The Hensley's

Christmas......

2011-12-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

The girls all ready for Santa.......

The girls left food for Santa's reindeer

Christmas morning when the girls woke up they were so EXCITED that Santa had come.

Acelynn opening her stocking stuffers.

(She was too cute when opening any of her presents. She had to make sure all of the paper was off before she could show you what she got and if you asked before then she would always say "Just a moment"....thank God we video tape Christmas morning!!!)

new Barbie underwear

some new headbands

headbands

headphones

opening up the Wii.....

new fleeces

new hat and gloves

Acelynn got an iXL

(now she can stop playing Ava's all the time!!!)

Dora books

She was so excited that she got this game for the Wii

Acey's new hat and gloves

Ava got the helmet and bat for Christmas but Acey couldn't wait to try it out!!!

The girls with their iXL's and headphones.....

we are so looking forward to more peaceful trips!!!

After we got done opening all of our presents and cleaning up the living room, we headed over to Aunt Carol's to hang out and open presents over there. The girls had a great day.....

Acelynn crashed in the hallway....

Ava had to sleep with her new bag she got that holds her laptop and so many other toys....

Christmas with my family

2011-12-26T19:03:00.001-05:00

On Christmas Eve evening we headed over to my mom's house to have Christmas with her and my sisters. We went to the Children's mass at Church. For the homily Father Kusi invited all the kids up and talked to them about who's birthday we were celebrating and what they were all thankful for. It was really nice. Then we headed to my mom's and had a wonderful Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner!!

our two peanuts being hams......

new pajama's!!!!

new comfy pants!!!

more clothes for her cabbage patch baby

Grammie and her girlies!!

our annual family photo.....

Ava got a suitcase for her Barbies......

(I'm thinkin' if she needs a suitcase for them then we have TOO many)

the girls in their new PJ's

Our Tree

2011-12-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

As always, I love taking pictures of our girls in front of our Christmas tree. They did a great job decorating it this year. We also started a new tradition with them this year....Candy found us 2 24" Christmas trees. So, we gave them to the girls to put in their rooms. They got lights only on them this year, but next year I can't wait to watch them decorate those trees as well!!!

Trying to get a good picture for our Christmas frame.....

Acelynn Jane

Ava Margaret

Merry Christmas!!!!

Christmas at Meemaw & Papa's

2011-12-26T16:41:00.000-05:00

We went over to Meemaw and Papa's house Christmas Eve morning to have breakfast and open presents!!!! We had our annual sausage bread and cinnamon rolls. We let the kids open their stocking stuffers first and then took a break and then they came back and opened the rest of their gifts. When they were all done opening gifts, the adults opened their stocking stuffers!!!

Ava with her stocking....

Acelynn with her stocking.....

Ava opening her angel ornament for her Christmas tree!

Acelynn with her angel!!!

Ava got new Hello Kitty nailpolish

and a new sparkly headband...

Acelynn got new barrette's and headbands

(now I just hope she wears them)

Clothes for her cabbage patch baby!!!

A giant Dora coloring book!!!

Ava got a couple preschool kits. So, now she can be the teacher and not the student!!

Acelynn got a doctor's kit. So, now she can take care of us!!!

Meemaw & Papa bought the girls boats for the swimming pool.

(the girls love these at swim class)

Acelynn riding her boat like a horse!!!

Ava got a tent for her Barbies

Acelynn got the Little People Talking Zoo!!!

opening her Strawberry Shortcake doll

Ava's preschool

more Strawberry Shortcake

Carter (2), Acelynn (2), Ava (4) and Cameron (3)

Christmas Brunch at the Womble's

2011-12-23T16:19:00.000-05:00

This morning we headed over to the Womble's for Christmas Brunch. Sally was home from London and Pat and Atalie were home from California!!!! We had an assortment of food and it was all delicious!!! We had our annual Chinese poppers and the girls made snowman with Candy. We had a great time visiting with everyone!!!

Ava with her new book and jewelry making kit!

Acelynn with her new book and magnetic doll that she can dress in different outfits!!!

Grammie reading the girls' new books!!!!

Denny got a new buddy. He was teaching Acelynn how to play with his Ipod!!!

Ava and Candy making snowmen!!!!

Brown's Christmas

2011-12-23T15:52:00.000-05:00

For the past couple of years a family in Mason has put on a light show to Christmas music. The girls love going to watch it!!! This year they went "Green". They put on big S on the side of their house and and they play the MSU fight song. It's pretty cool!!!

Christmas with my Dad

2011-12-23T15:38:00.000-05:00

On the Wednesday we went out to my dad's to have our annual lasagna dinner and Christmas with him. The girls had a blast seeing their reflection in his sliding doors!!! That would of kept them entertained for hours!!!

Goofy girls!!!!

After dinner the girls opened their presents from my dad!!!

Ava with her new Baking Barbie.

Acelynn with her new puzzles.

My dad with his Big Little girl and his Little girl.

Annual Hensley Christmas Party

2011-12-19T18:50:00.000-05:00

The Annual Hensley Christmas Party was at Crossroads in Leslie again this year (It was suppose to be at the Wooden Nickle in Dansville, but that brunt down earlier this year). Kyle and I left early because we had my work Christmas party in Jackson. So, the girls stayed with Kyle's parents and got to see Santa and get and early Christmas present from him and his Elf!!!

2nd cousins

(Ava, Cameron, Carter, Acelynn, Derek and Elodie)

Before we left for the party I asked both of the girls if they would be good and either sit on Santa's lap or stand next to him so Meemaw could take a picture for their scrapbooks. Well, they listened well and both sat on his lap this year with no tears!!!!

Letters to Santa

2011-12-19T18:29:00.001-05:00

We try to get the girls letters to Santa out on Thanksgiving weekend, but this year when we wanted to go it was pouring out. So, we waited for a couple weeks and had a teeny bit of snow (it didn't last long) for the pictures!!!

Acelynn & Ava at Santa's feet

Ava going first!!!

Acelynn's turn!!!

She tried to put her letter in the slot, but she was a little short. So, Daddy came up and helped her!!!

