Ava's swim lessons

For the past two weeks, Ava has been taking swim lessons at the brand new YMCA in Gainesville. With Nick being in Augusta, it worked out well as me and the kiddos stayed at Mimi and Papa's house, coming home on the weekend to see Nick. Ava was very confident going into swim class and did so great on the first day. After her first lesson she asked if she could go in the pool, with the water slide, sprayers etc. and play. We let her and we sat 3 feet from the edge and watched her play. Literally somehow in the blink of an eye I see this head bobbing up and down in the 4 foot section of the pool...it was Ava. Somehow the current from the waterslide pushed her to the deep end. There were 3 lifeguards on duty, but I guess all of them needed a break at the same time, because none of them were at their posts. So, with clothes & shoes on, I jumped in and got her. So scary, and I now understand how kids drown so quickly. She was fine, and didn't even swallow water. She was actually treading water the entire time while holding her breath (just bobing like a fishing bobber). Needless to say she was petrified and for the next two weeks, we had a battle just to get her in the pool. The instructors were great with her and made her do everything they asked. She cooperated, but not without much negotiation (can I wear my googles??? I'm cold!!! If I put my head in the water can I get out and get a drink of water??? Can Claire go first???....on and on).

However, her last two lessons she was back to her old self, chasing her instructor around the pool and dunking her own head under water...What can we say, she's our one of a kind Ava.
Here she is with her certificate and her new Sea World Barbie (her prize for doing great...and eventually not crying and yelling :)

Happy 2 months Bennett!!

Two months already??? Time flies, as we all know...especially during the fun times. Bennett is loads of fun and is such a good baby. This past month he has rolled over from his tummy to his back, continues to hold his head up really well, sat in his Bumbo for the first time, played dress up with Ava (or rather got "dressed up" by Ava), moved from his cradle to his crib, sleeps through the night 6-8 hours, had his first immunizations (5 of them), loves to play and reach for his toys, and smiles and babbles constantly.

At his 2 month check he weighed 12lbs 1 oz (50%), and 23 1/2" long (75%). Dr. Wiskind was very pleased with everything and we will go back at 4 months.

Here are some pictures from our busy month...enjoy!

This is all Ava...she loves having a real live doll to dress up...I know one day Bennett will want to burn these pictures, but I think they're cute :)
Snug as a bug! He moves around so much at night, we had to move him to his crib. Somehow he also manages to get his arms out of his miracle blanket.

Nothings better than your G-Paw!

A Visit to Charleston

Uncle Adam and Kalista just got married! For the wedding we all loaded up and headed to Charleston for a long weekend of wedding and beach fun. We stayed in Folley Beach and enjoyed every minute of family time, beach time and eating yummy food. Ava is an old beach pro, but this was Bennett's first official vacation and first trip to the beach.

Congratulations Uncle Adam and Kalista! My camera fogged up when we went from the hotel to the beach for the wedding, so I don't have any pictures of the ceremony.
Fun at the beach and pool! Bennett loved riding in his back pack. Ava loved playing on the beach with Uncle Adam and Daddy, and of course swimming with Granny.

Some fun family pictures

Congratulations Kalista & Adam, we love you both and wish you the very best!

Happy 4th of July

Family of four...now we have 2 little firecrackers to love! Getting a family picture was hard before, but now it's almost comical.

Our two firecrackers...poor Bennett wiggles so much that Ava has a hard time holding him. A quick pic with Uncle Todd.

We headed over to the Robertson's house on Lake Spivey for our annual 4th of July fun. Up until yesterday, Ava has pretty much been petrified of swimming...not any more! Once she realized she wouldn't sink she was good to go!

She had a blast with Uncle Todd...they swam together for over 2 hours...she even let Uncle Todd dunk her under several times.

Ava and Abby sitting down by the lake watching the sunset.

Sorry for the arm in the picture. Ava and daddy had fun with sparklers.

Bennett after church...how many chins does he have?