, Aly, said she has never seen a guest be able to get the penguins to talk. (06-15-11)

Ava Stands on Raft

Every time my Dad takes the kids out on the lake in his boat, he pulls two blue rafts behind the boat with ropes.  The kids (and Tim) love to try to stand on the raft and "surf".  Ava mastered surfing on her first try!  (05-29-11)

Tim's Somersault Fail

After several failed attempts, Tim does an almost-perfect somersault onto his raft while being pulled by the boat in the lake.  (05-29-11)

The Beach!

While riding around on Papa's boat at Innsbrook, Ava discovers that there are kids playing on the beach!  (05-29-11)

It's Sand!

Ava got to ride on Papa Isaak's boat at Innsbrook.  She's been on it before but didn't remember.  She's also seen sand before but apparently she doesn't remember that either.  (05-29-11)

Bounce House

Innsbrook celebrated their 40th Anniversary over Memorial Day Weekend.  They have a big party every year for their anniversary with lots of kids activities.  Ava loves jumping - she was exhausted but that didn't stop her from having a little fun in the Bounce House.  (05-28-11)

The Train!

Innsbrook celebrated their 40th Anniversary over Memorial Day Weekend.  They have a big party every year for their anniversary with lots of kids activities.  Ava loved riding the train.  I think she rode it 3 or 4 times.  (05-28-11)

More Camping: Ring Around the Rosie

It's a very fine line between having fun and getting hurt.  Luckily, no one got hurt. (05-06-11)

More Camping: Tripod Hammy

During another night of camping, Sidney shows off her tripod stance. (05-06-11)

Camping

We're not quite sure how this is considered camping, but that's what Ava calls it. It's basically the girls running and dancing around Sidney's bedroom before nap time and bedtime. (05-02-11)

Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny came to our house and hid 9 pink eggs for Ava and 9 orange eggs for Sidney. You can see Sidney's eggs tossed all over the floor and she's not too interested in finding them. Ava did a great job finding her eggs and we hid some of them in tough places! I put Rolos inside Ava's eggs. You can tell she has never had one (she called it a "circle treat"). PS - Sidney's head is fine - my camera didn't leave a bruise! April 24, 2011

Happy Birthday Ava Remix

We celebrated Ava's 3rd birthday with our family. Ava loved her cake, she just sat there admiring it. Her cousin, Matt, entertained us with his Happy Birthday remix. April 16, 2011

Princess Soccer

The guys made up this soccer game at Ava's birthday party using her princess castle and a soccer ball. If you were scored on as the goalie, you had to say "I'm a pretty princess and go sit in the castle! April 16, 2011

Bonhomme Spring Sing

Ava wasn't much into singing at her preschool Spring Sing but she was into Taylor! She loved holding his hand! (04-14-11)

Finger Counting

Grandma Isaak had just taught Ava how to make a "3" with her fingers (she'll be turning 3 soon). Then, Ava just started doing this at the dinner table! I don't think we've shown her how to count on her fingers. Maybe she learned this at preschool?! (03-17-11)

Sidney Dancing

Sidney is learning to dance and working on her moves. She usually walks in circles but now she's into shaking it! (03-12-11)

Happy Birthday Sidney, Hammy, Hammy Pie

Sidney looks on critically as her family attempts to sing Happy Birthday. (03-06-11)

Girls in a blanket

Now if only I could find a way to get them to clean the dishes...(02-18-11)

Showing Off

I took this video holding the camera incorrectly, but I still thought it was cute! (02-08-11)

Sidney's Walking!!!

I got a very excited call from Tim while I was at Whole Foods. Sidney is walking! About a month ago she took a few steps, walking between Tim and me. But now she is able to stand up on her own and take a few steps! I rushed home from the grocery store so I could see for myself. She is one day shy of 11 months in this video. I thought it was cute that Ava wanted to get her camera to take pictures of Sidney too. Yeah Sidney!!! (02-03-11)

Sidney and her Walker

Sidney is working very hard at mastering walking with her walker.  (01-29-11)

Dancing Girls

It looks like Sidney will be a dancer just like her big sis, Ava. These two love to move! (01-18-11)

Happy 66th Birthday Grandma!

The tradition continues and it just gets better every year!  (12-28-10)

Head-banging Hiney Shaking Dance

Ava loves to show off her new dance moves.  I'm not sure where she learns these moves....(12-27-10)

A Talent of Some Kind

I'm not sure what to call this, but Sidney developed a new talent! (12-23-10)

Sidney's Song and Dance

Sidney has been doing this for a while and I just realized that she's singing and dancing. She repeatedly says "Da Da Da" while shaking her head. What will come of this???!!! (12-17-10)

Pinkle Pinkle Little Ghost

Never before seen footage of Pinkle Pinkle Little Ghost. (12-17-10)

Pinkle Pinkle Little Teddy

Ava like to get creative when singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  Here she pays tribute to her BFF, Teddy. (12-17-10)

Pinkle Pinkle Little Star

Ava LOVES to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She's normally shy in public, but if given the opportunity to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, she's quite the performer. If only she could pronounce Twinkle! (12-17-10)

Santa Claus is Coming to Town....TO TOWN!

Ava has learned lots of new songs lately. This is one of my favorites! (12-08-10)

Sidney Jumping

Sidney and Ava are pretty much polar opposites, but it looks like they both have a talent for jumping. Sidney can now be found jumping on the trampoline (when she's not busy chewing on the bar!).  Also, this marks reason number 25 why the helmet was a good idea after all. (11-18-10)

Splish splash I was taking a bath

Sidney normally takes showers but she really seemed to enjoy her bath in the kitchen sink. (11-01-10)

Gymnastics Hopeful

Ava found a new use for the trampoline.  (10-25-10)

Jumperoo

Sidney loves this jumper. I love that she is trapped in one space where she can't hurt herself. (10-16-10)

Kids Kountry Karaoke at Eckert's Farm

Ava and Tim (mostly Tim) did their rendition of the ABC's at the Kids Kountry Karaoke at Eckert's Farm. (10-03-10)

Jumpin Jumpin

Ava and her friend, Katie, are little enough to jump on the trampoline together! (09-19-10)

Sidney Catherine Reeves: 0 - 6 Months

It's hard to believe 6 months have already gone by.  Sidney is such a sweet baby.  Tim and Ava and I love her so much.  (09-04-10)

Ava's Real Deal Roller Coaster Ride

We were really nervous, but Ava kept asking to go on the swings at Silver Dollar City. She watched them for a while and then decided it was time. Tim rode with her and she loved it! She smiled the whole time. You may not be able to see them in this video (Tim's wearing a white polo shirt), but it gives you an idea of how fast the swings went around and how high up they were! (08-06-10)

Ava's 2nd "Roller Coaster" Ride

This roller coaster ride with Mom was a bit more daring for Ava. We were prepping her for the real roller coaster ride with Dad next.... (08-06-10)

Ava's First "Roller Coaster" Ride

Ava rode on the "roller coaster" all by herself at Silver Dollar City! She was so proud of herself. She smiled the whole time. August 6, 2010

Sidney Rolling - Front to Back

It took her a little bit longer to figure this out, but now there's no stopping her! (07-10-10)

Sidney Rolling - Back to Front

Sidney is a little rolling pin these days. I can't keep track of her! (07-10-10)

Ava Counting

Ava can count to 13! I like how the numbers have 6 syllables each ;) (07-05-10)

Chatterbox

When Ava goes to bed, Sidney finally get a chance to talk! (07-05-10)

Tickles

Sidney is so ticklish. I feel sorry for her because it's so cute to hear her laughing so we're constantly tickling her. (07-06-10)

ABCD's

Ava learned to sing the "ABC D's". Here's her rendition. (07-05-10)

You Are My Sunshine

Lately Ava has loved this song. She insists on us singing to her every day, multiple times a day. Sometimes she joins in too. (06-20-10)

Tim's MMM Top Student Award

Tim received an award for having the highest GPA in his Kellogg MMM class. They read a bio of him when they presented the award. We are so proud of him!! (06-18-10)

Tim's MMM Graduation

Proof that Tim graduated! (06-18-10)

The Lake

We were very unprepared for a swim in the lake, but Ava had fun none-the-less. Her diaper was so huge with water that she could barely walk! (05-30-10)

Conversations with Sidney

Once you get Sidney talking it's hard to get a word in. (05-22-10)

Night Night?

Ava tries to fool Mama so she can escape to the front yard. (05-18-10)

Hopscotch

Nana bought chalk for Ava. It was a big hit! (05-18-10)

Stuck with the Ducks

Ava discovers some friends in the back yard. (05-18-10)

The Punisher: Part 3

Punishment for Uncle Tim (04-17-10)

The Punisher: Part 2

More punishment from Uncle Tim (04-17-10)

The Punisher: Part 1

A little punishment from Uncle Tim (04-17-10)

Super Hammy Episode 3 - Hammy Discovers Her Super Powers

During a card game with the Awesome Three, the evil Dr. PT cheats and gets what's coming to him. Starring Alex as Pancho Bozo, Matt as the evil Dr. PT, Elizabeth as Escope and Sidney as Super Hammy. Narration by Tim and camera work by Cathy. Screenplay by Alex. Special thanks to production assistant Chris for keeping Ava entertained during filming and to chief editor Russ for splicing together the pieces. (04-17-10)

Western Hammy

The Adventures of Western Hammy -- Episode 2: The Evil El Guapo (04-16-10)

Birthday Ted Drewes

Ava gets her first taste of Ted Drewes on her 2nd birthday. (04-15-10)

I'm Two!

Ava turned two years old today! And she can tell you too. (04-15-10)

Happy 2nd Birthday Ava!

Ava may have seemed skeptical about the cake, but not to worry.  She mowed down a big piece of cake later.  April 11, 2010

Horsey Rides

Ava loves to ride her horsey - NAAAAAAY! (03-28-10)

Sour Pineapple

Tim thought it would be funny to let Sidney taste pineapple. Sidney didn't find it quite as funny.  (03-28-10)

MC Hammy

Tim loves to give people nicknames. And once he's decided on a nickname, there's no changing. Sidney's nickname has become Hammy, or some form of Ham (ie; Tiny Ham, Hammy Slammy, Hamster, etc.). The video speaks for itself. (03-27-10)

Cookie Monster

Ava and I made cookies for the first time together. Ava mostly ate chocolate chips while I baked, but we had fun together!  (03-24-10)

Our Future Gymnast

It started out with Ava wanting to hang from anything and anyone. Now she's discovered that she can do flips too. I can only wonder what is next.... (03-03-10)

My favorite video of all time!

You'll just have to watch to find out why ;)  (01-23-10)

Diaper Dancing

Ava's new dance style is moving in circles. Somehow she manages to not get dizzy. Apologies for the messy bedroom and clothes-less child...long day.  (01-17-10)

Ava hiding under a blanket

Ava hides under a blanket while Dada throws pillows at her. This was surprisingly as much fun for Ava as for Dada.  (01-03-10)

Happy 65th Birthday Grandma!

The Happy Birthday Grandma tradition continues for the 5th straight year. On lead vocals is the lovely Elizabeth, harmony vocals and maracas by Alex, on guitar is Tim, making his debut on the piano is Shane, closing the number is a solo performance by Austin and an encore tambourine solo by Matt. (12-26-09)

Some of Ava's Words

Ava's language has really developed over the past few months. Some of the words are hard to decipher, but here are a few of our favorites.  (12-26-09)

Shakin' and Jumpin'

Who says that kids can't concentrate on more than one thing at a time! (12-13-09)

Crib Jumping

We're a little bit concerned that Ava could jump right out of her crib. (12-13-09)

Singing Songs

Ava started to sing recently. We've been trying to capture it on video but she gets shy when asked to sing. This is the best we could do.  (11-14-09)

Meams!

