The Month of Avery

As September ends, we thought we'd give you a little summary of birthday activities that occurred last week.

Avery loves to receive packages. She received one from Grandma Jan and loved the presents in it.
She went to work right away to test out how good the present really worked. It works. We have stamped things everywhere now.

On the actual birthday she gets presents from mom & dad. She used to love ballet, so we're just sending her a subliminal message, reminding her that she used to love it. She fell for our trick.

The look on her face when she opened the door to find....

A bike! She's already really good at pedaling. Good thing for a helmet though- we've had a few minor falls.

And of course you have to blow out a candle and eat cake on your birthday.

At her birthday party, my friend, Becky made a beautiful cake. It turned out yummy and just perfect. Thanks, Becky!

Spotted! Cinderella waiting to eat another Cinderella... If you look closely on the left you can see part of Grandma Jan. She joined the birthday party by Skype.

A little friend time with the boys.

It's so sad when friend time is over.

Spotted! Snow White in a cake coma after the party hanging out with her new snuggly guy, Rainbow.

She'll share, don't worry, Griffin.

Spotted! Snow White and Griffin having a great time swinging together and singing songs.

Spotted! Rapunzel getting hugs from her little brother.

Spotted! Rapunzel acting wacky with Grandpa Gary.

I think Avery would say she had a great birthday. Looking at these pictures reminds me that she is getting so big and that the past 5 years have just flown by.

Now it's time to prepare for busy month #2. Stay tuned!

The dangers of sisters

Well, we've been busy folk and now that we have birthday season rolling around it will get even busier. Here is an update on some things we've been up to, but mainly it's a recap of all things sister. It's dangerous having a sister.

While Avery's off having fun and playing soccer...




Griffin has to read books...



When Avery wins something out of the treasure chest at school, Griffin has to play with it too...


For the record, he was NOT amused.


No one is safe- even dogs...




When Avery plays dress up, Griffin has to play along...


Even older grown up sisters (like my own) are cruel. (Someone please tell my mom to stop buying games off of QVC in the middle of the night). Yes, we see you, Chris.



Yeah, I know what you mean, Griffin.

First Day of School

Avery's first day of preschool is today. She gets to go in the afternoon five days a week, so really it's like kindergarten practice. I think she was a little nervous, but as soon as she saw her boyfriend, everything was just fine. He sure is funny...

Steve says we have to use the crosswalk. Even though Steve was sick and couldn't join us today, we still followed the rules.

The look on her face is from irritation in that I made her do this twice because the lens cap was on the first time. She really was happy.



Griffin even enjoyed the whole excitement. For the record- his hair is like that because it's windy.

Here's to a new year! Chris gets kids for the first time tomorrow; I'll post some pictures of him too.

10 Months!

Well, he's officially been out longer than he was in. These past 10 months have just flown by. I'm not sure if it went as fast the first time around, but she's almost 5 now, so who knows!

Griffin is testing out the walking technique. Avery is really helping him too. She is just the right height to hold his hands and help him along. He also pushes along his little bus.

Here are some photos of the two having a forced sibling moment.

Trail Ridge Road

Just a few more pictures from the mountains. This is our trip up Trail Ridge Road on our way out of RMNP. Amazing ride, albeit a tired one. A long hike the night before and then a cold night in a tent was a enough to wear out one or two of us that were in the van. We all still had a blast, just a little tired and some of us were just not as peppy as usual.

A nice view of Long's on our way to the trail.

The first point where you could really get a feel for the elevation. This was a much needed pull-off. I have a new appreciation for my dad and how calmly he drove up this road. I caught myself looking over the edge a few times before I thought better of that move. A hunk of curb is not much of a guard rail. Curious how many people make that same mistake and end up down the mountain. At least that was what I was thinking of when I looked over the edge. And...that is why I stopped looking over the edge while I was driving. :)

Almost at the top. The sky was unbelievably clear and crisp. Very refreshing.

Hugging Dad...or keeping warm, not sure which.

Mom, deserves a hug or two as well. There were so many Marmots at this stop i thought they might hop up and give us a hug as well. But they didn't. Must not be into PDA.

Saw a few really impressive Elk at the top.

A few pictures of the alpine tundra for your viewing pleasure.

Yes there was still snow. Quite a bit of it. And snow is still cold...even in July.

Erin told me what these mountains were named but I forget. Something like Neptune, Alpha, Scooby, and Papa Smurf I think. Or maybe that was the show Avery was watching in the hotel before she fell asleep tonight. Either way.

What an amazing experience. I am thrilled that my family got to experience it. Erin said that she was equally amazed and even got a bit emotional a time or too looking at the view. It's hard not to. The stars at the campsite Wednesday night, then the mountains here, puts everything back into perspective quickly. My inner mountain man has been appeased...for now.