Scriptures

We have been reading the scriptures as a family since Ava was little.  We started with the "My First Book of Mormon" board book, then started the Book or Mormon Reader made by the church.  Just recently we have started reading "The Book of Mormon for Families".  It is the the Book of Mormon, but broken up in smaller sections, with pictures, and has definitions.  It has been a great way to introduce Ava to the language of the scriptures and allows us to have good discussions about gospel principles.

Not only do we read the scriptures a family, but Rich and I also have personal scripture time.  We have been doing this for most of our marriage.  While we are not perfect we do read almost every night.

A couple months ago I decided it was time for Ava to start her personal scripture study.  She is starting to read and I thought it would be the perfect time for her to start developing the habit.  Of course she can not read the "real" scripture yet, but she can read the board book versions.  So a couple months ago Ava started reading the scriptures, with a little help, at night before bed.

It is a wonderful thing to hear her read the words.  I have noticed that the stories are starting to take on a whole new meaning to her.  She is getting more from them and I think (I hope) developing a love of the scriptures.  I just hope her desire to read and learn will continue as she grows older.

The Tooth Fairy Visits Ava

On November 10, 2014 Ava lost her first tooth.  It was dangling and holding on, but the other tooth was starting to come in behind it.  We encouraged Ava, with the promise of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and an episode of Studio C, to let Rich pop it out.  She agreed and the rest is history.

Ava was excited to loose her first tooth.  She was also just as excited to eat mom's Ben and Jerry's Phish Food ice cream.  She ate her ice cream, watched her show, and then placed her tooth in her tooth pillow.  Ava was excited to see if the tooth fairy would visit and also tell all her friends at school the next day.

The tooth fairy did visit.  Ava was excited to find some money and a note.  The tooth fairy left Ava a note with her tooth attached.  Ava thought the tooth fairy was so kind and generous that she wrote her a note back.  That night Ava left the note and a dime for the tooth fairy.  She is such a sweet and giving child.  The tooth fairy was appreciative and touched that Ava thought of her.  She left Ava a thank you note in return.

This pillow was my tooth pillow as a child.  Ava loved having something that was mine.  She also liked that it was Winnie the Pooh because we read the book during the summer.

Beauty and the Beast

 

In November we took Ava to see the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast.  We saw it at the Harris Center at Folsom Lake College.  After Ava saw the Aladdin show at Disneyland we decided she was ready to see a bigger Broadway production.

That night Ava was really excited.  We decided to dress up and make it a special night.  Ava even took her purse, which was my grandma's.  Ava couldn't wait to get there and find our seats.  She excitedly anticipated the start of the show.

When the show started she was a little scared.  The storm and when they first arrive at the Beast's castle frightened her a little.  She sat on Rich's lap for a bit and was okay.  She loved the show though.  The music and dancing were great and we also laughed a bit.  It was a fun evening out as a family and we look forward to more Broadway shows together.

Visit With Kim

In November we had the opportunity to visit with Ava's birth mom, Kim.  It was a wonderful visit.  We had fun at the at the Old Nut Tree location in Vacaville.  We had lunch and then enjoyed the carousel.  We ended the visit with some delicious ice cream.

A Disney Halloween

In October we went to Disneyland for one of their Halloween Parties.  The park closes to regular visitors at 6pm and if you have a special ticket you get to stay and play.  This was our first time at the park for Halloween and it didn't disappoint.  We had fun wearing our homemade Frozen costumes and trick-or-treating around the park.  We got a lot of candy and some healthy snacks too.  The decorations were great and we got to see a special Halloween firework show.

The following day we went back to the park.  We were surprised because some of the decorations were taken down from the night before.  We were happy we got to see Disneyland in its full Halloween glory the day before.  We were also happy we found matching Disneyland Halloween shirts.  We had to search hard to find Rich's.  Fortunately, one store had his size left.

It was a crazy, fun, and fast trip!

Fall Fun

School Awards

Ava is doing well in school.  She is excelling in all areas.  Ava is doing well academically and is a good example to the rest of the students.  She loves her teacher and playing with her friends.  Her favorite thing about school is recess.  Ava's favorite subject is math and continues to impress us with her growing knowledge.  She is so smart and we are proud of her.

So far this year Ava has received two awards for her class.  In September she received a B.E.S.T. award for being productive.  She was honored for following rules and doing her work when asked.  Ava listens well in school and always completes her homework.

The second award was in November for Excellence in Math.  Two students from each kindergarten class were chosen.  I was proud of Ava and she was happy to be chosen.  Ava likes being recognized for her efforts and it has help build her confidence.

Ava is a wonderful girl and is thriving at school.  I am proud of her determination and effort.  She likes to do her schoolwork and enjoys learning.

B.E.S.T. award winners.

Excellence in Math award.

Excellence in Math

Star of the Week

Back in September Ava was the Star of the Week in her class.  As a special treat she got to bring home Benji Bear the classroom mascot for the weekend.  She also brought home Benji's journal, so we could record something special we did with him.

Ava decided to take Benji on a bike ride on the river bike trail.  After school we got ready, packed some snacks and headed out on the trail.  Benji rode in my basket on the front of my bike.  We rode to Hagan Park and stopped at a bench by the river.  We had a snack and enjoyed the view before heading home.  Ava loved taking Benji on a ride and was excited to write in his journal.

Ava loved being Star of the Week.  She got to be the line leader and sit in a special chair during the week.  All the other kids made her a book.  They each wrote something special about Ava and drew a picture.  Ava felt so special all week and enjoyed the perks.

 

Monterey on my Birthday

On my birthday (way back in September) we went to Monterey.  We stopped by my favorite bakery, Parker-Lusseau, first.  To make sure there were enough almond croissants I placed an order for a 1/2 dozen earlier.  We picked up my croissants, cookies, and a few other pastries to try.  It was a great way to start the day.

Most of the day we spent at the aquarium.  We looked forward to seeing the new tentacles exhibit.  It was interesting and Ava enjoyed seeing the Nautilus.  I think my favorite part is still the sea otters.  I was excited to see many sea otters in the Bay through a telescope on the outside platform.  Rich and I both enjoy the outer bay exhibit.  Ava's favorite exhibit is still the penguins.

After the aquarium we ate a late lunch at California Pizza Kitchen before heading home.  Back at my parents place we finished celebrating my birthday with my favorite checker board cake.  Once a year I look forward to my mom making me this cake (from scratch).  It is delicious!  It is so good that I let everyone have one piece and then I take home the rest to eat myself.  Rich and Ava might get a little bit more, but not much.

My favorite almond croissants from my favorite bakery.  It is probably a good thing this place is in Monterey or I would probably be there once a week.

We always take a family photo in the clam shell.  It is a tradition we started before Ava.

My parents and my sister-in-law, Elizabeth, came with us on the trip.

Rich trying to help Ava see the Sea Otters in the Bay.

Ava's favorite exhibit, penguins.

The jellyfish are fun and relaxing to watch.

Ava and Rich playing in the touch pools.