Today Ava Was A Bit of A Loner

Hopefully this changes when baby brother or sister arrives but you kept to yourself for the most part today. 

We had planned on playing a whiffle ball game at a Alpine Park this afternoon followed by a cookout at Bill and Dana's in the evening.

We arrived at the park and took you over to play with the other kids but you really wanted to blaze your own trail. 

As the guys were getting the field ready I glanced over at the playground equipment to see you going down the slide on your own. 

It was cute, but I was hoping you'd play with the other kids a little more. 

That's not to say that I don't mind the independence you show, we just want to make sure you learn how to socialize with other kids your age.

You stayed by my side pretty much the entire softball game, we ran the bases together and fielded together. 

Mom and I were on opposite teams and she was standing on first following one at bat when another batter hit the ball and the next thing I know you were on your butt crying and mom was standing on second. 

I didn't see the play, so you'll have to ask her for her side of the story. :) 

We made it through eight innings before the kids all grew tired and we had to call it a game. A short break for the kids to nap then it was off to the cookout.

You fell asleep on my shoulder before we even got to the car. Three and a half hours later we finally coaxed the sleep from your eyes and could get ready. 

After about two hours you popped up in our room and mom went to get you, only for you to lay your head down again and sleep in her arms for another hour and a half. I don't think mom minded one bit. 

We arrived at Dana and Bill's to see the kids running around and having a good time while the adults chatted over some hot dogs. 

You went straight for the sandbox where you again played by yourself, shoveling sand into a buckt. 

You finally came out of your shell when the other kids began to play on the pint-sized trampoline. 

You went over and climbed in with them. I kept looking over and seeing a huge smile on your face even though you couldn't keep your footing and were continually falling down.

Soon, all the kids made their way over to the play set and you followed suit, even climbing the fake rock wall to the top. 

It's good to see you playing well with other kids. 

Once on the play set, though, it was nearly impossible to get you away from it.

You wanted to slide and climb the slide ... 

... and go up and down the rock wall.

I wonder how soon we'll be visiting Keith at Omni Orthopedics so he can put a cast on your arm. 

Don't let that discourage you though, Keep up the daredevil ways!