Funny language

Ava has a funny way of saying lots of words. She gets a little lazy with her pronunciation. I'm hoping these funny pronunciations aren't too permanent. Here is a dictionary of Ava's language:

 strawbaba: strawberry

api: octopus

 ah nu (she has said "I wa you" but gets lazy I guess): I love you

babysuit: bathing suit

kowawa: koala

bluebaby: blueberry

crocodukudu: crocodile

Bashu: butterfly

isee: elephant

Shodo: cereal

zippy: zebra

gotch: dog

BDD:DVD

wayu: raspberry

dadu: downstairs

make you: thank you

badup: balloon

She's finally putting two or three words together and just getting a lot more vocal. Some of the sweetest things she says is ""Bless You" whenever we sneeze, or "Sorry, mommy" when she knows she is in trouble. Sometimes she'll whisper "I wa you" (I love you) in our ears if she feels like telling secrets or randomly say "give me kiss". She melts our hearts!

 One day she randomly said her ABCs from A through K. I was very surprised since she just did it out of the blue. But the miracle of all miracles right now is that I can put her down in her crib, say good night and walk away! No more sitting on the floor and singing countless lullabies and trying to hone my ninja skills when I sneak out without making a peep.  This works for nap time too. This is just a huge deal! I don't want to go anywhere and leave our home for a night for fear of messing this up. 

Block Island!

We headed up to Rhode Island for a Smock family reunion in mid July. The weather was gorgeous except for one rainy day. It was kind of fun to be cooped up that day and play games.

 You have to take a ferry (our ferry took almost 2 hours from Newport).  I don't think Block Island is over commercialized, and it's the type of place where there is something for everyone. David and I actually got to go biking once, and that was very challenging for wimpy me. The trails are beautiful and looking out for poison ivy is always an adventure. David got to go swimming in the lake quite a few times and loved it. I really enjoyed roasting the hot dogs and making the s'mores on the beach. 

Ava loved being with all of her cousins and still lists some of them off these days. There really is nothing like being around family! It always makes us sad to think about not having family nearby.

There was an episode of Ava running around butt naked all over the beach and she put on quite a show. Wish I had pics because her cute little buns were just too adorable!!! 

Ava and mommy at the tip of the island by the North Light House

Apparently it was a windy day...

Why settle for 1 bag of chips when you can have 50?

Another generation of pasty white legs :)

Watching the cousins catch clams at Andy's Way.

Ava finding Uncle Dan's 'stache quite amusing

Just a couple of FOBs (Fresh Off the Boat) 

Hanging out at the cool kid's house-we felt very priviledged to stay at the famous Jens Risom A-frame house

Nothing like wind blowing through those golden locks

Hello Block Island

Taking a stroll in Newport

Mom better think twice about taking any of these fries

Creepy Eyes strikes again!

Waiting for our ride at the hotel

On the ferry back to Newport