The Morrow Manor: August 2008

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Happy 3rd Birthday Ava!
Tuesday morning at 12:47am our sweet butter bean turned three! We woke her up by singing Happy Birthday...she buried herself under her covers, but eventually popped up with excitement! After a birthday breakfast we spent the day together...not doing anything too special but just playing and having fun. Later that evening we headed to Fayetteville, had dinner with the Meyers family and headed to Chuck-E-Cheese for Ava's school fundraiser (she celebrated with Miss Kristi and her friends at school on Monday with "teddy bear" cookies). We look forward to celebrating again with all of our friends and family in a week, and can't wait to spend a day "Down on the Farm".

It amazes to think that she has already been a part of our lives for 3 years now, and I can't imagine what my life was like before her. She has brought more laughter and joy into our lives and we are blessed and eternally grateful that God chose us to be her parents. Here are a few pictures of Ava through the years :)

Almost time & headed to the hospital....Mommy was about to POP!

Three minutes old

Three hours old

Three days old

Three months old

One year old
Two years old

Three years old!

Ava's Birthday Surprise!

What do you get a three year old...that has her own mini kitchen, baby dolls galore...well something for outside! With Ava's birthday approaching Granny & Pop, Gigi & G-Paw, & Mimi and Papa decided that it was time for Ava to have her own outside playset. Nick and I picked it out a few weeks ago and tried to keep it hidden in the garage. Last weekend Uncle Chris, Mimi and Papa came down and help Nick put everything together. Despite the weather...hot & rainy...Nick, Chris & Papa finished Ava's new playset.

Ava had tons of fun helping out...thank goodness she was there to read & follow the directions.

Taking a dip in the pool while the boys finished up.

The finished product!

Thanks so much everyone for chipping in and getting Ava something great for her birthday...and especially big thank you for all your hard work putting it together!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Ava goes to school!

Yesterday was Ava's first day of Preschool!

We figured with Ava's 3rd birthday right around the corner, it was time for her to venture out of the house and learn new things and meet new friends. We found a wonderful Preschool and Kindergarten in our area that was highly recommended by some friends. After visiting this spring we decided it was the perfect place for Ava.

She has been talking about it for weeks and was really excited to see what school was all about. We made her the perfect back to school dress which made the day even more special.

After waking up bright and early and having breakfast we took a few pictures and headed to school. Walking in with Nick and I on either side she said good morning to everyone and headed to Miss Kristi's classroom. She was so confident and excited which I was thrilled about, which made it much easier to leave my butter bean in someone elses care. For all you other Mom's wondering...the knot in my throat still hasn't gone away and probably never will especially when it comes to sending off my sweet girl to embark on new adventures. However, just knowing that she is happy to be there makes it so much easier!

She had a wonderful day and said she can't wait to go back! Now Mommy just has to figure out what to do with the 3 extra hours she has 3 days a week :)

Eating breakfast...obviously we didn't tackle that wild mane yet!

Posing for a pick outside before leaving

Miss Kristi & Ava

When we got home...Ava reminded me that we forgot to take a picture together, so here is our self portrait.

Ava after school with her happy face necklace they made...so proud :)

Happy 80th Birthday G-Paw!

Last Wednesday Grandpa Gene/G-Paw celebrated his 80th Birthday! On Saturday we threw him a little Birthday get together to honor him and this huge milestone. We had a great turn out of friends and family, and it was so nice spending the day together. Ava had the most fun in her role as the "unofficial" hostess and of course loved the attention from all of Gigi & G-Paw's friends. Here are a few pictures from our day...of course the majority of these have Ava in them (go figure :) I'll post some more once I get them from Mimi & Papa.

Here are some fun pictures throughout the years. I made a video that played during the party of G-Paw through the past 80 years. I won't post it because it's over 15 minutes long...so here are just a few to look back!

Below Right: Betty & Gene at Prom