Happy 7th Birthday, Ava Chantal!

Happy 7th Birthday, sweet Ava!  You are full of smiles and hugs and goodness!

 

You are such a sensitive, shy little soul until one gets to know you more deeply, and then they see you are also bubbly, full of ideas, friendly, and fun-loving.  

You can be so helpful and you are always ready to help me make or bake something in the kitchen.  You love pouring in the ingredients, mixing it all up, and of course licking the bowl when we are done making a sweet treat.  

 You are sometimes hesitant, but often quite adventurous.  You backpacked for the first time with Daddy this year and rocked it.  You are strong and determined when you want to be, yet you often stop to notice little things as well like the wildflowers or an interesting bird.  

You started school this year at a school outside our home.  It was a bit of an adjustment for shy little you.  You like to get to know people slowly and on your own timeline.  At school, you meet so many people very quickly and jump right in.  You quietly remain in the background and have slowly (with the help of your sweet big sister) made a few friends that you enjoy playing all sorts of games with.  Your smile when you come home from school on blue (EXCELLENT behavior) is the sweetest testament to the love in your heart and your desire to serve others and make them smile.  

 

You adore babies.  You loved holding your lovely little cousin, Mary, this summer.  Every chance you got (and there weren't as many as you wanted because there were so many aunts, uncles, and cousins vying for a chance to hold her) you held her and your smile was radiant.  You were just so thrilled to love on a sweet, tiny baby! 

We had two little celebrations for your birthday this year because your actual birthday was a "dance night" which means we had very little time to celebrate wonderful you.  We did manage a quick candle blowing out experience and ice cream sundaes before we rushed you off to your tap class.  

 

You love to explore the world around you.  Whether it's observing animals at the zoo, using your hands to explore and create at the Children's Museum, or making Mommy nervous by insisting on a picture of yourself on a mountain cliff, you are full of adventure and curiosity.  

 

Later, we were able to celebrate your big day with a little more time and pizzazz.  Daddy made your requested ice cream cake and it was delicious.  You were excited to get the roller skates that your little heart has been wanting so you can join your sister and friends rolling around the neighborhood. 

 

You are full of sunshine and flowers and beauty.  We are so blessed to be your parents.  Thank you for shining your beautiful light into our hearts.  You are a precious child of God and we feel so honored to be able to guide you and love you and teach you about the Father's love.  You are beautiful, kind, and filled with sweet tenderness.  

We love you, darling girl.