Half Moon Bay State Beach

The second adventure I planned while visiting my parents was what spark the trip.  Ava said she really wanted to go to the beach.  She asked me if we could go, so I thought why not.  We decided to go Half Moon Bay State Beach.

We headed to the beach in the morning and planned to stay for lunch.  We packed food, supplies and sand toys.  Ava really wanted to wear her swim suit and play in the water even though it was freezing cold.  Her response is, "I like to be cold."  Unlike, her I do not like to be cold and was foolish not to pack warmer clothes.

The first thing Ava did was play in the sand.  She got out her toys and started filling up a bucket with sand.  Then Ava decided she needed water, so Papa and I got her buckets of water from the ocean.  Ava and I made a little sand castle, but nothing as grand as Rich would of made.  We definitely missed daddy's sand castle skills.

After a bit she decided she wanted to play in the water.  Usually, Rich takes Ava into the water, so I can stay warm, but today it was all me.  That meant I had to be brave and get wet.  Ava is pretty silly because she talks a big game, but as soon as she gets in the water everything changes.  Instead of liking to be cold she clung to me and practically dragged me down.  At one point she was hanging on me like a monkey and a big wave got my bottom half completely wet.  After that we didn't last much longer.  We were all cold, so we ate lunch and went home.

It was a fun day at the beach, but it would of been better if Rich was with us.  Ava and I really did miss him.

Gilroy Gardens

After a full week of recovering from Girl's Camp (which I desperately needed) I decided Ava and I needed to have some fun.  I called my parents and arranged to visit them.  While we were visiting them I also made plans for a couple of fun activities.  The first thing we planned to do was go to Gilroy Gardens.

Gilroy Gardens is a small amusement park for younger children.  Ava had been talking about going on a roller coaster, so this was perfect.  The park had 2 small roller coasters, but unfortunately Ava was just an inch too short for them.  She wasn't too disappointed and enjoyed all the other rides.

Ava waiting with Papa & Nonna Kurz for the park to open.

Ava using the map to lead the way.  She really loves maps right now.  She referred to it throughout the day.

The first ride was the carousel.

Ava and Nonna enjoying the spinning strawberry.  Poor Nonna had to go on most of the rides with Ava because Papa & I both get motion sickness.  Next time I will have to wear a patch.

Bobbing fish.

Fireman Ava.  I tried to ride with her, but I was too tall.

I decided to give Nonna a break and ride the balloon ride with Ava.  I was nervous, but I was ok.  I made sure to face forward.

Ava shooting a water cannon.

Papa & Nonna riding a swan paddle boat.  Ava and I rode on a big yellow duck.

Ava and I cooling off in a water park.

I don't know if you can see us, but Ava and I are waving from behind the waterfall.  It felt good to get a little wet during the hot afternoon.

We enjoyed a tour of the park on the little train.

Ava pointing out other rides from the top of the ferris wheel.

On the Ferris Wheel.  Ava love it.

Ava by some beautiful black-eyed Susans.

The last ride was an old small carousel.  The horses were tiny and Ava was the only one that could ride them.  Nonna was able to sit on a bench that went around.  Papa & I watched Ava enjoy the ride.

Girl's Camp

During the first week of July I went to Girl's Camp at Camp Bountiful.  I went as a first year leader along with two other ladies.  It was a long hot week, but I'm grateful for the opportunity.  I enjoyed getting to know the Young Women of the stake and making new friends.

During the week I was faced with a few challenges.  For starters the first 3 days were over 100 degrees with little relief from the heat at night.  I also struggled to sleep and at most got 2-3 hours a night.  Toward the end of camp I had crazy energy and I don't really know how I function. 

The worst part was missing my family.  I called Ava daily and cried just about every time.  I also talked to and text Rich.  I am so grateful for modern communication and wonderful parents that took good care of Ava.  The best day was when they came to pick me up and being able to give them both big hugs.  I even cried upon our reunion (I know I'm a wimp).

The week was rough, but it was fun and will always hold special memories.  First, the ladies and young women I worked with are awesome.  I am grateful to have spent a week in wonderful company.  I found strength and inspiration from them.  The girls are definitely special spirits destined to do great things.

