Bring on Summer

Ava had fun towards the end of the school year.  The girls from her second grade class met at the park one day to celebrate their first communion and the end of second grade.  It was pretty hot and Ava wasn't feeling well (bad allergies), but we made it.  She is towards the top on the left.

Then, the day before the last day of school Louie came to lunch to surprise the students.  It was Louie's second trip to the school this year.  Ava's teacher…Mrs. Touzinsky…who Ava LOVES…is the biggest Blues fan and was voted so by the St. Louis Blues themselves.

On the last day of school we picked up Ava and headed to Tennessee.  We played outside, visited parks, went for walks on trails and ate ice cream.

Luckily, we had beautiful weather while we were there so the kids had A LOT of outdoor time.

Blowing Bubbles

I didn't realize I got this picture until I was editing them.  I guess Ella takes REALLY deep breaths before blowing bubbles.

She remains much more calm when exhaling.

Gavin was a big fan of Grandpa C's motorcycle helmet and the lawn mower.  

Ella "painting" a bird house with markers.  The paint wasn't working very well.

Ava made her own version of the ice bucket challenge.  She filled her bucket with foam stars and dumped it over her head many many times.

She also took a little break in the canopy that was set up as a little reading area…I don't think she actually read anything though.

Anytime Ella and Gavin disappeared for more than 2 minutes, they could be found on Grandpa's motorcycle.  Gavin really liked that helmet!

Near one of the parks were a couple trails so we tried to keep cool in the shady woods.

It wasn't long before Gavin wanted to be carried, which meant it was time to head home.  Not sure what happened to the concept of smiling for pictures here...

I told you he REALLY LOVED that helmet?!?!

Have I mentioned yet that Ava is now a THIRD GRADER!?!?  I can't believe Ella is a first grader and I REALLY can't believe Ava is in third grade!!!  She now has a touch more sass, and it is only a matter of time (days) before she will officially "know more than me".  She still loves performing, especially her own plays that she writes, directs and stars in (haha…but seriously).  She is beautiful and confident, she works so hard, and we are so proud of her!!