Birthday Party Round Two and Easter Pics

Last weekend we celebrated Easter with Matt's family in Cedar Rapids.  Part of the weekend celebration included another birthday party for Avery Sue! She's quite happy about it--can you tell??

 The cupcakes were a hit, of course. 

She now is keenly aware of the meaning (and shape, color, and size) of presents.  This is her "hurry mommy I want to open my presents" face.  It was so sweet of everyone to plan another bday party for her.  I'm going to try to save some of her presents to put in my nursing basket.

 The little girls enjoyed an Easter egg hunt after church.  They are so goofy.

 You know you had a good time at Grandma's house when you pass out in your carseat on the way home! 

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Waite Family Christmas

We hosted our Waite Family Christmas this year at our house.  Avery was so excited to see Grandma and Grandpa.  Grandma spoiled Avery by giving her lots of massages!  When Avery saw this photo (2 weeks after the fact), she said (in this order) - I want Grandma; I want feet; (and when I started rubbing her feet)--I want lay down.  I want chair.  Can you believe this kid? 

 Avery also had fun with her aunt, uncle, and cousins!  The girls opened TONS of gifts.

 Maddie made some yummy Christmas goodies.

Other than simultaneous meltdowns by both Avery and Katie at Buca di Beppos, the weekend was a blast. Thanks guys for making the trip!

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Our Family Christmas

I've had a special helper in the kitchen lately, who shall remain nameless.  You might recognize her face, though, and her goofy smile. 

Today she helped me make cinnamon rolls (Pioneer Woman's recipe) to eat after we opened presents. She stirred the frosting.

  And sprinkled on the sugar, with help from daddy.

Before: (one wouldn't fit in either of the pans, so I gave it its own. :)  btw, before you run to the kitchen to make these, I quartered PW's recipe)

 After baking:

 Avery likes to help daddy start the fire.  She's a good paper-crumpler.

 For Christmas, she opened a play purse, complete with keys, a cell phone, pretend coins, and powder.  After she opened it and had it on her wrist, she immediately wanted to go "shopping."  (We bought her 3 presents but due to the sheer spoiling by Grandma and Grandpa, we decided to keep the other two for a rainy day / her birthday / when the baby comes.)

 After frosting:

 While eating:

Avery, you are SO much fun.  You are SUCH a handfull most of the time, but your daddy and I couldn't love you more than we do.  You are so sweet, so smart, and so funny. 

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Thanksgiving 2010

This year was Avery's first Thanksgiving.  She didn't get turkey.  Or mashed potatoes.  Or stuffing.  But she did get her fill of Grandma and Grandpa W and Cici and Papa. 

We started out the weekend on our way to Cedar Rapids to visit Matt's family.  Due to the weather, we ended up staying the night in Rochester.  Avery loved all of the attention from mommy and daddy... it reminded her of Jamaica!  Here's Avery on our hotel bed.  Our night was made complete with Hy-Vee Chinese (a personal favorite of my husband's).

 We made it to Cedar Rapids Thursday morning just in time for a little of this, prepared by Uncle Mike.

 And a little of this prepared by Grandpa W.

Both turkeys were delicious.  In addition to the Greek Cheese Ball, I also made a "Caramel Apple Snickers Salad," which was basically Snickers Apple Salad with the little balls of caramel in it (found near the chocolate chips during fall/winter). 

In the short time we were there, we were able to get a few (not very good) pictures of the girls.  Avery kept her eye on Katie the whole time...

And here's one with all three grandkids!

Thanksgiving afternoon, Matt, Avery, and I went to visit my Grandma Mary Lou (dad's mom):

 And Grandma Phyllis (mom's mom):

Grandma Phyllis has two puppies, and Avery looooved to watch them!  This was Avery's first time meeting her Grandma Phyllis.  I think she had a good time, and we are planning on going back for Christmas for a little bit longer stay. 

We also got a picture with Matt's parents!

Then, Friday afternoon, we headed to Ames.  Our time in Ames involved these little girls both waking up before 6am both days we were there.  Cici got them matching bibs, sippy cups, and plates.  Aren't they adorable?  So anyway, in the morning, Cici fed them breakfast while Nealy and I (and - needless to say?? ;) Matt and Kyle were fast asleep.  One day, I slept in until 9:20.  It was amazing - especially after our two sick weeks. 

 Instead of having another Thanksgiving meal, we had a Czech dinner.  It was delicious.  My favorite was the grated potatoes with milk, egg, and garlic.  Yum. 

 Look at these two nuts!

 We had a fun evening of BINGO!  My mom got lots of little fun prizes. 

What a fun, busy, weekend.  I'm already looking forward to Christmas. 

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My Monkey

I didn't get a ton of good shots (too busy collecting candy ;), but here are a few from Avery's first Halloween!

We started the evening mourning the loss of the Vikings.  Then we headed to our church for their annual "Pumpkin Patch," filled with tons of kiddos in costumes, games, candy, a petting zoo, art projects, face painting, etc.  Avery and her friend Zaley (aka "Dorthy" for Halloween).

Then we came home and went to a few neighborhood houses.  We stayed and chatted at each house, so we only made it to three before it was bedtime!  (Yes, she is chewing on a bag of mms.... more to come on that later!)

Love you Monkey Baby!

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