Tribute to Ava on her 4th Birthday!

Four years ago today, Ava joined our family......and the world became a happier, LOUDER place!
We marvel at her amazing sense of humor, her positive outlook on life, and the abundance of energy in her little body. She makes us laugh daily and we are so thankful for her! One of my favorite Ava quotes occurred during a dinner out with friends when Matt suggested all of the kids play the quiet game until the food arrived. Ava groaned..."Ugh, Why can't we just play something I'm good at!!" That just about sums it up, never a dull moment. Here are some pictures from her first week of life...



This is a picture of Ella holding Ava.....it's amazing how similar Ava looks to her now!

She sure has grown up and lets me know how big she is daily...unless I ask her to pick up. Then she says.."How can I? I'm just a little girl!"

Jump Planet Here We Come!!

Ava celebrated her 4th birthday at Jump Planet.....the perfect place for a girl who loves to jump!!! She invited lots of friends and they all ran around and jumped until their cheeks were rosy red!



Ava liked the slide the best! She especially liked sliding with Pastor Marcie!

Sadie was a little overwhelmed and didn't want to get down until it was almost over...but she enjoyed playing with baby Lyzetta!

Time for cake!!! The kids headed upstairs and enjoyed bananas, oranges, cake, and ice cream.

Finally.....presents!!! Ava was thrilled with every present she opened. More than once she said," It's just what I've always wanted!!"

She was overjoyed when she opened this jersey from the Vendelins....something she's wanted for a long time. (Sorry Muv and Gramps....I guess she'll need a Duck jersey too!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA!!!!!

Sadie's Officially Walking....Finally!!

Go Hawks!!

Today we went to Qwest Field for the first time to watch the Seahawks play the Bears! We went with a group of friends and had a blast!! Here is a view of the field from our seats. We sat in the end zone which apparently means you don't sit....you stand for the entire game. I think that helped keep us warmer though.

Here's Jenny and I....basically the only people not sporting Seahawks apparel. I guess next time we'll have to break out the face paint and blue and green wigs!

Nate, DJ, Matt, and Ben contributing to the thunderous noise in the stadium!

Here's the cloud that was looming overhead. It sure was could, but never rained!

The girls!

The boys!

All of us!


By the end of the game I couldn't feel my toes, but I couldn't complain because it was such a fun afternoon. It was an action-packed game and the Seahawks won 30-23! We will definitely go again sometime!

Ella's 1st Slumber Party

Ella went to her first slumber party away from home this weekend! Brave coach Kim from gymnastics hosted a party for TWELVE girls. They spent the first part of the evening at the gym playing on the bars, learning new dances , eating pizza, decorating t-shirts.....Kim knows how to wear the girls out. While the girls were having fun, so were the mommies! We went out to P.F. Chang's and hit the Nordstrom sale! We came back and transported the girls to Kim's for the rest of the night. Here's Ella organizing her area...making sure she had a perfect view of the T.V.

All the girly sleeping bags!!

Here's the t-shirt Ella decorated to sleep in...and a pose with one of her best friends, Abby June.

One last picture before I said goodnight and left. Ella couldn't wait for me to leave.....obviously all separation anxiety is gone! She had a great time the rest of the night eating popcorn and watching a movie. Apparently the girls were up until midnight, not a big surprise. What a fun party! She'll be talking about this one for awhile!