Hangin' in Preston with the Cousins

This past summer we spent lots of time in Preston, Idaho, which has become one of Ava's and Christian's favorite places to go. There's always something fun to do, from going to parades to swimming in the backyard. Their favorite pastime, however, is playing with their cousins.

Play Time with Zach

I recently spent the weekend up in Preston, Idaho with my mommy and her family. I was so excited to play with my cousin Zach, but there's not too many things a baby can do. First I tried to see if he wanted to play swords with some broomsticks (that seemed like something a little boy would like), but he was too small for that.

Next I tried seeing if he wanted to ride bikes, but he was too small for that too.

Then I had a great idea... we could play in the pool! So, I got my bathing suit on and tried to coax him into the pool, assuring him that the water was warm.

I finally got him to come into the pool by promising him a drink of water.

He dumped his drink all over his belly, but didn't seem to mind. Next I showed him how he could kick his feet to make splashes.

However, Zach only managed to splash himself in the face.

I tried to get Zach to come out from under the shade by pointing out that sun was setting, but he was too worried about getting a sunburn.

I sure don't remember being so finicky as a baby.

Sun Valley Serenade

Last June, we made our semi-annual trip to Sun Valley, Idaho with Krista's family. One of the fun things we did while there was to take Ava swimming. She was very excited while at the hotel (as pictured below), but was absolutely terrified to get in the water once we got to the pool. After trying to coax her in for nearly 30 minutes, Larry finally took her in kicking and screaming. Within minutes she had calmed down. And an hour later she had completely thrown caution to the wind and was acting as though she could swim if we would just let her go.

We did many other fun things in Sun Valley (eating, shopping, biking, watching Sun Valley Serenade for the millionth time), but failed to take any pictures until our last day there. Here are pictures of Ava with each of her parents.

For those that are curious, Krista was about six and a half months pregnant in the above picture.

We also got some pictures of Ava with her cousin Annissa. They make a cute little pair.

You may not be able to tell it from these pictures, but they were both extremely nervous to sit on this rock. They were certain that they were going to fall into the little stream behind them.

There's another trip to Sun Valley planned in September, but it just so happens to fall on the same weekend that a certain someone is scheduled to make their grand appearance. So, it's goodbye to Sun Valley until next year for the Furr family.

Our Angel Fish!

Ava's two favorite things are being outside and playing in the water. She gets so excited when we are outside and someone's sprinklers go off. Ava always runs right over and tries to get as wet as possible. She also will beg you to turn on the hose so she can run through the water. Near the end of July, we finally bought Ava a little swimming pool. She was so excited as she watched us fill up the pool. Here she is in her swimsuit wondering when she will be able to get in.

Once in the pool, Ava began pouring cups of water on herself...

...and blowing bubbles.

Between the pool and the cups, Ava was having a blast.

She was so happy she even smiled for the camera (a rare occasion these days).

Before getting in the pool, Ava (who usually loves wearing hats) did not want to wear her swim cap. While distracted by the pool, I figured I would give the hat another try.

As you can see from her face, she wasn't too crazy about wearing her swim cap (I think the chin strap was driving her crazy).

Once Ava figured out how to undo the velcro, it was off with the cap.

It was a very fun day and Ava loved the pool. We are next going to try out Granny O's pool!

Sun Valley Redux

We decided to share a few more pictures from our vacation last month to Sun Valley. While we were there we were able to take Ava for her second swim.

Ava's first swim was when we were down in Las Vegas last March for the Mountain West basketball tournament. However, the water was pretty cold so she never really got in the water, but instead sat in Larry's lap within an inner tube.

This time around the water was bathtub warm and Ava truly enjoyed herself as evidenced by the large amounts of water she splashed into her parents' faces as she kicked her legs and flailed her arms.

The weather in Sun Valley was beautiful and Ava loved taking walks with her parents while soaking up the rays of sun (they don't call it Sun Valley for nothing).

However, baby skin can only take so much sun; and so the shade proved a welcome rest from the heat.

Here's a picture taken before we gave Ava the flower which produced the pictures we shared previously.

This is her contemplating how she can finagle that flower from dad.

As you know from our previous Sun Valley post, she was successful. Well, that does it for the Sun Valley pictures this year.

Swimsuit Issue

While we were down in Vegas, Ava decided to take her first swim. She had to sit in her daddy's lap since the water was a little too cold for her, but she seemed to enjoy herself nonetheless.

Ava was joined in the lazy river by Owen and Brady (the boyfriends of her Aunt Betsy and Aunt Lauren) and her Uncle Jordan and Uncle Ethan. As a side note, Brady recently got his mission call to Munich, Germany.

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Kelly did not have their bathing suits so they were kind enough to take these pictures. We're sorry we didn't get any close-ups of Ava in her new suit, but we'll be sure to take some the next time she goes swimming.

Despite BYU's heartbreaking loss to UNLV, we had a really fun time in Las Vegas. Krista got to see Celine Dion at Caesar's Palace, we ate lots of great food, and we enjoyed the sunny weather and time with our family.