Now that it's getting colder outside, we spend a lot of time looking for "meams" (also known as airplanes) out the window. We also watch the cars driving in and out of the Whole Foods parking lot. And on occasion, we'll spot a boat on Lake Michigan. This has become a favorite pastime of Ava's.  (11-09-09)

Bite Bite

Despite her constant objections, Ava finally gives in and takes a bite. Also, she's not wearing any clothes because she's a very messy eater and I'm tired of washing her clothes so often. The solution: She does not wear clothes when eating.  (11-09-09)

No, no, no

Ava figured out how to say "no" and it has become her favorite word. It's a good thing that she looks and sounds so cute saying it, otherwise, it would be driving us crazy!  (11-06-09)

Gymnastics Genius!

Ava figured out how to do a somersalt all by herself! Those gymnastics classes are really paying off. (09-30-09)

Feeding the fish at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

Kristine fed the fish Goldfish crackers....I think the fish were okay with that. (09-05-09)

Ava dancing with Teddy

Ava found a new dancing partner.  (08-15-09)

Dancing at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Ava loves dancing to the music.  (08-13-09)

Ava + Barney = ♥

Ava can't get enough of the Barney, especially the theme song. (08-09-09)

Horsey Ride

Matt entertained Ava all weekend during our family vacation! (08-08-09)

Deck Pool Time!

Ava loves water and spent many hours playing in Grandma and Grandpa Isaak's deck pool. Big thanks to Grandma who insisted we have carpet under the pool for comfort!  (07-08-09)

Tim's Attempt at Lake Surfing

Perhaps it was the life preserver that held him back.  (07-05-09)

Innsbrook Monkeys

Dan Isaak summons the Innsbrook monkey population.  (07-04-09)

More Water Fun

Ava loved playing at the Vlasis Park Spray Grounds.  (07-01-09)

Tiptoe through the Roses

Ava and Grandma Isaak have fun in the Rose Garden at Dow Gardens in Midland.  (06-28-09)

Under Water

Ava is becoming more daring in the bath tub.  (06-25-09)

Spray Ground

Ava had fun at the Midland Spray Ground despite the fact that I put her swim bottoms on backwards!  (06-24-09)

Balloon!

Ava likes to hear the sound when you yell into balloons. It tickles your lips too.  (06-20-09)

Nana & Papa

While Ava couldn't say "Nana" just yet, when we picked up Nana and Papa at the airport she said "Nana" as soon as she saw Grandma Isaak and reached for her - made Grandma's day! (06-16-09)

Movin' and Shakin'

Ava now walks more that she crawls. She's gotten very good at walking but still has her fair share of falls.  (05-17-09)

Ava's First Baseball Game

Ava went to her first baseball game! It was a Cubs game but don't worry, Ava wore all her Cardinals gear. Jenna and Davis came with us too! It was a beautiful afternoon at Wrigley.  (05-14-09)

Ava's Last Kindermusik Class

Ava had her last Kindermusik class. She loves her instructor, Miss Leah, and her friend, Josie.  (05-11-09)

Mother's Day at the Beach

Ava got to go to the beach for the first time. She loved putting her feet in the ice cold water.  (05-10-09)

Walking Fool

Ava is learning how to stand up and walk on her own.  (05-06-09)

Ava Walks!

Ava is mobile and dangerous!  (04-30-09)

This Nooch was made for Walking

Ava learned to walk during a trip home to St. Louis.  (04-30-09)

Ava's First Kiss

Ava's boyfriend, Davis, plants a bunch of kisses on her! (04-11-09)

Ava's first taste of birthday cake

Big surprise, Ava loves cake. (04-05-09)

Ava's Birthday Pinata

Dennis does a great job holding the butterfly pinata at Ava's birthday party, then demonstrating how it flies away.  (04-05-09)

Ava versus the Balloon

Ava has it out with the birthday party balloon. (03-29-09)

More peas please!

Ava discovers her love for peas! (03-09-09)

Walk this way!

Ava learned to walk with her walker. The only problem is learning to turn. (02-24-09)

Ava's first taste of chocolate

Ava got her first taste of chocolate on Valentine's Day. Did she like it? You decide. (02-14-09)

Shake it Ava

Ava demonstrates her dancing skills. (02-05-09)

I'm gonna get you!

Ava loves to be chased after. She frequently turns back to make sure you're still chasing her. (02-03-09)

Ava's Vehicle

Dad takes Ava on a ride on her new vehicle. (01-26-09)

Fun with a beach ball

Ava burns off lots of energy cornering the beach ball and batting it around. (01-20-09)

Mama! I'm on the move!

Ava displays her furniture walking abilities and her first word! (01-16-09)

Happy 64th Birthday Grandma!

Tim and Alex wrote and performed another new Happy Birthday Grandma song. (12-30-08)

Ultimate Dominoes: Part Deux

Tim and Matt create another domino masterpiece (12-30-08)

Headless Ava

Mom plays a cruel joke on Ava (12-04-08)

Ava stands up (sort of)

Ava Nooches pulls herself up and then promptly falls over. (11-29-08)

Ultimate Dominoes

Tim and Matt create a domino masterpiece (11-23-08)

Look at me go!

At the ripe age of 6 months, Ava has learned to crawl. In this video, she is reluctantly crawling so Mom can capture it on video for the hundreth time. She's also embarassed by the cute crawling tights that Mom makes her wear. (10-18-08)

Bath time is fun time

Ava was in need of a bath after enjoying her first taste of solid food. Lucky for her, we had just bought all new bath toys! (09-21-08)

Ava's first attempt at solid food

This was Ava's first attempt at "eating" organic brown rice cereal. It was somewhat successful...mostly entertaining for Mom and Dad. (09-21-08)

Ava on the move

Ava is learning how to get around despite Mom and Dad's wishes. (09-20-08)

Ava gets her toy

A great display of motivation and concentration by Ava. (09-19-08)

Let's do the twist!

Ava has become quite the tiny dancer. Also impressive is Tim's impersonation of Chubby Checker. (07-30-08)

Ava eats her arm

She loves to do that. (07-27-08)

Ava poops her pants

I'm not sure if the pooping you hear is Ava or mom - but it's pretty funny. (07-27-08)

Ava Chats with Mom

Ava and mom have a lively discussion. (07-02-08)

Ride 'em Nooch!

Ava, always the adventurer, loves the Old West. (06-27-08)

Ava Rolls Over

Ta-Daaaaaa! (06-24-08)

Ava exercising

She's already doing what it takes to be fit as a fiddle (06-04-08)

Ava dancing

Like her father, Ava is a very good dancer. (06-01-08)

Ava sits up (sort of)

Ava is getting stronger all the time...but still has her ups and downs. (06-01-08)

Bath Time! Grandma and Ava

Ava loves Grandma as much as she loves baths. (04-24-08)

Ava's morning stretch

Ava loves to stretch whenever we get her up from a nap. You will see in the video that these stretches are big even for a normal-sized person. (04-24-08)

Ava demonstrates her performance talents

Ava loves to move her arms. Here, Ava wakes up from a long nap and shows us some moves she's been working on. (04-19-08)

Interview with Ava about her first bottle

About 24 hours after she was born, Ava needed a little supplement to fill her belly, so we gave her a bottle. The bottle made her so full she couldn't finish, and afterward she slept so soundly. She gave us this interview just before her nap. (04-16-08)

Happy Birthday Grandma Isaak

Happy 62nd Birthday Grandma Isaak! Written and performed by Alex Isaak and Tim Reeves. Choreography and dance performance by Elizabeth Isaak and Austin Isaak. Special guest appearance by Rob "The Moves" Isaak. (12-26-06)

Mom and I took a trip to NYC while Tim stayed home with the girls!!!  April 19-21, 2012

A gift from the girls and me!  January 7, 2011

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
They have a cute set up for little girl parties. It looks like Tim is wearing a princess crown!

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
This is Ava with her BFF, Aiden. They're both in the green room at Bonhomme and do gymnastics together. According to Ava, she likes Aiden "because he's silly"!!

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Princess Sidney

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Ava (and Aiden) showing off that pose you do when you complete a drill....I don't know the name.

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Touch your toes

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Cartwheel attempt...

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
...Hands on the mat...

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
...Feet over the mat...

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
...And pose!

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Somersaults

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Tim and I call this the bear crawl across the parallel bars.

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Balance beam

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Forward bear crawl

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Receiving her medal fro Coach Julie

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Ava embarrassed by the applause.

Ava's HiNRG Gymnastics Performance
Showing off her medal

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Sidney painting her little bird house.

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Ava painting her big bird house.

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Sidney was a little bit sad that her bird house was smaller than Ava's :(

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Ava - quite and focused.

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Sidney didn't quite cover the whole bird house with paint, but I think she was happy with the finished product.

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Finished projects!

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Let's hang up the bird houses!

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
We put them in the back yard so we could see them from the kitchen and sun room windows.

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Ava's bird house

Dollar Crafts - Bird Houses
Sidney's bird house

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
Ava and her school friends getting ready to sing a song.

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
Ava sang the song and did the motions! She typically freezes in front of an audience and won't sing or perform so I was really proud of her. I can tell she practiced very hard.

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
Enjoying her cookies!

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
This is one of the gifts the kids made for the moms.

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
The flower is a magnet too!

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
Ava's teacher interviewed her with questions about me. I love that I'm 10 years younger!!! Apparently I need to dress up more often too!

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
It is also Teacher Appreciation Week this week. These are the gifts that Ava helped make for her teachers.

Mother's Day Party at Bonhomme
When we got home, she dressed Backpack up in "fancy clothes" (a tutu and tiara) for a tea party - too cute!

Checking in on our Little Garden
Ava loves to help with the garden

Checking in on our Little Garden
Everything is growing!

Checking in on our Little Garden
Our first tomato!

Checking in on our Little Garden
Sidney checking out the other gardens

Checking in on our Little Garden
Working hard - it was 90 degrees out today!

Checking in on our Little Garden
Let's hope this garden keeps growing. It has a lot of promise and I am craving some Gazpacho Soup!!!

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
Some of the Green Room's art work

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
Ava's art work

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
Ava found a new friend, Mason. He's the little brother of one of Ava's school friends. Too cute!

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
Spring sing

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
Ava singing

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
Sidney enjoying her Oreos while Ava gets a snow cone.

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
Ava and Sidney on the play ground

Bonhomme Spring Sing and Art Show
We had a snow cone casualty on the play ground and had to go back for a second!

Our Little Garden
Ava getting to work

Our Little Garden
Tim and Ava getting dirty

Our Little Garden
Nana helping Ava

Our Little Garden
Ava loved helping out!

Our Little Garden
Great team work!

Our Little Garden
Nana and Ava

Our Little Garden
Ava putting on the finishing touch - her flower pinwheel.

Our Little Garden
Ava picked this out at Hobby Lobby when we first found out that we got a plot.

Our Little Garden
Proud Ava

Our Little Garden
Sassy Ava

Our Little Garden
Silly Ava

Our Little Garden
Tim and Ava

I ❤ NY
We stayed at the Casablanca Hotel in Times Square. My mom called ahead of time and told them that "her daughter was taking her to NYC for her birthday and that she needed help dressing herself and taking medicine so could they put us in rooms next to each other."!!!!! When we arrived, the staff sang happy birthday to her and gave her this bottle of wine in her room! It says "Happy Birthday Mrs. Reeves" because the reservation was made under my name. My mom doesn't drink and I can't drink, but it was so nice of them - especially since it wasn't my mom's birthday!

