Hello again! I've missed you all so much! It's been such a painful 5 days, but I'm so thankful that none of you have given up on the story. Reviews are back up, so I can see all of your lovely reviews! Thank you all so much!

Today was Ava's 12th birthday. After her adoption had taken place, Emma and Regina had finally learned that Ava was 11, and her birthday was only a couple weeks away. Neither woman knew what Ava's life had been like before they had adopted her, but they could assume that it wasn't pleasant.

"We have to make today perfect," Emma said. She and Regina were sitting in their bedroom, scheming how to make today the best day ever.

"We haven't even known her that long," Regina pointed out. "She's only been living here for a couple weeks."

"Which is exactly why we have to make it perfect," Emma countered. "This will be like a welcome to the family party."

"Snow already threw one of those remember?" Regina said. Emma rolled her eyes and pushed Regina playfully.

"Stop being so logical," Emma scolded. "When you're in the foster system, birthdays are just a reminder that you got one year older, and are even less likely to be adopted. We need to show her that she can celebrate birthdays now."

"We've never celebrated your birthday before," Regina said.

"That's not the subject at hand," Emma said quickly. "Today is about Ava."

Suddenly it hit Regina why today had to be so perfect. "You want to show her that her birthdays are something to look forward to before she starts dreading them like you do," Regina said. Emma winced, showing her that she was right.

Regina pulled Emma into a hug. "We don't have to make this day super extravagant to make it perfect," Regina said. "We just have to show her that she has a family. And they're not letting her go anywhere."

Regina and Emma walked hand in hand towards the school. Henry was outside talking to a group of friends while Ava sat on a bench, patiently waiting for him to finish so they could head home.

Upon seeing her mothers, Ava's face lit up and she ran over. Emma and Regina stopped walking and braced themselves for an "Ava Attack". The little girl sure did have a lot of strength to hug with.

"What are you guys doing here?" Ava asked. "Not that I'm complaining or anything. I love when you guys surprise me with coming to see me."

Emma and Regina glanced at each other and smiled. "Go get your brother," Regina said. "We have a surprise for you."

Ava smiled and ran over to Henry. She grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the group, right in the middle of his sentence. "Ava!" Henry complained.

Regina and Emma burst out laughing. Ava definitely had some spunk. "What's going on?" Henry huffed.

"It's Ava's birthday," Emma explained. "So we thought that we would do something special to celebrate." Ava's face fell and she looked down at her feet.

"Henry, why don't we go for a little walk?" Regina suggested. Henry hesitantly nodded and they walked off together.

Emma crouched down in front of Ava. "What's up?" she asked.

"I don't like birthdays," Ava said. Emma nodded.

"I know," she said. "I feel the same way. But I don't want you to be like me and hate birthdays for the rest of your life. I promise that you'll like this surprise."

Ava looked at her skeptically before nodding. "Okay," she said. "I guess we can celebrate my birthday." Emma smiled and took her hand.

"Where are we going?" Henry asked.

Regina and Emma smiled at each other. "Out of town," Regina said.

"You'd do that for me?" Ava asked. She knew that both of her mothers, especially Regina, hated going out of town because their magic went away.

"Of course!" Emma said. "It is your birthday after all. And birthdays are something to be celebrated."

"Including yours, dear," Regina said. Emma glared at her. Regina chuckled. "We'll work on it," she said.

And we're back! I'm so happy to be writing again. That seemed a little rusty, but hopefully you all liked it!