My Brilliant Baby

Today was the last day of school for you. For some reason, I am so sad because I think that your teachers did a fantastic job this year and I wish that you could be in their class forever. To show our appreciation, I asked all 19 parents to provide a picture of their child, a Thank You note and a illustration from their child to include in a scrapbook for each teacher that I made. At the very end of the scrapbook were American Express gift cards for each of the 3 teachers. From what I can see it was a HUGE hit. Mrs. Bobbie told me that she has never received anything like that before and was in tears (not to mention the numerous phone calls and emails that I have received from your classmate's parents). In return, your teachers gave me a bottle of wine as a Thank you for putting it together for them. A very pleasant surprise I might say.

Life Lesson Learned: ALWAYS show your sincere appreciation and gratitude. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money, just a little time, thought, or even verbally. It will motivate them to continue doing the good deeds that they do.

After what I had thought was a fantastic morning, I went to Teresa's office to request an end of the year progress report for the 3 year old classroom. I do this so that you and I can work on some of the concepts during the summer that way you have a little head start come the start of school next year. Well, to my surprise, Teresa had said that she and Bobbie feel that you would be a good candidate for Mrs. Dozier's class next year. From what I am gathering, her class is best suited for those kids that are turning 4 earlier in the year (Sept, Oct, Nov) and those that they feel are a little more advanced. Teresa asked me how I felt about you being placed in that class and if I was OK with you being the youngest. I am absolutely ecstastic for you and felt this sense of accomplishment for myself. I feel as if all of those days that I spent staying home with you and working with you on letters, numbers, shapes, writing your name, introduction to reading has completely paid off. It truly is rewarding to know that I am leading my baby on the right path. I LOVE YOU and am so proud that you are doing so well in school.

Miss Lindy, Mrs. Teresa Burgess (Director), Mrs. Bobbie, and Mrs. Colleen

Let Summer Begin.

Mother's Day 2009

This year we decided at last minute to join the Reynolds for Mother's Day and to celebrate Riley's Gotcha Day at the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando.

(Daddy is in the mob of people waiting to get "Slimed")

You and your buddy Madeline in our room

You, Daddy and Sponge Bob Square Pants

You and Dora the Explorer during the character breakfast

All tuckered out sleeping in the cabanna after a long stint of swimming.

This is a sign of a great time.

I love you Avarito!!!

Ava "Gardener" - Week 6

This is week 6 of our garden experiment and it appears that 2 out of the 3 plants that we planted are growing. None the less you check on your garden every day.

Daddy's biggest Fan

Today we went to support Daddy while he played in the Cinco De Mayo waterpolo tournament.

In between his games we were able to take you to their waterpark area.

Here you and Vaughan are cheering him on.

First School Perfomance

Ms. Bobbie's class had it's big perfomance today and upon arriving the audience watched a slide show of photos that Ms. Bobbie had taken throughout the year. After the slide show was the entrance of all of the children that Ms. Bobbie, Ms. Collen and Ms. Lindy have and they began to sing "The Wheels on the Bus", "The Insie Weensie Spider", "The Cat and the Fiddle", "Rock a Bye Bear", "Making Lemonade"and "Baby Bumble Bee". The reception was held at the playground and all the kids ate icecream bright and early in the morning. We are so proud of you Ava. You did a fantastic job. Mommy and Daddy Love You!!

Nanny's Educational Zoo

Today we went to Nanny's Educational Zoo with MOTG (moms group). I don't think that you were all that interested in being there. In fact, I know that you really weren't that thrilled to be there. For some reason, you were afraid that all the the animals (all of which were babies) were going to bite you. However, Mommy had a good time and actually learned a lot from it. I never really knew that the animal cruelty law protected only cats and dogs and not farm animals. I learned today that farmers have the right to kill any animal that they see fit. So many baby male goats, pigs, horses, etc. typically end up being shot just after birth because they are not considered to be productive in any way. Luckily, Nanny (the owner of the farm) rescues these babies and nurses them back to health and then either adopts them out or releases them into the wild on her 5100 acre property. If you only knew how this breaks my heart, because I am such an animal lover. This women helps all of these animals and does field trips, parties, and the cost is free but a donation to the center is appreciated to help fund the cost of medicine and supplies to care for them.

I had fun none the less, we were able to see a donkey, potbelly pigs, ducks, goats, calves just 9 days old (so adorable by the way), a 3 month old raccoon that was as sweet and playful as can be. Speaking of the raccoon, apparently, they are VERY clean animals, they will wash every piece of food in water before eating it. Kind of odd since you see them digging in the trash all the time. We also saw a turkey, geese, bunnies, ball python, guinea pigs, and love birds (not so friendly). Maybe if we were to go back you will hopefully enjoy it because Mommy sure did.

Easter Weekend 2009

This year you were able to dye eggs for the first time.

Grandpa and Grandma came over to join in on the fun.

Your Easter basket contained, the BOLT DVD, markers, sketch pad, peeps, and a kite. Once you dug into your basket, it was time for your egg hunt and then off to brunch at the restaurant with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Jim, Auntie Alyson, Uncle Jeff, Ryan, Bryce, Kianna, Xander and of course Mommy, Daddy and Vaughan.

Then we came home, took naps, and then it was off to the park for the second egg hunt of the day with your neighborhood friends. Khun Tha and Khun Yai and Na' Jon Jon came to help and join us for the dinner that Mommy made.

While mommy was making dinner, you and Na' Jon Jon went outside to fly your new kite. During your first attempt, you got it stuck in the tree but quickly became a pro.