A Trip to Galveston

July has been a busy month, but we are truly blessed with great friends and family. This month, we took a trip down to Galveston for an early "Happy 1 Year Jeran Butler Weekend." We went to the beach and watched the kids play in the sand, in the water, and with all of the wonderful toys Jeran has. I am so glad that Josh, Jenn, and Jeran live so close to us; I can only imagine the trouble we will get into as the kids get older. I especially enjoyed Saturday night eating fresh seafood and playing board games until we were all simpled out and laughing at everything. I had forgotten just how much fun Scattegories was! Well, it could have been the people we were playing with or the fact that I won the game :)!!!!

On another note, if you haven't been to Galveston in a while, you must go! The beach is clean, they have done a great job of restoring the homes and the well...pretty much everything else on the island seems to be getting back to normal. And did I mention fresh seafood. It was a great weekend and while we were there I actually saw rain. I could not believe what I was seeing - there was actually water falling from the sky. I feel like it has been so long since that has happened around me. I just cannot get over how hot it is outside. My family all loves to be outside but it is unbearable right now. We decided to take a leisurely stroll on Saturday at around 4:00 (my first problem) and by the 4th mile (my second problem), I had my head glued to the road praying I could make it up the last hill (my third problem). I am so ready for some rain or at least some days that stay in the low 90s. I had to laugh yesterday, there was actually an add on TV about a local Nissan Dealership that was running a special from now until August 8th, here was the deal "Buy your car now and if it rains on August 8th, we will pay you car in full." I mean seriously. I am almost tempted to go out and buy a Nissan just to give me hope that it might rain!!!

A Fun June

One thing that the Wilsons and the Lowes both love to do is eat good food. While Vegas food is not cheap, it was delicious. This restaurant had the best steaks (since I am one of those that eat my steaks rare - it has to be good for me to write a review about it). Plus at this restaurant (Manamegabee - or something spelled like that) you get to sit and watch the water feature at the Bellagio. It was a great way to kick off our trip to Vegas.

Don't ask me what we are doing....I just had to include it because it has the Cirque Du Soleil in the background. We saw "O" and it was a great show. A little too late at night for me but it was truly amazing!

This is a terrible picture of Adam and I but if you look in the background, you will see the roller coaster that Adam, Garrett and I went on. It was so much fun!!!

While the boys played golf, Abby and I had a day at the spa. Some of you might know that spas and Ashley don't usually go hand in hand. I did my best to relax but even the lady giving me the massage was laughing at the end of the session. I think I was named the one that it is least likely to relax by Spa Mandalay. Well at least it was a pretty place.....

An excellent seafood restaurant in Vegas...but the most interesting part of the meal was the dessert that Garrett got - Bananas, Peanut Butter, and Bacon inside of a cinnamon pastry.

It was delicious.

Mom and Ava are saying hello to Rufus

Only John and his 7ft. arm span could wrap his arms around both Ava and Ryan's car seats with ease. For those of you from Lubbock or that just love Lubbock like we do, the new, smoke free Cap Rock Cafe is GREAT

Ryan Charles at 2 months old and almost 15 lbs

Ava Nicole at 7 month old and almost 15 lbs.

This little boy has his daddy's height and his mommy's looks

Ava is clapping because everyone is taking pictures of her - whatever it is it is a celebration

Happy 81st Birthday Bubby

Grace and Ava are ready for the lake

There were no lifejackets that would fit Ava so we just made do. Thank goodness we did not get stopped. My new mission is to find a life jacket that will fit her.

Playing at the lake can be hard work.

Daddy and Ava both where stupid looking hats to keep away the sun.....

The good news is that we don't use a pacifier....the bad news is that we love our thumb

We had so much fun in June. Adam and I went to Vegas (and 1/2 of us had a successful trip); we survived being away from Ava for 4 whole days, went home to Spearman to see my family and all of the baby horses; we watched two of our dear friends get married (Adam had to make a speech ....... most of you know what happens when a Lowe makes a speech); we met the sweetest baby boy, Ryan, and caught up with his parents while in Lubbock (I miss it so much); we celebrated Bubby's 81st birthday in Horseshoe Bay; made our first trip of the summer to the lake; and for all that care - we still don't have to budget for formula :)

Ava was 7 months on June 17th and this little girl is a busy body (I have no idea where she gets that). We have perfected the army crawl and love to receive applauds for any little thing that we do. I have a feeling that on my 8 month report of Miss Ava I will be begging for her to go back to being that sweet little baby that laid in the middle of the bed and talked to mom while she got ready....time just won't slow down. We also learned this month that Adam's sister Katy and her husband Chris will by having a little boy in November. I am very glad that Ava will have a little cousin so close to her in age. I was really hoping that I could hand down all of Ava's clothes and hats and bows and hats and bows but am so glad that Baby Davenport is healthy. So now I just hope that He grows up to be big like his dad and strong willed like his mom. If this happens, I certainly will not have to worry about anyone messing with Princess Ava.

