Tahoe Fun

We went on our first family vacation with Ava Lu - to Lake Tahoe. It was a week filled with fun and relaxation. Ava LOVED the beach, playing in the sand, riding in the boat with mommy & daddy and just exploring new things. She called the cottage that we stayed in our "little house."

She had her first sailboat ride, first boat/raft ride in the lake, first gondola ride (up 8,200 ft, no less), first movie in the park AND first shopping trip at a art fair. All very much part of what Jim and I enjoy doing in Tahoe - so fun to have our girl with us to carry on the tradition. Ava Lu's excitement for life and the beauty she brings to each new day is truly a blessing!

Michelle

Sailing in Tahoe

We went to Tahoe for the week and Ava Lu enjoyed the sailing trip. Here are a few pictures from the boat. More photos of our entire week to come in our next post. For now, here's Ava Lu on her first sailing exhibition! You can tell she had a good time - our adventurous little princess.

4th of July

We had a great time celebrating 4th of July with our friends and family.

Dan & Melinda, Josh & Elisia and their families as well as us and our parents enjoyed great food, fun and fireworks! Melinda, as usual, hosted a way-better-than Martha Stewart spread and festive party. Ava Lu had fun swimming in the spa with Danielle. She even her first try at sparklers (mommy was a bit nervous).

Naturally, Ava Lu headed for the spa before I could snap a photo of her in her red & white 4th of July wear. Oh well, we had fun celebrating our country's freedom and Ava's 2nd year in the USA.

Michelle

June fun

June was a busy month that flew by. Not without some fun and parties though!

Ava Lu "met" Cinderella (affectionately known as "rella") at a play and after party that Nana took Ava and I to in Folsom. As you can see from the pictures she loved wearing her princess dress and meeting another princess. It was too cute!

And, we went to Ava Lu's first tea party - a Lady Bug picnic tea party at a local tea house. How perfect is that? We went with our dear friends as their birthday gift to Ava Lu. It was such a fun time.

All these new experiences are a true joy to share with my daughter. She's now been to a live play and a tea party with real china.

Looking forward to more summer fun in July & August!

Michelle

Last Day of School

Last week was Ava Lu's last day of her 2-year old Friday preschool class. She completed her first class with ease :). She loved going every Friday morning to see Miss Paula and her friends Kira, Marshall, Eva and others! So cute to see them all singing, clapping, playing and learning to share (not so cute at times).






We had a party at the park on the last day. Miss Lu rode the merry-go-round again and again and again (is that what you call the push ride at the park? I can't recall). It was such fun seeing how all the children had grown and become little friends in just nine months.


Of course, Ava never misses a chance to play in the sand or water with shovels if she has a chance!

We'll look forward to seeing some of her class friends over the summer in the neighborhood.

Or, we'll see you in the fall,

Ava Lu and mommy

Ava Lu turns 3

As sweet as can be, Ava Lu turns 3!

We had a Fun in the Sun party complete with a sprinkler pool and cupcakes. True to form, Ava Lu took a plunge in the pool before I was able to get a posed photo of the b-day girl in her sundress and bow. Oh well.

Here she is in all of her 3-year old glory.

She loved her party with her friends - she told me "mommy, I having fun, party and friends." That's my girl - is there anything better than good people, good food and presents? Didn't think so!

Thanks to those who came to celebrate and those who sent their loving wishes and gifts through the mail. We are always so amazed by the love and support of our family and friends. We know Ava Lu is special to so many!

If you have any tips on raising a spirited 3 year old, share away!

Michelle

Mother-Daughter Brunch

We had the blessing of going to a mother-daughter brunch today. Those of you who know me well, know I used to avoid these events like the plague! Oh, those years of thinking "it was never going to happen." I'm so glad that God had a plan far greater than my dreams or hopes.

This picture just takes my breath away!


Ava Lu sure enjoyed the strawberries and all the fun in grandma's beautiful garden.Here are Sammy and Kylie, Ava Lu's cousins. She had fun playing with them and all their attention.
Thank you, Blanca, for taking these pictures to capture the memories of our first mother-daughter event. It will forever be a warm memory of true fulfillment.

Looking foward to Mother's Day #2. Presents aren't necessary - I have my forever gift of the heart!

Michelle

Big Girl Bed

We finally transitioned Ava Lu to her "own" big girl bed. The transition was rather smooth given she has not slept in her crib all but 5-7 nights in the last year. She's been sleeping in the spare bedroom queen size bed! So, I finally let go of the crib being in her room and put her twin bed up.

It's great to have her sleeping in her own room beautifully decorated just for her!

And, in celebration of our one year anniversary, we got together with others in our travel group from the Bay Area. How wonderful to see how all the girls have grown. . . and all the happiness and joy in these families' lives. It was a great celebration party. One of our travelmates, Lori, made an amazing slide show of the trip. Once I get a copy of it, I'll post it to our blog. Tears of joy were streaming down my face as I watched it! Here's a photo of the group one year later.

Ava Lu is talking more and more. In fact, she repeats EVERYTHING we say. Watch out! It's fun to hear her begin to articulate her thoughts and feelings. She is truly a joy and gift from God! In fact, this morning she and her daddy were watching the Travel Channel and she came into the bedroom to tell me she wanted to go to the beach. Of course, the beach she saw on TV was in the Bahamas. I told her that I wanted to go as well. So, our likes and desires are already lining up!

Here's to more exploration of the wants and needs our little girl,

Michelle

One year of bliss with our little Miss!

Today marks the one year anniversary of receiving Ava Lu into our arms. It has truly been a remarkable year of fulfillment, joy and life! Look at our precious daughter now. . . one year later. We love her more than ever and are so thankful for the year of bliss with our little Miss Ava Lu.

We had an "Ava Lu day" celebration tonight with our parents and dear friends. Such joy filled our home as we remember God's goodness and mercy in bringing Ava Lu into our family.

We love you, dear daughter. You are truly born of my heart and fill our arms and home with such love. February 26 will always be our special "Ava Lu day." I am reminded of the scripture in Ephesians, "God can do anything you know -- far more than you could ever imagine or request in your wildest dreams." Each day, Ava Lu, you are fulfillment to God's promise in our life.

With hearts filled with love and gratitude,

A very blissful Mommy and Daddy

O Christmas Tree

Ava Lu's first Christmas Tree! We had such an amazing day going up the hill to cut our tree down with Ava Lu. She remembered the surroundings from our Pumpkin day and thought that's what we were going to do again! It's amazing to see her wonder and excitement with all the newness of the Christmas holiday.


The tree is up - only a few broken ornaments thus far. We're having a joyous December thus far with our precious daughter!

Michelle & Jim