B.B.Q. at Uncle's

Last weekend we headed to my brother's house in Tracy for a B.B.Q. We had a great time talking, playing, and eating good food. We brought our Xbox and let everyone try a few games. My dad was a good sport and tried Dance Central. It was hilarious and we all appreciated his effort. We also played hide-n-go-seek in the house and Ava enjoyed sneaking around the house and scaring people. It was a nice afternoon and Ava happy was to see Papa, Nona, and Uncle. She loves her family so much!

Ava with Papa & Nona. Check out Jake (their dog) in the corner.

Ava and Uncle Eric.

Ava says, "Uncle too big for my bike."

Daddy helping Ava fly high. Unlce's house was perfect for this favorite game because of the high vaulted ceiling.

Chocolate cheesecake makes Ava's "tummy happy".

Visit with the Oregonians

Rich's brother, Doug, and his family came down for a visit during 4th of July weekend. We met in Gridley and partied. Ava always has a good time with her cousins and was happy to play with them. We were happy to visit with the family too. We were sad we were missing some of the family and can't wait until we can all be together again.

Left to Right: Ian, Kobie, Bella, Ava, Lily, & Marlee
Making silly faces. Ava was done and just took off.I was trying to duplicate a photo I took last year of all the cousins in a team huddle. Ava and Eli were not in the mood. Ava just wanted to run wild.

Cool Down in the Pool

It was HOT while we were in Gridley. Thank goodness Papa & Nona have a pool because it was a fun way to cool down. Ava had a blast with her dad and cousins. She enjoyed watching them jump in and making big splashes.

I love this picture of Marlee jumping in.

Ava is squirting her dad with a water blaster.

I never did get a good picture of Ian playing in the pool. He was too fast for me.Eli and Ava played with a bubble machine, but more bubbles ended up on the ground than in the air. After awhile Eli started washing Ava with the "soapy" water.Ava making a funny face.

Hunting Ava's Nose

For the past two weeks we have been on several nose hunts in our backyard. Ava's nose keeps running away and we have to track it down. It all started when I had a cold and my nose was running like crazy. When I explained this to Ava I could see her mind working, so I told her my nose ran outside to see what she would say. She thought it was funny and then wanted to go outside and get it. We didn't go outside at that moment, but over the next few days Ava kept talking about my nose running outside. She then changed it to her nose and when we went outside she made me hunt for her nose. Each time I find it and put it back on her face she takes her nose off again and the hunt start all over.

Ava is hilarious. She is really starting to develop a sense of humor. She tries to crack jokes and likes to say "I'm funny." Each day she puts a smile on my face and makes me love her even more. I can't wait to see if she will continue to be a ham as she grows up.

Welcome to La Cucina d'Ava

Ava still loves her little red kitchen and spends a lot of time making things for us to try. She has also started wearing her Toy Story chef hat.

Summer Reading Program

At the beginning of the summer Ava and I started participating in the reading program at our local library. We each got our own bingo card and started filling it out. It was easy for Ava to get a Bingo because we read everyday. It was more a of challenge for me because I don't do a lot of reading on my own (something I'm trying to change). When we turned in our cards I had 2 lines of Bingo and Ava almost had a blackout. As a prize Ava got to pick out a book. She choose (with our help), Big Smelly Bear, by Britta Teckentrup. My prize was a bag. Also, we are both entered into the Sacramento Library's drawing. Ava could win a Target gift card and I could win an IPad 2. Eventhough, we turned in our cards we are still reading and even got new cards to fill out. I probably won't get another Bingo before the summer is over, but I'm sure Ava's card will be filled again.

Favorite Scriptures

Each night we read the scriptures as a family. Right now we are reading a children's version of the Book of Mormon. Each night we read one new story, but then Ava makes us read her two favorite stories too. The first story that she loves is Baby Jesus. She will point to the different pictures and tell us about everyone. The second story she likes is about the Liahona. I'm not sure she quite understands the story yet, but she will find the story and say, "read Liahona." It is so wonderful to see her desire to read the scriptures and to know she is learning from them.

These are Ava's scriptures: My First Book of Mormon Stories, More of My First Book of Mormon Stories, and My First New Testament.
We have read all of them at least once, so we just start over again.

This is the story of "Baby Jesus" in the New Testament.

This is the story of the Liahona in the Book of Mormon.