I also enjoyed the quiet nights (even though I couldn't sleep).  We were surrounded by God's beautiful creations and it was extra special looking up at the stars at night.  The last night we slept on the meadow under the stars and it was so peaceful.  I was surprised I enjoyed sleeping under the stars and it was probably the best night of sleep while I was there.

It was a great week and I had a lot of fun.  There were a lot of spiritual moments too.  It was great being able to serve the Young Women, but I feel I got a lot out of it too.

Girl's Camp 2013 Theme:  Like a Lighthouse Sure & Steadfast

First Year's Boat Name:  SS Second Star to the Right

This is my group on the last day.

Our boat name was the SS Second Star to the Right.

I came up with the Neverland theme.  It was inspired by watching Tinker Bell movies with Ava.

Nobody slept in the cabin.  Each campsite has one cabin used for storing gear and changing.  All the girls and leaders sleep in tents.  I brought my own tent, so I could have some quiet time at night.

I made this sign with glow-in-the-dark paint for the sail.  The words say "Faith, Trust, & Little Bit of Pixie Dust."

One of my co-leaders made this awesome center piece for our table.  She used her kids toys as the figures and had all of the Neverland characters represented.  It was awesome!

I put together these welcome bags for each of the girls.  The boat was a nametag.  Inside I made a peter pan hat and red flower hair barrettes to represent the fairies.  There were also small journals and pens for the girls to record their experiences.

This is early the last morning when we slept on the meadow.  The chair in the front of the picture is what I slept in all week.  It is a zero gravity chair that I used as a cot.

This is one of my breakfasts.  I just took a picture because I don't really like anything on my plate.  I just ate it because I knew I needed the energy to survive the day.  I really tried to be healthy and keep my body fueled while there.  I even ate peanut butter on bread several times because I wanted the protein to hike around.

Book of Mormon Stories

The past couple of months Ava, along with the other children, in primary have been learning all 8 verses of "Book of Mormon Stories".  It is a fun song, but can be tricky.  To encourage the children to learn the song for the primary program in October the music leader, Sister Weddick, issued a challenge.  Sister Weddick said the first 2 children from Senior Primary and the first 2 from Jr. Primary that learn the whole song would get a giant chocolate bar.  Anybody after that would get a king size chocolate bar.  Ava was excited and determined to win a chocolate bar.

Ava practiced the song in primary and at home.  We listened to the song a lot, so she could learn the verses.  On June 23rd Ava was the third kid, the second from Jr. Primary, and the youngest to recite all 8 verses to win a GIANT chocolate bar.  I was so proud of her.  She truly is amazing!

In this picture Ava is eating a king size chocolate bar because Sister Weddick forgot the Giant ones that day.  The following Sunday Ava got the giant chocolate bar as her reward.  What a lucky girl to get 2 chocolate bars.

Book of Mormon Stories

1. Book of Mormon stories that my teacher tells to me
Are about the Lamanites in ancient history.
Long ago their fathers came from far across the sea,
Giv'n the land if they lived righteously.

2. Lamanites met others who were seeking liberty,
And the land soon welcomed all who wanted to be free.
Book of Mormon stories say that we must brothers be,
Giv'n the land if we live righteously.

3. Alma was rebellious, and he fought against the right.
Then one day an angel came to turn him to the light.
Struck before his brethren, Alma learned humility.
Then he taught in the land righteously.

4. Don't forget Abinadi, who stood before the king.
All chained up from head to toe, the gospel he did bring.
If he would deny it, then the king would set him free.
He was true, and he died righteously.

5. Ammon was a missionary serving Lamanites,
Tending King Lamoni's sheep for several days and nights.
Robbers came; he saved the sheep by fighting fearlessly.
He had learned he could live righteously.

6. Once two thousand sons of God were called to fight the foe.
Marching as an army into battle they did go.
They believed that Christ the Lord their guardian would be.
They had learned they should live righteously.

7. Samuel the Lamanite, high on the city wall,
Came to warn the people, and repentance was his call.
Arrows could not hit him, for a man of God was he,
And he taught in the land righteously.

8. After Christ was crucified and died for you and me,
He came forth to teach the truth to all who would be free.
Hands were laid upon each child. He blessed them tenderly,
And they lived in the land righteously.

