A great Loss!

We got back from our trip Wednesday and I returned to work on Thursday.  I was so busy.  I got a call that morning that my grandpa (moms dad) passed away.  I was in shock.  Just in January we lost  grandmother.  So we had a sad weekend saying goodbye to a wonderful man. 

I could fill this post with good things about my grandpa.  If you didn't know him you lost out in life.  He was amazing!!  Seriously up until he had his stroke a year or 2 years ago he was in such good health.  He probably exercised more than me.  He was SO positive and full of such a sweet spirit.  If you ever asked him how he was he would say "Super", or "Super, Duper".   He could make me laugh more than anyone I know.  He was hilarous!!!!   He loved his shiny black cadillac.  He also loved rings and jewelry.  I guess I got it from him :)  Everytime he saw a new ring on me he asked where I got it.  I think he would ask how much I spent on it too. LOL  
I have soo many good memories of him and growing up.  I am sad and disheartened that he isn't here anymore.  That being my selfish side.  But I am so glad his race is run and he is at rest!!!!

Atlanta Aquarium and Zoo

Petting Zoo area.

Some weird bird

Elephants

Lazy Lion

Monkey

Giraff

Flamingo

Playing school on the Playground

Giving him some love

She is kind of scared :)

Whale

All sorts of fish

Shark!!!!!

Petting the sharks and Stingrays

My sweet girl.

My family!!!

Love watching these!!!!

Cool fish tank.

View from room.

We left Sunday and drove down to Atlanta.  We stayed at the Sheraton (which I highly recommend).  They put us in a nice top floor corner room.  We had a private balcony that surrounded both sides!!!   We also had access to a lounge where we could get snacks and drinks 24 hours a day.  Ava learned real quick where the cookies were :).   Monday we woke up and ate our breakfast.  We headed to the Aquarium.   We spent almost 4 hours in there.  Ava enjoyed it to some extent but I am sure older kids get your moneys worth.  Its not cheap!!!  We had a good time though.  There was so much to see and do.  Monday afternoon Ava took a much needed nap.  That night we walked a few blocks up to Durangos for a great supper.  After dinner we took a carriage ride around downtown Atlanta.  Cheesy I know but Ava LOVED it!!!  Tuesday we hit up the Zoo.  Ava liked the Zoo even more than the aquarium.  The weather was perfect because it had been stormy and rainy then cleared out.  It wasn't hot at all.  We saw all sorts of animals.  They had a really good play area too so Ava enjoyed that.  We went down to Adam's mom and dads that night.  We had dinner with them and stayed there.  We drove back Wednesday.

Congrats to my friend!

Ava outside playing at the reception

Me and Tammy

Snapshot on our way home from the reception.

One of my best freinds, Tammy, got married this past weekend.  I just want to wish her and her finace the best!!! 

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!!!

Destin 2012

Searching for Sand Crabs

Riding the Train....with Paw Paw

Playing in the Sand

My little Diva

Awww... the beach!!!!!   Last week me, my mom, my dad, and Ava went to Destin.  Yes we had to leave Adam behind.  Long story short.....he is in an outage that was suppose to end in time for him to go.  It didn't. :(   I wasn't happy about that.  I tried to change the dates but this close to Summer its hard to do.

We had a nice get away.  I got some good sun, read a book finally, and ate some good Seafood.  I prefer not to go in May again though.  It was crowded more so than September when we went last year.  I figured all kids were still in school.  I guess everyone else thought that too.

The weird thing this year is Ava didn't really like the sand and ocean.  Yeah, not my child at all!!!!!!!!   Just in September she loved it. It shows me how much she is changing in such short periods.   She played a little in the sand but overall she would rather play in the condo.  Go figure.

I read the first Hunger Games book.  Ok, I just had to know what all the hype was about.  I know now.  I couldn't put the book down.  I downloaded the final 2 when I got home.

And I want everyone to notice my pictures are all straight and nice. :)  I downloaded Google+ to my Iphone.  I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Late Mothers Day

Sorry.  I am behind.   I wanted to wish all you Mothers out there and those that long to be Mothers, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!   I never understood how becoming a mother myself would open my eyes to so much.  Its almost as if you change or morph into a different person when you become a mother.  I know I am still me, but I am not the same person I was before having Ava.   I am so blessed and thankful that God allowed me this wonderful privilege.  Yes its the hardest thing I have EVER done, but the most rewarding to say the least.

I am so proud of my Mom and how she raised me.  I hope I can be that kind of mom to Ava.  This year was a very sad Mothers Day for my mom because we lost my Grandmother in January.   We all miss her greatly, but we all know she is at peace!!!!

I didn't take any pictures on Mothers day :(   I didn't even realize that till a few days ago. 

Ava's 3 Year Checkup

So yesterday was Ava's 3 year check up (just a little late).   I had been talking to her in preparation for this appointment.  I figured informing her and preparing her would be better than just throwing her to the wolves.   I can remember when I was a kid mom wouldn't prepare me she would literally just take me one day out of the blue.  I guess she thought telling me would make me worry....and looking back it probably would have.  Yesterday I took off half a day and we made our way to the doctors office.  Ava was doing great and calm.  She even played a little before going into the exam room.  I could tell she was getting a little scared when the nurse was in there asking me all sorts of questions.  As soon as the Doctor walks in Ava starts crying.  He didn't even touch her :( Oh no.  Well good thing this appointment didn't include any shots or scary things.  The Dr said she is doing great.  She is 29lbs and 36 inches tall.  She is in the 10% for her weight and the 50% for her height.   She did have to give a urine sample which is just interesting in itself. 
We left and did some shopping.  As I am looking around in a store I get a call saying we need to come back.  I totally flip out inside, but I don't let Ava know.  They thought she might have an infection but her second sample came back clear.  Thank God!!!!! 

So we shopped.  I got her a cookie from the Cookie Co. and I got myself a Frap :)  It was a great afternoon.

Sorry my pics are sideways.....just turn your head :)   SOMEBODY tell me what is up.

Festivals!

Friday night we hit up Panoply.  I love going there.  When I was in College I got the opportunity to be involved and volunteer.  I loved it.  I always looked forward to it.  So I love the fact that I can take Ava to something that I have been involved in.   The weather was not so promising but it ended up not raining, and was not crowded at all.   Ava had a blast.  She was finally old enough to enjoy the arts and crafts more!!  I guess her favorite thing was painting.

Saturday went went to the Cornbread Festival.  I had never been.  I guess I had something else in mind.  I was kind of disappointed.  Maybe because it was so hot and crowded too.  Ava enjoyed riding a couple rides, and just taking in the sights and other kids.   Note to self.....Ava doesn't like the big Ferris Wheel.  She was all smiles going up but on the descent down she was shaking begging me to stop it. :( 

Her paint face!

I wish Scottsboro would do some sort of festival.  I am not talking about 1st Monday or anything like that.   Those type of events bring in so much money.  I couldn't get over how much they would charge for food, rides, etc.

Ok, I have no idea why this new stupid blogger format is turning my pictures sideways????  Anyone else know???