Ava Lu had her 1st year preschool promotion program last night. She was sunshine on a stick (to use one of my friend Kim's sayings) on the stage singing her songs with the class - with such excitement, exuberance and life!
I sat on the front row with tears in my eyes - tears of joy and amazement: I am so blessed to be this little jewel's mommy!
I love you, Ava Lu. You are my sunshine!
We had a fabulous party on Saturday with 26 children and 30 adults -- and Snow White.
Today Ava Lu celebrated at preschool with cookies for her friends and then out for Sushi with mommy & daddy (Sushi was her pick!).
I love you baby girl - you are our dream come true!
My cousin, Kari, graduated with her Master's Degree last weekend. The best part is that the ceremony was in Sacramento so they came up to see us and we got to be part of the celebration. Such fun!
Gotta love those girls!
We had such a wonderful Easter weekend. Lots of fun at egg hunts, a great church service and special time with family! I love the picture of Ava Lu and Nana - my two favorite girls.
Here are a few pictures of Easter day. I didn't catch any of our Easter egg hunt on Saturday - my camera decided to die so, of course, I went out and bought a new one for Easter!
We went up to T*hoe for the day/night and oh such fun. Ava Lu experienced her first snow fall. She was unfazed by the flakes and really was most interested in sledding and romping around in the icy white stuff.
Our precious girlie squealed in delight with each fun sled ride, as if it was her first ride ever! I was reminded of how we should enjoy and live - like each experience was our first ever. 
Happy Chinese New Year.
We enjoyed a fun chinese food dinner out with Nana, Papa and Uncle last night.
Celebrating the year of the Ox!
Two years ago today we had good news from a distant land! Our referral call for Ava Lu came in. I can still remember the phone ringing as I sat at my desk in the office. As the woman from our agency read over all of Jiang Mei Yu's vital details - my heart pitter pattered, I knew the promise of our girl had come to pass.
It's hard to imagine that was two years ago. Time has flown - and we are blessed more than ever. Here she is today - posing after a long day of fun, just for mommy.
We had a wonderful New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
And, we took a trip up to Tahoe for New Year's Day - played in the snow, sledded and had a car-picnic. Ava Lu was just squealing in delight as she played and rode the sled. Again, what a blessing to share in her new experiences.
Here's to an amazing 2009!
Michelle
Ava Lu enjoyed the joyous Christmas season so much this year. She had her own tree and Nativity in her room. Here's Ava Lu in her Christmas jammies ready for her goodnight story time with mommy - one of my favorite times of the day!
And, I was able to capture a few photos of her enjoying Christmas morning. You can see she had just a few gifts to open (mostly due to the generosity of family - daddy and I were very good about not overspending this year :)).
As we count our Christmas blessings, our Daughter of Promise reminding us of the true meaning of Emmanuel - God With Us is the best gift of all.
Merry Christmas!
Michelle
