Party day!

Today we celebrated Ava's 2nd birthday at the carousel. We were blessed to be surrounded by family (and the Herrmanns, her godparents). Ava had a great time! She must have ridden the carousel at least 10 times with different companions accompanying her each time! For a girl who does not crave the limelight, she even enjoyed the rousing, "Happy Birthday" song and her birthday hat! We are grateful for her--what a joy she is!


Ava and Gigi (you'll see some of the many faces of Ava as you scroll down--this is the skeptical Ava)


Papa and Henry enjoying a turn on the carousel too!


Ava with Grandpa B (she loves him and Lulu so!)


There was a lot of mingling by the adults as Ava was on the carousel in between present opening! And Nana and I even snuck in a carousel ride ourselves!




This is "cheese"-sy Ava--not her genuine smile but still cute!


Inquisitive Ava surrounded by her gifts...


Bryce keeping the boys busy by "making things" with the leftover twisties and plastic from opening Ava's gifts--putting those boy scout skills to work!


Henry has really enjoyed Ava's birthday. He was greeted with a special treat on Saturday morning--3 real peacock feathers that Aunt Holly got for him. He wore them in the back of his pants all day like a peacock tail! He was (and still is) in heaven. Can't you see that sheer joy on his face?


Opening gifts--she really did quite well with the myriad of gifts and thanked each person with the sweetest thank you you've ever heard...


On her beloved carousel. One of many horses she rode...


A sweet moment with Uncle Mark