Knapp Notes: 2010

Memories... they can be made at major events and in small unexpected moments. We have been busy making lots of memories as a family these past few months. Some of them are the traditional ones new parents make as their "babies" grow up and pass many milestones, others are unplanned times that end up being so special, and we know we'll never forget them.

After having said that about unplanned memories, we have also begun to learn the importance of being intentional about making them. Just a few weeks ago we were enjoying a beautiful sunny Sunday (which, amazingly, we've had lots of this past month) and we were itching to get out and soak it in. So, we put Ava in the car and drove a short distance to Kent Station. It's a small outdoor area with some restaurants and shops, a movie theatre and a coffee shop with the yummiest selection of chocolates to make the best hot chocolate or mocha around! We walked around with Ava, enjoying our drinks. Ava was fascinated by a "wawa" fountain - there's nothing quite like experiencing the joy in the little things through the eyes of a child. It was only a one hour trip, but it was quality family time - intentional memory making! It was a great reminder to us to do more of that as Ava grows up.

Last time we blogged, it was Thanksgiving, and Ava had just learned to walk! Now, at the end of February, she is running and climbing on everything. How quickly things change. :)

Here's our attempt to catch up our family and friends on life at the Knapp home - lots of memories made!

Ava loves to sit up on chairs and on the couch to read books. She points to everything and knows the names of lots of things. Her vocabulary is growing daily!

The week before Valentine's Day, Connor, (Ava's best bud who spends the day with us every Tuesday and every other Wednesday), and Ava helped roll out and decorate sugar cookies. I had imagined a fun and engaging activity for these two active toddlers, but I would definitely recommend trying this with older kids! :) Ava did like eating the dough, and Connor loved rolling it out.