and she's off...

Yep, two days after her first birthday Ava just took off. After her first steps over Christmas she really clung onto Mom and Dad, didn't quite want to give us up yet. However, she continued to walk with her push-n'-ride toy, holding onto furniture and along walls. A week or two before her first birthday (Jan 19th) she would push off whatever she was holding onto and take a few steps and then a few more. On Monday, Jan 21st she really let go and hasn't stopped since. In fact, she does laps around our house, it's quite the game for her. Fortunately, Doug was home for the holiday so he could join in on the excitement. But, the really nice by-product of it all is that mom is able to get more done and have a bit more freedom...I LOVE IT!!!

Ava's Birthday Bash

Ava turned 1 year old on January 19th, so we had a few friends over for waffles and cake...fun times. She had a ball with her little buddies and really enjoyed her cake too, so much so that she got cake all over her face and in her eyes. This pic is only the prelude of what was to come. We tried to have her sing for the group as a thank you, but she got stage fright (imagine that - it doesn't happen too often with Ava). However, we were able to capture her cheering to the BYU fight song that night in her birthday outfit from G-ma Vicki & G-pa Brent. So, here's a thank you song for ya'll!

"Choo Choo Peanut Butter"

The peanut song is one of Ava's favorites and we are quite pleased with her little performance. (The Taylor family should appreciate this clip)

Hand in Hand

Doug, Ava & I visited Mt. Vernon on one of the most beautiful days this winter. The estate was absolutely gorgeous, but this view was my favorite!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

We were able to spend Christmas in Utah with the Taylor family. It was such a relaxing and mellow break, patially due to all of the sickness going around the family. However, that didn't stop us from enjoying it. For one, it was a white Christmas since it snowed everyday while we were there. More importantly, Ava took her first steps without any assistance, thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Taylor's persistance. It was great to share in that experience with all of the family!

Got a hankerin' for some flavor...

Our little girl loves spice. Mom got up for a split second, came back and she was covered in salsa.

Ho Ho Ho

December hit and it was crazy. First off, Santa came to visit our Ward Christmas Party and as you can see Ava was not so fond of the Jolly Ol' Fella. We didn't think it would have much of an effect on her, just an unhappy (though humorous to bystanders)moment. However, from that evening on Ava would not have anything to do with men who had facial hair or a head of white hair. That is no joke,...really! Our guy friends, and Grandpa Taylor can attest. Fortunately, she warmed up to Grandpa fairly quickly over the Christmas holidays, but it hasn't been until the last week or so that she would interact with our facial haired friends. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed the festive season. In fact, Ava helped mom with the Christmas lights and had a ball being her busy little self.

Also mom and Ava were able to get out and enjoy some of the holiday sights. We visited National Christmas Tree and The US Botanical Gardens featuring trains and models of the monuments made out of plants (sticks, leaves, etc - absolutely amazing). We're sad Dad couldn't enjoy it with us. He sure is a hard workin' man!