Summer Visitors

My nieces, Haley and Sophie, came for their annual visit this summer. It has been so much fun to have them all to ourselves for a few days. There is never a dull moment when Ava and Sophie are together. Ava loves her dearly and has so much fun when they get together. They are 11 months apart, and it drives Ava crazy that Sophie is older! They had a great time at the water park, the library, and the park. I have never heard such laughter, though, as when they turned the bath water dark purple!!
Haley has always been my little kindred spirit. We got to watch some old but great movies, and even had a chance to go see a dinner theater production of "Guys and Dolls." Haley just got her permit last week. Go, Haley! We love you girls!!
Two of my oldest and dearest friends, Alicia and Lea Lea, were able to visit. We were born within 10 days of each other in the same hospital and have been together pretty much ever since complete with secret words, dates, and happenings that we would never tell anyone!! Whenever we are together, it is almost as if I get to revisit my childhood. Thanks for the visit, girls!

Lily's spa day

One of the girls' favorite things to play this summer is "beauty shop". It is amazing how early a girl can appreciate being pampered.

Although, I am not so sure it is always relaxing. They do take turns being the beautician and the customer. This is a game that I really enjoy playing too, particularly since real fingernail polish is not involved.
Ava is definitely the expert on hair and nail design.
However, Lily has been taking notes.....
and she no longer wants to be the one being pampered.
She may have found her calling!

Smith Lake 08

One of our getaways this summer was our annual Smith Lake trip with my side of the family. These are all of the kids. It is hard to believe there are 7 now. We had a great time! We were out away from everything with nothing to do but have family time, play in the water, go on the boat, eat, laugh, and take it easy! It was a really special time......the trip that always makes me homesick for my family.

Ava had such a great time at the lake this year!! She was timid around the water, but by the time we left, she was out by herself paddling away. She always enjoys keeping up with her cousins! It is always a reminder of how nice it would be for our kids to grow up closer to family!Lily had a ball! She is our social butterfly. She enjoyed having so many people around her to talk to. She was not as much of a daredevil as we feared, but she did love the water. Everytime we put her in her float in the water, she would fall asleep. She had a great time.
Bella slept a lot. She is our little sleeper! She was very attentive when awake, but for the most part, she was just fun for everyone to hold and look at. This is my little "bully" picture of Bella.
Sophie and Ava enjoyed their time together. Ava wants to do EVERYTHING like Sophie!
This was the cutest picture moment ever! Lily just put herself right in the middle of all the cousins for a little tv time. Priceless!

Bella B.

What can I say?? She's a cutie-pie!!!

Ava's first dance recital

Ava performed in her first dance recital on Saturday. When we walked into Robinson Center in Little Rock with all of the broadway show posters displayed, she said "Mama, this is my favorite place!" She danced her little heart out with a huge smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
However, she was turned toward the wings so she could watch Ms. Karen and not miss a step. She was so cute. I have a feeling this is only the beginning.
She is going to really miss her friends this summer!

Water Park

Lily had her first trip to the water park last Friday. She enjoyed the water spraying out of the ground and poking other kids' belly buttons that were exposed. She was quite cute. Ava had fun, as always. Unsurprisingly, Bella slept through it all.