Oh Christmas Tree

This year we decided to cut down our Christmas tree.  We went to Fudge Factory Farms in Apple Hill to get a tree and some fudge.  We were happy to find the price of the tree included a pound of free fudge.  We were also happy to have Papa & Nonna Kurz come along.

It was a wonderful day.  Ava loved picking out her tree, cutting it down, and carrying it.  She was a good helper.  She also enjoyed running around in the "forest" and playing hid-n-seek.

Ava really liked this tree but it was too big.  This place was cool because all trees, no matter the size, (plus fudge) cost $49.99.

It was a cold day, but at least it was sunny and dry.

Ava playing hide-n-seek.

I love this picture!

Ava and Papa were chasing each other around the tree.

Not the greatest picture due to the bad lighting, but we are all together.

This is our tree.

Ava helping daddy cut the tree down.

The tree is coming down.  Ava is helping Papa steady it while Rich finishes.

Rich, Ava, and Papa ready to carry the tree up the hill to the car.

Ava helped wrap the tree in netting.

Ava ready to take her tree home.  Don't worry Rich was standing right next to her on the backside of the car.

Ava was excited for her 1st pony ride.  She had a great time and had a big smile on her face the whole time.  This is a big improvement from last year when she was afraid to ride the pony.

Rich helping Ava decorate the tree.

iPhone Pictures

The other day I was looking through some old (really old) iPhone pictures and decided to share them.  They aren't the greatest quality, but they make me smile.

I love this picture!  I just wish it was better quality.

Mommy being silly and using Ava for a pillow.

Ava loves to try on glasses.

Too Cute!

Bug Eyes

This is what happens when Luca sticks his head out the window while driving.

So tired they fell asleep while playing.

Folsom Zoo & Picnic at the Temple

A few weeks ago we asked Ava what she wanted to do as a family.  We gave her a few ideas, but she came up with the best idea on her own.  She decided we should have a doughnut picnic at the temple.  We thought that would be fun, but we added going to the Folsom Zoo to the plan.  We were also joined by Bob, EmmaLee, and Ezra.  Ava had a great day and loved playing with Ezra.

Ava and Ezra holding hands as they walked around the zoo.

Ava and Ezra are almost as big as the Eagle.

Two cute mountain lions.

Checking out the sleeping skunk.

Ma, Pa, and baby bear.  We took several pictures but Ava wasn't looking in any of them.

Ava and Ezra enjoying their lunch and view of the temple.

Doughnut time.

Ava wanted a pink doughnut and Ezra picked my favorite, twisted glaze.

Ava had fun hiding behind the trees.

Ava and Ezra touring the temple grounds.  Aren't they so cute!

Ezra sliding down the railing.

After a long day we went home to play.  Here come Jesse and Woody riding down the hall.

Ava and Ezra set up the table in the hallway because Ava's room was full of toys.  They played for awhile and then ate ice cream.  In this picture Bob is cracking Ava up by pretending to eat Ezra.  Ava was laughing so hard.

Hanging Out in Gridley

At the beginning of the month we headed to Gridley to hang out with family.  While the women were getting pedicures and having lunch to celebrate EmmaLee's birthday the men and kids were playing at home.  Ava had a blast with her cousins.  She is blessed to have so many wonderful cousins and I know she loves spending time with them.

Lilly reading to Ava and Ezra.

Lilly swinging on the crazy swing.

Bella up high in the big walnut tree.

Ava in the big walnut tree.  Yes she is wearing a helmet, but if you look to the left of the tree there is her bike.

Ava and Lilly.

I love this picture.

Silly Faces.

Ava and Lilly enjoying pomegranate milkshakes.

1st School Friend's Birthday Party

A couple Saturdays ago Ava went to her first school friend's birthday party.  It was at Bouncetown and Ava was excited.  She talked about the party the whole week leading up to it and couldn't wait to see her school friends outside of school.

At first Ava was shy and only would play if Rich and I played with her.  After about 20 minutes she warmed up and began running around with all her school friends.  It was a great party and we appreciated the invite.

Ava and 2 friends holding hands on the way down.

Ava like most of the kids loved the giant slide.

Ava on the right carrying a blue ball to the top of the slide.

Ava and I holding hands down the slide.  I have to admit it was pretty fun.

Ava and Rich climbing through the obstacle course.

Ava and I jumping in a bounce house.  Ava was a little timid with her jumping.

Once the kids cleared out Rich got in the bounce house and had some fun.

Little Miss Chaundra

Ava loves school and has decided she wants to be a teacher when she grows up.  In this picture she is pretending to be her teacher Miss Chaundra.  "Big Mickey" and "Baby" are the students.  Little Miss Chaundra is having snack time with the kids.