For those of you wondering, "what the heck is the Liahona", it is found in the Book of Mormon. It is a "ball of curious workmanship" with two spindles and is interpreted as being a compass. It was a guide for Lehi (a prophet in the Book of Mormon) and his family. The compass only worked and gave guidance when they were faithful.

If you want to learn more about the Liahona or the Scriptures check out these links:
*The Liahona
*The Scriptures
*That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us, by Elder David Bednar

Made with Love

Awhile ago we made onesies for our soon to be niece/cousin. I didn't want to show the pictures because Baby Aberdeen wasn't born yet. Now that Aberdeen is 3 weeks old and the gift has been received I can show pictures of our creations.

I got the idea to finger paint on onesies from FamilyFun.com. It was a lot of fun and we all participated. At first Rich and I helped Ava and guided her fingers. When Ava got tired of that she decided it was more fun to help guide our fingers. For the last onesie we let Ava have complete control and make whatever she wanted. I think it came out really cute and it made her happy. We also let Ava decorate a P.J. shirt to keep for herself. We all had a good time and I think it will be something we do again.

Welcome to the family Baby Aberdeen! We love you and can't wait to meet you!

These are the onesies we made. The top left is a family of frogs. We each made one frog. Rich did the hearts on the top left. We all made one butterfly. Ava made the flowers on the bottom middle onesie (with some help). The one on the bottom right is Ava original design. It is even signed with her initials.This is a close-up of Ava's creation.

The Boston Bowlings Come Home

Last weekend we were so excited to visit with the Boston Bowlings (Bob's family). Bob just graduated from Dental school in Boston. Since we have been so far apart we have only seen them a few times in the last few years. Soon they will be settling in Gridley and we will only be a 1 1/2 hour drive away...YEAH!! We are excited to spend more time with them and to watch Ava and Ezra play.

Ava and Ezra getting into the pool. It was cold!

Ava and Ezra have a great time splashing and playing. They stayed on the side of the pool most of the time.

Ava was excited to find a new sandbox at Papa & Nona Bowling's house. Rich and Ava played while we waited for Bob and family to return home.

Ava's "New Big Girl Bed"

We have been planning to transition Ava into the play room for awhile. We decided to take down the full/twin bunk bed ("Papa & Nona's bed") and buy Ava a new big girl bed. I talked about it with my mom and she offered with papa to buy Ava a bed. With this offer I started talking with Ava about it hoping to get her used to the idea. To my surprise she was excited and ready for the change. For the past several weeks she has been telling everyone she is going to get "a new big girl bed". She also kept saying, "Papa & Nona's bed is going down, down, and I get a new big girl bed." I wasn't expecting Ava to be gun-ho about the idea, so we weren't planning on getting the bed right away. We figured we would get it at the end of July, but Ava kept asking to go the store to buy her bed. I talked with my mom again and she was surprised too. We decided not to wait and made plans to go look at some beds at IKEA this past weekend.

Before we went to the store I looked up a couple beds online. I found two I liked and showed them to Ava. She didn't like the first one I showed her, but said she wanted to buy the other one. When we got to IKEA we looked at both beds and all agreed (including Ava) that we liked the white bed with 3 drawers the best. Since Papa & Nona had their Yukon we bought the bed.

As soon as we got home Rich & Papa started putting the bed together. Ava, Nona, and I went to Target to by some sheets. Ava looked at all the sheets and decided on a Zebra pattern. She also found a cute Minnie Mouse pillow that Nona decided to buy for her. Ava was so excited about these purchases and couldn't wait to get home and try her new bed.

When we returned home the men were still at work. They had made a lot of progress and were almost done. After a little while it was all put together except for the drawers. It was late and they worked so hard I said it could wait until the next day. Besides Ava wanted to help and that was something she could do with Rich.

The bed was together, the sheets were washed, the quilt was on, and everything was ready for Ava to give her bed a try. She was so excited and rolled around on her bed. Ava LOVES her bed! She has transitioned well and has slept through the nights. She likes to sleep in her new bed and play on it too. Something I thought would be a challenge has turned out to fun and exciting. It is wonderful to see the smile and joy on Ava's face.

THANKS PAPA & NONA KURZ!!

Ava's first night in her "new big girl bed".
Notice the drawers are missing.

This is Ava's Eric Carle "Brown Bear" quilt made by her Nona Carole. Now that she has a big bed she can use it.

