Ava and Fun Today

Avery and I just got home from a few days with our very cute niece, Ava (and her parents too). There's a little video of her, and also a quick video of Audrey & Avery having a good time this afternoon.

Happy Birthday Brantley

I have to say that you're much cooler at 34 (that's right, everyone, he's 34) than you were at 9, but then and now, you are the best brother ever and I love you! Maybe when I visit next, we can celebrate your birthday and reincarnate the T-bone and baked potato meal in honor of old times (and, plus, just because it tastes good). =)

Vacation Part 1

A few highlights from our vacation:

1. Avery took FIVE steps on Sunday morning in Patterson, CA (in, of all places, a Carl's Jr., which might be the second time I've ever been in a CJ in my life, so I don't think we're going to be go often to re-live the moment).

2. On Friday night, in a Mexican restaurant in Los Banos, CA (yes, transalated to The Bathrooms, CA), our waitress was telling us that one of her customers spoke seven languages, and then she proceeded to tell us what they all were: Italian, English, Spanish, Australian, ... (um, wait a minute, did she just say Australian?) ... And then she said "I guess Australian is sort of similar to English." Um, yes, it is SORT OF similar to English. You might even call them the same language. I could not even look at Iain or the waitress because I would have cracked up. So Iain and I got a great laugh about it after we got in the car. This restaurant also had a great grassy patch in the front where the girls took off their shoes and ran around laughing and playing.

3. We had lunch at a restaurant in St. Helena, CA (Napa Valley) with some of the best burgers and shakes we've ever had (thanks, Kelley & Joe, for the awesome recommendation).

4. We have been having fun listening to Audrey's constant talking in the car. She has opinions on everything, and her new favorite thing is to say "No Mommy" or "No Daddy" in a very matter-of-fact, authoritative voice with the look of someone who has been commanding people for years. I have to say that I much prefer this to the whiny voice she used to use, but I also prefer her other favorite phrase "here you go, Mommy" to this one.

We forgot to clear our camera's memory before we left, so we haven't taken many pix. But I'm about to clear it, so hopefully there will be some more postings later in the week. In any event, here's a pretty funny one ... our car was so loaded, there was no room for diaper changing on the inside. =)

Welcome Ava!

Our new little niece arrived last night at 9:07pm. She was 6 pounds 13.5 ounces and 19 inches long. Becki and Ava are both happy and healthy, though maybe a little bit tired. Iain would want me to mention that Brantley is doing fine as well. =)

Congratulations, Brantley and Becki!! She is beautiful, and is blessed to have the two of you as parents! We love you guys.

Today

Audrey is Too Cool for School

Audrey has used her potty every day for the last 5 days during our "getting ready for bed" routine. That is big news around here! I snapped this picture of her tonight. Classic.

Aunt Aeriale Visits

Our amazing friend Aeriale arrived today! The girls love her and I don't think they even remember that Iain and I are here. Here's a little shot from a few minutes ago.