I ❤ NY
My mom's room faced 43rd Street and she could hear the trash trucks come pick up the trash every night in the middle of the night! Next time we'll have to request a room higher up!

I ❤ NY
The hotel had a great, free breakfast every morning and happy hour with food and a piano player every evening. They put out a nice spread but when you're in NYC it's so fun to eat out at all the great restaurants. We did come down for tea a couple of times though.

I ❤ NY
When I went into labor with Ava, my parents had secretly been up in NY waiting for my call. They ducked into this police station when I called to tell them to fly out to NYC - they were already here!

I ❤ NY
This is the church across the street from our old apartment building where Ava was baptized.

I ❤ NY
St. Paul the Apostle Church

I ❤ NY
One Columbus Place

I ❤ NY
My old home :(

I ❤ NY
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital where Ava was born

I ❤ NY
The Flame - my parents' favorite breakfast place near my apartment

I ❤ NY
Burrito Box - I ate here almost every day when I was pregnant with Ava, sometimes twice a day! It was just as good as I remembered!

I ❤ NY
Standing in line for Live! with Kelly

I ❤ NY
Mom is ready to go!

I ❤ NY
Our seats at Live! with Kelly

I ❤ NY
Kelly got a new set! Much more feminine.

I ❤ NY
Gelman chatting with Kelly and her co-host Seth Meyers during a commercial break.

I ❤ NY
Kelly amusing the crowd with her famous model poses.

I ❤ NY
They had an animal expert on the show. He brought lots of cute baby animals.

I ❤ NY
Kelly and Seth getting ready for the next animal - a baby porcupine!

I ❤ NY
A baby black bear!

I ❤ NY
9/11 Memorial - The North Pool

I ❤ NY
9/11 Memorial - The South Pool

I ❤ NY
9/11 Museum - The interior is to be finished in 2012

I ❤ NY
The names of the victims of 9/111 are engraved around the North and South Pools.

I ❤ NY
The Survivor Tree - the only tree around ground zero to survive 9/11. It was nursed back to health and replanted on the memorial grounds.

I ❤ NY
Rockefeller Center - the ice skating rink is still open and people were skating in shorts and t-shirts! The ice was pretty wet. If you fell you'd be soaked!

I ❤ NY
Ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center.

I ❤ NY
Famous fountain at Rockefeller Center

I ❤ NY
Book of Mormon stage

I ❤ NY
Mom and I at Book of Mormon - funny but probably offensive to my Mormon friends.

I ❤ NY
Alice's Tea Cup - We've only been able to eat here one time. It's always so busy! This visit was no different. There was a 2 hour wait!

I ❤ NY
Inside of Alice's Tea Cup - very cute!

I ❤ NY
We could eat at Alice's Tea Cup so we headed to Levain Bakery and at cookies instead!

I ❤ NY
Mom ordered 20 cookies! The bag probably weighed 8 pounds or more! Getting them home was a challenge but totally worth it!

I ❤ NY
Mom and I with my friend, Jenna, at dinner at La Masseria. Jenna and I lived in the same apartment building in Evanston, IL two floors apart while Tim and Dennis were in school. It was so fun catching up with her!

I ❤ NY
After dinner we saw How to Succeed in Business with Nick Jonas. The show was great and he did a great job!

I ❤ NY
Jenna and I outside the show.

I ❤ NY
Mom and I (and Nick Jonas)

I ❤ NY
Nick Jonas (on the right) with another character from the musical. They auctioned off Nick's bow tie that he wore throughout the show along with a backstage tour and pictures with Nick and the cast. The highest bid was for $1200! Then they pulled out a second bow tie and offered it to the second highest bidder for $1200! The money they raised when to charity.

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
Waiting patiently to eat her cookies

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
Ava made her birthday crown at school

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
Sitting at the snack table

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
Singing a song on the circle rug

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
Ava and her teachers, Mrs. Kern and Mrs. Harrell

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
Ava and I made heart-shaped crayons to bring to her friends and teachers for her birthday party.

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
Heart

Ava's 4th Birthday Party at School
We put them in these little bags along with an eraser. The kids loved them!

Ava's 4th Birthday
Ava's birthday questionnaire

Ava's 4th Birthday
Riding bikes in our PJ's

Ava's 4th Birthday
Ava in her mis-matched PJ's

Ava's 4th Birthday
Sidney helmet is HUGE!

Ava's 4th Birthday
Riding bikes again with Nana and Papa

Ava's 4th Birthday
Ava showing off her skills to Nana and Papa

Ava's 4th Birthday
Happy girl

Ava's 4th Birthday
Sidney is ready to go!

Ava's 4th Birthday
Sidney playing in the tissue paper...

Ava's 4th Birthday
...while Ava opens her presents.

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
The cake - another Walmart Bakery success!

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
The decoration - a Mom endeavor

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Dora party hat

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Ava's past year highlights in photos

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Cake Pops! My first attempt turned out pretty yummy.

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Christina and Great Grandma

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
The grandparents hanging out with Dora

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
GG and Sidney

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Partiers

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Mama and Sidney

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Grandma signing Matt's cast - he fell off a scooter :(

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Tim took up some prime realty on the cast

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Ava excited for the cake

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
It's finally cake time!

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
This is the first year Ava blew out the candles!

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Sidney and Nanny playing in the streamers

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Sidney is not the present Ava hoped for...

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Horsey ride from Uncle Chris

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Just horsing around

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Intensely competitive game of "beanbags in the cups" between Grandpa and Austin

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
All the grandma's

Ava's 4th Birthday Party
Spoiled rotten

Dollar Crafts - Painting
Look how excited Sidney is! I love these smocks too - they look so cute!

Dollar Crafts - Painting
Ava checking out her color

Dollar Crafts - Painting
Getting to work

Dollar Crafts - Painting
Sidney working on two pictures at once

Dollar Crafts - Painting
Ava thinking about what to paint next...

Happy Easter!
Ava woke up first. She went through her Easter basket but it killed her to wait for Sidney to wake up to start the egg hunt.

Happy Easter!
Finally! The egg hunt begins. Ava finds a bunny eraser.

Happy Easter!
Dad is excited too!

Happy Easter!
Sidney showing off her eraser.

Happy Easter!
A flower!

Happy Easter!
Sidney eventually went through the toys in her Easter basket.

Happy Easter!
After the egg hunt, the girls watched a Max and Ruby Easter video from Nana Isaak.

Happy Easter!
Another egg hunt at Aunt Toni's house. Sarah and Ava are focused!

Happy Easter!
Sidney found an egg behind the couch!

Happy Easter!
The hunters - Sidney, Ryan, Ava and Sarah

Happy Easter!
Ava checking her eggs after the hunt.

Happy Easter!
Sidney checking her eggs too, with Dad's help.

The Butterfly House
Sidney pointing out a butterfly to Nana Reeves

The Butterfly House
This is Sidney's favorite bench.

The Butterfly House
Sidney and Papa on her favorite bench.

The Butterfly House
Sidney making her escape.

The Butterfly House
Sidney inspecting a flower.

The Butterfly House
Ava making her ladybug hat.

The Butterfly House
The finished product!

The Butterfly House
Sidney and Ava coloring - I think Ava colored 7 pictures!

The Butterfly House
I painted the ladybug on the left and Ava did the other two. I like the happy face!

The Butterfly House
Sidney wants to see Nana's ladybug rock.

The Butterfly House
Sidney gets a hold of Nana's ladybug!

The Butterfly House
Ava planting her lettuce.

Dying Easter Eggs
Daddy showed Ava some egg dying techniques.

Dying Easter Eggs
Ava's hands were covered in egg dye!

Dying Easter Eggs
More egg dying

Dying Easter Eggs
Pink and yellow are Ava's two favorite colors - she was very protective of those eggs!

Muppets Movie Night
Tim set up the family room for Movie Night.

Muppets Movie Night
The girls had their own table!

Muppets Movie Night
Eating dinner and watch The Muppets

Muppets Movie Night
Everyone loved eating popcorn!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
The girls are ready to find some Easter eggs!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
We met up with Will and Adler too - Adler loved Sidney's buttons

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava and Daddy at the starting line.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Adler and Britt are ready to go!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Will was feeling sleepy so he let Adler go hunt for eggs.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
The Easter Bunny!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Go get the eggs!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava found one!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Adler is filling up his hat!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Success! We got our eggs!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Sidney checking out the goods.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava got candy - she's super excited!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Will woke up to see what Adler got in his eggs.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Sidney and her new BFF, Luke.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava found her new BFF, Frog.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava coming down the slide.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Will and Ava playing with the boats

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava and Daddy with the boats.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Too cute!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava got to take home a flower! We planted it in the front yard. Hope it grows!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Watering her flower.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava climbing the ropes.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Ava won the bunny ears from a ticket in one of the eggs she found. They had cookies and Capri Sun for the kids after the hunt.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Sidney loved the Capri Sun!

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Sidney couldn't eat the cookies so she got one of her own Sidney-cookies.

Eggstravaganza at Botanical Gardens
Bye Bye Easter Bunny!

Ava's 4 Year & Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year & Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Ava's 4 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012 - She's holding a chocolate chip!

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012

Sidney's 2 Year Photos
2012 - She's holding a chocolate chip!

The Latest . . .
Baby #3 is on the way!

Visiting the Easter Bunny
Happy Easter!

Visiting the Easter Bunny
The girls got these Bunny ears and wore them ALL DAY!

Visiting the Easter Bunny
Sidney wearing her ears while watching Dora before bedtime. So cute!

Botanical Gardens
All the flowers were blooming

Botanical Gardens
Ava spotted a huge bumblebee and hid behind Papa

Botanical Gardens
Ava and Papa off exploring

Botanical Gardens
Sidney and Nana investigating the fountain

Botanical Gardens
This was a pretty spot for a picture but the girls were not interested in sitting still.

Botanical Gardens
Nana sat for the picture instead.

Botanical Gardens
Ringing the bells was a lot of fun.

Botanical Gardens
Nana and Sidney catching up on a bench.

Botanical Gardens
Ava is off and running.

Botanical Gardens
The girls climbed up to the window.

Botanical Gardens
This is a funny looking tree with limbs that touch the ground.

Botanical Gardens
The girls got in trouble for climbing on the tree! Oops!

Botanical Gardens
Ava found a path and is off exploring.

Botanical Gardens
The girls loved all the water and fountains. I'm amazed that Sidney did not end up soaking wet by the end of the day. She's a little too curious.

Botanical Gardens
Ava leading Papa on another path.

Botanical Gardens
Ava riding the sheep.

Botanical Gardens
Sidney riding the sheep.

Botanical Gardens
Even Nana is riding the sheep!

Botanical Gardens
It was a really fun day!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Elmo cake

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
The dessert table

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
I made chocolate covered marshmallows!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Table centerpieces

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Elmo party hat

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Birthday wreath

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Number 2 in Sidney photos

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Balloons and streamers

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Elmo faces on sticks....

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
... to decorate our front walk

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
The birthday girl!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Wearing a ring (from the Ring Toss game) on her head

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Ava and Sidney

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
All the cousins

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Bonking the balloons

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Alex and Christina

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Nana and Papa Reeves

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Uncle Chris has Teddy!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Ava spots Uncle Chris with Teddy!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Ava take Teddy back ...

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
... and gives Uncle Chris a chair!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
... and gives Uncle Chris a chair!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Now Uncle Chris and Ava and Teddy!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Papa Isaak making Sidney laugh

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Ticklish Sidney

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Dad swinging Ava

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney with Nanny Isaak

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney with Nana Reeves

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Papa Reeves got Sidney ...

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Papa Reeves got Ava ...