Hopefully they made the "Good" List!!!

Baking Cookies at Grammie's

2011-12-15T18:21:00.000-05:00

On Sunday December 11th, we went over to my mom's house for breakfast and to bake Christmas cookies. The girls always have a blast doing this!!!!

Cutting out sugar cookies

My mom with her grand girlies!!!!

(that is Acelynn's newest thing, whenever I take her picture she sticks her tongue out!!!)

Again with the tongue out

Testing the cookies to make sure they baked right before we frost them!!!!

Our cookies!!!!!

Frosting them with Grammie

Mason's Silver Bells in the City

2011-11-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

After Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's house, we loaded up the girls and headed up to the Silver Bells parade. We got up there kind of late, but it worked out because we got a good seat with no one in front of us and we got to see all of the floats!!!

Santa Clause......afterwards you could go to the Historical Museum and have your picture take with him and Mrs. Clause!

MFD Ladder truck all lit up!!!

I always love seeing the extended CATA bus lit up!!!!

Afterwards we headed over to see the Lighted Christmas tree and listen to the Nativity Scene play. It was a perfect night out for the festivities!!!!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T18:07:00.000-05:00

Ava's Early Learning class invited their families in on Tuesday for a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. We watch Charlie Brown and had a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving feast!!!! It was very nice and relaxing.

All the kids made turkey place mats and wrote on them what they are thankful for. Everyone seemed to be thankful for their mom's, dad's and siblings, but Miss Ava is thankful for all her Barbies!!! (Go figure!!!)

Opening Day

2011-11-15T18:06:00.000-05:00

The girls wishing daddy good luck on opening day of bow season.

Halloween

2011-10-31T23:00:00.000-04:00

This year our families came over to our house and went trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. I was pleasantly surprised at how many houses handed out candy!!!

Ava the Cowgirl

Acelynn the ROAAAAAR!!!
(a.k.a Tiger)

Cameron was Sparty

Carter was an MSU Football player!

He looks like he is practicing the Heisman pose!!!!

What a cute bunch!!!!

The girls all ready to go Trick-or-Treating!!!!

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-30T17:53:00.000-04:00

We carved pumpkins on Saturday!! Ava had fun scooping all the goop out. Acelynn was a little unsure of the gooey mess.

For some reason we did not take a picture of the final products.

Autumn Fun Night

2011-10-28T17:37:00.001-04:00

Ava's Early Learning class hosted an Autumn Fun Night instead of having a Halloween party during class time. They played games, colored and ate treats!!!

Ava coloring Casper the Friendly Ghost

Ava playing musical pumpkins

Families were invited to attend. So, Ava invited her whole family. Acelynn & Carter playing musical pumpkins!!! I can't believe next fall Acelynn will be in preschool 2 days a week!!

Ava playing pumpkin bean bag toss

Swimming

2011-10-23T16:54:00.001-04:00

We have been putting the girls in swim classes since they were 6 months old. It's amazing to see how well Ava is doing and we hope to see Acelynn become more comfortable in the water as well. We mostly do it so they don't forget their skills over the winter and are ready to swim in my mom's pool during the summer!!!

Ava practicing floating on her back. She has come a long ways with this. She use to hate doing it. When she wears her ear plugs and headband, she will actually put her ears in the water!!!

Ava moved up to the "Make A Splash" class. So, she is in the water with an instructor and not mom or dad. She has been doing very well and is getting more confident. Right now, she can swim with just a noodle under her arms. We will be working on jumping of the diving board next summer for sure!!!

Acelynn has fun in the water, but she gets cold so quickly that 15 minutes into class she wants to get out. She is doing a lot better with floating on her back, kicking her legs and scooping her hands!!! Now, if we can just get her to jump off the side of the pool!!!

blowing bubbles......

Layman Family Pictures

2011-10-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

We decided to have family pictures done again, since it's been 2 years!!! We went back to Burchfield Park, but our friend Megan Kolberg took the pictures this time!!! They turned out great!!!

Mom & Steve

Jason, Alicia, Kyle, Acelynn, Brie, Ava & Marissa

Steve & Mom

Alicia & her boyfriend Jason

Grammie & her granddaughters

Two stinkin' cute girls!!!!

Our family!!!

Aunt Rissy with her two favorite nieces!!!

Hear no evil, See no evil & Speak no evil!!!

Our family picture tradition!

4 beautiful Layman girls

Peacock Tree Farm

2011-10-13T16:26:00.000-04:00

On Sunday we headed to Laingsburg with Kyle's side of the family to The Peacock Tree Farm. The kids had a blast doing all the different activities and picking out their pumpkins!!!!

Acelynn, Ava, Cameron and Carter ready to go on the "Boo" train!

Kyle and Acelynn looking for the perfect pumpkin for Miss Ace!!

Ava checkin' out all the pumpkins!!

Acelynn with our pumpkins!!!

Carter (2), Laine (4), Acelynn (2), Cameron (3), & Ava (4)

What a cute bunch!!!

The kiddos waiting for the pig races to start!!!

Ava trying to figure out how to "milk" a cow!!

Laine & Acelynn

Ava on the beautiful horse

Acelynn loved the pony rides

Ava

Mason Firestation

2011-10-11T16:18:00.000-04:00

The Mason Fire Department hosted a "Prevention Day" on Saturday. So, Kyle and I took the girls up there to do all the fun activities. They had firetruck rides, water hose wars, Mobile unit and Smoky the Bear. The girls enjoyed all the different activities.

Acelynn with "Uncle Kirk" putting out the flames with the water hose!!

Ava with "Uncle Kirk" trying to put out the flames.....

Our firefighters

Acelynn did great going through the house and learning about fire prevention at home. She was one of the first ones out of the window and down the ladder when the bedroom started filling with smoke!!!

Ava on the other hand, FREAKED out when the bedroom started filling with smoke that Mark Howe brought her back out the front door. So, the mean mom that I am, I made her go back through the house and climb out the window and down the ladder. She did fine, but was definitely a little scared. So, we will have to practice that at home!!!

