I was excited when I realized that we’d be in the US for Ava’s 2nd birthday, especially since so many family members and friends missed her 1st (in Cambodia) and because there’s no guarantee that future furloughs will occur in October. How special to have loved ones join us in celebrating our precious daughter! And so, on October 1st (two weeks after Paton’s birth and two days before her actual birthday–October 3rd), some of our favorite people gathered together to bless our Ava and rejoice in her existence. A big thanks to Jason and Kim Wells for hosting the party (especially with your very cool kid-friendly backyard and great “Happy Birthday Ava” sign) and to those who helped with food, cleanup etc. Also, thanks to the Knapp family for loaning us your super fun bouncy house. We are so grateful to all who came and shared in this memorable occasion. I’ve included nearly all of the photos (almost 100), since there were so many beautiful images of very cherished faces (Thanks to the photographers, Dad and Nate!). There are also a few pictures of Ava’s birthday breakfast on her actual day…we took her to Scrambl’z (a family diner) for breakfast…as well as a few photos of her playing dress up in her new birthday princess dresses.