Oh-Bla-Di

We’re passing another major milestone in this house. Ava’s been going on the potty for several months, but she’s finally advanced to wearing panties and going consistently. In reality, she was ready a long time ago, but Mommy & Daddy needed the time at home to be able to support the endeavor.

She’s doing so great! Every time she goes pee in the potty, she gets a stamp. And, oh boy, is she proud of those stamps.

Way to “go,” Ava!!

The Jungquists drove to town on Saturday to catch a flight for a family Christmas get-together. We met up for dinner that night at the Hoffmans and had a great time. We got a call from Grabber at about 8:30 on the night they were to depart looking for some room in the inn. Due to the major storms all over the eastern part of the country, their flight was cancelled and they were delayed until Tuesday. So, we got a mini MOTO/Bond girl reunion fun for a few days. (Dave decided it was a worthy occasion to crack open some MOTO graduation wine.)

With four kiddos in this house, we stayed very busy. We went on an afternoon picnic.

We watched Christmas movies.

We tormented the dog, made lots of very loud noise, and played super-silly games.

We made and sugared Christmas cookies.

We nursed babies and then dressed them up like silly Christmas elves.

We took Ava to visit Santa Claus the weekend before Christmas, fully expecting the same terrified toddler we had last year. Instead, she snuggled right in and we got a boatload of adorable pictures.

We even got one of the whole family! Thanks Santa!

Matt’s best buddy, John P., graduated from TPS at the beginning of December. They were mostly celebrating the bad-for-your-kidneys process of having built a huge pyramid of Pepsi Max cans.

We went back for the big event to celebrate and simply enjoy the simplicity of Edwards living. We never thought we’d miss much of the life at that base, but it was a wonderful weekend of relaxation and festivities.

Thanks to the Jungquists for watching Ava for the duration of the graduation!

Matt’s family always celebrated St. Nicholas Day growing up. I knew nothing about it until we were married, but I have to say I’m pretty much a fan of a random day chosen for present giving. We’ve celebrated each year we’ve been married.

Ava, of course, has no idea what it’s all about, but she was pleased enough to open her present from St. Nick. This year, Matt received some router bits (clever St. Nick knew he’d be in the woodshop); I received a PostSecret book; and, Ava received the coolest Very Hungry Caterpillar pop-up book.