Ava asleep in her new bed. She looks so small in the big bed. Ava and Rich finished putting the drawers together the next day. Now we just need to finish organizing her new room and move stuff over from the nursery.

Father's Day

I had a good Father's Day. I was able to spend the day with Lisa and Ava. Lisa prepared a nice meal for me. I have wanted her to make lamb for a while and she did for Father's Day. It was very good. The weather was nice, so we were able to spend time outside. It was good just to hang-out outside together.

Ava got me a nice surprise we can share together. She gave me the movie, "Cars", in Italian to watch together. She also gave me "The Cat in the Hat" in Italian for me to read to her. Lisa gave me a gift to encourage my desire to sculpt. I got a very nice set of chisels and tools for sculpting. Now I just need to get some stone, so I can get started.

The day was great and the best part was just being together with my family.

Ava & me by the tree in front of our house.

"Touch Noses"- Usually when we say "touch nose" we rub our noses together, but today Ava thought it was funny to poke my nose.

MMMMMM Lamb Shank!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Scream Sandwiches (homemade)
Ava's gifts to meCarving SetAva saying, "Happy Papa's Day", to one of her Papas.Luca enjoying the lamb shank.
Happy Dog!

No news is not always good news!

I'm writing this post to answer the question that keeps coming up. Lately, everyone we know keeps asking, "have you heard anything?" (referring to the adoption). The answer is no. It has been a little over a year and we have not heard anything. We have not been contacted by any birth moms and we have no idea if we will.

The next thing that everyone wants to know is how we are handle it, so here is the answer. It is hard, but we are okay. We want another child and for Ava to have a sibling more than everything, but we know we have no control over it. Yes, it is difficult and painful, but we just keep on keeping on and focus on the blessing that Ava is. We have faith that what is right for our family will come to pass. We continue to pray, read the scriptures, and go to the temple to find the comfort and peace we need. It doesn't completely take away the longing for another child, but it makes the waiting bearable.

I know many of you wish you could help, but don't know what to do. We appreciate your love and support. We have been blessed with wonderful family and friends...thank you! Please just keep us in your thoughts and prayers. And, if you know anyone that is considering adoption please remember us and maybe put in a good word or two.

Visit With My Parents

This past week Ava, Luca, and I headed to my parents for a few days. We went to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day and to continue to work on a sowing project. We had a lot of fun while there, but I didn't get much sowing done. Instead we went shopping, rested, and cooked.

Ava had a blast in the kitchen with Nona. She made pancakes and learned how to crack an egg. She also made her own pizza and helped Nona make a cake. Ava liked licking the frosting spatula the best.

Ava got to hang out with Papa in the evenings. She enjoyed sharing dessert with him and snuggling while watching Wipeout. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures with Ava and Papa. I don't know what I was thinking.

We met my brother for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and Ava got this cute creation. I like going there because Ava loves bread and they always make this bread & banana butterfly for her. She loves it! Ava was excited to see how big Nona's strawberry patch was. She picked and ate a lot of strawberries. She did share a few with Papa, but ate the majority of them by herself.Making pancakes with Nona. Nona taught Ava how to crack an egg all by herself. It was pretty awesome!For dinner one night we had homemade pizza. Ava rolled out and topped her own pizza.

Little Pool

This week it was finally warm enough to bust out Ava's "Little Pool." Last month we got this pool at Kohl's for free. We had one of their spend $10 save $10 coupon and went to see what we could get. I planned on getting some cheap summer clothes, but Ava had a different plan. As soon as she saw this pool she grabbed it and carried it around the store. It was only $8, so we thought why not. We didn't realize how tiny it was until now. To make up the $10 we found a Mickey Mouse fork/spoon set and spent a couple dollars on both items.

Ava has been wanting to use the pool since she got it, but the weather has not cooperated. I'm not sure what was going on, but it has been cold up until the past week. We have had storms and freezing cold weather all through May and part of June. It was crazy, but I think that is all behind us. This week the weather was in the 80's and even hit the low 90's. Next week it is suppose to reach 100 degrees, so I'm sure Ava and I will be playing a lot in her "little pool".

Ava enjoys "jumping" into her pool. Ready, Get Set, Go...

Ava likes to make Luca get in the pool with her. She finds his ball and then throws it in the pool, so he has to get in to get it. She thinks it is so funny.

Ava is signing "more" because she doesn't want to get out. And yes, she is wearing her P.J.'s.