Apple Orchard

On Saturday we decided to take the kids to the apple orchard. I haven't been to an apple orchard in a LONG time and really wanted to go. Both kids had a wonderful time there. We picked lots of apples and were eating them as we picked them. We also bought some caramel and came home to make caramel apples. Ava and I had a tasty snack today!!! I forgot how good they tasted. We will definitely have to make this an annual tradition. Now we are looking forward to the pumpkin patch with the Ditty's next weekend!

First Day of Preschool!!!

Today was Ava's first day of preschool. I was lucky enough that my principal let me skip out of class and take Ava and pick her up. Ryan took the morning off so that he was able to make it. We made it a family event! Ava did so good and was really excited. When we went into her classroom she was a little nervous because of all the new faces. There were a a few tears, but she did well. When we picked her up she couldn't wait to open her backpack to show us the fun things she did. She has also been talking about all her new friends this afternoon. I am so happy that she enjoyed her first day! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day. I was one of 'those' moms today and took a ton of pictures!!

Back Home Again...

We are officially moved out of the lake. SOOO SAD!!! We had a wonderful summer, despite the weather. Ava actually tried skiing this summer, next summer will be more successful hopefully. We did a lot of tubing and playing in the water. We had so much we wanted to do, but never have enough time. We made it to Silver Beach one time and we will definitely be going back there next year. Ryan and I were also able to go to Chicago to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. We went to a Cubs game and had plans to make it to a nice restaurant, but unfortunately did not make it past the Cubby Bear bar! I have lots of pictures to add when I finally get unpacked. It is nice to get back into the swing of things, but after less than 24 hours home, I am already missing the lake! Next summer can't come soon enough!

Beautiful Flower Girl

Ava and I had anotherbusy weekend. She was so lucky to be the flower girl in Kirby's wedding. Friday we drove up to Grosse Pointe, MI and had a great time. Grosse Pointe is such a cute little city. We made it just in time for rehearsal Friday. Saturday morning we got up and Kirby told us about a park on the water. There was a park, splash park and a beach that we had a blast at - not to mention it was a gorgeous day!

Ava did a wonderful job as a flower girl. She would not stand up with all the girls, but her and the other flower girl looked adorable sitting in the aisle playing with the flower petals. Kirby you looked absolutely stunning. Thank you for including Ava on this wonderful day. Congratulations!

Another Busy Weekend

Our weekend started off normal, then around noon on Saturday Megan called me and asked if we want to go camping - something I am not very fond of. I think it is the perfect time to get kidnapped, so I am a little afraid of it, even though Ryan tells me I am crazy! We decided to join Megan, James, and Drew for camping down by Turkey Run. We had a great time playing wiffle ball, ladder golf, and camping out. The kids did a wonderful job. It was both of their first time camping and Ava loved sleeping outside in the tent, and it was a miracle that noone was kidnapped! Ryan is ready to go again!

When we got home from camping, we had made plans to go to the Indians game with Kris and Amy and their kids, Will and Lia. From the pictures, you will see me with the kids and wonder where Ryan was...I was wondering as well. He was at the end of the row enjoying the game- must be nice! We had a great time at the game, but we were all a little worn out, so we came home early and had pizza back at our house. A great way to begin summer vacation. The kids and I are at home now packing so we can move to the lake on Wednesday!!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We were busy moving things into the lake and getting ready for summer time. The kids had a blast in the water and it was hard to get them out, even though the water is not warm yet. Ava and I went tubing and Liam decided to join us. He had a blast! He waved at everyone the whole time! This summer will be so much fun with them!!!

We have also decided to make a little garden up there. I actually decided and Ryan did all the hard work, but it will pay off with our fresh veggies. We are growing 3 different types of tomatos, green peppers and cucumbers. Let's see how well I can keep these from dying!!

Geist Marathon

Today was the Geist Marathon. We walked the 5K today. Luckily the rain held off until we were on the bus back to our car. We really enjoyed doing the race and I am sure we will do it again next year. It was a pretty neat course, going by the lake and through neighborhoods.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

This past Wednesday, Megan and James became engaged! We are soooo happy for the both of them. They are so adorable together and absolutely bring out the best in each other. We couldn't be happier for the two of you. WOOHOO!!! Love you!!!!

Race for the Cure

This weekend was Race for the Cure in Indianapolis. This is the 3rd year my mom and I have done it. Dad and Ryan did it the first year with us too. We recruited Jason, Mary, Elley, Taylor, and Mallory to do it this year with us. Everyone came down Friday night and the race was Saturday morning. We all had a nice time and we were thankful that Ryan was there because Elley wanted to run it and none of us did! After the race, we all met at the zoo for some fun. We had a really good time. Next year, when Kendall is a little older, we are hoping Brian's family can join us as well.

Happy Easter

Today, Ryan and Ava headed off to church. She was so excited. Last night before we went to bed, she 'packed' for church. She picked out her clothes, which I was a little worried about her doing by herself, but she did pretty good. They look so good in their Easter clothes! I will tyr to add pictures of our Easter egg hunt later.

On a side note, I would like to thank Lillie for being a good friend to Ava. Because Ava loves you so much, the ONLY way she will let me take a picture of her is if I tell her it is for Lillie. So Lillie, if you weren't a part of Ava's life, I probably wouldn't have any pictures of you. We miss you!!!

Easter Fun

Today has been quite a nice day. Ryan had a track meet all day and the kids and I were outside most of the day. We started the morning off by decorating eggs. Ava decided to hide them for Ryan to hunt for when he gets home tonight. As we were decorating, Liam fell asleep while eating a snack in his high chair!


After lunch we spent time outside. Liam LOVES playing in the swingset!!! We also went to Hamilton Town Center to see the Easter Bunny. Unfortunately, it was only walking around, so I wasn't able to get a picture with Liam with it, but Ava was loving him. As we left she said, "Don't forget to hide eggs at my house!"

Ava - 3 and Liam - 1 year pictures!!!

Happy (belated) Birthday Liam!!!!

William Louis Potter is now 1!!!!! We had a wonderful joint birthday party for him up at Grandma Kathy's and GG's. We spent Spring Break up in good old Elkhart, so it worked out well. Both kids had a fantastic birthday party and enjoyed spending time with the family. We just got back in yesterday, so this week I will put some pictures of the kids from Ava's birthday, spring break and Liam's birthday. I can't believe he is already 1. This past year has definitely flown by fast!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA!!!

Tuesday was Ava's 3rd birthday. She is growing up so fast!! She is looking like a little girl these days, not a little toddler. We had such a special day, Grandma Kathy came down and we all went to the Children's Museum. Ava and Liam both had a wonderful time. Liam was absolutely worn out. We came home just in time for food, presents, and cake! The BIG gift for this birthday was her big birl bike, with a special seat for Baby Mary. I will post some pictures, hopefully soon!

Happy Birthday Ava!!!!

Lookin' Good

Today is Indoor State Track finals at Purdue, so Ryan is gone all day and I think the kids and I are just going to have a bum around day at home. Ava, Liam and I took a shower together this morning to get used to showers because the lake does not have a tub. Ava hated it when she was Liam's age, so I am trying to get him used to it - it did not go well at all! I was trying to get Liam ready so I told Ava to go get some clothes on. This is the masterpiece that she put together. Nothing about it matches, but she thinks she looks pretty fancy!

Warm Weather

Sunday was BEAUTIFUL. We were outside all day long. We took the kids to Holland Park and both of them had such a good time. Ava fell asleep in the car and we couldn't get her awake she was so worn out. We even bribed her with ice cream and she still wouldn't get up! It was by far the nicest day of the year!