In Honor of Uncle Mark

Uncle Mark is well-known for his raspberry-sounding tooters (made with his lips and tongue, not the other end, folks.). It appears Ava is following in his footsteps. Ava is on Grandma Weets' lap and looks to her for approval. :)

Friendly Visit

Ava and I went to visit my high school friend, Heather. We had a really nice afternoon, posing near Heather's beautiful picture window that looks out onto Nest Lake, and Heather introduced me to a little espresso cafe, Deidre's. I ate there THREE times in one week. Mmm....

More Bathtime Photos

Ava's hair gets really curly when we wash it, so we decided to make one big curl. Grandma Weets thought Ava's hair was long enough for a curler....

Swift County Fair

It doesn't get more wholesome than this. Jason, Mom, Dad, Ava and I went out to the Swift County Fair in Appleton. We all donned "Vote for Andrew Falk" labels (even Ava), ate supper at one of the church stands, and then Ava took a nap as we went through the 4-H displays. Although, perhaps the nap was intended to distance herself from Grandma & Grandpa, posing in the kiddie American Gothic cut-outs above. J/K.

Four Generations

Jason, Ava, Mom, Dad, and I traveled to Pipestone to visit Grandma Weets, Steve, Jo, & Damian. Ava settled herself right into G.G.'s (Great Grandma) lap & fell asleep. G.G. looked at me and said with a smile, "See, lots of experience." I'm not sure which of the two was happier. We took a four generation photo outside & I couldn't resist the close-up.

Return to We Fest

After an eleven year hiatus, I returned to We Fest. I went with Tanya & her friend Susan to watch each evening's headliners. (Tanya generously shared one of three tickets she won.) It was a fun weekend; we paid way too much for food and drink, got into a near cat-fight with some chick over chairs, and sang with a bunch of strangers--yep, that's We Fest. Our favorite part was seeing Jason Aldeen. I think I've got a heart murmur now.

Happy 8th Anniversary

Auntie Lara & Uncle Mark volunteered to babysit while the hubby & I went to the movie, Wanted & out to Red Lobster (as well as run a few errands.--amazing how "dates" change once you have a baby.) The above ilustrates our attempts at taking our own photos. The last one is of Ava and me...note the ring on my right hand--my anniversary gift from Jason--Ava's birthstone (aquamarine) with two small diamonds on either side. What a nice surprise!

Bath Time

Ava enjoys her bath. She has a pirate duck and penguin who join her; their names are Desmond and Penny, respectively, in honor of my favorite LOST couple. I believe every baby needs a picture in one of these duck towels. :)

The Farm Sleeper

Auntie Katy!!! Look what fits Ava at 4 months! The farm sleeper Ava is wearing has special significance. Jason & I gave one to Katy & Jorge for their son, Owen, when he was 4 months old & it was one of Katy's favorites to have Owen wear (so soft & so cute). I bought an extra at the time for any future Vinje babies, and this was the sleeper I laid across my belly and slept with during pregnancy. It's so fun to see the real baby in the sleeper. :)

Ava talking