#4 for ava!

Dear Ava,

You are our lovely, strong-willed, funny, creative, and sweet little girl. There are so many things that your Daddy and I love about you. You love the Lord and that's what we love most.

Ava girl, Ava-lou, Miss Ava, Ava-roo, Pookie, Pook, Ava Isbeth (Elizabeth), or as you like to be referred to, Ella. For whatever reason you have decided that is your favorite name and have asked to be called Ella. Most of the time when you are Ella, I (mommy), am Anna. Noah has caught onto this new naming and dubbed himself "Bob."
One of the things that amazes me about you it the way your little mind works. You can remember the smallest detail! Nothing gets past you that's for sure. You are very, very observant. I love that your blue eyes actually look like they sparkle or light up when you are really excited. I love that you get excited!

I love that you love your brother. You will grow up to be good friends even if you don't always get along now. (I know, he gets in your business!) I love that you will include him in your play and, when you are cheerful, share your things with him. That's my girl, I know you have a servants heart and look forward to seeing you grow.

I love taking you to Cubbies and watching you go into your class. Such a big girl. It's so fun to do your memory work with you and see how excited you are when you know you've gotten the verse right. When you put on that vest you look so big, hard to believe you are now four years old.

I love that wild hair!!!!!!!!!

I love it when I catch you playing by yourself, just talking away. You carry on an entire conversation in your play world...reminds me of your Auntie Katie. It cracks me up when you have the play cell phone and start singing "Sunny Days" then answer..."oh, hi Nana." It is a treat when I catch you "reading" to yourself or even to Noah at times. I love to hear you sing songs, even if they are Christmas ones....in June.

I love your choice in outfits. It never fails that after you get up, come in my room for Seasame Street, then disappear for a bit, you will return in the most creative outfit I've ever seen. It usually includes tights and high shoes, and more recently a bike helmet. It brings a smile to my face to start the day, thank you!I love reading to you from the Bible Story book and then saying prayers at the end of each day. You continue to amaze me with the different things you pray for or about. Bedtime wasn't always as much fun but now that you are a big girl it's something I look forward to.

Happy 4th birthday Ava, we love you!

The breakfast: This is Ava's favorite breakfast, and Daddy did not disappoint. Four little pancakes and one REALLY big one per her request.

The cake: Last year to get some ideas for her cake Nana bought a magazine (thanks.....). After that each time I would remove my green cookbook for a recipe she would ask to see this magazine. About a week after her 3rd birthday she started planning for her 4th. It started out being the swimming pool cake, but around November she changed gears and set her sights on the Candy Land cake. Anytime her birthday would come up she would kindly remind me that we would be making her Candy Land cake, right? No way outta this one, I had to make a Candy Land cake...

The presents: The dollhouse you had been talking about, complete with a "Grampa" that needed a haircut! Oh how you love to play dress up. The princess dress and Fancy Nancy shoes had to be put on right away.

The big moment: You LOVE to sing "happy birthday" to others, and couldn't wait until it was your turn. When the moment finally came I was surprised to find you rather shy and embarrassed. This was your moment!
Unfortunately, no one told Noah about the candle situation. This was the third birthday party in two weeks for the kids, and Noah assumed he would get to blow out the candle too. I'm just glad we caught the reaction on video (thanks Nana!). His face is priceless, watch the video below.