Papa

This fall and winter have been such tough ones, losing my precious daddy and Ava Lu's adoring Papa on Oct. 31. I've gone silent in my blogging as our hearts have focused on how we will now pick up the pieces and live on each day without our favorite, favorite man in the whole world.

I thought it would be fitting to post a few pictures of Papa before resuming our normal chronicling of Ava Lu's life! He was her love as they played "Cinderella and the glass slipper" almost every day together. We miss Papa and continue to honor his role and place in our lives.

Apple Hill 2009

We went on our annual Apple Hill trip a few weeks back. It's always such fun. Ava Lu makes it funner and funner every year.

We did the little petting "zoo" of llamas and goats at Denver Dan's, pumpkin picking at O'Halloran's, lunch at Bodhaine's, pony rides and hay maze at Apple Ridge Farms AND, last, but not least, dessert/pie at Grandpa's Cellar. Yum yum.

I need to post the rest of our pictures from the other camera. We captured lots of moments of Ava Lu enjoying the day.

It's always so nice to have an Apple Hill day of fun!

Michelle

Seasons

It is clearly fall (some winter weather this week too here in Sac). I'm working on transitioning summer clothes from closets and drawers to make room for fall and winter clothes. Clearly Ava Lu has grown these past few months so going through the clothes takes a bit more time.

Here's Ava Lu in one of my favorite little fall outfits - her Halloween/Fall pillow smock. We took this on our trip to Apple Hill a few weeks back. You can see she was even up for some fun face painting to properly accessorize her fall look

Speaking of clothes, Kim is holding a giveaway for darling clothes. Check out the giveaway here: http://celebratingeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-giveaway-time.html.

Here's to pumpkins, fall candles and cozy time with ones we love!

Michelle

Nana's 70th B-day

We had a wonderful time in July celebrating my mom's (Ava Lu's Nana) 70th birthday with dear family. She was so blessed by all those who came from out of town to mark this wonderful milestone. Here are a few shots to show the flavor of the weekend!The girl cousins by the pool.

Ava Lu and "baby Noah" as she affectionately calls her little cousin.

More cousins. . . .

My mom and my dear, dear cousin Laura. We had a wonderful night out with the "girls" at American Idol! They share the same birthday. These are two of Ava Lu's favorite women.

Ava Lu & Noah again. No need to hold onto him to stay close to her. She has a bowl of chips!

Ava Lu took swimming lessons late in June at the Club. Here she is with Miss Maddie.

4th of July in River Park after mommy's 5 mile Independence Day race. She still had energy!

We are so blessed by the many memories we've made in the summer of 09!

Tahoe 2009

We continued our Tahoe summer tradition again this year and had a wonderful time.

Ava Lu swam in the lake, thanks to her swim lessons earlier this summer! But truly her favorite beach pastime remains digging in the sand which she did daily.

It was a great week away. We went to concerts on the beach and golf course, enjoyed slow relaxing dinners and even snuck in a nap or two. The icing on the cake was when Ava Lu looked up at me on the lawn swing one night as the moon was shining and said, "mama, I'm having a wonderful time on vacation with you and daddy."

In our hearts, that's what it's all about.
Michelle

Vacation Bible School

Ava Lu went to her first "day camp" a few weeks ago - Vacation Bible School at a local church. I think I was more nervous about leaving her than she was about staying. She did very well and attended all five days!

Two of her buddies from school - Emma & Katelyn - were there and they had a good time. She's now singing "Father Abraham" and "Let my people go!" I'm thrilled to have God's word planted in her heart even in little steps.

It's fun to hear her now talk about her "Bible School."

Reminded of God's blessings,
Michelle

Canoe Trip

These pictures are from Father's Day. Jim's choice for Father's Day was to go on a canoe trip for at Lake Natoma in Folsom. Here is Ava Lu during our break on the shore. She truly loves the water and playing on the shore.

It was such a nice day to be on the lake/river. We even fed a family of ducks while we were on the water. Ava Lu squealed with excitement at all the new discoveries!

Here's to more fun in the sun -
Michelle

Cousins!

Our niece Bianca graduated from high school in June. She is an amazing young woman! We enjoyed a family lunch celebration.

Ava Lu loves her cousins Bianca and Danielle. They are three beautiful girls - inside and out! We know that God's hand is on all of their lives and trust that He is ordering Bianca's steps even now into this next season of her life.

Love you, girls!

Dress up

Ava Lu is really taking to playing dress up. She was in her room and came out with this lovely mixture of pink, purple and ribbons - perfectly adorned. She then thought her outfit was perfect for riding and playing in the backyard.

I love her zest for life and unabandoned quest for style!

Michelle

Ava Lu's friend Jack

Ava Lu has a little friend - Jack - who lives down the street. He is just one of the many who she yells out to when we pass by their house (as I'm trying to breathe, jog and steer the jog stroller all at the same time - not wanting to draw attention to me as I'm panting by). But, she truly hopes to catch a glimpse of her little friend - just to say hi with such glee, preferably stop to play for a bit or to be so excited by knowing and loving others!

The moral of the story here is that Ava Lu loves her friends. It's such a blessing to see her play, laugh and connect with these little people. I am blessed by her undying love for people and friendship - a reminder to me daily of what's important: people.

So, here's a little reminder to take time out to stop and play!

Michelle

My biggest cheerleaders

Last weekend I ran in my first 5K after participating in a training program. I ran 2 of the miles and that was a HUGE accomplishment for me. Below is a picture with Jessica - my training buddy and much younger team member from work!

My two biggest cheerleaders were waiting at the finish line for me ----- with a balloon, flowers, card and cheering with a Dora whistle.

It's so amazing to have the unconditional love of my daughter and husband.

Love you, Ava Lu & Jim!

Preschool promotion

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!

Her little hat kept falling off - my fault, I made it too small. I'll do better next year baby girl, I promise!
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!

Happy 4th Birthday, Ava Lu!

Today is our precious girl's 4th birthday. I can't believe how time flies.

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!

Family!

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!

I love my cousins so much. They are like sisters.

Gotta love those girls!
Michelle

Easter beauty

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!

Happy Spring,
Michelle

Snow fun

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.

It was a glorious day and night away in such a beautiful, magical place! A much needed break of "fun" for Ava Lu, Jim and I.

I just love this picture of daddy and daughter walking in the snow.

Looking forward to heading up the hill one more time this season,

Michelle