Gymnastics

2011-09-30T20:57:00.000-04:00

We signed the girls up for Gymnastics this fall. This would be Ava's third time doing gymnastics and Acelynn's first. I am really excited to see how Acey does.

Ava practicing her beam walk

balancing on the beam waiting for her class to start

Acey warming up

Butterfly stretch

Acey doing straddle jumps on the trampoline

Acey loved doing flips on the bars

This was Acelynn's favorite part of the whole class

"Cookie Monster Are You Hungry!"

Ava stretching

Straddle Jump

flipping on the bars

First Day of School

2011-09-09T20:50:00.000-04:00

Ava started preschool on Wednesday. She is in the Early Learning program at the Harvey Education Center. She will be going everyday for half the day. I put her in the afternoon, so we could still have our mornings together.

She was so excited about starting school that she wanted me to take lots of pictures of her outside.

Getting ready to leave the house to go to school

In front of her cubby

With her being in the afternoon class this year, Ava actually has to ride the bus to and from school.

Our first day waiting for the bus.

Our Preschooler!!!!

Bruin Lake

2011-08-09T20:46:00.000-04:00

Our annual Hensley Family camping trip took us to Bruin Lake in Gregory this past weekend. It was a nice campground and lake. The weather was cool and it rained for about 45 minutes on Saturday, but other than a little flood (see pics below) we had a fun time.

making garden stones for Meemaw

our stuff during the flood

(we were at the bottom of the hill, right by the drain ditch)

I really thought for a moment that our camper was going to start floating away

the girls enjoyed playing in the water

Meadow

2011-08-04T20:42:00.000-04:00

My cousin Jeff and his girlfriend Ryan and their daughter Meadow were in town visiting from Arizona. So, we got together for dinner so we could meet Ryan and Meadow.

Acelynn was just too stinkin' cute with her curls lit up by the sun!!!!

Acelynn & Miss Meadow

Ava, Meadow & Acelynn

Detroit Zoo

2011-08-03T20:38:00.000-04:00

My dad took the girls, my sister Marissa and myself to the Detroit Zoo today. I haven't been to the Detroit Zoo in over 15 years. It was nice to see all the changes that they have made to it. The girls had a blast seeing all the different animals.

Ava & I in the prairie dog bubble

Acelynn & I

The girls posing with Aunt Rissy by the elephant

Ingham County Fair

2011-08-02T20:29:00.000-04:00

We went to the fair this year with Jennifer, Shaun and Cameron; and my mom and sisters. The girls had a blast riding the rides with Cameron. Ava & Acelynn found our neighbor Madie and she took them to see her pigs.

Ava petting one of Madie's pigs

Acelynn & Cameron on the spaceships

Acelynn, Ava and Cameron on the worm

the kiddos in the race car

Cameron & Ava

the girls waiting to play the duck game.

Both girls won a butterfly

Acelynn enjoying a ride by herself!!

Ava turns 4!!!!

2011-07-28T20:12:00.001-04:00

Well, my not so little girl turned 4 years old today. I feel like it was yesterday that we welcomed her into our family!!! Our friend Megan Kolberg took her pictures for us at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson................

my little girl

one of my favorites

this pose was her idea

so innocent

she looks so grown up in this one

my 1st favorite

my 2nd favorite

Luau Party

2011-07-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

Ava told us that she wanted to have a "Hula" party (as she was looking at the Luau party supplies) for her 4th birthday. We had the party at the Aurelius Township Pavilion. We lucked out and had great weather that afternoon (it rained as we were setting up, but cleared up when guest started to arrive).

The Birthday Girl!!!!

(she picked out her grass skirt and lei's)

blowing out her candle

opening her presents......

Ava got a MASSIVE amount of Barbies.

Not sure where she is going to put them all!!!

her Barbie bike from us

Acelynn did get one present!! She wouldn't open it until she sat in the chair Ava was in when she opened her presents.....

As we were cleaning up, Aunt Rissy had to show the kids how the well worked. Ava, Acelynn, Laken and Jackson had a blast playing in the water!!!!

Ava's playing soccer

2011-07-17T19:47:00.000-04:00

Every Saturday and Sunday when we drive by our church, Ava sees the kids out there playing soccer and told us that she would like to play soccer when she is 5. During the school year, Upward put out flyers at Ava's school for soccer this summer, so we asked Ava if she would like to play and she said YES!!!! So, we signed her up!! They practice one night a week for an hour and then play for an hour on Saturday. Ava missed her 1st game since we were up north last weekend for Nate's wedding!!! So, here are pictures from her first official soccer game!!!!

warming up

running through the tunnel as her name was announced

ready, set, play.....

Ava & Laine after playing against each other.......

Wombles-Reeves boys.....

2011-07-15T19:34:00.000-04:00

Today we went over to the Wombles to have lunch. Mark, Daisy and they boys were in town visiting from Scotland. They come once a year and we always try to find a time to see them!!! Ava & Acelynn loved playing with the boys!!!

Candy made a pancake cake for Ava for her birthday. The boys got Ava a present and wanted to have cake with her!!!!

Calum, John, Issac, Ava & Acelynn

Copper Harbor

2011-07-12T18:59:00.000-04:00

On Thursday July 7th, we packed up and headed northwest & north again!!! Our final destination = our friend Nate's wedding in Copper Harbor. What a beautiful drive!!! We actually saw a bear run across the road in front of the Byers'!!!! We stayed at Lake Fanny Hoe Campground. It was small but quiet and relaxing.

The girls relaxing in the camper!!!

We drove to the top of Brockway Mountain on Friday morning and the view was absolutely breath taking. It was a little foggy that morning so we were not able to see Lake Superior.

After Brockway Mtn. we decided to drive down US 26 and along the road were lots of random waterfalls. This is the girls in front of Jacob's Falls.

Kyle standing in Jacob's Falls

We stopped in Eagle Harbor to see a lighthouse and ended up climbing out on the rocks. The girls got brave and stuck their feet in Lake Superior. The water here was a little colder than in Munising......

We traveled just east of the campground a little ways to where US 41 ends or begins.

