Ava: I am going to die of thirst.
Bec: You are not going to die of thirst.
Ava: Mom. It’s an expression.
Archive for the ‘Ava’ Category
7 Sep
Slumber Party
I came from an wonderful evening with friends to find something even sweeter waiting for me at home.
It was such a incredible moment of realization—seeing all four of these amazing people snuggled up together.
This is my family.
Pinch me. Surely I’m the one who’s dreaming.
29 Aug
Overheard
Ava, on calming Olivia when she’s in the midst of a massive tantrum:
1. Give her anything she wants.
2. Snuggle up with her.
3. Whatever you do, don’t yell at her.
I’m a bit concerned about number one, but I have to say the rest is pretty sound advice!
21 Aug
Dance Fever
Ava and Olivia start ballet, jazz and tap classes this week. The 36-week session culminates with a recital on May 11th, and the girls are already VERY excited. Ava will attend class on Tuesdays, and Olivia will go on Wednesdays.
When we walked into the wardrobe filled with leotards and other apparel, I spied the sparkly pink dress below and just KNEW we wouldn’t be leaving without it. It’s a bit big, but Livie will have some room to grow in the coming months.
The girls already have a few moves of their own, of course.
When I mentioned the classes to my mom, she was reminded of another ballerina and her little sister…
18 Aug
When seven-year-olds Google
Recent search history on the iPad:
How long are sleepovers?
Do babies see in color?
Do bumble bees sting?
15 Aug
Overhead: First day edition
Ava: “Well, we spent the first hour on procedures. Procedures for recess, procedures for going home, procedures for everything. Then we had recess. Then more on procedures. Then we had lunch. I had a hot dog with ketchup. Then we talked about procedures again, then music class. Then, more procedures. Basically for every time I just said ‘procedures,’ we talked for an hour about procedures. That was the whole day. Procedures.”
15 Aug
Look out, second grade.
Ava started second grade today. We made a back-to-school breakfast casserole from a recipe Ava clipped from the paper, and she prepared her summer reading report, which included a whopping 144 books. Tears were shed, but only by Olivia (unrelated) and me (related).
I love the shirt she selected, as I think we both are pretty hopeful this year will be smooth sailing. Ava seems very self assured and grown up, and so I believe we stand a pretty good chance of a remarkable year filled with progress and growth. We’re not longer elementary school rookies, at least.
I walked her up the hill to class, baby nestled in a sling and with a cup of coffee in hand. I have to admit, the pace of the morning (which didn’t include me rushing off to my monthly strategic communications cabinet meeting at 9 am) was quite nice. I can’t say I’m ready to permanently trade in my heels for these flip flops (not to mention sparkly purple nail polish and a much more relaxed daily schedule), but I do feel really fortunate to have this time at home.
School ends early today, and I’m looking forward to meeting Ava this afternoon and hearing about her first day.
13 Aug
Back to school preparations
We’re counting down—classes begin on Wednesday for our second grader. We ran a few important errands this morning, and everyone has new haircuts and sparkly toes—you know, all the back-to-school essentials. We can deliver classroom supplies and meet Ava’s new teacher this evening!
4 Aug
Summer fun at the lake
Bryan, Ava and Olivia heading out with lake neighbors Dennis and Jody…
Dennis showing the sign for “faster,” which both girls employed several times.
Smith Family Weblog 