So Big!

Avery is 18 months old today!

she likes to brush her own teeth (chew on the toothbrush)

stands up for the whole duration of her bath

throws her food to Piper when she is full

runs and squeals while me or Jimi chase her

loves to climb up all chairs, especially if it leads to climbing on top of the table

believes we can't see her when she covers herself up with a blanket

hands us the remote when she wants to watch a Backyardigan

walks around saying "hi!" over and over

twirls Piper's hair

twirls her own hair

twirls my hair

lays her head on your shoulder and pats your back before you lay her down

Thanksgiving on the Farm

Thanksgiving was spent in Fallon this year...

cows galore,

yummy dinner,

a friendly game of two hand touch,

us girlfriends bragging about how hot our boys are,

petting kitties in our jammies,

or smiling big in our jammies,

going on an adventure around the yard...Avery insisted on getting down in the ditch.

Pausing to read a book,

Piper and Oakley totally pretended like they aren't city dogs, but puking up the turkey carcass gave it away. Piper's digestive tract couldn't hack it.

These two got to go on so many adventures.

You've never seen such tired dogs at the end of the day.

So much room to romp!

More Matching

Matchy Matchy

T is for Tasty Treat

There you go, Piper. Dinner is served!

(this post was originally going to be titled "T is for Tiffany's Birthday Bash")

H is for Happiness

...and happiness is the West Desert

... dogs and kids are suddenly happier than ever while in the West Desert.

...squealing with delight, prancing around, tongues lolling out...

...running around aimlessly,

raggy-muffins playing in the dirt, glorious dirt... (who is her mother? why doesn't she do something with that hair?)

...finding a water "hole". I'm not so sure they were supposed to be digging this hole, but at least they were able to quench their thirst after all that frolicking.

...the culprits fleeing the scene.

It is a favorite place for us to be.

The Kelvingtons were there, but since they have their own blog now, I guess I didn't feel compelled to document their existence. (Woo hoo for both husbands' extended days off!)

A is for All Mine!

That is because starting today, Jimi doesn't have to work until December! I will share him with Avery and Piper, I suppose.

For the past couple of months, a bunch of guys got upgraded to captains, and they had to fly with Jimi for their first 20ish hours. So he worked way more than anyone else. Consequently, we get him all to ourselves for the rest of the month.

Yee haw!

N is for Nestled

In the morning, when we are all done with breakfast, Avery runs to the couch and climbs up, ready for Backyardigans. She watches, semi-hypnotized, while I tidy the house.

She has to have this big, fluffy blanket around her to be truly ready. She smacks at it and giggles in excitement for the show.

It's even better if she can sit on daddy's lap through the whole thing.

K is for Kicking and Screaming

The kicking part: this baby is either going to be a soccer player or he is trying to kick his way out so he can watch Backyardigans with Avery. It kind of hurts.

(spot the dolly)

This is me at about 27 weeks, about to enter the third trimester. I am getting really excited to meet the little fella.

As for the screaming part: Avery has entered a new communication phase of just screaming at me. I think she is really frustrated that she can't talk yet. She is right on the verge of forming real words, but in the mean time, "aiieeeaaahhhhaaaahaah!" is all I hear around here. That and squatting and crying in frustration.

This is what I do most of the day in reaction to her little fits. I just stare and try to understand what it is she wants.

S is for Spot

...the dolly

It could either be Avery's regular dolly, or the one she stole from grandma's house.

It's kind of like a "Where's Waldo" of Avery's favorite little toy.

It's also a great excuse to post lots of pictures of Avery.

This first one is a tuffy

this one's easy

this is where "grandma's dolly" comes into play

It may be silly to be thankful for something like a toy, but I love watching Avery take care of dolly, and that it gives her so much comfort.