Other December Pics

A couple Saturdays ago, April and I took Avery and Tanner to "Santa's Wonderland" at the Bass Pro Shop here. It was a lot of fun and Ave enjoyed making Christmas crafts, shooting the targets with the pink gun (she was set on doing that- I would not have encouraged that one), and sitting on Santa's Lap (which was her third Santa already this year and Ave is shy and timid each time...Notice how not shy she is to pet the raccoon on the Christmas tree...I don't always understand this girl of mine).

Ave and her Daddy

Ave got to spend a couple days with her dad when we were in Kansas. This isin't the best picture but it clearly shows this resemblance between them is still going strong...She really enjoyed her time with him and told me all about the birthday party he had for her and getting to play with her little cousins.

On our way home from Kansas, Ave was mad at me for making her get out of our warm car to stop for a potty break and told me, "I want my Daddy!" She hasn't said it since...She has never told me that before and I honestly thought it was funny that the thought came to her at that perfect time. I'm just hoping I don't hear this everyday or every time she wants to share some attitude!

I do know that her dad loves her very much and wishes he could see her everyday. We are going to try to work out a more consistent system in which Ave goes to Kansas for small intervals to spend time with him. I would never recommend this situation to anyone and I tell whoever I can to avoid it at all possible costs but I am hopeful that we can make the best of it.

Our Kansas Trip

We had so much fun in Kansas! We were able to get in a lot of time with family and friends.

The pictures of Kristan and I in the horrible sweaters were from the "Ugly Christmas Sweater party." We were in our beautiful goodwill ensemble and went ice skating in Leawood. I love ice skating and can't wait to take Ave next year!

Thanks Keith and Kristan welcoming us into your home for yet another fun trip. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more- me or Ave! Can't wait to do it again soon.

We are in Kansas!!!

We just arrived to Kansas last night...and we are having a blast!

We decided to drive because of gas being so affordable. As we were getting to North Oklahoma, we started seeing some snow patches on the ground. Avery said, "Look Mom! There's sugar everywhere!" It was pretty cute. Spoken like a true Texas girl.

We were able to go see my friend, Audrey and her son, Carson, and family for his first birthday party. I didn't take any pictures because I was still recovering from the long drive and not thinking too clearly.

Today, Ave spent the day with her dad. I got to meet his new girlfriend. She redecorated his house, which used to be- our house. I think I handled it all in all, pretty well. I am happy that her dad is happy-Avery deserves two happy parents.

I have loved spending time with Kristan, Keith and their kids. Jared and Brittany are two kids with BIG personalities and it is fun! Avery LOVES playing with her cousins and I think the feeling is mutual. Jared said last night, "I've never had this much fun with Avery!" She is now at that perfect age where playing with other kids is the best thing ever.

So, I realize I do miss Kansas when I am back here. I got to see my other good friend, Kendra, and she tried to talk me back into moving here as well as little hints from Kristan. I know Texas is where we are meant to be for awhile...I'm just happy to be able to come visit without it being too far away!

Need to take more pictures so that I can post some!

Covering all her bases

The following conversation establishes the fact that my daughter is officially a super smart and savvy 3 year old.

Setting: I am making dinner. Avery is playing with her pictures and letters on the fridge, when I hear:

"Oh, Look Mommy. Its a picture of me and my best friend" while pointing to the picture of her sitting on Santa Claus' lap.

"Oh Yea Ave- Santa Claus is your best friend?"

"No, he's not. Ruth and Caden are my best friend."

"Oh, Ruth and Caden are your best friends?"

"No, they're not. Katelynn's my best friend."

"Oh, Katelynn's your best friend?"

"No....MOMMY is my best friend."

"You are right Avery. But its ok to have more than one best friend."

She's covered all around. You can't go wrong with having many best friends, especially santa or mommy.

The shirt says "Best gift ever"and I could never deny that...

Its still FALL Y'all!

Avery and her Uncle Anthony made some massive leaf piles this weekend. The weather was beautiful and in the low 60s so we were able to play in the leaves for awhile. The Texas leaves are just now starting to fall and change colors.

We also started working on our Christmas baking, although most of our goodies are already gone. Avery loves making sugar cookies, especially rolling out the dough and decorating with frosting. We try to save her cookies just for her-since she enjoys licking her fingers through the process!

AVERY is THREE!

Avery had a great 3rd birthday! We went to the Disney on Ice Show with her best friend, Caden and his mom, Ruth....Then we had a small party. Avery was quite the birthday girl and seemed to have the birthday princess attitude down...Almost like she didn't know what to do with all the attention. For instance, she really did not want to blow out the candle on her birthday cake- I had to coerce her into it. I'm sure her favorite part was opening her presents. Caden really wanted to assist with the opening, which she didn't mind. She is still loving playing with all her presents and likes to remind me of her growing age, saying, "I'm three Mommy...Not a baby." I'm using the "Well, three year olds listen" card and hope that it works for awhile.

I was telling my friend that it is interesting to me that Avery is probably at an age now where she will start to remember things. My first memory is a couple months after I turned 3, stepping onto some steps to see my newborn baby brother, Collin, in the nursery....It makes me even more excited to make fun memories with her but a little more conscious of my parenting skills.

The Terrible Twos went by way too quickly- onto the Terrific Threes.