Trip to San Diego and Salt Creek Beach

We were able to take a little vacation a couple of weeks ago down to San Diego where we visited the San Diego Zoo, followed by Sea World. What a hit! I have to say I love Sea World! It is so refreshing and clean, and not to mention, Ava had a blast! After all of the park fun we headed up a little bit north to Mission Viejo where we met up with our friends, Ken, Rachael, and Paul Franklin who were out visiting from Maryland. Rachael and I took Paul and Ava to Salt Creek Beach while Shane and Ken played (what else?)--golf. It was such a beautiful day and I just have to post these pictures of sweet Paul! What a beautiful little boy! Ken and Rachael, we had a blast with you--even if it was short lived and we can't wait for you to move out here!!

San Diego Zoo!












Sea World! Ava loved the Shamu show. Everyday she walks around the house yelling "Shamu, Shamu" waving her arms up and down like the whale fin. She loved the whales and talks about it all the time.









Ava got the chance to meet Elmo and Big Bird. She didn't really want to pose with them she just wanted to give Elmo lots of hugs!




Ava and Shane before the 4D Sesame Street show. It was so funny watching Ava during the show as she tried grabbing for everything and falling back when things shot toward her face! True entertainment!!







Salt Creek Beach!
While waiting for Shane and Ken to play golf, Rachael and I took the kids to a local beach and it was absolutely beautiful! The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the kids had a great time!




Paul--Isn't he adoreable!!!


I love this picture of Rachael and Paul--so precious!

Ava Turns 2!!

It seems like she was just born, but our little Ava turned two years old on April 7th. We had a small birthday party in our backyard with Minnie Mouse as the theme. We had our close friends over and had a great time. Thank you to all of our friends who came to join in the celebration. Times like this can be difficult with family living so far away, so your friendship means so much to us. Thank you all for your loving support! We truly treasure your friendship. Ava had a great time!













Ava pushing Cameron Cardoza




Opening presents! Sophie Garcia, Mason Cardoza, Ava and me


Looks like trouble. Ava and the boys: Brandon Cardoza, Ava, Mason Cardoza, and Trent Wanagitis

She refuses to smile because she hates getting her picture taken, Ava eating her birthday lunch.

Tasha Wanagitis and Jayden Mcnew

Lots Going On!

So, I have been very bad at keeping up my blog. I guess I'll use being super busy as my excuse as you will see by the pictures I will be posting. We'll start back at the end of March:

Shane, Myself, and Ava took a spring break trip to Idaho where we had an early Easter celebration and also did an early celebration of Ava's birthday. It was such a great time. Ava loved playing outside ALL day long and getting to play with her cousins. She had a blast doing the easter egg hunt, and you can't forget the CANDY--always a hit! For her birthday party we had the entire family up to my mom and dad's house where we colored easter eggs and enjoyed eating "Pooh" cake--all of us except Ava. She actually started dry heaving when she tasted it. I'm not sure if it tasted that bad or if she just couldn't handle eating Pooh! It was such and wonderful trip and we look forward to the next.


The kids all lining up for the easter egg hunt!


Ava and Jake looking for easter eggs




The kids all got kites. Looks like Jo needs some help.


Jordyn flying her kite


Ava and cousin Dillon playing with bubbles


Ava and cousin Jaislyn sportin their new shades!

Now on to the birthday party:

Ava, cousins Jordyn and Kylee coloring easter eggs


Ava's design




Grandma Cummings made Ava her own apron and she was so excited!


The infamous Pooh cake!


No pooh cake here--only icecream for the birthday girl!


Ava having fun opening presents



It just wouldn't be Idaho to mix up the beautiful 70 degree temps with a little snow and 20 degrees the next day. It was pretty fun for us since we don't get to see the snow much. Shane took Ava on her first sleigh ride and then built a snowman together. She had a blast!




I hope this isn't yellow snow.