I did not realize that you can drive from Copper Harbor, Michigan all the way south to Miami, Florida!!!!

On our way back to the campground we decided to stop at Fort Wilkins State Park. It was really interesting to walk through the Fort and to learn about how the men, women and children lived back in the day.

On Friday evening, we headed back up Brockway Mtn. to see the sunset over Lake Superior. I knew the lake was close, but didn't realize it was that close because of the fog in the morning. But gosh it was AMAZING!!!!

For some reason when we took a picture of Kyle and I with the sunset in the back ground the colors were not the same....but still beautiful!!

On Saturday, Nate and Christine got married in Calumet and then had their reception at the Keweenaw Lodge. We had a wonderful time. The drive home was long, but beautiful!!!!

Munising

2011-07-12T18:28:00.000-04:00

We left Mackinaw City on Tuesday July 5th and headed northwest to Munising.

Going over Mighty Mac

(that is the Byers' in front of us)

We stopped along Route 2 at the Garlyn Zoo for lunch. I am glad that we did because in doing so, we missed a semi & pick up truck fatality. The girls loved seeing all the different animals at the zoo. They had reindeer, black bears, turkey's, wolves, foxes and alligators!!!

Acelynn & Ava as the Zookeeper and Elk!

After our brief stop at the zoo we ventured on to Munising. As we came into Munising, Alger Falls greeted us on the side of the road. We stayed at the Munising Tourist Park along M-28. It is right on Lake Superior. We had a beautiful view of the lake from our campsite.

While we were there we went to see Miners Falls. It was a little bit of a hike back into the woods and surprisingly the girls did well and oh what a beautiful site it was when we got to the falls.

After we left Miners Falls we headed over to see Munising Falls. A little shorted hike, but just a beautiful!!!

Stacy and I decided to take Ava and Ellie to the beach in front of our campsite so they could play in the sand and for us to have a drink and relax. Well, it didn't take long for the girls to convince us to let them play in the water!!! So, they dropped their pants and off they went!!! Boy did they have a blast!!!!

What a beautiful sunset over Lake Superior!!!!

Our annual 4th of July family picture (only a couple days late)

Ava, Acelynn & Ellie

Ace & Ava playing in the sand and throwing rocks into the water

Helping daddy find rocks, so he can skip them!!!

Well, we have found our new spot. We LOVED Munising!!!! We can not wait to go back next summer and do some more exploring of the other falls, Pictured Rocks and all the shipwrecks. Besides the fact that our campsite was just so peaceful. We felt like we were in paradise!!!!

Mackinaw City

2011-07-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

We spent 4th of July this year in Mackinaw City with the Byers' and the Bailey's. We camped at the Millcreek campground right on the Straits of Mackinaw.

The girls on a giant rock by our campsite posing for their annual 4th of July picture!!!

Our girls!!!!

One afternoon we went into Mackinaw City and ate pizza at Mama Mia's. While we waited for our pizza we visited the Mackinaw Bridge museum upstairs. It was interesting learning about what the men went through to make the bridge.

Kyle and the girls going for a stroll

Acelynn, Ellie and Ava doin' their pose on the BIG rock!!!

While in Mackinaw City, we went swimming in the Straits, watched fireworks from Mackinaw City, Mackinaw Island, St. Ignace and Cedarville.

Bathtime Beauties

2011-06-23T00:37:00.000-04:00

I usually don't like to post pictures of my girls with their clothes off, but I couldn't resist on this on. They were practicing their swimming together!!!!

Father's Day

2011-06-20T00:22:00.000-04:00

For Father's Day we went with Kyle's family bowling at City Limits in Mason. The kids had a blast!!

Acey bowling with daddy
Ava letting her ball go down the ramp

Shaun & Cameron

Carter

Both of the girls got a strike

Carter & Acey enjoying some quality time together

Cameron & Acey watching everyone bowl

Happy Anniversary

2011-06-09T23:49:00.000-04:00

Kyle and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary with a golf trip to Higgins Lake. We left on Saturday and got to South Higgins Lake campground and set up. We went to Houghton Lake to meet up with our friends Jim & Sharron Parson. We had a great dinner with them and then went out on their boat.

Sunday morning we got up and went at golfed at The Quest in Houghton Lake. It was a beautiful day and course.

This is the view from our camper towards Higgins Lake. There was nobody at the campground except 3 other couples sort of by us. It was nice and quiet!!

Kyle & I just relaxing

this hot air balloon landed on the beach right by our campsite. It was crazy that they landed so close to the trees, but it was neat watching it come in.

what an amazing sunset.....

On Monday morning we got up and headed to West Branch to play The Dream. It was another beautiful day and course.

We loved relaxing by the fire every night!

We had a great time until Kyle got sick. We were suppose to stay til Friday, but we came home yesterday. I hope we can do this again sometime soon. It was nice to just have some time with Kyle doing two things we love...golfing & camping.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T23:11:00.001-04:00

We went camping this past weekend with Kyle's family and some friends at Leisure Lake Campground. It was about an hour and a half away. It was a very nice campground. On Saturday Alma was having their Highland Festival. That included a 5K/8K, parade, craft show and a scottish band festival. We attended the parade and went to the craft show!!

Carter & Acelynn waiting patiently for the parade to start

My girls

Ava trying out her new fishing pole.....crazy we didn't catch a fish with the butterfly lure.

The girls & I fishing

On Sunday it was warm out, but the lake wasn't that warm to swim in. So, the girls, Kyle and I had a waterbottle fight, well that turned into getting out the sprinkler and running through that. Cameron & Carter came over and played in the water as well. This kept them entertained for a while.

quality reading time with Papa

We had an afternoon storm that came through, so afterwards the kids got their rain boots on and played in the mud puddles......

