Butterfly Bonanza

In keeping with tradition, we headed with my parents to check out the butterflies at our local botanical gardens. Such a welcome sight. The tropical plants and heated atrium were also a welcome escape from the bleak and cold outdoors. We saw a plethora of beautiful butterflies. We even managed to bring an orange one back home with us (see bottom photo). :-)

Ballet Recital

Today was Ava's first ballet recital. She was so stinkin' cute in her yellow dance costume. She did a great job on stage jumping up and down and spinning around with her friend and partner, Keely. I think she even did a little dancing. :-) No matter, she was adorable to watch. Her class danced to "A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine," which is a perfect song for Ava.

In the afternoon, Hannah also had her ballet recital. Yes, we had two recitals in one day. Hannah danced beautifully to "Trust in the Lord." She is becoming such a graceful dancer. It's a joy to watch her.

Mommy in Training

Ava LOVES babies! She absolutely adores her baby cousin Alissa and my cousin Kristin's daughter Naomi. She has such a sweet, tender way with them. Lately I've been noticing that this is carrying over to how she plays with her dolls. I had to capture this little "Mommy in training."




Ava also loves pretending to be a baby or having me pretend to be a baby while she's my mom. The other day I was the baby and she was the mom. She tucked me in and gave me lots of sweet kisses on my forehead. I said, "You're going to be a good mom someday." Ava replied, "I know. I'm just practicing my mom things." Man, how I love this girl.

California Girls

During the end of February, Ava and I escaped from the cold and snow and headed to California to visit our friends. This was the first time Ava flew on an airplane, other than when she came home from China as a baby. She was SUPER excited and did a fabulous job! It was so delightful to share this special trip together. Doug and Hannah stayed behind, but they had their own fun. Doug took Hannah downhill skiing for the first time and she loved it!

We flew into Sacramento and then drove to Clovis and stayed with our friends for a few days. On the three hour drive to Clovis, I loved seeing the myriad of almond and orange trees and gorgeous flowers. Quite a switch from the snow piles we left behind. Ava slept most of the trip down but woke up in time for a stop at the iconic In-and-Out Burger. We were not disappointed. I think it was the best burger I've ever had.

Once we arrived in Clovis, we spent lots of time playing, eating, chatting, shopping, playing and eating some more. Karen was an amazing chef. I think I put on 10 pounds while I was there. :-) It was so awesome to watch Ava and Amy play together again. Ava and Amy are from the same orphanage in China. Our families traveled together to adopt our girls and have been dear friends ever since. These are the same friends that we went camping with in South Dakota last summer.

It was so great to meet some of Karen's family and to worship at the church where Al is a pastor, but the best part was just hanging out and watching the girls play together. The time past far too quickly and soon enough we had to head off to our next stop, which was visiting my aunt in Ripon. While we were visiting with my aunt Barb, I was able to see three of my cousins that I haven't seen in years and meet some of their children. I was also able to meet my aunt's boyfriend/manfriend :-). I always enjoy spending time with my aunt even if it's only for a quick visit.

Reluctantly, Ava and I headed back to Sacramento and flew home. I think both of us could have stayed a few more days. It was good to get home and see Hannah and Doug, though. Coming back to the snow and cold, not so much. At least Ava and I got to be California girls for a little while.

Ava standing on the street in Ripon that is named after her preschool teacher. Yes, it's a small world

A Few of Our Favorite Things

Here are a few of our favorite things that helped us survive the winter blahs.

Playing in the snow

Eating lots of fresh fruit
Trying to make each day special and fun

Hanging out with lots of cute babies

Celebrating special occassions with family and friends

Enjoying delicious food

Hanging out with friends and drinking wine (adults only :-))

Laughing...lots of laughing and being silly

A Date with Daddy

Doug and Ava recently had a special date (unfortunately, Hannah was sick so she couldn't go too). They attended a royal ball fit for Daddies and their princesses held at the dance academy where Hannah and Ava take ballet. Ava was delighted to get fancy and have an evening alone with her daddy. I think both she and Doug had a magical evening. What do you think? :-)

Remembering Robin

Today would have been my dear friend Robin's 40th birthday. She went home to be with Jesus nearly 12 years ago, but not a day goes by that I don't think about her and wish with all my heart that she could still be here. There are so many times that I think of something I wish I could share with her. Each joy and sorrow I face in life, I wish she could be there to celebrate or cry with me. I wish she could have met my girls and I wish my girls could have really known their "Auntie" Robin rather than just hearing stories about her. I find myself missing her more than usual today. I wish we could've shared our 40th birthdays together - we used to celebrate in between our actual birthdays since they were only 16 days apart. Happy birthday, Robin! I can't wait to celebrate with you in Heaven!

All ready for our Senior prom...just waiting for our dates. Could our hair be any bigger?
Roses on my 40th birthday cake symbolizing me and Robin. Robin was "Rose Red" and I was "Snow White"