March for Babies

Saturday we participated in the March of Dimes, March for Babies. This was our second year participating - and we will surely be doing it again! We had a great time, Team Avakins raised $420 from friends and family; thus making our day of contribution very nice! Thank you so much to our family and friends who donated - as you can imagine, healthy babies are very special to us! We are so fortunate to have Ava and so thankful everyday for her bright smiles.

Grandpa T was able to join our 'team' on Saturday in downtown Asheville and we had a terrific time! We also ran into Uncle Mike's good friend Dennis at the race. I was so excited to meet his lovely wife, Tara. They are expecting their first child, a baby GIRL in 3 weeks! I was so impressed to see them participating.... then they introduced me to their co-worker who was 6, I repeat 6, days shy of her due date! What an inspiration... these ALMOST Mamas are such troopers! Although, I should report that neither of these lovely ladies walked themselves into labor! I think that was their plan all along! :) Here are some pictures from the event!

Miss Ava was very ready to get this walk started - but she had to wait for Mama as I was pumping up the tires on her stroller!

This is when Daddy shared with her that I was finally ready to go!
Family shot next to the bouncy house, Ava was too small to play - but next year she will be all about it!
Grandpa T loved spending the morning with his girl!
Before the walk began there was some time to walk around and see the vendors that were participating. There was a DJ and a stage and lots of people watching - as you can imagine, Ava decided this was her opportunity to take center stage! She is definitely a performer!
Getting her dance moves started........
Only one on the dance floor - she had TONS of people watching her and smiling at her no-fear, super excitement, smiley attitude! She really was a crowd pleaser!
She decided to work the crowds and take the stairs!
After all that dancing, Ava was ready to refuel. She got her sippy cup and was ready to go again!
Here we are at about the half way point - Ava is such a little lover that she decided it was best to hold Mama's hand thru a good portion of the walk!
Until she decided enough was enough, and dosed off!

When we got back to Grandpa T's house, Ava put on a concert! She loves the piano!
Then Grandpa broke out the Easter bubbles - Ava had such a blast with these!

Oh No! No more bubbles!
Onto the Dogs! Ava did a great job speaking this weekend and was even saying "Gus" by the time we left - she knew right where Gus lived! :)