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Papa Reeves got Sidney and Ava!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Great Grandma Isaak with Sidney

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Hugs from Great Grandma Isaak

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
It's time to sing

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney is ready to sing

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Happy birthday girl

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney enjoying her birthday Oreos with Nana Reeves

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney enjoying her birthday Oreos

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney enjoying her birthday Oreos with Nana Reeves

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Are there any more Oreos left?

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Oreo face!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney with her Godparents, Aunt Christina and Uncle Chris

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney checking out her new table and chairs

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Present time!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney got a 2 dollar bill from Nana and Papa Isaak

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Tiny purse from Great Grandma Isaak

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Ava sitting at Sidney's new table

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Ava and Austin playing at the table

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
The slide was more fun than opening her presents so Sidney took off.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Then she rocked on the chair.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Then she sat at her table.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Then she sat with her cousin, Shane. on the rocking chair.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
The slide turned out to be a lot more fun than expected.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Even the big kids liked it!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Ava liked to go backwards. Sidney give her a push.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Down she goes!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
And off she goes.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
Sidney tries on her Elmo hat.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
And Papa Reeves tries on her birthday hat.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday Party
We're exhausted - can you tell!

Sidney's First Hair Cut
Sidney is looking concerned pre-hair cut

Sidney's First Hair Cut
Here is the mullet before

Sidney's First Hair Cut
She is very unsure of my abilities, rightfully so.

Sidney's First Hair Cut
The first cut - there's no going back now.

Sidney's First Hair Cut
This picture cracks me up. Look at the fear in her eyes! It looks like she's in a horror movie!

Sidney's First Hair Cut
She's trying to make her escape!

Sidney's First Hair Cut
Hmmmm....I'm not sure if you did a good job Mom...

Sidney's First Hair Cut
She's still a cutie from the front ;)

Sidney's First Hair Cut
It doesn't look THAT bad.

Sidney's First Hair Cut
Her first smile!

Bubbles!
First we started with the bubble bucket. It didn't go over big. None of us could blow any bubbles!

Bubbles!
Sidney painted the bubbles on like lipstick

Bubbles!
We decided to break out the bubble machine - SO MUCH FUN!!

Bubbles!
The girls chased down bubbles all over our yard

Bubbles!
So many bubbles

Bubbles!
Sidney loves it!

Bubbles!
Sidney is trying to pop the bubbles with her wand.

Bubbles!
Ava dancing in the bubbles

Bubbles!
Happy girl

Bubbles!
The bubbles floated around everywhere

Bubbles!
Sidney trying to catch the bubbles

Bubbles!
Love this shot!

Bubbles!
Only bubbles separate us ;)

Bubbles!
More happy girl

Bubbles!
Dad came home in time to enjoy some bubble fun!

St. Louis Zoo
The girls love seeing the elephant - Ava always wants her picture taken with the elephant.

St. Louis Zoo
Eating lunch - it was a sunny day. Thankfully, Sidney loves wearing hats!

St. Louis Zoo
Riding the train - the girls favorite

St. Louis Zoo
Riding the train - Sidney was so distracted by the kids sitting behind us

St. Louis Zoo
Me and Sidney on the train

St. Louis Zoo
Relaxing a bit

St. Louis Zoo
Refueling with ice cream...

St. Louis Zoo
...and chocolate chips

St. Louis Zoo
Sidney loved the baby goats at the Children's Zoo.

St. Louis Zoo
Ava was interested but kept her distance. She was also such a cute, protective big sister to Sidney.

St. Louis Zoo
Looking for ducks - none to be found

St. Louis Zoo
Riding on the fake frog

St. Louis Zoo
I love this picture! Sidney cracks me up!

St. Louis Zoo
Ava wanted to make a silly face!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
So excited to have her very own chair, just like her big sister!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
The boss

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
Reading her new Dr. Seuss book in her reading chair.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
Opening her presents

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
A Dora Backpack! Just like Ava's!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
Ava is peeking in at the goods.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
Sidney's first tricycle!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
Let's go Dad!

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
The tricycle has a handle on the back that can push and steer the bike.

Sidney's 2nd Birthday
Love that happy face

Bubble Bath
Bubble beard

Bubble Bath
Tim also made water balloons!

Bubble Bath
I think Tim used half of the bottle of bubble bath!

Ava's Uh Oh Face
Dang sand

Valentine's Day
Sidney enjoying one of the balloons Dada brought home

Valentine's Day
Sidney enjoying one of the balloons Dada brought home

Valentine's Day
Somehow Sidney got a hold of a balloon AND Teddy

Valentine's Day
Ava's helped make her Valentine's for her school friends

Valentine's Day
Ava really liked her Valentine's - she did a great job helping me with the pipe cleaners!

Valentine's Day
Ava reading her Valentine's from her school friends

Valentine's Day
Someone must have written something juicy in this Valentine!

Valentine's Day
Ava got a Toy Story bookmark!

Valentine's Day
Ava also got a candy watch. She LOVED it.

Valentine's Day
This is Ava smelling her candy watch. She was obsessed with smelling it. I was kind of grossed out that she ate it after it had been all over her nose!

Valentine's Day
Ava lining up and counting her candy. She was really excited about all her lollipops.

Valentine's Day
Sidney made her own lollipop out of white Playdough and a Playdough knife!

Valentine's Day
Ava made me a Valentine's bracelet at school

Valentine's Day
My homemade gift to Tim

Valentine's Day
Dry erase message board!

Teddy's Bath
Sidney waiting patiently in the laundry room during Teddy's bath.

Teddy's Bath
Puppy is a nice alternative when Teddy is not available.

Teddy's Bath
How you doing in there Teddy?

Teddy's Bath
As close as she can get

Teddy's Bath
Such a sweet girl

Teddy's Bath
This is just a funny picture that I took of Teddy and Dora recently. Ava pointed out to me that Dora was upside down on Teddy's bum!

St. Louis Zoo
We are ready Mom!

St. Louis Zoo
Sidney fell about 1 second after I took this picture.

St. Louis Zoo
They both made it to the elephant successfully!

St. Louis Zoo
Look how empty this place is!

St. Louis Zoo
Ava and Sidney getting a better look at the black bears

St. Louis Zoo
Those are two lazy bears!

St. Louis Zoo
The penguins were eating their lunch

St. Louis Zoo
FYI...The carousel is free from 10am - 11am!

St. Louis Zoo
Saddle up!

St. Louis Zoo
Ava chose the polar bear

St. Louis Zoo
Again, look at the empty tables! Also, much to my surprise, Sidney sat at that chair and ate her whole lunch without getting up once! She must have been starving.

St. Louis Zoo
Train ride

St. Louis Zoo
Me and my girls!

St. Louis Zoo
More lazy animals!

St. Louis Zoo
Lazy lions

St. Louis Zoo
Who are you looking at?

St. Louis Zoo
After I took this picture the mom standing next to me mentioned that the monkey had just peed and pooped! Gross!

Incognito Sidney
A girl on a mission

Incognito Sidney
Hi Mom!

Incognito Sidney
I love that she put her sunglasses on the outside of her hat - and they stayed up!

Incognito Sidney
Peeking out from under her sunglasses

Incognito Sidney
They were pretending they were in jail

Incognito Sidney
My sweet girl

Teddy Bear Day
So excited for school!

Teddy Bear Day
Ava wanted a shot of just Teddy on his big day!

Chore Charts
Ava's Chore Charts

Chore Charts
Sidney's Chore Charts

Chore Charts
We're ready to do our afternoon chores!

Chore Charts
Ava did a couple chores.

Chore Charts
She loves the dry erase pen!

Chore Charts
Proud of mt girl!

Now why didn't I think of this?
Eat your turkey Sidney.

Now why didn't I think of this?
Now some green beans.

Now why didn't I think of this?
Prepping the next bite.

Now why didn't I think of this?
Open wide!

POOPS!
I am so proud of Ava!

POOPS!
After careful consideration of all the treats at Schnuck's bakery, Ava picked this double chocolate M&M cookie. It was free since kids under 10 get a free cookie at Schnuck's! Even better!

POOPS!
She didn't share a bite with anyone.

Happy Birthday Tim
We're ready to sing! I could only find a used #1 candle. Oh well.

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava enjoying a doughnut

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava enjoying a doughnut

Happy Birthday Tim
Sidney's card to Daddy. I traced her hand to make the card. I love how it turned out!

Happy Birthday Tim
Sidney's card to Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Sidney's card to Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava signed her card to Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava's card to Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava's comments about her Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava's comments about her Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Daddy loved it!

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava's comments about her Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Here is Ava's drawing of Daddy. He's not wearing earrings, those are his cheeks!

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava also painted a picture for Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava's card - outside

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava's card - inside

Happy Birthday Tim
Sidney's card - outside

Happy Birthday Tim
Sidney's card - inside

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava ate just the chocolate frosting off her doughnut.

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava's top-eaten doughnut

Happy Birthday Tim
Ava captures the moment

Happy Birthday Tim
Doing the alphabet train puzzle with Daddy

Happy Birthday Tim
Doing the alphabet train puzzle with Daddy

New Year's Eve
Alex and her friend, Lydia, making their pizza

New Year's Eve
Elizabeth making her pizza

New Year's Eve
Alex putting on the finishing touches

New Year's Eve
Tim and Ava (and Backpack of course)

New Year's Eve
Sidney - no pizza for her :(

New Year's Eve
Matt and his friend, Shawn, making their pizza

New Year's Eve
I made the pizza for Tim and me. I think I need a little bit of work rolling out the dough into a circle.

New Year's Eve
The kids chowing down.

New Year's Eve
Our pizza is ready! It tasted pretty good despite it's funny shape.

New Year's Eve
Chris' perfectly round pizza crust - show off.

New Year's Eve
Chris admiring his work of art

New Year's Eve
Someone took my camera and snapped some shots of Tim.

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
The girls couldn't wait to open their presents

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Ava got a Dora puzzle

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Sidney got new books for her book case.

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Ava asked Santa for a baby sheep (aka; a lamb). Santa didn't come through but Nana and Papa did!

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Nana and Papa got new slippers

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
BACKPACK!!!! Ava's favorite gift by far this year is her Dora the Explorer Backpack. She's worn it EVERYWHERE.

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Admiring Backpack

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Posing with Backpack

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Showing Nana Backpack

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Chris and Rich brought over some of Tim's old childhood mementos, including his cub scouts "Neckerchief" which I didn't know was an actual word! Classic.

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Sidney's crazy hair in the ball pit

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Papa in the ball pit

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Sidney and Papa playing in the ball pit

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Giggly Sidney

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Nana, Sidney and Papa

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Ava and Papa in the ball pit

Christmas with Nana and Papa Reeves
Ava and Papa in the ball pit

Isaak Family Christmas
My mom does such a great job decorating her dining room table

Isaak Family Christmas
Mom's table

Isaak Family Christmas
Mom's table

Isaak Family Christmas
The Christmas tree

Isaak Family Christmas
Dessert table

Isaak Family Christmas
The food line

Isaak Family Christmas
Alex playing with Sidney and Ava

Isaak Family Christmas
Sidney's dinner table. Her dinner consisted of an assortment of crackers and Barney for entertainment.

Isaak Family Christmas
The rest of us in the dining room.

Isaak Family Christmas
Stepping stones for me (Mizzou), Rick (Wake Forest Univ) and Chris (Notre Dame)

Isaak Family Christmas
Matt and Sidney

Isaak Family Christmas
Ava ready to open her gifts

Isaak Family Christmas
My nephews - can you find creeping Shane?

Isaak Family Christmas
Elizabeth opening her gifts

Isaak Family Christmas
Liz and Christina

Isaak Family Christmas
It's Mailbox!

