Ava's 5!!!

Wow, I can't believe I am posting pictures from Ava's 5th birthday! She is growing up way too fast! We had a full week of festivities for Ava and she was sure not to let anyone forget that it was her birthday week! When asked what she wanted for her birthday, she would reply, "I'm not sure, let's just see what I get." I now know we officially have too much stuff!! On Wednesday, Ava's actual birthday, she went to school and brought cupcakes for her class. Later that night Grandma and Grandpa F, Grandma Great, Uncle Chris and Aunt Courtney came over to celebrate. Here she is with her requested cake of pink and purple. Probably should have turned the "5" candle around for the picture.

She's come a long way from the shy little girl who cried when we sang happy birthday to her on her 1st birthday!!

Unfortunately, Dan had to be out of town on her birthday, but he was sure to Skype in for the party. Here is Ava showing Daddy her presents.

By Saturday Dan was back and we were on our way to Ava's gymnastics party with her friends. Here's the group going over the rules of the gym.

And then....free play!!! Watching 16 kids run crazy made me realize I could never be a preschool teacher. Everyone seemed to be having a blast!

Then, Ava got to be the center of attention as she was wrapped up in the parachute. She looked nervous, but excited.

After the everyone got some energy out, we headed to the room for cake and presents. Ava was beaming while everyone sang happy birthday.

Ella was there for the party and after running around, she was tired and ready for some cake!

Time for presents...

It was funny to see the girls all up close and interested in every gift, and the boys all laying around in the back. By the last gift I don't think any boys were left.

Ava loved every moment of her birthday week and is already talking about when she turns 6. I need her to slow down!!

I have one more Ava update. On the Monday following her birthday, Ava had her first surgery. For the past two years Ava has had more sinus infections than I can count, and is constantly stuffed up. So after numerous doctor appointments a decision was finally made to have her adenoids removed. I cannot say enough how proud we are of Ava. She was so brave, from the fasting that was not easy for her, to being wheeled off down the hall. The surgery only lasted about 20-30 minutes and with everything appearing to be better, we'll know for sure how successful it was in about 3 weeks. She was even willing to smile for me before going into the OR.

She was very tired, sore and sleepy after the surgery, but by Thursday she seemed to be back to normal. I just hope it was all worth it! She was amazing!!