Happy Birthday Sheri!

We (Abbey, Ava and Eric) celebrated Sheri's birthday this year in Montana. We were sad we didn't get to go visit Sheri's grave and let off balloons but we promised her we would do it in April while we are in Utah.

Here are just a couple of things we did up here in Montana in memory of Sheri.

After work I picked Abbey and Ava up from daycare and we went to MacKenzie River Pizza to celebrate Sheri's love for pizza.

Abbey next to the bear outside of MacKenzie River Pizza.

While driving around, Abbey and I tried to teach Ava "Drive My Car" by the Beatles. This used to be Sheri & Abbey's favorite song to sing while driving and to this day is still one of Abbey's favorite songs.

We also went to the store so Abbey and Ava could pick out some books. Books are something Sheri asked for every birthday.

 

Abbey decided she wanted to read the new books to us. Here is a compilation of her reading the books.

 

Remembering Sheri on Her Birthday

Sheri was born on the first day of spring, March 21, 1976, thirty-five years ago. I looked forward to Sheri's birthday every year because it meant that winter would soon end and spring would soon arrive. Today, I look forward to when my separation from Sheri will end and I will see her again through the Resurrection made possible by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy 35th birthday Sheri!

We love you. 

   

Ava reading ABC book

It seems Ava has inherited Sheri's love of books. She hasn't figured out the reading thing yet, but she likes to turn the pages. Yesterday I was surprised to see her sit down with her ABC's book and start turning the pages while saying her own version of the ABC's.

Trip to Montana for President's Day

Eric needed a babysitter over President's Day weekend, so Grandpa Scott and Grandma Bev traveled to Lolo to watch the girls so that he could work. Grandma Bev used the weekend to help Abbey do some belated Valentine cooking. This photo shows Abbey with her favorite project---heart-shaped Jello "jigglers".


Abbey ate a whole package of Jello and wanted more:


During the long weekend Grandma Bev and Abbey also made pancakes:


heart shaped Rice Krispy treats:


Valentine's cookies (to share with her friends at Monica's):


(Abbey made an extra big one for her dad)


and a heart-shaped pudding cake.


Ava was content to watch from her highchair:


to play with her little table and chairs:


to kick her bobbly penquin:


and to read her books:


Grandpa Scott and Eric enjoyed cross-country skiing. There was lots of snow in Lolo:


Grandma Bev is eager to go back, but not until all the snow has melted:

Abbey's Food Face

Abbey didn't want to be left out, so here is a picture of her to match the ones of Sheri and Ava. She looks a lot more like Ava than I expected she would.

Sheri and the Teething Biscuit

Seeing the picture of Ava and the Oreo cookie (posted below) reminded me of when Ava's mom, Sheri, was a baby. Here is Sheri after her battle with a teething biscuit. Can you see a resemblance between Ava and her mother?

Ava and the Oreo

Yesterday was just a ordinary Monday UNTIL Ava got her hands on a Oreo cookie. The Oreo put up a good fight but in the end Ava got the best of it. Ava proudly wears her cookie after her spectacular feat of strength. Better luck next time Oreo!