Isaak Family Christmas
Ava is interested too

Isaak Family Christmas
What's in there?

Isaak Family Christmas
Lyrics to the Happy Birthday Grandma song.

Christmas!
Santa came! He was hungry!

Christmas!
Note from Santa

Christmas!
Opening presents Christmas morning

Christmas!
Opening presents Christmas morning

Christmas!
A Slinky!

Christmas!
Opening presents Christmas morning

Christmas!
A butterfly puzzle!

Christmas!
As expected, there were tears shed. Ava was a bit jealous of some of Sidney's gifts.

Christmas!
Dora ball house

Christmas!
Sidney in the ball house

Christmas!
Ava's pink guitar!

Christmas!
Playing the guitar - a natural!

Christmas!
Playing the guitar - a natural!

Christmas!
Love this picture

Christmas!
Getting some help from Dad

Christmas!
Sidney wants a turn

Christmas!
Sidney wants a turn

Christmas!
It's as big as her!

Christmas!
Our town

Christmas!
Ava proud of her accomplishment

Christmas!
Sidney was like Godzilla to the town. It didn't last long after I snapped these pictures.

Christmas!
This was the girls' big gift. I made a the road map of a town on a tablecloth. The girls got cars and blocks and little people, etc. to build up their town.

Christmas!
Racing cars

Christmas!
The kids table at my mom and dad's house. Ava and Sidney with Ryan and Sarah.

Christmas!
The adult table.

Christmas!
Party girl

Christmas!
Two hats!

Christmas!
Silly face time!

Christmas!
My mom and her sister, Toni

Christmas!
All the Calenda girls.

Christmas!
And the Calenda boys (with my dad and Tim).

Christmas!
Love this picture of Tim!

Christmas!
Sidney, Sarah and Ava

Christmas!
Sarah and Ava

Christmas!
Rob your neighbor

Christmas!
Sarah brought a Dora castle for Sidney and Ava! Sarah used to be a big Dora fan and has lots of old toys. This was possibly the best present they got!

The Night Before Christmas
Today was our last day with Elvis...until next year!

The Night Before Christmas
We'll miss Elvis.

The Night Before Christmas
Trays for our goodies for Santa and his reindeer.

The Night Before Christmas
Ava made this reindeer food at school.

The Night Before Christmas
She dumped all of the reindeer food right here.

The Night Before Christmas
Looks like bird food.

The Night Before Christmas
Grasshopper cookies and milk for Santa. Carrots for the reindeer.

The Night Before Christmas
Santa came!

The Night Before Christmas
Letter and gifts from from Santa! Can you guess what Ava got???

The Night Before Christmas
The Good Deed Manger. Every time the girls did a good deed, we wrote it down on a piece of paper and tied yarn to it to make a soft bed for Baby Jesus.

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
GG with Sidney

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
GG with Ava and Sidney

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
All of us with GG

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
Family pic

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
My mom and dad with GG (my dad's mother).

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
Ava pulling Sidney on a really old horse toy. Glad it held up all night.

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
Sisters

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
These are my cousin, Karen's twins - Elizabeth and Henry. They are a month younger than Sidney.

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
Ava present from GG - a laptop!

Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's House
Ava put her laptop here when we got home - right next to Dada's!

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Ava learning to work the stand mixer.

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Sidney ate breakfast the entire time we baked cookies.

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Ava licking the paddle.

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Yum!

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Decorating time

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Success!

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Sidney still eating.

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Arms up

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
More decorating

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Ava's masterpiece

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
The Russ Isaak gingerbread man. My dad is a big fan of gingerbread cookies. We made this one in his likeness.

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Don't eat me!

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Another Ava masterpiece

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Collaboration of Tim and Ava

Gingerbread Man Cookies - Part II
Ava loves M&M's. The more the better.

Christmas Treats
My nieces and nephews love these cupcake bites, as does Ava. They truly are a labor of love. It took me about 3 hours to make ~130 cupcake bites. Totally worth it!

Christmas Treats
Won't you be my neighbor? We bring treats to 4 of our neighbors.

Christmas Treats
Partially eaten treats for our Isaak Christmas party.

Gingerbread Man
The girls were excited to help make the cookies.

Gingerbread Man
Girls on stools (poor Teddy has been tossed on the floor).

Gingerbread Man
Ava licks the spatula - I generally love eating cookie dough but this cookie dough did not taste good. I can't believe Ava liked it!

Gingerbread Man
Rolling out the dough

Gingerbread Man
Help from Dad with the cookie cutter.

Gingerbread Man
Sidney wasn't interested in this part. She had a tea party with her imaginary friend instead.

Gingerbread Man
The gingerbread men are ready to be baked!

Gingerbread Man
An unsupervised Sidney found an open box of crackers....

Gingerbread Man
We found the gingerbread men and started to decorate.

Gingerbread Man
They're decorated - and so is Ava.

Gingerbread Man
They actually tasted pretty bad. I'll have to get a new recipe for next year. That didn't stop Ava from eating them though!

Gingerbread Man
Yum!

Gardenland Express
Watching the trains.

Gardenland Express
Ava and flowers

Gardenland Express
Sidney gets a better view from Dada.

Gardenland Express
Happy Ava

Gardenland Express
I see another train!

Gardenland Express
Taking a rest on a bench

Gardenland Express
Me and my squirmy girls

Tea Party
Plenty of tea and desserts for everyone.

Tea Party
Ava's BFF is Teddy.

Tea Party
Sidney acknowledges that Teddy is a member of the family also. Here she is serving him seconds on the cupcake dessert.

Tea Party
Puppy is Sidney's Teddy equivalent. He's as big as Sidney and takes up a lot of space in her crib. She uses him as a pillow.

Visit to Santa
The girls are ready to see Santa. This is one of Ava's pictures that she colored for Santa.

Visit to Santa
Eating bananas while we wait.

Visit to Santa
Santa's here!

Visit to Santa
Sidney sat on a stool beside Santa.

Visit to Santa
Ava was very brave despite the crying children that met Santa before her.

Visit to Santa
Merry Christmas!

Visit to Santa
Merry Christmas!

Lunch with Great Grandma
GG and Ava

Lunch with Great Grandma
Sidney, GG and Ava

Lunch with Great Grandma
Sidney, GG and Ava

Dora the Explorer!
The girls waiting to see Dora and Boots

Dora the Explorer!
The line was pretty long so we took a few rides on the carousel.

Dora the Explorer!
Ava loves the teacup. I get sick just watching her.

Dora the Explorer!
There she goes!

Dora the Explorer!
Nana Isaak came with us but had to leave before we saw Dora and Boots. She was so nice to hold our place in line.

Dora the Explorer!
Finally! Dora and Boots! Sidney was in shock for most of the visit.

Dora the Explorer!
Nana and Papa Reeves got to meet them too.

Dora the Explorer!
And so did I!

Dora the Explorer!
Sidney just wanted to hold Dora's hand.

Dora the Explorer!
Saying good-bye was hard to do.

Dora the Explorer!
They still don't want to leave :(

Dora the Explorer!
What a fun trip!

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Decorating in our PJs

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Sidney tried to help...

Decorating the Christmas Tree
...but she mostly played with the ornaments

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Ava is very proud of herself

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Concentrating

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Sprays going on the tree

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Ava in an ornament

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Finished product!

Happy Thanksgiving
Our front porch

Happy Thanksgiving
Ava's pre-Thanksgiving lunch; Sidney playing in the background. While the rest of us stuffed ourselves, Sidney starved herself and ate next to nothing.

Happy Thanksgiving
Relaxing while cooking

Happy Thanksgiving
Alwyn, Tim and Grandpa Reeves - The men in the kitchen!

Happy Thanksgiving
Sidney, Kaleb and Ava playing (Alex is barely in the background)

Happy Thanksgiving
Appetizer table

Happy Thanksgiving
I was teased about my labels all day.

Happy Thanksgiving
The bird is ready!

Happy Thanksgiving
Kids table - not a lot of eating going on. Ava and Sidney don't even have food!

Happy Thanksgiving
Sidney insisted on sitting at the big kid table.

Happy Thanksgiving
Adult table + Alex (who didn't make it in the picture unfortunately)

Happy Thanksgiving
Dessert time! And more labels

Happy Thanksgiving
We have a ton of left over dessert.

Happy Thanksgiving
I made non-pumpkin cookies for the kids and Alwyn (who doesn't like cinnamon!).

Stuck!
Oh no! What happened!

Stuck!
This could be our new Time Out spot ;)

Halloween!
Sidney at Grandma's doing what she loves - watching TV!

Halloween!
Remote hog!

Halloween!
Ava at Grandma's doing what she loves - eating treats!

Halloween!
Sidney pre-costume

Halloween!
Piglet Ava

Halloween!
Pooh Sidney

Halloween!
Ava and her cousin "E" (aka; Elizabeth)

Halloween!
Ava picked out the girls' Halloween costumes this year. She chose Piglet for herself because she loves the color pink.

Halloween!
The Queen of Hearts with Piglet and Pooh

Halloween!
Sidney playing pre-trick-or-treating

Halloween!
Happy Piglet

Halloween!
Harry Potter (aka; my nephew Austin) and his mom, Liz

Halloween!
The Queen of Hearts (Elizabeth) and her dad, Chris

Halloween!
Matt (who decided not to dress up this year) with his dad, Chris and sister, Elizabeth

Halloween!
Piglet laughing

Halloween!
The cousins (from Left): Ava, Austin, Elizabeth, Sidney and Matt. Missing cousins Shane and Alex were with friends.

Halloween!
It's Po! The things you do for your kids...

Halloween!
Sidney was a little leery of me at first.

Halloween!
Trick-or-treating time!

Halloween!
Sidney was not shy at all about going right up and entering people's homes

Halloween!
The oldest trick-or-treater

Halloween!
Love my Piglet

Halloween!
My dad joined us for some trick-or-treating fun

Halloween!
The fam

Halloween!
Family shot

Halloween!
Let's go to this house!

Halloween!
Love my Pooh (Winnie, that is)

Halloween!
Sidney really liked this witch

Halloween!
Ava got a drink treat!

Halloween!
And lots of candy treats too!

Halloween!
What a fun night

Halloween!
The goods

Preschool Halloween Parade
Ava in her room at preschool - the Green room

Preschool Halloween Parade
Ava in her room at preschool - the Green room

Preschool Halloween Parade
Lined up to perform some songs

Preschool Halloween Parade
Off to parade around the school

Boo at the Zoo
Piglet and Pooh arrive at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo
We realized we forgot Sidney's shoes at home midway to the Zoo and had to stop at a Target. Crisis averted.

Boo at the Zoo
Sidney staying warm in the stroller

Boo at the Zoo
The "Scare-o-sel" was decorated for Halloween

Boo at the Zoo
More "Scare-o-sel"

Boo at the Zoo
Giggles

Boo at the Zoo
A happy Piglet

Boo at the Zoo
Eating dinner in the stroller

Butterfly House
The pavilion - Ava thought this was the perfect place to dance.

Butterfly House
Dancing under the pavilion.

Butterfly House
Jumping in the leaves

Butterfly House
Fall leaves

Butterfly House
Crunching around in the leaves

Butterfly House
Sidney wandering off

Butterfly House
This was one of the few shots that I got of Sidney from the front. She was constantly running away from me.

Butterfly House
Following the path and finding rocks

Butterfly House
Butterfly house in the top left corner.

Sweet Sisters
Sidney discovered that she can now climb up in chairs - Ava's chair is especially easy because of the foot rest.

Sweet Sisters
The downside is that now Sidney wants to eat in a big girl chair. That would NEVER work. Maybe when she's 6.

