first advent

Over the past few days we have endured a cheerful little countdown of how many days until December first.  How many days until we can open the first pocket, Mama?  This morning she was up early (as usual) and again had to wait until little sister was up.  Such a simple pleasure to anticipate a tiny candy treat.  A handful of cherry red jelly beans, counted and divided equally by A while E gobbled them up just as fast.  

This year I was determined not to be caught off guard by December first and spent an impromptu evening putting a new advent calendar together a good four days early - and mostly out of supplies I had on hand or could print off the computer, which was a bonus.  We've filled each pocket with a variety of candies the girls will share and a note to let them know what chapter we'll read in their Jesus storybook bible to lead up to Christmas day.  Simple and straightforward and I can always add to it as we go through December as ideas for fun activities or events come up.

While half the family slept in, and Avery kept me company in the kitchen, I made a batch of warm french breakfast muffins.  I like tradition, and this had the ring of something traditional to do, even though it hasn't been.  Indulging in muffins dipped in butter and cinnamon sugar can't be a bad tradition to start.

We've been having fun lighting up the house with greenery and berries and red and gold.  It was a challenge in patience for A as we took our time setting everything up in stages - a little here, a little there, tree up one day, but decorations another.  We're feeling ready now to bring in the warmth and light as the days grow darker outside each night.  

ding dong

Trick or treat!

two

We will freely admit it.  Ella's second birthday was a good two weeks ago.  But wow that week ended up being a real doozy.  Life happens in unexpected ways.  Thank goodness our little birthday girl is just two and didn't have a clue that things were being delayed over and over.  Avery, on the other hand, wasn't taking our stalling nearly as well.  Last night we decorated with colorful bunting, baked a pretty little cake, wrapped a simple little gift (and rewrapped a couple she'd already received during the week!) and ordered a couple pizzas to give our little girl the party her big sister was awfully desperate for.

Ella was pretty freaked out by the tiny fawn on her cake. 

She received a new baby doll, a collection of princess figurines, marvel comic 'little people', a sweet bag to carry things around in, and a lego bunny hutch set that Avery picked out for her.

Simple and sweet and so nice to finally celebrate our funny little Ella.

grateful

The girls and I took a walk in our favorite park a few days ago.  We were looking to find the prettiest tree.  I didn't find it ... I was too distracted by these two beautiful creatures.  There is so much to be thankful for.  This weekend I am especially grateful for the support and love of our families.  For girlfriends to cry out to.  For prayers being heard.

Happy Thanksgiving!

first day

Avery had her first day at Kindergarten today.  Just a short morning, really, but a first is a first.  Over the next couple weeks she'll be eased into the schedule and structure of school, which I'm grateful for - for both her sake and mine!  She was really excited and although she felt nervous and shy entering the classroom this morning, she stepped up to receive her nametag and joined the line-up to leave the mom's and dad's without a pause.  It was quick and smooth, and she didn't cry.  :)

- A Survey with Avery on the Day she Began Kindergarten - 

Something you can do now that you're five?  Run faster

What is something you like about yourself?  My pink lips

Favorite food to eat at breakfast?  Fried eggs

Favorite food to eat at lunch?  Peanut-butter and honey sandwich

Favorite food to eat at supper?  Pancakes (and suddenly they're not "paypakes"... sad)

Favorite treat?  Ice cream

Favorite thing to do with Daddy?  Mini-golfing and visiting the pet store

Favorite thing to do with Mommy?  Read stories

Favorite thing to do with Ella?  Play in our tent

Favorite movie?  Cars

Favorite TV show?  Justin Time

Favorite storybook?  The Wizard of Oz

Favorite bible story?  Mary and Joseph

Favorite small toy?  Polly Pockets and Little Pet Shop

Favorite big toy?  Play kitchen

Favorite color?  Pink

Favorite songs to listen to?  Ballerina music
What are you looking forward to about school?  Seeing my cousins walking the halls
What do you want to be when you grow up?  A librarian

fifth birthday

We celebrated Avery's fifth birthday a week-and-a-half ago.  We had planned to go camping over her birthday weekend, but decided to cancel at the last minute and ended up having a really fun, low-key weekend celebrating her and treating her to little surprises and dates along the way.

Levi found the first two graphic novels in the Wizard of Oz series for Avery, hoping to introduce her to comics and strong female protagonists.  Levi's been reading to her each night before bed and she is gobbling the stories up.  She also received a nice new stash of Lego, a handmade dolly and matching top from me, a new Strawberry Shortcake play set, money for new school clothes, and she's still enjoying her bike, which was pre-birthday present so she could maximize all the early days of summer.

By Avery's special request, her cake had pink, peppermint frosting and ballerinas on top.  On the evening of her birthday we invited a little bit of family over and enjoyed a big pancake feast, which seems to be becoming a tradition for our girl.

Five is a big deal.  She's been happily reporting her new status to anyone she meets, usually with all five fingers spread wide.  We're so proud of who she's becoming and how much she has grown this past year.  Happy fifth, sweet Avery!

family time

Just some pics from last weekend.  Family was in town!  We farewelled Levi's Mom and Dad - off to South Korea for another year, but this time together!  We beached.  We played games.  We walked.  We did up a delish Greek feast to celebrate.  Levi and I totally relaxed while everyone else played with our kids.  We loved it.  It's always a good time when family's around.  

 - Ian and Kathryn helping Avery dig a personal swimming pool or two -

 - The mermaids -

- Patti and Rhonda - 

 - Island Avery getting buried by Uncle Ian -

Happy weekending!