Sunday Kyle had been watching the weather and there was a huge storm coming across Lake Michigan and he thought it was headed towards us, so we decided to pack up our camper and stay with Jane & Ken. Well, we did get some rain & thunder, but we got hit harder at home. Back home we got hit with straight line winds. They knocked the power out all over town and dropped my mom's 80 foot maple tree into her pool, across the hot tub and deck, but just missed the back corner of her house. So, we came home to no power. We always spend Memorial Day with the Wombles at my mom's house, but that change just a bit...off to the Womble's we go. We have a great time with them! My mom's power came back on about 6pm that night, so we moved in with her!!!

the girls watching tv at my mom's.

We only had to stay with her one night. Our power came back on on Tuesday afternoon!!!

Last Day of Preschool

2011-05-24T22:41:00.001-04:00

For Ava's last day of Preschool, her class walked over to Hayes Park to have snack and play. Before they could do anything her teacher Mrs. Stahl handed out their certificates.

Ava receiving her certificate

proud girl!!

enjoying her cupcake!!

Ava & Acelynn going down the slide together

Grammie was able to make it for the party

Ava enjoying playing with all her new friends

Ameilia, Ava & Abby

Ava got a flower painted on her face

Ava & Mrs. Cantu

Ava & Mrs. Stahl

Acey showing off her sparkly heart

Mrs. Cantu, Wyatt & Ava

Ava & Laine

One year of school completed together only 14 more to go!!!!

Laine, Aiden & Ava

Ava had a blast in Preschool this year. She learned alot and it was fun watching her grow. She is off to Early Learning next year which is 5 days a week for half a day!!

Outer Banks - Day 7

2011-05-14T22:16:00.001-04:00

Our last day at the beach. We have had an amazing time.

Ava & Papa playing in the water one last time

Acey & Carter enjoying a snack

My girls......

What a view

Acey relaxing with daddy

Carter shoveling sand....

Ava & Meemaw taking a stroll

Hot tub time!!!!!

Ava & Papa coloring

The girls were busy playing with the boys and Kyle asked me to go down to the dune deck to take some more pictures. Well, after this picture he surprised me with an EARLY anniversary present....a 5 year band. I was blown away!! I really love the way my ring looks now....complete!

Ava in her OBX shirt

Acey in her OBX shirt

All packed up and ready to head for home

Outer Banks - Day 6

2011-05-12T12:28:00.000-04:00

We started out the day at the beach...AGAIN!! We have had some amazing weather her for it being May.

Cameron, Carter & Ava playing in the sand

Kyle & Acelynn relaxing

Acelynn still not sure about the sand, so she decided to lay in my lap

Ava & Kyle
(these are the kind of pictures that were lost on our last trip to the beach)

Carter King of the Hill

Taking a dip with Sam!!

Meemaw & Ava

"Be Right Back"

I decided to take a stab at doing our family pictures....

so here are a few (they turned out alright)

Shaun & Cameron

Ava with her Papa

Acey & Meemaw

The Kilmon's

The Maurer's

Jane & Ken

Meemaw & Papa with their grandkids!!!

The Hensley Family

Our family

the girls tuckered out!!!

Outer Banks - Day 5

2011-05-11T22:26:00.000-04:00

After breakfast this morning, we celebrated Carter's 2nd birthday by watching him open his presents!! We got him a soccer ball!!!

It was very windy today, so we didn't go to the beach, but Ava, Acelynn and I did make it into the pool and the hot tub. After lunch we decided to take a drive to Nags Head (it's about 30 miles south of where we are staying) to go to a scrapbooking store. I was able to get some neat beach/Outerbanks things!!!! When we got back we got ready to go out for a seafood dinner. When we got back from dinner we had cake and ice cream for Carter's birthday!!!!
Carter with his Minnie & Mickey beach cake!

blowing out his candle

diving into the cake and ice cream....

Before we went to dinner we wanted to go to Miss Kitty's Old Time Photo and get some pictures taken of the kids. We were all worried that it wouldn't go well because we were sure one of the kids would have a melt down.............boy were we WRONG!!! All four of them were great. Not one tear was shed in the whole process and they did well while we had to wait.

The girls on a dolphin beach at Tim Buck II

Ava's old time photo

Acelynn's old time photo

The kids. How stinkin' cute are they???

It was so worth the wait!!!!

The sand dollar that we found on one of our walks on the beach!!!

The girls cuddling in Meemaw & Papa's bed watching Lemonade Mouth.

Outer Banks - Day 4

2011-05-11T02:30:00.000-04:00

We were able to get out on the beach yesterday morning for a little bit. It was a tad windy, but it didn't hold the kids back too much from playing in the sand......

Uncle Shaun's alligator

Ava throwing sand into the ocean

Running from the waves

Sand princess

Kyle looking for some neat shells

Like Father Like Son

Kyle trying to get Acelynn to like the water

Kyle & his girls

Beach Beauty's

After our beach time, we headed back to the house to go swimming in the pool. After we made dinner, we decided to take the kids out to the beach to look for crabs. They were all armed with their flashlights!!!

Kyle & Acelynn looking for crabs

(Ace still not sure about the sand)

Acelynn looking for crabs

Kyle & the girls looking for crabs

We finally saw a big crab. We kept seeing small crabs & baby crabs until we were almost back to the house & we finally found this one!!!

Outer Banks - Day 3

2011-05-10T16:12:00.009-04:00

This is what the ocean looked like when we woke up Monday morning!!!!

Ava being the Diva she is on the beach

Kelli & Ava getting water to make a sand castle!

Acey & I snuggling

Ava dancing

Acey in her shades....

the waves

Ava decided she wanted to get her suit on to play in the sand

Kyle & Acey chillin'

Kyle took Ava to the water to get her feet wet......everytime the came close to her she took off running

Acey & Cameron

Ava playing in the sand

Cameron playing in the sand

Carter & Cameron going for a run

Carter & Ava playing

Acey & I in the pool

Acey getting her feet wet

the kiddos

Acey & Meemaw

Cameron finally jumping into the pool

(he was a little scared of the pool after we found a crab in it)

Cameron & Shaun relaxin'

Papa & Acey reading some books on the hammack swing...

Kyle & Acey going for a stroll on the beach

Ava & Papa taking a walk

Acey finally standing on the beach in her water shoes of course. She does not like having her bare feet in the sand at least not yet!

