Monday, February 23, 2009

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!

9 comments:

thedickinsonfamily said...

What a beautiful family you have. Happy 5th Birthday to Miss Ava. This was definately a reason to celebrate. Can you beleive it's been a year since she's been home? We are on our way to resuce Timur, 5 days and counting. His 3rd birthday is THIS Sun., March 1st. We will fly in on his birthday. I can't wait for us to be able to celebrate when we're finally home. Thanks for the prayers. Keep 'em coming. Give Ava a hug for me. I can't wait to "meet" you guys in person sometime soon.
Blessings,
Meghan

junglemama said...

Lovely photos! The cake turned out great! How'd you do that?

Tim Rovenstine said...

Wow, you've got some memories archived..on the Internet, it causes happy hormones to flow when I read it.,

Bethany said...

I love the bus! Happy birthday sweet girl!

amyl4 said...

Happy Birthday Ava! I love the cake, did you make it? It's adorable! And never for one moment did I think your little frosting dog looked like a turd! LOL!
Looks like it was a fun day for everyone!:)
Amy

jennifer... said...

Cute cake!  Did you make that?  I have noticed the big spacings under your pictures but I figured it was a translation error, like you said.  Please don't stop blogging because of it, though!  We know you don't make it way on purpose.:) 

Mamapierce said...

Happy Birthday Ava! What an adorable cake, Charissa! :o)

Rachel said...

Happy Birthday Ava!

Jaimie said...

what a creative cake!! I'm guessing those are nilla wafers? Too cute!

She's SUCH a doll..


Jaimie