Texas Blue Bonnets

Last week I was able to check off something on my Texas bucket list - going down to Ennis to check out the Blue Bonnets. Blue Bonnets are these blue flowers that bloom everywhere in the Spring here- a lot of times they're just on the side of the road- but down in Ennis, they have these gorgeous open fields just full of flowers. Luckily for us, it rained the day before so everything was bright and green. 

Even though it was only about a hour drive- Ava was pretty psyched to get out of the car- and it felt like we were out in the country! 

There were horses and donkeys, and we drove on a dirt road- it was wild.

After making everyone drive an hour to look at a field of flowers, I can honestly say I've never felt more like my mom :) We were always going on day trips out to appreciate nature. My 16 year old self would probably die if she knew what I was up to these days :)

We parked the car, took a lot of pictures, and had a little picnic of fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers. 

Life was good.

Love this stinkbug 

Always clapping 

Uncle Mike was a good sport to come with us.

 It was great to have him and Ava get to know each other.

*Ava Rees* 11 Months

Ava Rees is 11 months!

This last one has been really fun. She is just so full of life and her personality is really manifesting itself. 

When she's angry, which isn't very often, she gets very dramatic.

She throws herself backwards and stomps her feet and rolls around on the floor screaming. 

It's charming. Really. 

Luckily, she doesn't get angry very often. 

I can't keep her still for pictures anymore. 

I have a million of her running away from me. 

Ava looooooves the playground. She runs all around and climbs up the slides.

 I'll bring her ball and she kicks it and runs a step and kicks it again- it looks like she's dribbling and it makes my former soccer player self proud.

Ava loves music and sways from side to side when I turn it up.

She stood up in the grocery cart the other day! Gave me a heart attack.

 She had been strapped in and everything. Not sure how she got out, but luckily I was right next to her- my hand was even still pushing the cart- so I grabbed her as she was standing up and waving to other shoppers with her cheesy grin.

Ava loves dogs. I have to watch her closely when she's around them because she tends to lunge at them. We were at the park and a big german shepherd was running around and Ava kept trying to chase it. 

Ava also loves when the other kids at the park have bubbles, so I grabbed a bottle for her Easter basket.

She's still a horrible sleeper. 

Ava loves people watching and is really just so social.

^^We take staying hydrated very seriously^^

She's the best. Really. I'm so lucky I get to be her mom.

Here's to next month and turning ONE

Grandma and Grandpa Visit

A couple weeks ago my parents came to visit!

Like every visit with them, it went by way too fast.

We spent our time going to parks, going for walks, shopping, and eating yummy food.

How cute are my parents? They're the best.

 Ava loved trying on shoes! 

We found a few pairs that I liked for her - it's a good thing she has shoes now that she's a pro at walking. We were also able to find her some cute summer clothes and a few toys. Lucky girl. 

My happy babe :)

Still rocks the bath towel 

Loving the swings. 

My parents were just so cute with her.

My favorite picture :)

and then I blinked and the week was over. 

Come back!

iphone dump

The pictures on my phone are backing up- 

Here are some of my favorites :)

I love her in overalls. So cute.

We always sometimes take mother/daughter pics

Ava and Jonah. 

Out. 

Getting strolled around is exhausting.

Ava was sick for a week after we got back from Oklahoma. 

It was gross/sad/tiring. 

Glad that week is over!

Back to feeling like herself

Ava has 7 teeth now

While I teach my lesson, Ava hangs out in priesthood with Jeff. 

She's a real lady.

Jeff was actually home this evening, so we had a family park date!

Happy girl, happy dad.

  

This was taken on the day after I shattered my phone, burned dinner so badly the smoke alarm went off, and then accidentally threw my keys in the dumpster while I was taking out the trash at 10:30 at night. Those yellow flowers were ones I bought myself the next morning to ensure I had a better day :)