More Pictures!

Last week we decided to take Avery out back to take some 12 month pictures. Since we've been getting them taken every 3 months or so, I wanted to make sure to get some great ones of Avery around her first birthday. I attempted this by myself before Chris got home from work; here are my best shots:

Needless to say, she wasn't too thrilled about me sticking her on a blanket next to a pot of flowers and expecting her to ham it up. Luckily, Daddy got home soon after that and was able to help me cheer her up into taking these adorable pictures!

Thank goodness for Daddy! We actually had a really great time doing this, so we may try to do some more later this fall. Other than that, it was a typical weekend, it went by way too quickly. Hopefully this week will too!

Birthday Party!

We had Avery's 1st birthday party at our house Saturday evening. It went so much better than I had imagined. I hear all these stories about birthday parties going horribly wrong, with the birthday girl ending up in tears. We had none of that, just a really nice evening with family.

We had dinner with everyone, then started opening presents. Dinner was great by the way. Thanks Chris! Avery made out like a bandit. She already had a room full of toys, now we're overflowing into the living room! Here are a few pics of her being the center of attention:

After presents, we had cupcakes (Mickey Mouse of course!) Avery liked the frosting, but liked sharing with Daddy and Mommy even more.

Uncle Zach came down from KC for the party; it was great to see him. And I know Avery really appreciated his traveling all that way just for her birthday party! Here we are at Mom's house:

10 Year Reunion

This past Friday, Chris and I went to my 10 year high school reunion. Most people would say they can't believe it's already been 10 years. To me, it seems like it's been much longer. I guess I'm kind of weird. My class had a dinner/dance at the Econo Lodge (formerly the Red Coach for all you old school McPhersonites).

Chris and I arrived promptly at 6 and only one other couple was there. Fortunately, within 10 minutes, others starting arriving. I saw a bunch of old friends, most of whom I still keep in touch with. I was having trouble recognizing a lot of people, so thank goodness I had Lauren right next to me to explain who everyone was. Chris and I ended the night fairly early, needing to get home to Avery, who needed to get to bed. Although after we got home, she decided to stay up until 10:45. That's what we've been battling these days. Here are a few pics from the reunion:

Me, Lindsay, & Emily

Heather & me

Lauren, me, Emily & Katie (the Lincoln Lions!)

Tammy, Emily, & me

Lauren & me

Avery's Birthday

I've got a lot of catching up to do. We've been so busy the last few weeks, trying to get all our projects wrapped up for this past weekend. Avery's first birthday was last Wednesday. I can't believe she's already 1! Chris was off work for her birthday; he was off the entire week and a half prior, actually. She woke up in a great mood, so we headed off to open her presents. The tides changed quickly. She seemed appreciative of her picnic basket, but once we brought out her 4-wheeler, the tears followed quickly. That was my fault for putting her on it too quickly. The dogs thought it was pretty neat though!

Once she calmed down from the 4-wheeler, she opened her other two gifts. Again, not too impressed. We knew it would happen, but it was still kind of funny to see her more interested in the wrapping paper than the actual gifts.

Since that morning, she has become more brave and will actually touch the 4-wheeler and play with everything else. She especially likes her picnic basket and her velcro 5 part sandwich. Later that afternoon and evening, she got birthday visits from all her grandparents and Jody and Cousin Charlie. A very nice day for a birthday! (Even though it was too hot to go outside!)