First Time Away From Mom and Dad

Over Memorial Weekend, Adam played in a golf tournament in Uvalde and we had a fun night planned in Concan listening to Gary P. Nunn. So Frank and Teresa (still working on their "names") reluctantly agreed (as they clicked their heals in jubilation) to take Ava on Saturday so that Adam and I could have some adult time.

Ava had a ball! She swam in the pool, set on the patio and watched the sun set behind the sleeping lady, and entertained all that came to visit her. I have decided that we now need to build a pool in the backyard because being in the water seems to be Ava's favorite thing. We are in search of that oil well or golden ticket if you know where I can find one.....


Ya know, I never thought that having a night all about me would be something I would dread but leaving Ava for one night, not even 24 hours, was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I knew she was going to have everything she ever wanted and more, but I just missed her so much. I hear it all the time but I can honestly say that there is no greater love than the love you have for your children. How cheesy I must sound because I am not the lovey dovey or over emotional person at all, but I cannot believe how much this little girl has a hold of my heart and will for the rest of her life. Why can't time just stop for a while so that I can savor every moment and every little thing she does!!!



Next week will be the true test of survival. Ava is heading up to Spearman to become Farmer Lowe while Adam and I take a much needed vacation with the Wilsons. My current stress is how am I going to possibly pump for 4 days while being a tourist. There is no way that I am going to take that silly pump with me around Las Vegas - wouldn't that be a site - ya know what, I probably won't look too out of place pumping at the craps table.

Fun in Horseshoe Bay

Lots and lots of kisses

We went to Horseshoe Bay this month to visit KK and Aaron. Adam and Aaron played lots of golf while Ava and I spent time with KK. I quickly learned that all of Horseshoe Bay knew of the newest addition to the Lowe family and were very glad to finally meet her in person. KK is a very proud grandma.....I had to use the "G" word at least once.

Ava is 6 months now and while she is a tiny little thing (weighing in just over 13lbs), she is full of energy. I have learned that an unwatched Ava is a recipe for trouble. I won't go into any more detail but can only imagine what will happen when she starts crawling. She is starting to lift up on her front arms so it will not be long.

But in the mean time, she has figured out how to get anything and everything her little heart desires. She will just roll over there and pick it up her own self.

Drama Queen

Well, I received the cutest outfit in the mail today. Mom, you really outdid yourself with this one. Thank you for the snazzy new duds - they are just unreal. If Ava wasn't the center of attention before, this will definitely put her in the running for the Queen Bee!

I just had to capture Adam's face as he and Ava opened up this outfit. The timer cut off at the end but I am sure you can imagine his reaction!!! Priceless......

Happy Easter!!!

I just love Easter, the weather is beautiful, flowers are blooming and everyone has a reason to dress up (my favorite thing to do). This year we were very blessed, Adam and I woke up to the sound of rain (always a good sound); walked into our daughter's room where she woke with a smile; and as we got dressed and headed to church, the rain stopped and the sun came out - making it a perfect day to spend the afternoon at the golf course.

We went to sunrise service this morning and then had a lovely breakfast at church. Well everyone else had a great breakfast, Ava decided she needed to help me eat mine and flipped my eggs on the table and my orange juice went in the jelly. Oh well, orange juice and strawberry jelly were a good combination and I didn't need anymore eggs.

Ava will be 5 months this week and is so much fun. She talks all of the time (just like mom) and can never sit still (just like dad); I know we have our hands full but I look forward to everyday with her.

Easter will most certainly be fun for the next 10 years (don't they get tired of hunting eggs by then). I will spend weeks searching for the perfect Easter dress which will look "prefect" for about 10 minutes.

Happy Easter to everyone, we love you.

Ava went for her 4 month appointment on March 16th and the doctor told us something we are pretty sure we will never hear again....she is above average height. Above average by 10%.

So Miss Ava at 4 months is:

12 lbs 10 oz (35%)

24.5 inches (60%)