Ava's THREE Months Old!



I was just looking through old posts. It's crazy to see how things have changed over the past 2 1/2 years since we've been married. It MOTIVATED me to be better at blogging, especially now that Ava is reaching milestones weekly. This week she started playing or swatting at her little TOYS that hang down from her infant seat. She started the process of ROLLING over- not yet completing the roll but starting to swing her legs to the side. She's loving more and more the sound of her VOICE and we do to. Nothing is more exciting than when Ava wants to chat. Today in church she was cooing and I so didn't want to stop her, I wanted everyone to enjoy it as much as we were:) Oh and Ava's an official THUMB sucker. She does it to get to sleep. I'll admit, it's cute but a little nerve racking wondering if she's going to be that 10 year old girl with her thumb in her mouth........ I'll keep my fingers crossed. She's smiling a lot and is still working on the much anticipated laugh. She's getting close. It's all so exciting for us. All I know is LITTLE AVA is one loved little girl!

A friend of mine is going through the adpotion process for the second time and they are such a neat family. She asked if we would post this video in hopes that someone interested in adoption might see her sweet family and video. I hope this video finds the right person!

Ava Colleen's Blessing Day
Kiley blessed Ava this past Sunday. It was so special. He gave Ava the most beautiful blessing. She is one lucky little girl to have such a great dad. We pretty much have the best family too- they drove from all over the state to come. Thanks everyone! What a great day for our little family. I'm still feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for all of my blessings, especially this one......
waiting patiently for church


Beautiful Baby


Proud Parents


Grandpa Glen & Grandma Colleen(one of the two Grandma's who Ava's named after)

Four generations

Lovin on little Ava

Grandma & Grandpa Powell

Just pooped after a long day


Ava's Kitty Cat Costume
She was feeling a bit disrespected- but we thought she looked darling. I seriously have to stop myself from squeezing her little face off.

Baby Ava is here!...... Well she's been here for almost two months now and we can't get enough of her. She's pretty much our most favorite thing. What did we do without her? We had some newborn pictures taken when she was 13 days old and they are precious.

I know this post has been a long time coming, like eight months, but I had to post our trip to Havasupai before I posted our Hawaii trip.
We had such a good time with everyone that went. We began the ten mile hike at the rim of the Grand Canyon around 5 a.m.. The hike in was nothing compared to the hike out! I honestly put the ten mile hike out of the Grand Canyon on my top five hardest things I've ever done in my life. It was an experience I've waited for ever since meeting Kiley and hearing how much I would love this place. I have to say, it was unlike any place I've seen. I love waterfalls and being surrounded by the beauty of the earth. I felt God's hand while being surrounded by His creations. Words don't do this kind of beauty and majesty justice.











We made it....barely!

I don't know how to describe the feeling that I felt today. Amy and I had our 1st doctors appointment for the baby, and we were able to see his/her little 1.42cm body and the little heartbeating like crazy. I've been happy before in my life, even to the extreme meaning of the word happy. However,... today I experienced Pure Joy.
In this video, you are seeing it as we saw it. Pretty amazing.

Just Braggin'

I just have to brag on Brianne for a minute. Tonight she danced with Rhianna for the opening number at the VMA's- Disturbia! Kiley and I had just walked in the door from St. George when Grandma dashed out of the bedroom to show us Brianne's big debut on MTV. We sat down and together watched as Brianne worked it thriller style and got some camera time! I'm so proud of her. She has busted her little bum for years, but especially this past year working harder than before as a scholarship student at The Edge in L.A.. She just completed her year at The Edge and is getting ready to sign with an agent. She has never been afraid to reach for her dreams and work really hard to get there. Brianne- I'm so proud of all that you've accomplished but most of all, the beautiful person that you are and how hard you've fought for it all!

P.S. Sisters- I had so much fun spending time with you this weekend. There's nothing like some quality time with the only people in this world that think Alaska could possibly be an island.......