Under the Big Top

Last weekend we got to take Ava to her first circus! Uncle Brad got Ava some tickets to the Shriner's Circus, he planned to go, but, unfortunately, he got sick. Ava had to settle for Mom and Dad instead. Ava was so excited....as soon as we got there she couldn't wait to do everything. However, when it came time to get the tickets she decided she didn't want a pony ride, or an elephant ride.

Se did want to go down the big blow up slide...numerous times!
And as shocked as we were, she did want her face painted like a pink tiger!
Almost done....

TaDa....we were surprised she held still and didn't back out at the last minute....she loved having a tiger face!

Here we are at our seats, getting ready for the circus to begin, and eating cotton candy.

By the time the Shriner's parade was done and the actual circus was started Ava was winding down. Soon there after, she lost interest and just wanted to rest and have her back scratched. Sorry for the poor quality..lighting wasn't great.

When we got back to G-ma and G-pa F's house there was another big fan of the tiger face waiting. Ella thought Ava's new look was hysterical. Every time Ava looked at Ella, Ella would burst out laughing. It was so cute...I wish I had a recorder with me.

We tried to get their picture together, but Ella would not take her eyes off Ava.

"GROWL!!!!"

"Ha Ha...who is this person/animal?"

We also wanted to share some recent "Ava-isms". Ava loves to help cook right now. Before the circus her and G-pa made/ate some sandwiches.

Ava also loves having her back scratched...she'll lay there forever. She is playing more and more on her own and it's fun to hear her talk to herself. She likes talking to her hands and feet as if they have a mind of their own. I often hear "come on feet lets go over here" or "hi hand, where's your brother, oh here he is, hi other hand, you guys are so great!" She is also learning more and more... on a good day she can almost count to 20...I emphasize almost...we get mixed up in the teens. And while she's been singing her ABC's for a long time she recently inserted a new part...instead of L,M,N,O,P, since that was always mumbled anyway, she now says, H,I,J,K lemon and a pea....we're working on it. She can also recognize just about all the letters, although A,V,A are her favorite to point out. Perhaps one of my favorite "Ava-isms" right now is the fact that every morning I get to wake up to her shouting "mommy, the sun is up!". That is my cue to go get her and start our day. She is becoming quite the little girl and it's fun to watch! Check back soon...tomorrow is Ella's nine month appointment...already!