Slip-Slidin Away

What a fun break from doctor's appointments & hospital visits: this last Tuesday we packed up our swimsuits and headed to the pool. Ava Gray still has to keep her head out of the water, but she really enjoyed checking everyone out (in fact, we caught her totally checking out a young 'gentleman swimmer' - it was downright hilarious). Havyn had a blast. She was a fearless little thing, running along the side of the pool (I know, I know,  no running!), and jumping to her mama in the deep end of the pool. Since it was only her second time ever to be in an outdoor pool (first time was the day of Ava Gray's surgery, so I only heard about it from Ana), I was in awe. Here's a little peek into our fun day-in-the-sun:

Our sun-bathing beauty:

Havyn put Laura through her paces, for sure!

See? Obeying doctors orders, but still getting to splash around in the water : ) She really was splashing too, but as soon as she saw the camera she froze. Which. is. typical. And just one of the reasons why Ana calls AG her Stinkerbell.... : ) 

There's a kiddie pool off to the right here. Havyn only tolerated it for a few minutes. The "big kid" pool  is where it's at!

She just wanted to say hello to the big girls...they eventually noticed her & thought her she was cute. : ) 

 And then we ran around in the park next to the pool for a while to dry off for the ride home:

Oooh, but I just love being outdoors with the girls. And in a pool! So many fun memories of playing in pools & the ocean with my brothers & sister. Hours upon endless hours of fun...Hope these girls get to start stocking up on some precious memories of their own. Thankful for Laura & Ana, without whom this little outing would have been impossible. Have a great week, friends! Till next time -

East Nashville Tomato Fest

First, there were shirts. (Thank you Laura Damon). Even though it was too soon to be taking Ava Gray out into the wild & woolly 5 Points during it's busiest day of the year, she still needed her cool shirt. Here are said shirts:

The day of, we packed up Havyn, gave our hugs & kisses to Ava Gray (who stayed home with one of her new in-home nurses, Angela), and headed out. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves (she had a great time!):

I don't know if this is the same dog, but she fell in love with a sweet 3-legged little guy and kept kissing him on his nose. It was pretty fun to watch.

And of course, there was tumbling....

And then it slowed way down...

....And she was out. : ) 

So she held on for a good 2+ hours (right in the middle of when her nap was supposed to be). She did a pretty good job of tuckering us out too! : )  Thanks to Jonathan & Mary Blanco & Laura Damon for chasing said toddler all around 5 Points. 

When we got home, lil' AG was smiling & telling us all about what we missed while we were gone. Love her!

So I think this was a success. Can't wait till next year when BOTH girls can come & run us adults ragged together. : ) 

Settling In

Oh, but it's glorious having Ava Gray home. She is a whole different girl: big smiles (even when no ones around to tease one out of her), lots of insistent babbling, and rolling like nobody's business. Havyn is getting her groove on as well. : ) Here's some of Havster doing just that:

And here's some of our amazing Ava Gray. She makes a really adorable patient, but an even better regular-little-girl at home! First, AG in the hospital:

And then in her own home-sweet-home:

Isn't she sweet? Or am I just horribly and incredibly biased? (I am, I admit it) : ) Thanks for praying for each one of us. We definitely feel & rely on those prayers! Will be posting soon, but just wanted to let you all know that we're doing well & soaking up the rest. Till soon! -J