I can't believe it's already time to celebrate the New Year. 2014 came quick! It just seems like yesterday we were trying to survive the sweltering Texas heat! My resolution is going to be to relax more - enjoy the moment and try not to sweat the small stuff. We have this sweet little angel we're able to see the world through her eyes and it's been amazing. She is worth everything and so fun to share life with. I'm just so happy she chose us!

5 years old at last

Each year birthday celebrations are more and more fun! The 5th is quite a milestone, of course, but the age 5 is just plain cool! Ava picked her birthday theme, assisted with the invitations, etc. My baby has style and knows what she wants. She is beginning to enjoy being celebrated. This is the first year she allowed us to sing Happy Birthday to her! She sat quietly, with a shy grin on her face as she soaked it all in...then blew out the candles! She even allowed herself to take the first hit on the pinata. I love that she is blossoming, becoming who she wants to be and determining her path. I look forward to every minute of everyday with my angel!

Texas Bluebonnets

Ava and I spent the last weekend of Spring Break on Lake Travis with her Aunt Christi. It was a magical weekend with the girls. In honor of Lil, we snapped this photo of Ava in a field of Texas Bluebonnets that return every year at the entrance of the property.

Easter Sunday

Ava's still at the age where I can talk her into little things...like "The Easter Bunny likes it when you wear bunny ears to hunt the eggs he left you on Easter morning." I'm amazed at how amazed she is on holiday mornings. I wonder what she is thinking. She stares at what the bunny has left in her basket and throughout the yard and waits for us to urge her to go for it. She stares at the presents under the tree on Christmas morning...before she tears into them. What is she thinking? Is she processing all of it...trying to figure it out. Why does she think about it...I use to just go for it...but then again...why didn't I think about it more than just soaking up the second. I love my child. I love that she helps me be in the moment. She allows me to live through her and think about what matters. I can't wait until she can really share what she sees and feels. Easter morning was a success and the day was a great day. She loved everything in her basket and enjoyed the hunt. We attended mass together and were baptized again. It is great to be a family and have love around us.