Sweet Sisters
Sippy cups and sisters

Sweet Sisters
Sidney likes to stick her legs out the back of the chair too.

Sweet Sisters
Hug from Ava

Sweet Sisters
Such sweeties!

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
We're here!

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
They have pony rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating and a market in this area.

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
And this is the Pumpkinland play area.

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava with the big hay bale pumpkin

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Sidney climbing hay bales - she would have stayed here all day and climbed.

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava climbing hay bales

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava climbing hay bales

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava makes it to the top

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
And Sidney makes it to the top too

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava going down the slide - I couldn't believe she went by herself. It was a fast slide.

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Her shoe caught her up a few times.

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Sidney enters the hay bale maze. It was pitch black in there. I didn't let her go in too far. Spooky!

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Sidney playing with a wagon

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Sidney playing with a wagon

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Sidney in the corn maze

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava on the moving swing

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava on the moving swing

Theis Farm Pumpkinland
Ava on the moving swing

More Silly Stunts
A new form of time out possibly?? Just kidding grandparents!

More Silly Stunts
Sidney insisted on having her arms out. Now I see why - she's always up to no good!

More Silly Stunts
Super Sidney!

Cardinals Game 3 vs Brewers
Pujols up to bat

Cardinals Game 3 vs Brewers
Pujols up to bat

Cardinals Game 3 vs Brewers
Cardinals fans were feeling pretty good right about now...then came the 4th inning.

Cardinals Game 3 vs Brewers
Parents night out!

Sidney Hearts Shoes
One of mom's shoes and one of dad's shoes

Sidney Hearts Shoes
Whoa! A bit off balance.

LoGrasso Family Reunion
Sign in Creve Couer Park leading us to the reunion

LoGrasso Family Reunion
Sign in Creve Couer Park leading us to the reunion

LoGrasso Family Reunion
My mom's cousin organizes the reunion. She made this family tree several years ago and it's already very outdated - missing over 200 new family additions including Sidney!

LoGrasso Family Reunion
Our family representing my Grandma and Grandpa Calenda (Grandma Calenda is Agata LoGrasso's daughter)

LoGrasso Family Reunion
My mom's sister (and my aunt), Agatha (named after Agata LoGrasso), came in town for the reunion with her daughter (my cousin), Kristine, Kristine's husband Ron and their son, Preston.

LoGrasso Family Reunion
My mom and Agatha

LoGrasso Family Reunion
From Left: Kristine, Agatha holding a sleepy Preston, my mom and me

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Pumkins bigger than the girls!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
My sweet girls

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Ava loves pig tails (or as she likes to call them "two ponies"). I think she looks super cute!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
I think it was Sidney's goal to see how many pumpkins she could sit on.

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Sidney sitting on more pumpkins

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Ava's not too sure about the "bumpy pumpkins"

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
The big play ground was fenced off - only open on weekend.

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
We found another play ground that was open!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Sidney's dainty silhouette

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
The girls found this fun tunnel. I love that Sidney doesn't even need to duck her head to pass through.

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
I love that Ava's "two ponies" can be seen in her silhouette

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Ava makes her way through the tunnel

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
I pulled the girls around on this cart forever!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Sidney tried to help me out too ;)

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Taking home the girls and our pumpkin

Bonhomme Preschool Green Room
3 Years Old

Pumpkin Carving
Our big pumpkin from Rombach

Pumpkin Carving
Not sure why Ava is making this face but it's classic Ava.

Pumpkin Carving
What's in there?

Pumpkin Carving
PUMPKIN GUTS!

Pumpkin Carving
Ewwwww! Guts!

Pumpkin Carving
I sketched the face and Tim did a great job carving.

Pumpkin Carving
The finished product!

Faust Park Folk Festival
Sidney's face painting - This was supposed to be flowers but Sidney wasn't into it so we stopped mid-painting

Faust Park Folk Festival
Ava's face painting turned out much better.

Faust Park Folk Festival
Sidney is a dare-devil - she will try anything all by herself

Faust Park Folk Festival
Swings!

Faust Park Folk Festival
Sidney exploring

Faust Park Folk Festival
Trapped!

Faust Park Folk Festival
Carousel rides

Faust Park Folk Festival
Even mom got a ride!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Ava fell asleep on the drive over so Sidney and I hung out by ourselves for a while.

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Sidney try to sit on all the pumpkins. I think she thought they were little chairs.

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Perfect size!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Ava woke up just in time for the hay ride!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Hay ride

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Love my girls!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Heavy pumpkin!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Ava loved the Wizard of Oz display. She especially loved the rainbow. She kept saying "I love you rainbow and I'm going to give you a big hug." She's so sweet!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Rainbow hugs

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Sidney wanted to give the rainbow a hug too. She loves to be just like her big sister!

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Ava found her tiny pumpkin

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
She wanted to paint her pumpkin as soon as we got home. Yes, that's dad's old work shirt she's wearing.

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Finished product

Rombach Pumpkin Patch
Waiting for it to dry

Parkway West Homecoming Parade
We brought our folding chairs to watch the parade - HA!

Parkway West Homecoming Parade
Me and Sidney

Parkway West Homecoming Parade
Tim's family shot - where's Sidney?

Parkway West Homecoming Parade
The band

Parkway West Homecoming Parade
Cheerleaders

Parkway West Homecoming Parade
Homecoming Queen

Emergency Survival Kit
I have yet to move the kit out of the empty dining room.

Emergency Survival Kit
I have a 3-day Survival Kit in the 3 back packs if we ever needed to leave our house on foot.

Emergency Survival Kit
I have two large storage containers for food and supplies for our home.

Emergency Survival Kit
Supplies

Fancy Sidney
Classic Sidney

Fancy Sidney
If only Mom would dress me in some fancy clothes once in a while!

Fancy Sidney
Sidney also loves anything soft, like her blankies and stuffed animals. She loves to snuggle - such a lovey girl.

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Bonhomme 3 year old green room

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Bonhomme 3 year old green room

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Bonhomme 3 year old green room

Innsbrook
Ava getting her arm painted - Ava's preschool friend, Sophia, comes to Innsbrook with her family too. It's always fun to see preschool friends outside of school!

Innsbrook
Ava is always super excited to get her arm painted but then asks to wipe it off about 15 minutes later.

Innsbrook
A rainbow - the finished product

Innsbrook
Lounging with Nanny

Innsbrook
Sidney loved climbing on and off these Adirondack chairs.

Innsbrook
Playing at the house

Innsbrook
Sidney all suited up

Innsbrook
Sidney's super swimsuit

Innsbrook
Dad and his girls

Innsbrook
Ava excited to be on the boat

Innsbrook
Ava gets a turn at the wheel

Innsbrook
Keep your eyes on the water!

Innsbrook
Sidney and Dada

Innsbrook
Sidney and Dada

Innsbrook
Sidney's turn to drive

Innsbrook
Me and Sidney

Innsbrook
Love my Sidney

Innsbrook
And love my Ava

Innsbrook
Ava's first S'more!

Innsbrook
She will eat any treat, especially ones with chocolate

Innsbrook
More s'mores!

Innsbrook
Sidney relaxing on the couch

Innsbrook
Bath time - It's tradition to get a bath in the sink at Innsbrook. I think every kid has had a sink bath, including me (when I was little of course)!

Innsbrook
Playing with water

Innsbrook
Which cup do you want?

Innsbrook
All clean!

St. Louis Zoo
Ava is watching a duck in the water.

St. Louis Zoo
Tim, Ava and Papa

St. Louis Zoo
Sidney off and running

St. Louis Zoo
Feeding the ducks

St. Louis Zoo
Feeding the ducks

St. Louis Zoo
Giant turtles!

St. Louis Zoo
Giraffes

St. Louis Zoo
Ava got to see the giraffes.

St. Louis Zoo
The train ride is our favorite.

St. Louis Zoo
Sidney was happy to stand up and jump on the train - even while it was moving.

St. Louis Zoo
Ava found these birds roaming around. They look like roosters but have pretty feather with polka-dots.

St. Louis Zoo
Ava herding the birds.

St. Louis Zoo
Ava helping the birds cross the street.

St. Louis Zoo
Playing in the mister

St. Louis Zoo
Carousel ride - check!

St. Louis Zoo
Sidney riding on a Puffin

Festival of Nations
They had adults and kids dancing some of the traditional dances from their countries.

Festival of Nations
The highlight of the festival was the snow cones!

Festival of Nations
You wouldn't know it by her reaction but Sidney loved her strawberry snow cone.

Festival of Nations
Ava really loved her blueberry snow cone!

Festival of Nations
Ava really loved her blueberry snow cone!

Festival of Nations
Blue tongue!

Festival of Nations
One last sip for Sidney - the snow cone cup is as big as her head!

Faust Park Carousel
Ava loves riding the carousel.

Faust Park Carousel
Sidney is not too sure about this.

Faust Park Carousel
Ava's pink horse - her favorite.

Faust Park Butterfly House
Sidney in the Butterfly House

Faust Park Butterfly House
Crazy Ava

Faust Park Butterfly House
More crazy Ava

Faust Park Butterfly House
Ava and Sidney find a bug.

Faust Park Butterfly House
The girls love running through the stone paths.

Faust Park Butterfly House
The girls spot some waterfalls.

Faust Park Butterfly House
Dead end Sidney

Faust Park Butterfly House
Sidney finds the waterfalls. If I let her, she'd climb right over that rock and jump in.

Faust Park Butterfly House
Tripod Sidney at the Butterfly House

Faust Park Butterfly House
Sidney running along the stone paths.

Faust Park Butterfly House
Sidney is just barely tall enough to see over the rock wall.

Longview Park
Swinging

Longview Park
Such a cute picture of my sweet Sidney

Longview Park
Silly faces!

Longview Park
Will Sidney go all by herself?

Longview Park
Give me a push mom!

Longview Park
Slowly sliding down - her shoes held her up.

Longview Park
Ava goes down on her belly

Longview Park
Ava goes down on her belly

Longview Park
Tim and Sidney go backwards!

Longview Park
Made it!

Longview Park
The tunnel - see Sidney peeking her head in.

Longview Park
Here she comes!

Milk and Barney
My big girl drinking her bottle all by herself. I know she's too old to be drinking from a bottle so lay off!

Milk and Barney
This is Ava's spot for "Milk and Barney". I'm not sure why she prefers the floor. I love that she's wearing a pink tutu under her dress!

Milk and Barney
The full layout. Sidney looks so tiny on the couch all by herself!

Lake of the Ozarks
Isaak Tennis tournament - Lodge of Four Seasons

Lake of the Ozarks
Isaak Tennis tournament - Lodge of Four Seasons

Lake of the Ozarks
Bingo with Grandma

Lake of the Ozarks
Sidney's first trip to the pool!

Lake of the Ozarks
Austin, Shane and Matt play in the mini-golf tournament

Lake of the Ozarks
Alex and Rob at the mini-golf tournament

Lake of the Ozarks
Dinner guest

Lake of the Ozarks
Sidney's new high chair - worked great!

Lake of the Ozarks
Alex and Elizabeth at dinner

Lake of the Ozarks
Ping Pong Tournament - we are a competitive family ;)

Lake of the Ozarks
Family shot

Lake of the Ozarks
Nephews in disguise

Lake of the Ozarks
Sidney at dinner at Lodge of Four Seasons

Lake of the Ozarks
Dinner at Lodge of Four Seasons - Rob, Chris, Rick and Dad

Lake of the Ozarks
Dinner at Lodge of Four Seasons - Rob, Chris, Rick, me and Dad - Mom was with Ava and Sidney roaming the Lodge

Lake of the Ozarks
Chris and Christina

Lake of the Ozarks
Christina, Tracy and Me

Lake of the Ozarks
Christina and Alex

Lake of the Ozarks
Shane, Elizabeth, Matt and Austin

Lake of the Ozarks
Rob and Tracy

Lake of the Ozarks
Family pic

Lake of the Ozarks
Blowing bubbles

Lake of the Ozarks
Blowing bubbles

Lake of the Ozarks
Washers tournament

Lake of the Ozarks
Ava and Shane

Lake of the Ozarks
Ava and Chris

Lake of the Ozarks
Sidney ready for the pool in her big swimsuit!

