Girlfriends and Ballet

Ava Lu has had a fun few weeks.

We went to the circus with our dear friends - Melinda, Brian, Eliza, Liam, Maggie & Danielle. Brian, Eliza, Maggie & Liam were here visiting from Georgia. It was great to spend the time with them! You can see the three girls love being friends and have fun together. It warms my heart to see Ava Lu loving people and girlfriends. Those are pinnacles of her mommy's foundation!

And, on Friday, she started her pre-ballet class. It was mostly just movement, twirling, circles and wearing a pretty leotard but Ava Lu loved it! She told me in the car after class "that was fun - really, really fun. "

Ava Lu waited for daddy to come home before taking off her "balledina" outfit. She wanted to be sure he saw her.

Such joy it is to experience the fun and laughter of our dear daughter.

A grateful mommy,

Michelle

First day of preschool

Today was the first day of Ava Lu's 3 year-old preschool class. She dutifully posed for a few photos after mommy begged - before we went to school.





It's hard to believe she's already going to preschool. I had the "in two years, I'll be taking her to kindergarten" thought after I took her to class this morning. Time does fly and we're working on living for each and every special moment.

She had a good day at school after a little instruction and dialogue from teacher Paula on "kitchen play time." Ava Lu loves to run for the play kitchen when she gets to any school (last year's 2 year old class, Clubhouse at church, etc.) but in her new 3 year old class, the "kitchen isn't open" until after opening activity time and circle time. She'll learn and do very well - I'm sure.

Day #2 tomorrow - we'll see what fun it brings.

Michelle

Breakfast with Ellie!

and, Maria & John too!

While we were in So. Cal, we got together with John, Maria & Ellie for breakfast one morning. This truly was one of our highlights.

John and Maria were in our China travel group and Ellie and Ava Lu are both spicy girls from Chonquing. It was so wonderful to spend time with such dear ones to our heart - we were together with us when we received our beautiful daughters in China and we had such a great time bonding with them in China over the course of our two weeks there. I called Ellie "the Empress" from day 1 and she truly still is "the Empress" - such deep, striking beauty! She's a beautiful, spirited girl. It's wonderful to see her as she grows.

After breakfast, Uncle Robert treated the girls to Cold St*ne Ice Cream. Such fun!

When Ava Lu sees Ellie's pictures, she says, "I love Ellie." They are such cute friends.

Thank you, John, Maria & Ellie, for the breakfast date. It was great to see you and we look forward to more time together in the not-to-distant future.

Jim, Michelle & Ava Lu

Fun in So Cal

We made a trip to So Cal to visit my brother. Such fun on the beach, shopping and, of course, spending time with family.

Ava Lu got reacquainted with cousin Nicholas too. They had such fun in the pool and hiding under the barstools at Uncle's house.

And, here she is out to lunch with mommy in Santa Monica on Main! Ava Lu is a great lunch date.

Each day continues to be a joy in experiencing life as Ava Lu's mommy. The more we experience, the more I'm amazed at the gift of motherhood. Sunny So Cal never looked so good.

Michelle