Acey & I

do I need to say more?

the girls waiting to go feed the turtles

one of the many turtles we feed

Sunset over the Currituck Sound

Our Family

We had a great day playing in the sand, in the pool, going for walks, feeding the turtles and watching the sun set.

Mother's Day At The Beach

2011-05-08T21:36:00.003-04:00

What a way to spend my 3rd Mother's Day, but at the Beach. I am very thankful for my 2 beautiful girls!!! They make motherhood absolutely wonderful!!!!

On the dune deck stairs On the beach

Beach stroll

Our painted toes!!!!

The only thing that sucked about spending this Mother's Day at the beach was that I was not able to spend anytime with my mom today! But I hope she knows how much she means to me and that I appreciate everything that she has done for me and my family. Thank you mom for raising me the way you did. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for you!! I love you!!

Outer Banks Day 2

2011-05-08T21:13:00.002-04:00

After we got all settled in and everyone woke up, Shaun made us french toast, hash browns and bacon for breakfast. Afterwards, Kyle went to lay down because he was exhausted from driving 13 hours straight. I stayed up and hung out with the girls for a while. Around lunch time the girls asked to rest, so we went to lay down. Acelynn and I fell asleep, but Ava got up and went swimming with Meemaw. When everyone got up from naps we went for a walk on the beach and then the girls wanted to go swimming. Thank goodness the pool is heated!! After swimming we showered and got ready for dinner cooked by the guys for Mother's Day (flank steak, twice baked potatoes, cole slaw & fruit).

It was raining outside, so the kiddos were stuck inside for a bit.

the kiddos eating popsicles!!
Steve pulling jokes on Jane......

Acelynn & I on the beach (she wasn't a fan of putting her feet in the sand, hopefully that gets better as the week goes on)

Ava filling in the crab holes. We did see a few crabs running around on the beach. We can't wait to go searching from crabs one night with our flashlights!!!

Acelynn playing with Carter's lap top!!!

We ended the night with strawberry cake made by Shaun and watching the Redwings!!!

Outer Banks day 1

2011-05-08T21:02:00.002-04:00

We left on Saturday for our Hensley family vacation in the Outer Banks!!! I had to work Saturday so we weren't able to leave until I got done, but as soon as I got home the girls were SO excited to go!!!!

Ava & Acelynn in the van!!

We had to stop and pick up Ken because just like me he had to work Saturday also! Acelynn was asleep before we picked him up 2 minutes from our house!!!

We left Mason at 6:30pm and arrived in Corrolla, North Carolina at 7:40am!! Kyle was the man and drove the whole way for some unGodly reason. But we made it safe and soundly!!

Birthday At Preschool

2011-05-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

Ava was able to celebrate her summer birthday at preschool on Thursday. She was extremely excited for it and want to take pink & purple princess cake balls. So, that is what we made. Pink & purple cake balls with princess sprinkles!!!

Ava in her Birthday crown!!
Ava with her cake ball!!!

Backyard fun!!!!

2011-05-05T20:38:00.000-04:00

We finally had some nice weather this week and the girls were able to get outside and play. Ava loves pushing Acelynn in her swing!!

Absolute laughter!!

Ava running from Acelynn so she doesn't get kicked!

Too much fun!!!

Easter at GG's

2011-04-29T00:31:00.001-04:00

After we all woke up from our naps, we headed over to Kyle's Grandma's house for Easter dinner. After dinner we took the kids out for the annual Easter egg hunt. They had a blast looking for all the eggs!

My ham of a nephew, Cameron

Ava found an egg

Acey digging out an egg

My other nephew Carter on the hunt for eggs

Ava posing with her eggs

Acey with her eggs

All the Great Grandkids

Ava, Acelynn, Laine

Cameron, Carter

Carter taking Acey on a stroll around GG's yard

Acey wasn't ready to go inside for dessert,

so she asked Daddy for a ride in the wagon

Easter at my mom's

2011-04-29T00:10:00.002-04:00

After mass we headed over to my mom's for brunch. Before we ate my mom told the girls that she saw some bunnies in the backyard that morning and said that they left a mess. She asked the girls if they would help clean up and they both said yes!!!

Acelynn finding her first egg

Ava finding eggs of her own

Acey on the hunt

Mom, see what I found?

Mom, I found a blue one!

Ava with her new beach towel from the Easter Bunny

Acey with candy and animal crackers

Ava showing off her new towel

We had a great time at my mom's with my mom and sisters. Brunch was so good that we all crashed (except Kyle) for an afternoon nap!!!

Easter

2011-04-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

The girls' Easter baskets from the Easter bunny

Ava with her new movie "Tangled"

Acey with her new movie "Shrek Forever After"

Ava and her new water bottle

And Acey with hers....

Ava with her Easter Basket

Our beautiful girls!!!

Acey with her Easter Basket

After the girls went through their Easter Baskets we packed them up and headed out to meet my mom and sisters at church. St. James had a really nice service, but I am not so sure I like everything being sung. Some parts yes, others not so much because I was lost as to what they were singing about....Oh well it was still a nice mass and an unforgettable homily.

Sister time.........

2011-04-25T23:49:00.001-04:00

The girls have been playing really well together lately. Acelynn loves going in and laying with Ava at bedtime. Usually Ava comes out and tells us numerous times that Acelynn is playing and she can't sleep, but one night we didn't see either one of them. Mostly due to this....

The girls cuddling on the couch watching a movie

Acey

Ava

Coloring Eggs!!!!

2011-04-23T23:40:00.000-04:00

Kyle and I helped the girls color eggs this year. They had a blast doing it.

Finished product

waiting for the first batch of eggs to be done......

Acey waiting to get her Blue egg out!!!!

Ava getting ready to put another egg in the glitter dye!!!

Easter Bunny

2011-04-18T07:33:00.000-04:00

On Saturday we went to the Grand Opening of Bluegrass Landscape and Supply. Friends of ours own that and they opened up their new showroom and had bounce houses set up. The girls had a blast and we couldn't get them out of there to go see the Easter Bunny. We finally made it to Kean's to see the Easter Bunny.

