Funzone Clubhouse

It was rainy today in Ventura so I decided to try out the Clubhouse Funzone indoor playground in Ventura. Avila had a blast playing with all the toys while I chased her around. Afterward I think we both needed a nap. Instead she slept while I worked out.

While we were there she learned to ride a bike. More like walking on it while sitting, but hey she's only 11 months old.



She loved playing in the little pretend houses. This is me looking through the window watching her play in the the sink. So cute.
She got in all by herself. She couldn't move it thought. Legs are too short and the car is too heavy. She tried at least and managed to get stuck under the car. I would have taken a picture, but I didn't want people to think I was a mean mom. :o)

Our Christmas Vacation

Well, like I mentioned earlier Avila was sick over the vacation, so the 3 of us stayed at home together. 3 days of vacation actually went by slowly and we were able to enjoy each other as a family.

We watch A LOT of movies! I am extremely thankful for Baby Einstein. And although I had Mozart stuck in my head every waking moment, it kept Avila happy and rested.

The cat loved having us home with a sick baby. The baby's room was always the warmest place in the house. It was a warm, lazy weekend for everyone; even the cats.

Once she started feeling better we made her do all her chores!!! Just kidding, this is her new favorite activity. Unloading the clean or dirty dishes onto the floor. One day she'll get the hang of it. Sick or not, when she heard the dishes being loaded she came full speed to help.

Merry Sickmas

December 5th
Getting ready for Christmas!!! She loved playing/breaking all the ornaments!

She loved the tree. It is her newest toy - taking everything off and mom putting everything back on. Pine needles EVERYWHERE! Lot's of empty boxes to practice for Christmas.

December 25th
Sickmas is here. Day three of swine flu and feeling much better in time for Christmas. Ripping the paper was a lot of fun!

My new barn! This is her sick way of saying, "I LOVE IT! THANK YOU MOMMY AND DADDY!" We could see the excitement in her eyes. What came next (video) helped us to see how much she loved it! Made our 1st Christmas with her perfect!

Not so excited about the first gift. Practical. She was about excited as I am about getting socks in my stocking.

Priceless......... My new favorite video of Avila.

Merry Sickmas everyone!!!!

The evolution of Christmas

So I was thinking last night as I was holding my sick daughter and trying to figure how bad it was to get on a plane and give everyone the swine flu for Christmas and wondering what happened to "Christmas". And just as going to the beach will never be the same Christmas will forever be different. Not bad, just different.

As kids the anticipation of Christmas lasted the entire month of December; thinking constantly of all the things that Santa might bring. Then by college Christmas was a great time to sleep in, get new clothes and visit with family. Then the married years came along and we're trying to figure out who gets to see you and when. The baby years is all new. We have had to think of things like how many diapers to pack and pray she doesn't cry on the hour flight. Never did I think that she might be sick with the little piggy flu and NEVER did I think of the chaos the word "swine flu" brings with it.

So...... this will be our first Christmas at home as a family. We quickly are thinking of the traditions that we want to start with baby #1 and continue with baby #1 and #2 next year. So I guess for Christmas Avila got us a day home as a family, even if it meant her getting sick.

Morning hair

What could she have possibly done in the middle of the night to wake up with this hair do? Couldn't look more lovely on a Sunday before heading to church.