Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers

One of the most important lessons our sweet, courageous, strong, and very independent daughter has taught me is how to cherish each moment and not to take advantage of what a beautiful world we live in.  

A few weekends ago we had some friends over for dinner.  It was a beautiful evening outside and our backyard was in full bloom.  Ava decided that instead of eating dinner she wanted to run around and smell the flowers.  Chris picked her a branch from the crap apple tree and she was in pure bliss.  What mother wouldn't be filled with joy watching how happy this simple act made her.