I have a friend named Mindi.  We met each other while running track in college and instantly connected.  We became the dearest of friends.  Then she moved to Germany for a couple of years while her husband taught English.  We didn't stay in touch very well because Jeremy and I were in the craziness of planning our own wedding.  However, when they came back into the states they moved to Noblesville...which is where we were moving.  Again, we were instantly reconnected.  They were here for several years until Marcus, Mindi's husband, joined the Navy.  Then they moved to the state of Washington.  What is the point of this rambling, you may ask?  It is always bitter-sweet making friendships.  They are so sweet when you have friends close by, but when life separates you the bitterness of being apart is hard.  This is exactly how Mindi and I's friendship has been.  Yet, regardless of the distance our paths always seem to cross and we always pick up right where we left off.  I had tears in my eyes when looking at these images.  I miss my friend and her precious family so, but am overly thankful that I have moments like these where I can be with them and pick up just like we saw each other yesterday.  Love all of you guys...    

One other thing I would like to share about this sweet family is the fact that Marcus, Mindi's husband and Ellison/Ava's dad, is obviously missing from these pictures.  He is currently deployed on the USS Nimitz.  I know that not only Mindi and the girls are anxious for him to be home, but he is as well.  I hope that these pictures narrow their distance...at least for a little bit.  I admire all of them.  Those who fight for our country are not the only ones who sacrifice...their families do as well.  We are thankful for all of you!!!!!!

Enough writing...geesh!  I must be in one of those moods.  ;)  Check out these pictures...they are so much fun and I love them all.  These sweet girls have a very special place in my heart...love them!

They are so cute...love them!

I can't take this little series...they were telling secrets.  Ava, obviously, said something that made Ellison a bit disgusted.  ;)

Their beautiful mom...sorry Mindi, had to post one for Marcus.  ;)

I LOVE this one!!!!

Workin' it...  This is so, so Ellison...

And this is so, so Ava...

Another favorite...

Full of life and full of energy...

There just happened to be a shopping cart there...perfect.

"Sisters, sisters...there were never such devoted sisters..."  :)

They are kinda girly, but kinda not, too...  ;)

Oh, how this one makes me happy...  :)