Not So Terrible Two's

So Ava turned two on Thursday. She is soo much fun right now. She says the funniest things and is just the sweetest little thing ever. Now I know every mother thinks this but I think it would be hard to argue the fact that she is just absolutely gorgeous. Justin and I are in some trouble with her. We had her big birthday party last night. It was so much fun. We enjoyed being with friends and family. The kids had fun whacking the Elmo pinata and getting all the candy. Ava got so many nice gifts including many bracelets which she had to wear all night long. She looked like Madonna when she was the material girl. She wore all the bracelets around her ankles out to lunch today. My parents got to come in town again from San Antonio. We always love having them here. Justin and I have been blessed with wonderful family and friends. My parents stayed with Ava after the party and Justin and I got to enjoy a night out with friends. We rarely get to do that and had such a great time. My dad and I competed in a 5k this weekend. I was rather proud of myself. I had a personal record completing in 17 minutes and 8 seconds. Although I do think the course was not organized well and may have been a little short. Either way I finished second in the girls and first in my age. Just came in a few seconds behind a 16 year old girl. I was proud of my dad, as this was his first race. I hope he participates in more. I am contemplating a marathon in the near future. Not ready to commit just yet. Justin and I are counting down the weeks until Jamaica. Just 5 more to go. I am so excited but am so sad to leave Ava. I know she will have a great time while we are gone, but I will miss her dearly. Well thank God for these last two wonderful years I have had with my precious daughter. Hoping for many more to come. God is just so amazing and I am so thankful for the wonderful family he has blessed me with that I so don't deserve. He sacrificed his precious son so a sinful girl like me could enjoy eternity with my daughter in heaven one day. Oh how he loves me.

Independence Day

We enjoyed a visit from my parents this weekend. They have recently moved to San Antonio from St. Louis. We are glad they are closer. We have been trying to get Ava to call my mom grammie. Well Ava has decided to call her Keke. Where do they come up with this stuff? Ava loved having them here as did Justin and I. It is always nice to have some help from the grandparents. They got Ava a pool as part of her up coming bday present. Yes, the countdown is on my little baby will turn 2 in 10 days. She loved swimming. Makes you remember when it did not matter how cold the water was. I love to watch her laugh and be happy and silly. She gets so excited about things. Everything is an adventure and her imagination is running wild. My heart is overflowing with love for this little girl. I love how she is so sweet. When she walked in the door today she ran up to me and screamed "MOMMY." She gave me a huge hug and would not let go. I am trying to absorb all of this that I can cause I know one day she will want nothing to do with me. If I could I would have several more. I feel like I am still a kid at heart and love kids sooo much. One of the best parts of my week is watching Ava with my niece and nephew on Thurdays. Our family has been bleesed with some special children. We can't wait till my sister in law and her family get their adopted daughter Sydney. God is GREAT!