Ava's Favorite Time of Year

 

Ava looks forward to summer every year because that means swim class.  This year Ava declared, "I love swim class more than dance class and soccer."  She really does love swimming and is a little fish.  It was fun to watch her this year and to see the improvement.  Ava still loves to go underwater, but she is really trying to swim.  She can do "monster arms" (freestyle) and kick her legs well.  She just needs to put the two together.  She also worked on the backstroke and got the motion down.  All of her teachers were impressed by her skill and determination.  I think we might have to start thinking about swim team.

Ava bobbing in and out of the water.  She LOVES to do bobs.

Ava practicing monster arms across the pool.  She always has her head in the water.  Pretty impressive I think.

Practicing her back float.

Look at those big monster arms.

Determined to swim.

"Daddy's Nonna Alicia Celebration"

We like to tell stories in our home.  Ava is always asking us to tell her stories about when we were little, our family members, and when she was a baby.  Often, Rich tells Ava stories as he puts her to bed.  Some of her favorites are "the Aunt Sherrie story" and pretty much any Uncle Bob story.  In May, Rich started telling Ava about his Nonna Alicia.  Since Rich's mom is also called Alicia Ava started calling Rich's grandma, "Daddy's Nonna Alicia".  She started asking more and more about her and finally decided (completely on her own) that we needed to have a celebration for her.  I was amazed by the idea and thought we should do it.

In June we had a special FHE (Family Home Evening).  Ava requested that I make a cake, so I did.  Rich told stories and we got a picture of "Daddy's Nonna Alicia".  It was a great night and fun to honor a great lady.

I am so grateful to have a sweet and thoughtful little girl as my daughter.  I am constantly amazed by her.  Ava has such a loving, kind, and gentle spirit.  I feel blessed to be her mom and marvel in all that she teaches me.  Heavenly Father sure knew what I needed.

Ava with a picture of "Daddy's Nonna Alicia" and our celebration cake.

"I" "LOVE" "DAD"

Ava is just so cute and I loved the pictures from Father's Day, so I wanted to share the 3 we picked.

Father's Day

The first thing we did on Father's Day was open presents.  Ava was so excited for Rich to see his surprises.  Ava picked out a "Mr. Incredible" shirt because her dad is, well, INCREDIBLE.  She also picked out some Angry Bird band-aids because she knew daddy would share them with her.  Ava put her presents inside a bag she decorated with cute pictures.

I also made a gift (with Ava's help) for Rich.  Earlier in the week I asked Ava to make 3 signs that read, "I", "LOVE", & "Dad".  We then took these signs up to the temple and took a whole bunch of cute pictures with Ava holding the signs.  It was hard, but Ava and I picked out the three pictures we like the most and put them in a collage frame for Rich to take to work.  I think the gift turned out really cute and I'm grateful Ava was excited to make it happen.

After presents we had a special Father's Day breakfast.  The day before I made English muffins from scratch.  I used them to make breakfast sandwiches with eggs, prosciutto, and cheese.  They were really tasty and something I will have to make again.

We enjoyed time as a family, then headed to church, and then off to Gridley to spend the rest of the day with Rich's family.  Ava was excited to see her two newest cousins, Levi & Tavi.  She was especially happy to see Tavi and hold her for the first time (she held Levi in the hospital).  Ava was so sweet and gentle with the babies.  She held both of them and for a long time too.  She quietly sang to them and sweetly "ssshhhed" them when they cried.  It was bitter-sweet watching her with them.  I'm so glad she loves them so much, but it made me a little sad to think she may never be a big sister.  She would be a wonderful big sister  I am grateful she has so many wonderful cousins to play with.

Ava with her gift for Rich.  She did a good job keeping it a secret.

Rich is pretty "Incredible".  We are blessed to have him as a dad and husband.

Ava picked these out for Rich because she really wanted them.  She is lucky to have a wonderful dad that likes to share.

Ava made these signs all by herself for my project.

It is hard to see the pictures, but this is my gift to Rich.

Usually Ava is happy to take pictures, but this day she was not cooperative.  This is the best smile we could get from her.

Ava holding baby Tavi for the first time.

I sat down with Ava to help her support Tavi's head.

Ava is holding a sleeping Levi and I have an unhappy Tavi.

Levi is still chilling with Ava and I finally got Tavi to sleep.