It took a lot of coaxing to get Ava to go and stand by the Easter Bunny ( an egg filled with chocolate and silly bands).

Acelynn wanted NOTHING to do with the Easter Bunny!!

Ava coloring with the Easter Bunny, but still keeping on eye on her!

Playtime at the Park

2011-04-08T07:23:00.001-04:00

The girls had been begging us to take them to the park, so we packed them and Champ up and walked down to Hayes Park. It was a little chilly out that night, but we haven't been having any warm or dry weather, so we took advantage while we could.

Ava being a ham on the swing

Acey swinging!

Acey climbing on the stepping poles

Ava performing for us!

Acelynn showing us her new trick.....walking up the slide!

The girls and Champ had a blast. We were the only ones there so they loved having the playground to themselves!!!

Swimming Class

2011-03-31T19:03:00.001-04:00

Every winter we put the girls in swim classes just so they can stay familiar with the water. So, when it comes time to go swimming at Grammie's they are READY!!!! This was the first time the girls were not in the same class. Acelynn was still in Water Babies and Ava moved up to Fin Buddies. Next winter Ava will be in the water all by herself (aka no parent in the water).

Acelynn & Kyle

Acelynn practicing her kicks

Acelynn practicing floating on her back!

more kicks!!

Ava jumping into the pool to start class!

One new thing Ava got to do in her class was to jump off the diving board!! At first she didn't want to, but after seeing all the other kids do it, she wanted to try it!!

Waiting for her turn!

Walking out with her noodle!

Ava got a little scared so I had to walk out the rest of the way with her!

Ava jumping/me dropping her in!

She like it at first and want to jump again, but when we got to the end to jump she changed her mind. That is something we can work on this summer at Grammie's house!!!

Acelynn's Big girl bed!!!

2011-03-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

Here are the pictures of Acelynn in her Big Girl bed!!!

Right after daddy put it together and made it!!!

Sleeping in it....

She has been doing awesome sleeping in her new bed. We are now to the point of taking naps and going to bed without too many issues. And getting out of bed hasn't been that big of a deal. Since we bought the bed we had to do some rearranging. The big dresser went into Ava's room because there wasn't enough room for that and the bed, so we bought 2 drawers to go under the bed for the storage we lost from the dresser. It has worked out great so far!!!!

Acelynn's Birthday Party

2011-03-13T22:22:00.002-04:00

On Saturday March 12th, we had family and friends over for Acelynn's 2nd birthday. She wanted an Elmo theme.

Her Elmo cupcake cake and her scrapbook

I decided to make a back drop for her for when she opened presents. It turned out good since Elmo was my first try with cutting vinyl on my Cricut. It was pretty easy with the help of my neighbor Sam!

Opening presents!!!

A guitar from Papa Steve!!

A Little People horse trailer from the Womble's. Oh how we love Little People!!!

Posing with her Elmo cake. Not what I had pictured in my mind, but you got the point. I will not be decorating anymore cakes anytime soon!!!

Blowing out her candle!!!

Cupcake eating time!!!!

YUM!!!!!!!

Ava, Cameron & Acelynn eating their cupcakes!!!

We had a great time with our family and friends. Acelynn got a lot of new toys, clothes and books. Mommy & Daddy bought her a BIG girl bed, but it was not shipped in time for her party! Pictures to follow soon!

Acelynn's 2 year photo shoot!!!

2011-02-28T15:50:00.001-05:00

We went to our friend Megan's house on Saturday to get Acelynn's 2 year pictures taken. It was after swim class so we were hoping Acelynn would be in a good mood....well she was for a moment....Here are the pictures from her photo shoot!!!

Halfway through we ended up having to give Acey Kyle's phone just so she would smile and not cry....

Ava loved playing with all of Megan's props!!! Every now and then she would get on set and pose!!!!

So happy with daddy's phone!

This is one of my favorites!!!!

Our sweet girls!!!

At the end of the shoot, I was just hoping we got one decent picture. We got a lot considering the mood she was in....She was so tired she fell asleep before I could even get out to the van!!!

First Dentist Visit

2011-02-15T13:24:00.000-05:00

Ava has been going to the Dentist with me since she was born, but this was her 1st official visit. She was not too sure about it, but Jeanine did great in convincing Ava to let her look in mouth.

Ava mad about sitting in the big blue chair

Jeanine counting Ava's teeth.....she has 20!!!

Ava learning how to swish and use Mr. Thirsty!

She did fine with everything, but did not want Dr. Peters to look in her mouth. Maybe next visit!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:12:00.000-05:00

Ava had her preschool Valentine's Day party on Thursday February 10th. They had ice cream sundaes for their treat!!!

Ava waiting patiently for everyone to hand out their Valentine's.
Ava handing out her Valentine's

Acey

the girls with our Kissing bears...

Ava

Winter fun

2011-02-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

We finally were able to get outside when it wasn't FREEZING out....the girls had a blast!!!

ready for playing in the snow

Ava's snow angel

Acelynn's first snow angel

Champ jumping for snow balls

My three kids

(I can't believe I caught them all looking at me at the same time!!!)

January

2011-01-31T12:57:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures from January......

Finally she isn't scared of Sparty anymore. She was so proud of herself!!!

Ava on her first bus field trip......to Twiststars ( silly me I forgot my camera), she loved swinging on the ropes over the pit!!!

Acelynn being a BIG girl sitting in the stands at my work!!!

Christmas at Meemaw & Papa Hensley's

2010-12-31T23:58:00.000-05:00

After we opened presents at our house, we loaded up the girls and ventured to Meemaw & Papa's house to do Christmas with them and the Burke family later in the day.

Cameron, Ava, Carter & Acelynn

Acelynn opening a present-- ugh boots

Ava opening a present--Rapunzel barbie doll and & hair extensions

Ava opening the present for her & Acelynn from Meemaw & Papa.....

a grocery store & shopping cart!

Ava & Laine waiting patiently to open their presents!

