Thankful and...a short trip down memory lane

Today we had a Thanksgiving feast at Ava's preschool.  It was great fun!  I couldn't help but think of how horribly hard it was for us this time last year.  I was certain that Ava would be home with us for Thanksgiving and, not only was she not home, but we hadn't seen her in 4 months and had no clue when we would see her again.  Even writing that makes me a little sick to my stomach.  It was so painful.  We truly have a ton to be thankful for this year.  I wanted to share a few pictures from our trip in contrast to today.  Again showing how much we have to be thankful for and how far God has brought our Ava this year.

 CRAZY!  Ava on the left was 3 1/2 years old!!  Can you believe that??  She couldn't take a step on her own. Now, she not only doesn't needs a hand to hold onto but she, most of  the time refuses ANY help at all :-) Wow God, wow.

 

Don't think this one needs any explanation :-) 

It's so fun seeing experience REAL life.  Playing outside, interacting with the world around her.

Ok, so she's always been incredibly gorgeous!  But doesn't her sweet face look so much older and more mature?  What an angel!

We really have so much to thank God for!  Here are some other things I am so grateful for in my life and wanted to share with you:
 1) Jesus who gave his life so we might have life eternally.  Really, is there anything you can think of to be more thankful for? 
2) My husband who is simply the greatest.  Supportive husband and loving father to our girl.
3) My Ava.  Light of my life.  A joy and inspiration to me and so many others.
4) My family. My Mom, Dad, and Sister are my strength and are always there to love me.
5) My in-laws who are the best I could ever ask for.  So sweet and understanding 
6) My bestest friends who have stood the test of time, have seen me at my worst, and just keep giving, loving, and encouraging.
7) My new friends through therapy and through FB.  I love the amazing Kaz adoptive family community that I have found.  They encourage and inspire constantly.  My friends from therapy are a great resource and support as well. 
8) My health and the good health of my family.
9) My home. We live in a beautiful part of the world with so many opportunities for Ava.
10) Ava's therapists and teachers who I couldn't say enough about. They are up when she is up and down when she is down. It really is more than a job for them and we are blessed by their dedication everyday. 

 Happy Thanksgiving!