Happy 1st Birthday, Ava

Ava celebrated her 1st birthday on Thursday, July 31. She had a great day! Daddy stayed home from work, YEAH!!We rode our bikes into town and had a great breakfast. Ava and I shared ginger, banana pancakes and she loved em (so did I). Then it was nap time and time for mommy and daddy to prepare birthday cake and prep for dinner. We invited grandma and grandpa Collicott over. We wanted to keep it small and simple but yet have a bit of family around. We were planning a bigger party for Saturday when more family and friends were invited. We made bulgogi beef, a stir fry and egg rolls. We (mostly Ava) had banana cake for dessert.

After dinner, we performed the traditional Korean Toljabee. The Tol is a Korean tradition that is performed on the child's first birthday. It is supposed to be fun, yet tell the child's "future". Ava was dressed in her Hanbok and ready for her telling future. We put out thread (for long life), fruit (the child will have many descendants) scissors ( child will be good with their hands) a CD ( from the karaoke DJ's), a book, paper and pen (child will become a successful scholar), rice (child will become rich or is foolish perhaps :-)) a CFL (compliments of daddy), an Obama button ( representing peace) and a calculator (engineer perhaps?) so what did Ava choose??? Ava first choose thread, then dove into the bowl of fruit and finally grabbed the scissors. We think those were pretty good choices! Way to go Ava. You will live long, have lots of children and be good with you hands.The official 1st birthday party had come to an end and preparations were underway for the Monroe family from New Mexico to arrive Friday.

Finally the Monroe family got a chance to meet Ava. Cousin's Adam and Isabelle were so wonderful with Ava and she loved them around. We all had so much fun. It was great to see them again. Aunt Gabrielle brought some of her cute clothes from her children's shop...check it out at http://www.ellelunaboutique.com/ and Uncle Bill was the bearer of Cousin Gracie (the dog).


Finally, the big 2nd first birthday party day had arrived. We went to Spring Canyon Community Park. It was a great place for all the kids to play, run around and splash in the fountains. We made some Korean salads and had a woman make some egg rolls and wontons. Then we ordered some sesame chicken from Asian Bistro and chowed down. There were lots friends and family there. I think a good time was had by all. Again, Ava got to dive into her birthday cake. This time it was carrot cake. I think she finally got the hang of digging into soft, sweet yummy desserts. She got so many cute and wonderful gifts. Thank you to all who were there.

Sunday arrived and it was time for the Monroe's to go home. We were sad to see them leave but have a feeling we will be seeing more of each other very soon :-)
All in all Ava's first birthday was a success.

She is growing up so fast and has changed so much these past 2 months. It has already been 8 weeks, almost nine since we all arrived home. She is doing so well. Exploring her world around her and learning new things everyday. She is walking like a pro now and speaking a few words here and there. She knows exactly what is going on but can't quite verbalize it. That will come in time and I am sure some would say enjoy it while it lasts...

Everyday I just look at her and kiss her a million times!!! Her cheeks are so soft and supple and so darn cute I just can't get enough. We are completely in love...life is good!!!