Lake of the Ozarks
Sidney ready for the pool in her big swimsuit!

Lake of the Ozarks
Ava and Tim at the pool

Lake of the Ozarks
Bowling tournament

Lake of the Ozarks
Birthday party night - we celebrated the August birthdays (me, Shane and Matt).

Lake of the Ozarks
Ava and Tim

Lake of the Ozarks
Birthday party night - we celebrated the August birthdays (me, Shane and Matt).

Lake of the Ozarks
Birthday boys and girl!

Lake of the Ozarks
Opening presents

Lake of the Ozarks
Happy Birthday song

Lake of the Ozarks
Pretending to blow out the candles - we didn't have matches.

Lake of the Ozarks
Sidney Wii Dancing

Lake of the Ozarks
Sidney Wii Dancing

Grandma Reeves' Violin
Sidney watching Grandma.

Grandma Reeves' Violin
Ava watching Grandma

Grandma Reeves' Violin
Checking out the violin - no touching!

Teeny Tiny
Sidney - 17 months

Teeny Tiny
Sidney - 17 months

Teeny Tiny
Sidney - 17 months

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Outside of the new Busch Stadium

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Cardinal's on-deck circle - we sat two rows up from this!

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Hello Pujols!

Cardinal's vs. Astros
We got to see a lot of stretching from our seats ;)

Cardinal's vs. Astros
More stretching

Cardinal's vs. Astros
The little boy sitting in front of us got a ball from Ryan Theriot - Pat and Tim were very jealous!

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Theriot, throw us a ball too!!

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Me, Liz, Pat and Tim - Hanging out just like old times at Mizzou!

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Me and Liz - It was so hot, we were a sweaty mess!

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Pujols and Holliday

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Holliday

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Cardinals Win!!! I think I'm a good luck charm - they've won the only 2 games I've been to!

Cardinal's vs. Astros
Interviewing Molina - Player of the Game

Sidney Stunts
What's in here?

Ava's First Movie
Cars 2!

Ava all dressed up
Ava is ready for her fun night with Grandma and Grandpa Reeves

Ava all dressed up
She loves this hat!

Cardinals Game
Cardinals take the field

Cardinals Game
KPMG....just a distant memory for me now.

Cardinals Game
Tim and Luke

Cardinals Game
Me and Britt

Cardinals Game
Diamondbacks at bat

Cardinals Game
Man on first, Pujols at bat

Cardinals Game
Pujols hits a dong in the bottom of the 8th and ties up the game!!!

Cardinals Game
Britt and Luke

Cardinals Game
Me and Tim

Cardinals Game
Bottom of the ninth, man on second and Tony Cruz hits a double to win the game!!! Everyone celebrates!

Innsbrook
Important phone call

Innsbrook
Playing on the air mattress

Innsbrook
All Sidney wanted to do was go up and down these steps. All day.

Innsbrook
All day.

Innsbrook
My mom and Tim on the porch

Innsbrook
Sidney with Dada on the porch

Kiddie Pool
We borrowed Grandma's slide too!

Kiddie Pools
Ava action shot

Kiddie Pool
Sidney's turn

Kiddie Pool
Another Ava action shot

Kiddie Pool
Cute suit

Kiddie Pool
Face first

Sidney's New Stool
Grandma and Grandpa Reeves brought Sidney a new stool...

Sidney's New Stool
...She walked right up to it and stood up. Typical.

Doctor
Oh no...I'm not feeling very well.

IMG_6425.JPG
The Boat House in Forest Park

Lunch at the Boat House
We decided to stay in St. Louis for a day - we ate lunch at the Boat House in Forest Park.

IMG_6423.JPG
Paddle boats

Hermann, MO
Views from our room

Hermann, MO
Another cottage at Hermanhoff Winery

Hermann, MO
Our room at Hermanhoff Winery

Hermann, MO
Our room at Hermanhoff Winery

Hermann, MO
Treats and flowers in our room!

Hermann, MO
Stone Hill Winery

Hermann, MO
Stone Hill Winery

Hermann, MO
Wine tasting at Hermanhoff

Father's Day Weekend - Saturday
Sidney loves to pushed around in the doll stroller. She throws a fit when you stop pushing her!

Father's Day Weekend - Saturday
Tim's Father's Day Feast - Gazpacho soup, grilled salmon with a honey pecan glaze, grilled marinated shrimp, grilled potato wedges, and grilled asparagus. Mmmmmmm!

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
Ava's gift to Dad - Hand print poem

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
Ava's gift to Dad - Hand print poem

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
Ava's gift to Dad - Hand print poem

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
My gift to Tim - Strawberry, chocolate chip and candied pecan pancakes!

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
Grandma and Grandpa's house - Sidney and Ava love this slide. I think they are missing their swing set slide that we have yet to enjoy this summer :(

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
More sliding

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
More sliding

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
My dads and my girls

Father's Day Weekend - Sunday
The dads and Matt, who intends to be a dad some day :)

St. Louis Zoo Tour
They had a cart big enough for all of us for the Zoo tour.

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Feeding the stingrays

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Matt petting the stingrays

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Alex and Matt riding on the carousel

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Elizabeth and Ava riding on the carousel

St. Louis Zoo Tour
The Behind the Scene Tour of the Penguins

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Alex petting a penguin

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Shadow and Fidget

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Shadow and Fidget

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Shadow and Fidget

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Tarzan, 4 month old king penguin

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Build-A-Bear at the Zoo

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Riding on the train

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Riding on the train

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Riding on the train

St. Louis Zoo Tour
Sidney's souvenir monkey

Our New Financial Advisors
Reeves and Reeves, LLP

Our New Financial Advisors
Reeves and Reeves, LLP

Silliness
Dad's are so fun!

Silliness
Dad's are so fun!

Silliness
Sidney wants out!

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Playing toys with Nana

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Playing toys with Nana

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
Innsbrook's Fire Truck

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
Innsbrook's Fire Truck

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
Our gang

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
Riding the train

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
They had face painting too. Ava wanted a rainbow on her arm.

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
Bounce house! Ava love to jump!

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
Bounce house! Ava love to jump!

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
The kids got to make bead bookmarks. Ava got right to work!

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
The kids got to make bead bookmarks. Ava got right to work!

Innsbrook's 40th Anniversary Party
Ava ate lots of watermelon! Sidney would be very jealous - she loves watermelon!

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Mom and Dad celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary!

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Ava and Nana eating lunch

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Alex riding on Papa's boat

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Ava driving Papa's boat

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Matt (sleeping) is being pulled by the boat in a kayak!

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Nana and Papa on the boat

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Tim trying to surf on the raft

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Ava testing out the water

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Ava is ready to go in the lake

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Ava being pulled by the boat on her raft

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Ava can lake surf!!!

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Ava being pulled by the boat on her raft

Memorial Weekend at Innsbrook
Matt and Elizabeth acting silly with their friends, Jacob and Anna

Sisters!
They're both laughing even though Ava has a choke-hold on Sidney

Sisters!
Sidney trying to make an escape.

Sisters!
No luck.

Sisters!
Sidney tries to make another escape.

Sisters!
Still no luck.

Ava's Somersaults
Ava likes to do somersaults off the couch

Ava's Somersaults
Ava likes to do somersaults off the couch

Ava's Somersaults
Ava likes to do somersaults off the couch

Children's Hospital with Sidney
Dad prepping Sidney for the onslaught of doctors.

Children's Hospital with Sidney
This was our first room. The curtain on the right divided us from the other family. The curtain at the bottom left-hand corner of the picture is the other side of our room. TINY! The purple chair in the bottom left-hand corner is where I was to sleep. Tim could either sleep in the parents' lounge or go home. Luckily a bigger room opened up for us before bedtime!

Children's Hospital with Sidney
Reading books to distract Sidney

Children's Hospital with Sidney
This is the crib that Sidney was supposed to sleep in. Tim called it the bird cage. Here she is banging on the cover: Let me outta here!

Children's Hospital with Sidney
This smile did not last long :(

Children's Hospital with Sidney
Metal bars, a plastic cover and a thin, itchy mattress - so inviting!

Children's Hospital with Sidney
This is our new room. So much bigger and private. A good thing for our former roommates since Sidney slept all of 7 hours and woke up 3 times in between!

Children's Hospital with Sidney
Sidney's bird cage. Notice how Tim even put a blanket over the cover, just like a real bird cage. Poor Sidney! He thought it would help her sleep. It didn't.

Mother's Day
Me and my girls

Mother's Day
My wonderful family

Mother's Day
3 generations

Mother's Day
3 generations

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
Me and Ava at Bonhomme

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
Ava enjoying the strawberries

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
Ava enjoying the strawberries

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
My Mother's Day gifts from Ava

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
She made the flowers by stamping paint with her fists.

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
And she signed her name on the back!

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
We're going to plant these flower seeds in the back yard.

Mother's Day Strawberry Party at Bonhomme
This is a picture of Ava and me at her birthday party at school.

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Ava's 3 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Sidney's 1 Year Photos
April 26, 2011

Happy Easter!
The girls' Easter baskets

Happy Easter!
Ava's Easter Bunny house. The Easter Bunny took the house and hid eggs in return ;)

Happy Easter!
Ava's Easter Bunny house. The Easter Bunny took the house and hid eggs in return ;)

Happy Easter!
Ava finds and egg

Happy Easter!
Another egg!

Happy Easter!
Our bunny

Happy Easter!
Aunt Toni's Easter egg hunt

Happy Easter!
Aunt Toni's Easter egg hunt

Happy Easter!
Sidney found an egg!

Happy Easter!
Sidney was more interested in climbing up and down the steps

Happy Easter!
Sidney was more interested in climbing up and down the steps

Happy Easter!
Sarah and Lisa opening their eggs

Happy Easter!
Ava opening her eggs

Happy Easter!
Ava opening her eggs

Happy Easter!
Sidney helping out

Happy Easter!
Sidney helping out

Happy Easter!
Grandma and Sidney

Happy Easter!
Grandma and Sidney

Happy Easter!
Sarah and Ava

Happy Easter!
I tried so hard to get a good picture of the girls in their matching outfits. Not this year.

Happy Easter!
I tried so hard to get a good picture of the girls in their matching outfits. Not this year.

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Invitation

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Cinderella cake

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Ava by the treat table!

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Princess Ava and her castles

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
My dad and brothers (Rick, Rob, Russ and Chris)

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
My mom and brothers (Chris, Carol, Rob and Rick)

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Princess Ava with the Queen and King

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Me and my girl

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Sidney and her Godmother

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Ava and Uncle Chris

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Ava nearly killing Uncle Chris

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Rob is very serious about his Ping Pong Ball Toss

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Matt casually tossing the ring

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Partiers

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Sidney wants in on the games

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
King and Queen

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Ava admiring her Cinderella cake

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
More admiring

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
And more admiring

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Cutting the cake - a very hard task

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Matt in the Princess carriage

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Sidney in the princess carriage

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Sidney enjoying some grandma attention

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Shane helping Ava read her cards

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Sidney playing with Ava's new toys

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Ava's favorite gift - the Barney Banjo

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Showing Great Grandma the Barney Banjo

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Grandma Reeves and Great Grandma

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Grandma Isaak and Great Grandma

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Sidney in the toy stroller

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Princess soccer

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Princess soccer

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Princess soccer gets competitive

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Princess soccer gets competitive

Ava's 3rd Birthday Party
Rick gets in the game

Ava turns THREE!
Ava's cupcake

Ava turns THREE!
Opening gifts

Ava turns THREE!
Opening gifts

Ava turns THREE!
Super cool!

