Ava's Last Dental Visit

 Ava Kate is officially an adult, well in the dentist world. 

From the age of 2 through 16, we have visited Dr. Zoll and then Dr. Knierim. 

She has officially "graduated" from the Pediatric Dentist and my mama heart aches. 

A little story:

When Ava first came home from China, I took her a dentist in our area who I had seen as a child. Well, Ava was a thumb sucker and this dentist wanted to stop it immediately. He suggested putting spikes on the roof of her mouth to stop it from happening. She also had 5 cavities.  I was so sad and couldn't stop thinking it was basically abuse. So I googled a new dentist and we found Dr. Zoll. She repaired all 5 of her cavities while gently reciting the Lorax to Ava. She took a little break and Ava asked "what happened next?" She forgot why we were even there because Dr. Zoll was amazing! I knew we found our new home. 

Dr. Zoll eventually retired and Dr. Knierim took over and she is just as amazing. I'm glad I have them for a few more years with Addy. 

But now....Ava visits the same as Dad and I. 

Ava's Academic Awards

 My big smarty pants was invited to the High School Academic Awards/Breakfast. 

She earned her academic letter. 

The entire Sophomore Class. 

All of her friends are in this photo. I'm so proud of all of them! 

She didn't get invited to the Top 20 Banquet this year. This has been a source of humor in our house for the last couple of weeks. I love that she doesn't care and keeps us laughing!

Ava's FFA Banquet and Happy Birthday, Lisa Feather!

Ava joined FFA this year through one of her classes, Floral Design. 

They had a big banquet. I quickly learned from other Mama's that the banquet wasn't exciting and super long. And that barely any parents go because of this. Ava wasn't receiving any awards and she basically told me not to go. It was my cousin Lisa's birthday and the family was going out to dinner. 

So...I opted out but managed to grab a few photos first. 

Then AG and I headed to Biaggi's for dinner with the family. 

We continued to snap with Ava most of the night while I received photos from her friends of them playing online poker. Clearly, they were super engaged. Ha!

We still beat Ava home but brought her home a yummy dinner! 

Anya

So...I love my brothers cat. He really loves her but I'm a close second. 

I pass his house multiple times a day so I always stop in and take photos with her to send to him throughout the day. 

It's so funny! 

Happy Easter 2025!

I LOVE EASTER!!! 

It's my most favorite holiday. 

The weather, knowing summer is on the horizon, everyone in cute bright colors, candy...it's the best!

John and I were solo for church on Saturday as Addy had a birthday party and Ava was at work. 

We did take Nana and Jojo along to our new church. They liked it!

Hope to food prep. There was a lot of cheese! 

On the menu:

Ham, chicken, cheesy potatoes, cauliflower casserole, honey glazed carrots and lots of desserts!

After everyone was snuggled in bed (or before the girls woke up), The Easter Bunny visited. 

They are over the Easter Bunny vibe but I don't care!

Both girls asked for specific hoodies and surprisingly the Bunny found them!

All ready for family!

Then to the porch for photos because it was windy and that wind was FREEZING!

It was the best weekend!

 

Date Night with Ava Kate!

Dad was working, Addy was at a friends. 

Ava has really started to become my little Mediterranean buddy.  

So I decided to take her to the real deal. The best in Toledo. It didn't disappoint. 

She LOVED it! And Dad enjoyed our leftovers. 

Happy Birthday, Gigi!

 Gigi turned 5! 

She is the daughter of Nate's good friend. They always include us and I love it! 

Addy and Gigi were very excited that Addy was going to attend the party. 

Addy got to roller skate and Gigi couldn't believe Addy wanted to come! 

Ha! So cute! 

Even Jojo put skates on!

I got this photo later in evening. 

We gifted Gigi a belt bag full of goodies. She loved it! 

So sweet!