"Hi!"

Ava's been trying to say "hi" since she was 5 months old. Some say they heard her say it then but I never really counted it. Well, lately there is no question that she understands the word "hi" and knows how to use it. Today at church she was saying "hi" to the two Vonfeldt girls sitting behind us. Then in primary she was saying "hi" to those on the back bench. I, of course, think it is way cute.

I got a new camera for Mother's Day, (a Canon PowerShot A620), and I REALLY like it. I was having camera envy for my sister Heidi's camera. We bought our last digital camera in 2001. The technology is so much better now. Needless to say, I've been taking a lot of pictures lately. Now I REALLY need to get going on my scrapbook albums.

Ava hasn't had much patience for me to take pics of her. I've been getting a lot of "walking away" shots. I guess Mommy's just too slow.

I'm planning Ava's 1st Birthday party. We're having it at a park. Let me know if any of you have any ideas for activities. There will be kids there ages 0-8 years old or so.

Here are some of my recent shots. As you can see, Ava spends a lot of time with her cousins William and Kate. She LOVES babies and always wants to hug Kate and pat Kate and give Kate her binky, etc. It's really pretty sweet. Ava likes to watch and play with William too, (when he'll let her that is). One of the pics is of Ava and my sister Kelly, Ava's (and everyone's) favorite Aunt.