Ava turns THREE!
New umbrella

Ava turns THREE!
Dr. Seuss books

Ava turns THREE!
Dr. Seuss books

Ava turns THREE!
Cupcakes from Uncle Rob and Aunt Tracy

Ava turns THREE!
Two umbrellas!

Bonhomme Spring Sing
Ava getting her singing voice ready.

Bonhomme Spring Sing
Mrs. Kern helping Ava and the kids to the show.

Bonhomme Spring Sing
I think Ava got out of place here!

Bonhomme Spring Sing
Ava pretending to be a dinosaur

Ava Writes Her Name
Good job Ava!

Step Stool
Score: Sidney - 1, Mom - 0

Step Stool
How did she get back there???

Step Stool
Even Ava likes to play with the stool

Step Stool
Stinkers!

Ava's new kite
Run!

Ava's new kite
It's up!

Ava's new kite
And it's stuck (the first time)

Ava's new kite
Tim managed to get it out

Ava's new kite
Ava helping hold the string

Ava's new kite
Ava facing the wrong direction

Ava's new kite
There you go Ava!

Ava's new kite
Stuck again

Ava's new kite
Ava wondering what happened

Ava's new kite
Tim starts to chop up the tree to save the kite

Ava's new kite
Sawing off some branches

Ava's new kite
Sorry tree!

Easter Egg Hunt
The Maniers and the Vaughn's prepare a game plan for the hunt.

Easter Egg Hunt
Fueling up on Animal Crackers pre-hunt.

Easter Egg Hunt
The Brynn and Erin Arledge discuss hunt strategy.

Easter Egg Hunt
Luke and Ryan have got this one in the Easter basket!

Easter Egg Hunt
Ava and Sidney still fueling up on Animal Crackers pre-hunt.

Easter Egg Hunt
Everyone is still friendly pre-hunt

Easter Egg Hunt
Family pic

Easter Egg Hunt
Ava's new BFF

Easter Egg Hunt
We waited for almost an hour for this balloon animal. Ava loved it so I guess it was worth it.

Easter Egg Hunt
Let the games begin!

Easter Egg Hunt
Look at all those eggs!

Easter Egg Hunt
Our basket is FULL!

Step Stool
Sidney is so proud of herself

Step Stool
Sidney is so proud of herself

Step Stool
Look at me Dada!

Step Stool
Ava can do it too

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Very serious

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
A bit unsure

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
She was great at holding her head very still

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Watching in the mirror

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Finally a smile!

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Checking out her glitter face paint

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Success!

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Treats!

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Enjoying the treats

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Enjoying the treats

Ava's First Non-Mom Haircut
Sidney was very patient the whole time.

Ballerina Girls
Ava and Teddy showing off some lifts

Ballerina Girls
Sidney in first position, check out that hair!

Ballerina Girls
Sidney in first position, check out that hair!

Ballerina Girls
Ava and Teddy pose

Ballerina Girls
Ava and Teddy pose

Ballerina Girls
Sidney would like to remove the tutu.

Dr. Ham
Stethoscope and favorite blankie

Dr. Ham
Stethoscope and favorite blankie

Dr. Ham
Stethoscope and favorite blankie

Dr. Ham
Stethoscope and favorite blankie

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Invitation

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney's outfit

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney's outfit

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Monkey on a trapeze

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Dessert table

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Dessert table

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Cake

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Cupcake bites - I made over 100 of them (and I'm still eating them...)

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney's birthday hat - I made it and she wouldn't wear it ;(

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Carnival games!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Carnival games!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Carnival games!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Dining room

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Carnival games prizes

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Birthday girl!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Birthday girl in a full sprint to get my camera

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Look at how gigantic that tutu is!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Birthday girl!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Birthday girl!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Birthday girl with her Grandma Isaak

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Birthday girl with her Grandma Reeves

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Birthday girl with her Grandpa Reeves

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Elizabeth playing the Ping Pong Toss game

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Grandma Isaak playing the Ping Pong Toss game

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Grandma Reeves playing the Ring Toss game

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Tim celebrating his ringer on his first toss

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Still celebrating (he didn't get another ringer after that!)

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Great Grandma Isaak gets a ringer - all those days playing Horse Shoes pays off!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Grandpa Isaak playing the Ring Toss Game (Austin ensuring no rules are broken by Grandpa)

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Shane playing the Bean Bag Toss game

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Liz playing the Bean Bag Toss game

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Alex playing the Bean Bag Toss game.

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Christina playing the Bean Bag Toss game

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Alex takes First Place in the Carnival Game Competition

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Liz takes Second Place in the Carnival Game Competition

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Chris takes Third Place and Austin and Elizabeth tie for Forth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Opening gifts

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava enjoying Sidney's sunglasses

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Opening gifts

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney waiting patiently for her dessert

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sisters

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
I ordered a cake and a jumbo cupcake for Sidney to smash. I also made over 100 cupcake bites and over 200 rolo pretzels. The week before her birthday we discovered that Sidney has a milk allergy so I had to bake her brownies to "smash".

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Singing Happy Birthday

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney really liked the brownie!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney really liked the brownie!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney really liked the brownie!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney really liked the brownie!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney really liked the brownie!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney really liked the brownie!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava anxiously eying the cake.

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Dad cutting Ava piece of cake.

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava so happy!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Chris got the best slice of cake!

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Grandparents enjoying dessert

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava loves her Great Grandma

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney playing with the balloons

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava and Dada in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney and Dada in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney with Grandma and Papa Reeves in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Elizabeth in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Alex in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Shane in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Austin in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Ava and Uncle Chris in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Sidney and Uncle Chris in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Papa Reeves in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Me in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
Me in the photo booth

Sidney's 1st Birthday!
The party's over - time to clean up

Dad's Day at Bonhomme
Ava and Dada

Dad's Day at Bonhomme
Ava and Dada

One Year Old
Sidney loves the remote.

One Year Old
March 4, 2011

One Year Old
March 4, 2011

One Year Old
March 4, 2011

Cupcake Bites
Tim suggested that I try different kinds of chocolate. The best is the chocolate almond bark!

Cupcake Bites
Semi-sweet chocolate came in second place.

Cupcake Bites
Chocolate almond bark....yummmm....

Cupcake Bites
I usually love dark chocolate the best, but not with cupcake bites. The chocolate would melt if not refrigerated too.

Cupcake Bites
So many treats!

Cupcake Bites
The dividing line

Ava's Sign
Saturday was a very good day! Ava got a treat! I made this sign on a piece of card stock and had it laminated. I used sticky white Velcro dots to attach the Days of the Week and the Happy/Sad faces.

Ava's Sign
I stuck sticky Velcro strips on the back to hold the extra days of the week and happy/sad faces.

Showing Off
I can drink and walk!

Showing Off
I can drink and walk!

Showing Off
I can drink and walk!

Sippy Cups
Sidney hasn't sat on our laps like this in a long time. Little did we know we just needed a sippy cup!

Sippy Cups
So cute with her sippy cup.

Sippy Cups
And very protective of the sippy cup!

Sippy Cups
Ava likes her sippy cup too!

Sippy Cups
Dad enjoying some time with Sidney

Sidney Scale Pictures - 11 Months
February 4, 2011

Sidney Scale Pictures - 11 Months
February 4, 2011

Sidney Scale Pictures - 11 Months
February 4, 2011

Sidney Scale Pictures - 11 Months
Ava wanted to get in the picture too!

Sidney and her Walker
Lap #1

Sidney and her Walker
Ava found a new interest in the walker too!

Sidney and her Walker
Dueling walkers!

Sidney and her Walker
Grandma Reeves helps Sidney and her walker get un-stuck

Sidney and her Walker
Grandma Reeves playing with Ava and Sidney

Sidney and her Walker
Lap #2

Ava's Family Portrait Drawing
Tim is brown, I am red, Sidney is purple (notice the frowny face), and Teddy is blue.

Helmet free!
Sidney's new pretty head

Helmet free!
Sidney's new pretty head

Helmet free!
Sidney's new pretty head

Helmet free!
Sidney's new pretty head

Helmet free!
Sidney's new pretty head

Crazy Sidney
My little dare devil!

Crazy Sidney
My little dare devil!

Crazy Sidney
Standing on the wrong side of the trampoline bar

Crazy Sidney
Standing on the wrong side of the trampoline bar

Crazy Sidney
Trying to climb on top

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Mini-cake

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Birthday presents! I was very proud of myself for coming up with gifts this year. I normally don't get Tim anything!

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Balloons for Tim - mostly for the girls to enjoy

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Decorations!

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Opening cards and presents

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Ava wanted to open this card. It's from Rob and Tracy. She said that she wanted to read it and according to Ava it said: "Dear little Teddy, We had a nice time visiting you." Too funny!

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Opening cards and presents

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Opening cards and presents

Tim's 33rd Birthday
Dad and his girls

Tim's 33rd Birthday
I made Tim a photo book. I posted it on our Shutterfly site if you want to check it out. It's on the right hand side below the videos.

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Ava's school bag

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Everything in Ava's school bag - she can barely lift it.

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Ava posing with her school bag

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Ava putting up with my relentless photos

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Ava and Teddy

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Ava loves loves loves Teddy

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Ava in the car ready for school

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Bonhomme Presbyterian Church (front of church)

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Bonhomme Nursery School

Ava's First Day of Preschool
Bonhomme Nursery School & back of the church

Dada's Birthday Prep
I think I'll paint my arm. Is this okay mom?

Dada's Birthday Prep
I wonder if mom will let me get more paint?

Dada's Birthday Prep
I'm going for it!

Dada's Birthday Prep
Yes, I'm painting my other arm now.

Dada's Birthday Prep
Look at my hands!

Dada's Birthday Prep
Such fun!

Dada's Birthday Prep
Here are my red arms!

Dada's Birthday Prep
This is one of my favorite Ava expressions. I love her pointy eye brows.

Dada's Birthday Prep
Ava's hand prints - yep, we used blue paint too.

Dada's Birthday Prep
Mama's hand prints

Dada's Birthday Prep
Sidney's 1 1/2 hand prints - good effort. No paint went in the mouth so it was a success.

Dada's Birthday Prep
The finished product!

Birthday Card for Papa Isaak
Back of the card

Birthday Card for Papa Isaak
Back of the card

Sidney Scale Pictures - 10 Months
January 4, 2011

Sidney Scale Pictures - 10 Months
January 4, 2011

Sidney's First Bath in a Tub
Splish Splash having fun in the bath

Sidney's First Bath in a Tub
Splish Splash having fun in the bath

Sidney's First Bath in a Tub
Splish Splash having fun in the bath

Pizza and Ping Pong
Tim takes out Matt

Pizza and Ping Pong
Dad and Rob face off

Pizza and Ping Pong
Elizabeth takes out Alex in a surprise upset

Pizza and Ping Pong
And pool!

Pizza and Ping Pong
All Sidney wanted to do was wrestle with this blue dog.

Pizza and Ping Pong
All Sidney wanted to do was wrestle with this blue dog.

Pizza and Ping Pong
Sidney's cute outfit from Rob and Tracy

Pizza and Ping Pong
Nana and Ava playing house.

Pizza and Ping Pong
Nana and Ava playing house.