Ava's Big Idea

One of Ava's favorite things to do this time of year is go to the dollar store and buy gifts for the entire family (10 people, because this includes her grandparents and Cody's brother's family). She uses her own money, and she chooses each gift carefully and thoughtfully. Her face absolutely lights up with joy as she does this. Then she brings the treasures home, holes up in her room with wrapping supplies, turns her Christmas music on, and wraps for about a solid hour. I have rarely seen her more excited or happy. Well, except for when we all open our gifts from her on Christmas Eve. She delights in our joy in receiving her gifts.

However, her face did fall slightly this year as Cody explained she needed $11 rather than $10 in order to pay for tax. "Tax? Why do we have to pay tax?" she wondered out loud. Cody explained that it's the way the city makes money. "Why don't they just have a bunch of lemonade stands?" she asked. I totally think she should hang onto that idea and use it in her campaign for mayor one day.