A Farewell to Uncle Ben

We took these pictures in late November, just days before Ben moved to Ohio. For anyone who doesn't know, Ben moved to Warren, Ohio to follow his career path of being a welder. He packed up evrything that he could fit in his truck and drove from California to Ohio, making a brief stop in Texas to meet up with Mom and Brian. Life in Ohio has been rough for Ben to adapt to as it is such a stark contrast to California, but he is doing great and is excited to be starting school on January 14th, 2008. It was tough to see him go and know that he isn't down the street anymore, but we talk often, and Giselle, I and the rest of the family are so proud of him and the choices he is making.

Matt, Uncle Ben and little Ava.
A very tired "Miss Lady" looks up to her big Uncle.
Gigi, Ben, and Ava.

Daddy turns 28!

Sorry to all the viewers for the serious lapse since we last added to the blog. A lot has happened since our last update, but alas, Daddy has been hard at work in a retail Christmas, and didn't teach Mommy how to blog.

We pick up on Matthew's 28th birthday with the family at Stonefire Grill in Fountain Valley, CA. The turn-out was amazing and provided Ava and us with the chance to spend time with just about everyone. In attendence: Giselle's parents Juan Carlos and Estella; Giselle's brother John; Giselle's brother Adrian, with wife Autumn, and son Caden; David and Alexis; Benjamin; Dad, Anita, and Ava's aunties Madison and Abigail; Granda Balko, Aunt Joy and Uncle Mike, and Aunt Julie and Uncle Dan. It was alot of fun to have everyone together, and provided good conversation, as well as some good photos.

Daddy with the little tomato (thank you Amy and Trevor for the cute outfit!)
The "Little Lady" with Aunt Alexis and Aunt Madison. Madison loves to hold Ava every chance she gets.
Grandma Balko getting a good laugh out of little Ava G.
Giselle and her brothers, John and Adrian (and Caden).
The "Little Lady" with Grandpa Brian.