This is Ava Lu's second year on swim team and oh it is so much fun! She is improving with each week, lesson, practice and meet. What's most important is that she is enjoying it thoroughly. 
I love the dedication, focus and spirit in which she brings to this sport. She's a tiny mite and we are soooo proud of her. She may be the smallest on the 6 and unders (and she's 6) but she has all the heart. 
It's always an honor to celebrate our Great Country and the Freedom we have as Americans. We got to celebrate it for four days this year. I only took a few pictures of Ava Lu on my phone (which are not the best quality) but I can't help but capture her in red, white and blue. 
The second day we went to our Cabana Club. They plan a celebration each year at the pool and the night ends with another great fireworks show! We had friends join us at this fun night as well. We are blessed by such wonderful friends in the neighborhood.
The third day was our 4th of July celebration at church. It was a great service but the treat for me was the parade at the end with all the children carrying festive 4th of July handmade flags, stars, etc. The tears were flowing. . . I will was reminded of how blessed we are that God sent us all the way to China to fulfill his promise of our daughter and to see her proudly celebrating America is just something I hope that I never take for granted. We enjoyed a BBQ and then another trip to the pool.
Today was actually 4th of July and we spent the day with my mom joining us. . . relaxing a bit with a matinee and then a BBQ at the pool (again).
Easter is such an amazing time of celebration and emotion for me. I am so thankful for Jesus and his love for us. This year, Ava Lu sang in an Easter choir at church for the first time. I was extra celebratory and emotional!
We had a wonderful day with family and celebrating the risen Lord!
So, given this blog is really about Ava Lu and not me, I first had to show the poster she made for me as she and her daddy stood on the sidelines to cheer me on at my first and hopefully not last, half marathon.
So, here's to believing in what we never thought we could accomplish. . . and to the sweetest little cheerleader in the world!
Michelle
Family Christmas in Salinas with the cousins. And, Santa Claus made a special visit with gifts for all the children. Ava Lu received a little kitten in a purple purse. It's a treasured gift for her.
Christmas Eve day. . . Ava Lu's first trip to Disneyland. We were so happy to be there to experience the extra Christmas magic that Disney brings.
On Christmas morning with her Santa gift of the panda bear pillow pet. Then, off to Disneyland again for Christmas breakfast with the characters!
Still feeling the joy of the season and thankful for the Savior who was born on Christmas morning!
Just the word Christmas makes me smile. The celebration of Christ's birth, the beauty and magic in the air and the excitement in my little girl's voice when she hears a familiar Christmas tune. I'm blessed to celebrate the JOY of Christmas this year! 
We've already seen quite a bit of snow in our travels to the foothills and the sierras. Such a treat.
Michelle
I can't believe it's already mid-November. This has been a busy fall season. Ava Lu started school, played soccer, enjoyed our annual pumpkin-hunting trip, dressed up as Ariel for Halloween and lived life with full ambition.
She's beautiful on the inside and out - and growing in ALL ways each day. It's amazing to see.
Michelle
It's official - Ava Lu is a kindergartener! She is loving life in Mrs. Delsol's class and all the learning. In fact, my mom's neighbor asked her yesterday if she had a good day at school and if she learned anything. Ava's response was, "of course, I learn something EVERY DAY!" 
Here are a few of her first day of kindergarten pictures. Isn't she the cutest? So, confident, yet small and sweet! This last one was after the first day of school on the porch swing. Doesn't she look tuckered out?
Let elementary school begin,
We have had a great summer. I took three weeks off - one in each month: June, July and August. I loved it. . . time filled with precious memories.
The second week off was filled with Tahoe fun: Jim, Ava Lu and I love our time on Moon Dunes beach and all our other annual trip traditions!
The third week was this last week: my birthday week and the week before Ava Lu started Kindergarten. I was so thankful for the quality time with my girlie. And, of course, all the treats, gifts, lunches out and pool time with my darling hubby, mom and friends.
Summer time is my favorite time - cherries to eat, BBQ's to share, tomatoes in the garden AND all the holiday weekends, lazy long days, summer mornings. . . filled with fun, love and frolicking. 
Michelle
