Thanksgiving 2010

This Thanksgiving was spent cooking, eating, and playing with lots of little kids.  We hosted my family for Thanksgiving dinner, which consisted of 8 adults and 6 kids.  It was quite a crazy house for the day, with 5 of the kids being 3 years and under.  We had a great time with the family and always look forward to an excuse to get all the kids together.  

Avery helping to make rolls with Mama and Grandma.

Avery with Grandma and Ethan...the baby!

Avery and Mama making rolls...she's always so helpful!

Jackie and Jason came over to spend some time with us on Friday.  We always have such a great time with them and are so thankful to have friends like the two of them.  Avery really liked Jackie that night and spent most of the time on her lap asking her to read books.

A Visit with Grandpa and Grandma Cover

We spent a very nice weekend in Clinton celebrating Thanksgiving with Grandpa and Grandma Cover and the rest of the family.  The three of us stayed at Grandpa and Grandma's house for the weekend, giving Avery some much-needed time with Grandpa.  She spent about the first year of her life not really being into her grandpa that much.  He's big and loud like her daddy, but that was intimidating to her.  However, this past weekend, she really took to Grandpa, much to my excitement (as his too, I think).  Before the weekend was over, she was asking for him whenever he wasn't around and has continued to ask for him since we left.

Avery and "Winnie" (Winston) riding in the car!

Playing with Grandpa!

Thanksgiving lunch with all the family.

Baby Jack

Avery is in a "baby" phase right now...she loves all babies (which includes children up to and beyond her age on occasion).  So, on the few occasions that we have been around Avery's newest cousin, Jack, she is just in awe.  Unfortunately, we haven't gotten many pictures of the two of them, but here's a cute one of Avery, Grandpa, and Jack at Jack's baptism party.

The Last Days of Fall

Avery and I really enjoyed playing outside this summer, but I'm afraid those days are coming to an end.  While the Missouri weather is always known for its unpredictability, I doubt that there are very many nice days ahead for this year.  So, Avery and I really enjoyed the unexpected warm weather and the chance to visit the park one last time.  We stumbled across a park that is perfect for toddlers...all of the equipment is smaller.  It was absolutely perfect, and we'll definitely be going back once spring rolls around.  

 The swings are one of Avery's very favorite things! 

Avery the Elephant

For those of you that haven't had a chance to see the cutest elephant on the planet, here's your chance.  In addition, to trick or treating, Avery dressed as an elephant for her gym class last week as well.  

After her trial run as an elephant on Wednesday, Avery was all practiced up for Halloween night.  Jackie and Jason came over to see the little elephant before we headed out for the evening.  We then went trick or treating at Hyvee, yes I said Hyvee.  It seems a little odd, but the set-up was great for kids Avery's age.  They had little stations set up throughout the store with employees dressed up, handing out goodies.  She made quite the haul...candy, apples, toothbrush, balloon, juice boxes, and more.  After the Hyvee festivities, we made a trip to Grandma's to show off our elephant.  Then we were off to probably the busiest house in town. Terry and Teresa just LOVE Halloween and totally go the distance when it comes to that holiday...decorations everywhere, blow-up yard decorations, a cemetery in the front yard, ghosts and goblins everywhere.  While we were there, Avery got the chance to hand out candy to the other kids, and I'm pretty sure she liked that as much as she liked getting the candy.  There were so many great pictures from the night...check out the slide show!

Our Morning Ritual

Avery has developed quite a routine in the mornings.  She wakes up, and the first thing she asks for is either her Dada or TJ.  Once I get her out of bed, we have to go locate both of them.  Once Dada and TJ have been located, the incessant asking for her newest friend begins.  Avery has discovered television, and fallen in love with Mickey Mouse.  Luckily for me, that happens to be a show that is appropriate for her and on early in the mornings.  So, Avery (and her baby doll...another obsession) both have a seat in the living room to watch Mickey (Mimmie according to Avery) while I fix breakfast.  It's so cute!