Visit with Bianca

We had our 2nd post-placement visit with Ava's birthmother, Bianca, on the 4th and it was really fun. We met at a beautiful park in Orem. It was in the morning, so Max wouldn't go down the slides because they were a little wet at the bottom. We ended sitting on a blanket and chatting for a couple of hours. Bianca couldn't believe how much Ava has grown. Max was shy and restless and since he didn't want to go down the slides..... I ended up giving him fruit snacks to keep him happy, while we chatted and took pictures. Aren't fruit snacks a mom's best friend? It was a wonderful visit and I am constantly amazed at Bianca's inner strength and beauty. She is such a special person to us.

You can see pictures of the visit here.

Max's 3rd Birthday!

Max's birthday is Sept. 9th, but since he is turning 3....we decided that he would have no idea if we celebrated it a little early. We decided to have a PARTY in Delta on the 1st during Labor Day weekend. Grandma Bassett made the most wonderful cake. It was truly amazing. So the party started with lunch ( a BBQ of hamburgers and hotdogs), and then Max opened presents. He loved all of his gifts, but isn't it funny how the cheap $1 toy is always...somehow the favorite. I found this farm set at walmart forever ago and threw it in with his other, more expensive toys. The farm set was a hit. It has been a week and he is still not sick of it. The pinata was the next party activity. Matt and uncle Phil set it up in the tree and Max, Jon, Phil, Dana, and Matt all took wacks at it. The poor pirate never had a chance. We let Max break the candy and toys out and it was so fun to see his excitement. He loved it. Then came the cake and ice cream. The beautiful "Candy Land" cake was almost too cute to eat. Max blew out the #3 candle 4 times. Uncle Phil kept lighting it for him. He looked around and expected clapping every single time. We were happy to comply and made it seem like we were just as excited the 4th time as we were the 1st. It was a wonderful birthday. Max was so happy to share it with his grandparents and Aunts and Uncles. I can't believe my little boy is 3.

Photos of the party can be seen here.