Maybe I stand corrected.. .

Today we were out to lunch with my mom, and Avery

was, well, being Avery.  She was calling us "little missy"

and arguing about everything.

In between the eye rolling and exasperated sighs,

she would tell us to "just be quiet".

While trying not to laugh, because as we know I find this hilarious,

I told my mom, "You can tell Aves goes to school more than the

girls did.  She is definitely more defiant than she used to be".

To which my mom starts laughing.  "What?" I ask.

"Avery has always been like this.  You're just too busy enjoying

it to notice.  Everyone else has always noticed the defiant nature

in Avery."

Well, I'll show her. I went back through some old video of Aves.

Turns out, I stand corrected.  She really has been a pistol

all her life.  And I really have been enjoying the s*%t out of it!

Here are just a couple of the many great examples....

Here is Avery discussing Santa in Dec. 2010

Avery's 2 1/2 bday.  March 2010

One more reason I love him so much...

There are so many reasons I love my husband.

He's handsome.  He's kind.  He's good. 

He loves me, entertains me, forgives me.

He tolerates me, encourages me, adores me.

He is a great husband, friend and most important, father.

Dave does many things well.  But, the thing he does best

is love his family.

My girls have no idea, yet, just how lucky they are.

Their dad is 100% present in their lives.

Not only does he make their breakfasts and lunches

every single day, which is impressive enough!

He prays for them, encourages them, challenges them.

He knows what's going on in their lives and takes a

genuine interest in parenting them.

I know lots of great dads (I have 2 of them!),

we are very lucky to have many great examples in our lives,

but I think my girls have the Best Dad Ever!

Every year we get to celebrate this great relationship

at Hope's Daddy Daughter Dance.

This year was extra special for all of us!

Avery was finally old enough to join them.

So, Dave had his hands full and I enjoyed a

lovely french dinner with my friend, Wendy.

I'd say it was the perfect night for everyone!!

Daddy Daughter Dance 2012

Resting during mommy's photo shoot!

Oh my!  She is growing up so beautifully!

My sweet, beautiful Ella

Avery was so excited to buy a new dress and go out with the big girls!

It just doesn't get any better than this!

My loves.  I am beyond blessed with this crew!