COUSINS MAKE THE BEST FRIENDS

I think it is clear to anyone who sees them together that Ava and Stella have, as Ava calls it, “a special bond.” I don’t think Ashley or I expected to have our 5-year old girls be only children and it is so wonderful that they have each other. I know they were sent to earth together. I always know that Ava has Stella’s back. Ava is fearless and I have seen her defend Stella many a time. Stella is so thoughtful and is always thinking of her best friend Ava. They make such an adorable pair.

I bought this top and dress at Janie & Jack last fall, and when my mom saw them she mentioned that it would be cute to get the girls together in them for a photo shoot. I thought it was a good idea too, so for a Mother’s day present we took these pictures of the girls. I think they turned out absolutely adorable.

 

MOMS LOVE LILACS

I'm not gonna lie, I had a very lovely Mother's Day. Stella woke me up with a card and a balloon. (She had also made me a card at school that I got on Thursday. She was very sweet as she told me she tried to make her flowers on the card look like tulips, because she knows they are my favorite.) After getting out of church 20 minutes late I was able to take my Mother's Day nap and wake up to homemade snickerdoodles (a Brent and Stella specialty). Then we went to the Sallay's for dinner. It was such a pretty evening as we sat out in the back yard. I had my eye on some lilac bushes and decided that the bushes could spare some flowers. I made a lovely little arrangement that left my kitchen smelling awesome and me wanting to say out loud: Tulips my favorite? No, it is lilacs I love!

Of course I love my Stella more than any flower. When she sang in the primary program and said the words "I love you, I love you" and pointed to me I couldn't help but shed a tear or two of happiness that the sweet little girl in the front row is all mine.

AVA'S PRINCESS BIRTHDAY PARTY BOUNCE HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA

My sister is so creative and loves to put together a party. Me? Not my style. I just can't see going to all that effort for a bunch of 5-year-old girls. So what do I do? I just show up early to help get the party ready where I can and, of course, to take some pictures. The pics kind of speak for themselves. Stella had the best day of her life (so she said--she has said that before, but maybe this time she meant it?) Three hours of princess fun yesterday, folks! Be sure to notice my one decorating contribution: putting a tiara on Hello Kitty--she totally rocked it.