Ava's birthday party

Ava's birthday snuck up on me this year, and I don't have an excuse other than that it's a busy time of year! Luckily, the amazing Aunt Tina came to the rescue. She had offered to host a tea party for Ava, and I took her up on the offer. I made the invitation and Ava invited a few friends, and Tina did pretty much everything else!

While Tina did all of the decorating and preparing, I should have probably planned a few things for the girls to do during the party. I figured they would swim though, so didn't make other plans. Unfortunately, and unexpectedly, it was cool and windy the day of the party. It wasn't exactly swimming weather (especially in a pool that isn't yet very warm), although the girls still wanted to swim. Tina had an Angry Birds game, so they played that for awhile. Typical tea party game, right?!

It's Tea Time ladies!

Cheers to 7 Ava!

After tea, the girls went outside to play with bubbles by the pool. That lasted a few minutes, and they were ready to do something else. Again, they would have liked to swim!

 Next it was time for cupcakes and cake. I love this picture of all the pretty girls!

Tina had a great idea to take photos of Ava with each of her friends after she opened their gift. It's a great way to remember who was at the party, and who gave her each gift.

Ava has so many friends, and is Miss Social everywhere she goes. I'm sure she'd invite 20 friends if she could. It's so fun to see her interacting with her friends and excited to be the center of attention on her birthday. We were very grateful to Tina for putting this party together for Ava. Enjoy your year as a seven year old, Ava! We love you so much.

Disneyland Flashback

For Ava's 3rd birthday, we took our first family vacation to Disneyland. It was such a fun trip! I love seeing the joy on the kids' faces while they explored the happiest place on earth. Let's look back at some of the fun....I wonder when we'll go back?

Happy 7th birthday Ava!

Seven years ago, the most amazing baby girl entered the world and our family--securing a place in the hearts of so many forever. She has given us seven years of smiles, happiness and laughter. She is creative, funny, friendly and kind. She loves making new friends and is adventurous and brave when it comes to trying new things. Ava loves school and is eager to learn--she has totally rocked 3rd grade! 6 was an eventful year for Miss Ava. Towards the beginning of the year, she went and jumped off a swing and broke her arm, forcing her to spend half of her summer break with a cast covering 3/4 of her arm. She was a trooper though, and rarely even complained. First grade started right around the time she got her cast off and Ava was off and running! She made new friends, although she spent most of the year with her Kindergarten bestie, Rowan. The school year has flown by, and now Ava is getting ready to move up to second grade. The other highlight of turning six was joining swim team. She wanted to make sure she started swim team when she was six because "that's when Katie started swim team." She loves her brother, although she also loves to pester him. She's definitely a Daddy's girl, but luckily for me, she also enjoys spending time with me. I love our Mother/Daughter time together, and I am so very grateful that I have such an amazing daughter. I am so proud of her and I can't wait to see the young lady she becomes. It'll be here way too soon, I'm afraid. Time is truly flying by.

Ava woke up with a big smile on her face the morning of her birthday. She had asked the night before for a birthday breakfast of pancakes with whip cream and strawberries.

Tyler picked out a birthday present for his sister.....

Ava got to have her birthday celebration at school, bringing popsicles to share with her classmates. We asked Ava to pick where she wanted to go for dinner, and she chose Souper Salad. None of us were too excited about that option, and reminded Ava that she had just been there the weekend before. She changed her mind, and we went to Red Robin instead, and Grandma and Grandpa joined us. After dinner, it was present time...any kid's favorite part about a birthday.

Grandma and Grandpa gave her a cool coloring book, a dress, and some awesome pink and white roller skates with elbow, knee, and wrist guards. She loves them!

We picked something off of her list, but not the pony, pig, or trampoline. We got her a pogo stick, which she has quickly figured out, which is no surprise!

Look at that giant cupcake! She didn't eat much of this, but it worked as a holder for these 7 candles. Happy happy birthday to our amazing seven year old daughter. You are truly one of the best things in our life, and we love you more than you will ever know. Enjoy being seven! I know it'll be a fantastic year full of new memories and fun times.

Last sleep as a 6 year old

This girl is going to sleep for the last night as a 6 year old. These years are passing by so quickly! Sleep well, sweet girl. Tomorrow you will be SEVEN!

Ava woke up the next morning to this cool poster on her door. It was so fun to go through photos to find the right ones to use for the collage.

Wondering what Ava has on her birthday list this year? Here it is--a pogo stick, a "wipe board" with markers (aka, white board), a real pony, a mini Frozen chair, a mini art table, a trampoline, and a chewbaca backpack. Later on, she also added a pet pig to the list. 

When I collected photos to put into a folder for that collage, I added them all to a Google album. I've mentioned it before, but Google makes the greatest videos and collages based on those albums. Using the photos I set aside for a birthday collage, Google put together this cool video. I love it!