"I get to ride a horse!!"

 Ava and I drove to Hamilton, AL today for Ava to ride a horse. She has been so excited all week and has been so good so she would get to go. She and her new friend, Alli, got this horse out of the pasture and took him to the barn. They had to get his blanket off and brush him before saddling him up.

 Alli showed Ava everything she needed to know about riding a horse.

 Then, it was AK's turn. (who knew there are so many uses for a ski helmet?)

 She even took him around the barrels. She was in heaven!! This was just about the sweetest, gentlest horse ever. He is 27.

First Swim Meet

 AK's first competitive swim meet was this weekend. She didn't get to swim Saturday because of an infection in her foot, so we started on Sunday. She did great and we are so proud of her!

 Her first event was the 50 yd backstroke. She had to race against 8 yr olds because they don't offer this event to 6 and under. She still did really well, though.

 Her other event was the 25 yd freestyle, which she got to race against other 6 year olds.

 That's right...baby girl won this event!

Super Reader!

Ava Kathryn won 3rd place in the kindergarten division of the Reading Fair at her school today! We are sooooo proud of our little reader.

My new nephews!!

 Welcome Baby Brady (only 4 pound 7 ounces)...

 and William (5 pounds 7 ounces)!!

 Little William (who I think looks a little like his cousin Ava below)

catching up

 Emma enjoyed walking on ice from our recent FREEZE!!

 Introducing Pawpaw to his new dog Patch II when we delivered him to Georgia.

 Ava doing lots of work in Pawpaw's yard.

 Our poor tortured Emma.

 Ava's new obsession with climbing trees.

Mmmmmmm. Marshmellows!

Finished, finally

 We are finally pretty much done. The landscaping is now done and we are just waiting on the final visit from the painters. yea!!

Christmas 2013

 Gigi, Grandpa, Meme, Pawpaw, and Patch came to visit for Christmas. We had such a nice visit! Even Big Baby came from Greenville to live!

 First dinner in the new dining room on Christmas Eve...now just need chairs.

 AK has wanted a nutcracker for forever. Meme and Pawpaw gave her one.

 Ava's Santa booty

Didn't everybody color their hair for Christmas?