Birthday pictures, and family visit

So yes, I ended my blogging break early because I reached my grant fund goal much earlier than I expected to. I will still hold the drawing on March 1st in case there are any last minute Yulia-contributors out there. My kids and I have been praying for Yulia's family to step forward, I sure look forward to seeing that prayer answered.

Here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks. We have enjoyed having my parents up for a visit from Mexico. We just said good-bye to them tonight after singing Happy Birthday to Ava and blowing out the candles.

Ava's two favorite things are her daddy and her school bus. A Daddy cake sounded a little creepy, so I went with favorite #2, a school bus cake. Last year she ate her birthday cake pureed with milk through a lamb's feeder bottle. This year she got to shove the real thing in her mouth, (OK, actually she shoved one bite in her mouth and then flung the rest across the kitchen!)

















































In case you are wondering, the little thing that looks like a dog turd in the grass is actually supposed to be our dog, Bliss. If you look real carefully you might be able to see a resemblance of a golden retriever? OK, maybe not.










My dad taught the kids one morning about heritage and legacy. I'm not sure why he happened to have all these old pictures of our ancestors, but it made for an interesting and educational experience, not to mention a special grandparent bonding time. Thanks Dad. You certainly have honored your ancestors.

My brother came for a rare visit. I think he has an admirer. Not everyone gets a kiss like that!