Christmas at our house

2010-12-31T23:55:00.000-05:00

After we left my mom's house Christmas Eve, Kyle and the girls went out to the backyard to leave food for Santa's reindeer.

Then the girls got out the milk, cookies, plate and cup for Santa

Posing with their milk & cookies

Christmas morning opening all their presents

Acelynn checkin' out her new floor pillow and fleece blanket!

Christmas at Grammies

2010-12-30T22:13:00.000-05:00

On Christmas Eve we went to my mom's for dinner and then we went to the children's mass at St. James. The girls had fun at church singing Christmas carols and they both went to sit with Father Kusi during the Homily. It was neat to see him interact with the kids and get them involved!!! After mass we go back to my mom's to open gifts and eat dessert!!!

Grammie reading the girls new books to them...

Merry Christmas

Our annual Christmas family photo

Acelynn and her present that was as tall as she is....

Finishing out the night with Papa Steve reading their new books to them

Christmas with the Wombles

2010-12-30T21:56:00.002-05:00

Every year we do Christmas with the Wombles. Patrick & Atalie made it home from California. Sally was suppose to be there but her flight was delayed 7 days due to winter storms in England. We make gingerbread houses and eat pizza and just hang out.

Ava posing with her gingerbread house she helped make with Jackie and Grammie

Acelynn showing off her new Tag Jr books.

Ava with her new Tag book...Giraffees can't dance

Acelynn with one of her books

Acelynn & Patrick became good buddies because Patrick would sit there with her and watch Elmo on his computer!!!

Christmas with Grandpa

2010-12-30T21:44:00.000-05:00

On Monday before Christmas we headed over to my dad's house to have dinner with him and to celebrate Christmas. The girls were really excited about going over there to watch Cars and to play with my old Barbie dolls (which are actually my aunts old Barbies....so they are 50 some years old).

Ava opening her Rapunzel tag book

Ava & Grandpa

Acelynn opening her Pooh Tag Jr book

Acelynn & Grandpa

Our Christmas Tree

2010-12-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

The girls posing infront of our Christmas tree...

my favorite!!

Baking Cookies at Grammie's

2010-12-19T12:37:00.000-05:00

The girls and I went to my mom's to help her and my sisters bake cookies. The girls had a blast cutting, frosting and eating them!

Grammie & Ava

Grammie & Acelynn

Ava eating frosting instead of frosting the cookie

Acelynn & Grammie frosting cookies

Hensley Christmas Party

2010-12-18T12:29:00.000-05:00

Every year Kyle's dads side of the family gets together on the Saturday before Christmas. This year Clyde and Barb hosted all of us at Crossroads in Leslie. It was great to see everyone.

Ava sitting on Santa's lap, FINALLY!!

Acelynn not so sure about Santa

Keeping her eye on him!

Ava with her present of My Little Ponies from Santa!

Baking Cookies at Meemaw's

2010-12-17T12:11:00.000-05:00

The girls and Kyle went to his parents house to help bake cookies for Christmas.

Ava concentrating on placing the cookies on the baking sheet

The girls getting ready to frost cookies!

Acelynn frosting

Aunt Jennifer and Ava

Acelynn going CRAZY with sprinkles, luckily for everyone else Acelynn ate this cookie after she was done!

The Big Chill

2010-12-15T12:01:00.001-05:00

Michigan State and the University of Michigan hockey teams played another outdoor hockey game, but this time at the BIG House in Ann Arbor on December 11th. Kyle and I went with my mom, sisters and Jason. We had a great time even though the Spartans lost 5-0. We were part of a world record of 113, 400 people to attend an outdoor hockey game.

Our seats were only 3 rows up in the corner

View from our seats!

the scoreboard

another view from our seats

Afterward we found out that the University of Michigan lied to the Guieness book of Word Records by reporting tickets sold instead of tickets scanned at the gates of people actually attending the game. So, we were not part of a world record, but 89,000 people at a hockey game is a lot of people!

Letters to Santa

2010-11-27T20:03:00.000-05:00

On our way out of town to a birthday party the Sunday after Thanksgiving we stopped to see Santa and to mail the girls' letters to him!

Getting ready to put thier letters in

Ava putting her letter in the mailbox

Acelynn putting her letter in

the girls sitting on the mailbox landing

Ava actually standing next to Santa!!!

Holiday Parade & Christmas Tree

2010-11-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

After Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's house on the Friday after......we all bundled up and headed up to the Courthouse to watch the lighting of the tree and the Holiday parade. There were a lot of neat lighted vehicles!!! My favorites were the CATA bus and the City of Mason ladder truck!!

Acelynn waiting for the parade to start

Ava & Laine staying warm together!!!

The next day we put up our tree and decorated it!! The girls had a blast putting all their ornaments on the tree!

Ava putting on the Santa Angel!

trying to get the girls to sit in front of the tree

being silly!!!

Thanksgiving at Preschool

2010-11-23T19:20:00.000-05:00

On the Thursday before Thanksgiving, Ava's preschool class celebrated with a fabulous feast!!!

Ava in her Native American hat!

Ava's placemat that she made!!!

Enjoying her Thanksgiving feast!!!

Ava's 1st time golfing..............

2010-11-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

Since we had a very warm November, Kyle decided to take Ava golfing for the first time on Vetreans Day. He went with his buddy Phillips' and his son Hudson out to Hankerd Hills.

Ava and Kyle

Fore!!!!!!

Hudson and Ava finishing out the hole!

Ava playing in the sand trap....she's learning now just in case?!?!?!

Ava & Hudson (Future golfers!!!)

Hayride at the Bailey's

2010-10-31T22:46:00.003-04:00

Our friends Bailey & Rudy had a party at their house a couple weekends ago to celebrate Rudy's parents (Steve & Robin) 30th wedding anniversary. They also decided to have a hayride and a scavenger hunt. We did not participate in the scavenger hunt, that was more for the adults, but we did go on the hayride a couple of times...........

Acelynn with her hands up on the hayride....

Ava & Acelynn

The Hensley's

Ellie & Acelynn playing on the steps

Ava & Ellie having a blast on the wagon!!!!