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Happy #11, Miss Ava!

We kicked off the week with a bang...we celebrated father's day on Sunday, and then celebrated Ava's birthday over a few days span (and we're still not done!)

My parents joined us for dinner on Sunday, and then Scott's mom and stepdad brought dessert and joined the party a bit later in the evening. It was wonderful to be able to spend time with family, celebrating the dads in our lives. A big hug and love to my dad, Scott's dad, Scott's stepdad, and of course, Scott!

Grandma Deb and Grandpa Whitey gained control of the children on Monday night, and lavished them with a fun stay at a hotel, and then a full day's worth of activities....especially having fun at the MoA, checking out the LEGO Store, and the SeaLife aquarium. Fun stuff! Meanwhile, Scott and I enjoyed some silence back at home...I was able to get ready for work in peace, and pondered if this is what's it's like not to be responsible for anyone other than myself in the morning. Amazing! But, I was happy to have them back on Tuesday night. :)

Besides turning 11 on Tuesday, Ava also had her first day of summer band, and enjoyed it! There were a lot of kids there from RPE, but she had a chance to meet a few new ones, as well. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for her to get familiar with the school and some kids/teachers before the school year starts in a few months.

Ava and G returned to our house in the early evening on Tuesday, so we could sing to the birthday girl, eat some treats, and watch her open gifts. Both sets of grandparents were able to stop by and join in the fun. It was a quick bday event, though, because...

...on Tuesday night, she also started her FastTrack2Nationals baton class! When I went to pick her up, she was twirling two batons. Wow! I think this is a great class for her to beef up her skills and focus more on what she's doing. She and I then went shopping after class to pick up a gift for her bff's birthday, which was the next day.  Late night #2.

From 8 to 11 - look how much she has changed!



G was a good boy and didn't even help her open any gifts...



10 fingers + 1 toe = ELEVEN!


This gift was from my aunt Steph...the pencil box belonged to MY great uncle, and we estimate it to be around 100 years old. So neat!


Ava loves her new scooter from Grandma Deb and Grandpa Whitey!



And her most favorite gift ever...her new phone. :) (Also new is the robe that she is wearing, haha)


Birthday sunset for Ava!


Late night #1 was actually on Monday night, when I realized I needed to bake/decorate cupcakes for Ava's bday gathering with the fam. Plus, I needed to setup her new phone. So, that found me staying awake, doing these tasks until 11pm. So tired.

Wednesday was somewhat normal, although I had a happy hour that night, so was out a bit later than anticipated. Thursday I worked at home so I could bring Ava to RMS for summer band during the day, and then...we went and got her fitted for her new glasses. Woohoo! She loves them!!


Friday was actually low key, which we needed after a busy week...pizza and movie night is becoming the norm, and we're all 100% okay with that.

Today will be very fun...it's Ava's friend birthday party! Ava, and 6 friends (plus G) will be doing cosmic bowling this afternoon! She's really looking forward to seeing her friends, and having a different kind of birthday fun!

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