Florida!

Ava and I were lucky enough to get to spend last week in Naples, Florida, at Mike's grandma's house with her and Mike's mom. For an almost two year old, Ava sure did well on the plane rides. She also reveled in the constant attention she got from her Nana and G.G. the entire week. I am not sure whether they or Ava had more fun. :) I feel very lucky to have gotten to spend an entire week of quality time with Ava. I am nervous about our numbered days 'just the two of us' so I am trying to enjoy every last minute to the fullest.

Mike had to stay home and work. We missed him very much and were sad he wasn't there with us. But we talked to him daily and sent lots of pictures! Only about a month of busy season left to go!! Yay!

Some of the highlights of our trip ...

~Swimming. Just like at home, Ava loved swimming in Florida - outside! Although only one day was warm enough to go, we had a great time splashing around and jumping in and also watching Nana and G.G. do water aerobics. We also got a kick out of seeing Ava in her little two piece swim suit that Nana got her!


~Beach. Since our trip to the beach, Ava hasn't stopped talking about it. The sand, the shells, the birds. I cannot wait to bring her to the lake near our house this summer. What fun!



~New shoes. Ava has definitely got a thing for shoes. Unlike clothes, she's always willing to try them on and likes to wear my shoes all around the house. So, she was ecstatic when we got the go shoe shopping for her. When Mike asked her after we got home what she did in Florida, one of the first things she said was 'new shoes!'


~Play dough. Ava helped Nana and G.G. make homemade play dough and then got to dig into it a few times with them too!


~Dessert. Unlike at home, Ava got to have dessert after nearly every meal! We discovered her love for key lime pie. Luckily for us, it was a great way to get her to finish her dinner. I could tell that during one dinner she was NOT hungry. But she wanted that pie so bad that she literally gagged her food down. That's definitely my girl. :)


~The park. Anytime Ava notices a playground when we're out and about at home she squeals and asks to go and play there. Sadly, I have to explain to her that it's too cold and there's too much snow ... and only a few more months to wait! So, I was excited that we could finally play at the park and we found a really neat one right near G.G.'s house.


~'Cooking' with my spoons. I sure am glad I didn't bother packing many toys for Ava. G.G. had picked up a set of measuring cups and spoons and a few books from the dollar spot at Target before we came and Ava spent a lot of her time playing with those! She's also really got an imagination and 'made' and served us lots of cookies and other desserts.


~Going to the zoo. One of our favorites. Naples has a zoo and we spend a morning there. It was fun to see a different zoo other than Minnesota or Como.


~Going out to eat. Just like flying, for a nearly two year old, Ava does really well going out to eat. She was being a complete goof during our dinner out and made us all laugh and have great time.


~Singing in the car. This week Ava found her 'singing voice!' Every time we drove somewhere she serenaded us and quite often convinced us to join in on the singing with her! Love it.


It was a great week and lots of fun and cute memories were made. It was special for Nana and G.G. to get a full week of Ava and share in our enjoyment of her budding personality. And that she is so sweet, polite and easy going makes it fun for everyone to have her around! Next time we go to G.G.'s in Florida, she'll have to share attention with her little brother. :)