4 Months Ago ...

We held our precious little Avery Joy in our arms for the first time...

We have loved getting to know Avery and watch her grow. She really is such a joy. She doesn't complete our family (I know we still have more spirits waiting to come to our home) but she makes us whole for now. She is the perfect addition and we love her so much!!!

Here are some pictures I took of Avery today...

And for fun some comparison pictures of our girls at the exact same age, wearing the exact same outfits...

Next week we have Avery's 4 month check up. I'm excited to see how big this little girl is.

This Is Why I Do It...

Yesterday I had a really hard day. One of those days that all stay-at-home Moms go through. I swear Avery is teething because she is a little crabbier than normal and "chewing" on everything. I couldn't seem to make her happy yesterday and so I was frustrated. To top it off, I REALLY miss Washington and being with my family. If I could move to back, I would in heart beat. So yesterday I felt lonely, tired, frustrated and a little depressed. Luckily, last night Avery slept really well and even slept in today (a tender mercy form the Lord). So today I have a renewed sense of strength and it comes from these two little girls. I LOVE THEM!!! No matter what is going on in my life I can find joy in my family and my calling as a mother. I watched this video last week and it really touched and encouraged me. I think it's something that all moms need to hear.

Lexi's Newest Toyes

This weekend we bought Lexi a playhouse and a slide. I found them on Craig's List for $25 for the both! I was so excited but I think Lexi may have been more excited.

Here is Lexi first thing this morning "talking" to Grandma on the phone.


And going down the slide this morning. Notice the crazy bed head hair.

Little Lady... Bug

I'm not totally sure why but Lexi has been obessed with rain clothes for about a month now. A few weeks ago it was raining and Lexi asked to go outside. I told her that she couldn't because she didn't have rain boots or a rain coat. So she told me, "buy some." Well her dreams came true. She got some. My dad took us to the airport when we were flying back home. And in the window of one of the stores was this outfit. My dad couldn't resist and neither could Lexi. She has LOVED wearing this outfit. She wears it everyday. She insist on wearing the boots where ever we go, even though this weekend it was in the mid 90's. Since my mom wasn't able to go with us to the airport so she hasn't seen this outfit yet. So this picture are especially for my mom...

Lexi decided that her lady bug rain boots go great with her lady bug costume.

And today Lexi insisted that Avery wear the rain boots too. I hope Avery likes them because this outfit will be her's in two years when she grows into it.

WA TRIP - Seattle Aquarium and Being Spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa

The girls and I were in Washington for a total of two weeks. We had so much fun. It was so great to be able to see all of Sean's and my family. I've missed my family a lot being so far away from them. It makes me sad that my girls aren't close to their grandparents. Hopefully someday they will be.

One day my parents took us to the Seattle Aquarium. Lexi had never been to one before so it was fun to see her get excited about all the fish and she especially liked the seals and otters.

Other than the weekend of the wedding, it was really hot while we where there. Uncomfortably hot because it's humid and no one has AC. Luckily my parents bought Lexi a little pool and she LOVED it!

Lexi got to play with a hose for the first time. Since we haved lived in an apartment all of Lexi's life she doesn't know simple joys like these.

A little swimsuits.

Staying cool in the heat.

Lexi got to experience washing a car for the first time. She LOVED it!!!

Another first for Lexi was playing on deck. Lexi absolutely loved it!!! This girl needs a house with a yard because she loves being outside.

Lexi got to bake a bunch with my mom which she enjoyed.

One of the things Lexi helped my mom make was a birthday pie for my dad. Here is Lexi loving it! It was neat that we were able to be there to celebrate my dad'd birthday.

Here are my girls with my younger (not littler) brother Ryan.

And here are my girls with my parents. I'm postive that next to Sean and myself my parents love my girls the most. They adore them! Both got spoiled rotten by their grandparents. It was so fun for me to watch Lexi especially enjoy getting to know my parents better. She loved spending time with them and is still talking about them.

WA TRIP - Backyard Games & Seattle Trip

Sean wasn't able to stay in Washington long just for the wedding weekend. I'm pretty sure his favorite part of his short stay was this...


Let me explain. The wedding reception was originally going to be outside in the Christensen's backyard but the wedding day was the one real rainy day while I was there. So since we didn't get to use all the tables and tents rented for the reception we used them for a family softball game.

One day we went down to Seattle. Our firt stop was the Locks in Ballard. It's where boats go through to get from fresh water to salt water or vica versa.

Lexi and my mom infront of the Locks.

Lexi and Addie.

Then we went to see the Troll under the bridge in Freemont.

More Lexi and Addie.

Then we went to Gasworks park, where you can see one of my favorite views of Seattle.

Lexi had to take a cat nap in the middle of our day.

Then Avery took a nap during lunch.

We also rode the monorail to the West Lake Center and had lunch and then went down by the Space Needle to this fountain.

The goal is to run and touch the fountain without getting wet. Lexi and I almost made it...

And here's a picture I took of Lexi chasing Parker and Parker chasing a duck by the fountain.