Happy 1st Birthday Avery Lynne

Dear Avery,

Exactly one year ago today I was posting welcome pictures on our blog and today I am posting about your first birthday. It is amazing how fast this year has gone. It has been a year of tremendous blessings. Your life has blessed us in so many ways.

On the day your were born, we counted your ten little fingers and ten litte toes and cried in wonder of you as we kissed your cheeks. We came home to new excitement, sleepless nights and many new experiences. This year we experienced your first smile, your first time rolling, sitting, crawling, laughing, walking and talking. Today, you walk through the house babbling contantly at us and again we sit in wonder.

Every day, your daddy and I thank God for you and the way that you have brought us unending joy. It is to Him that we give all glory, honor and praise. It is our prayer for you that you will grow into a beautiful, strong, smart, funny, amazing child of God. (But don't do it too fast!)

We love you Avery Lynne, Happy Birthday, Love, Mommy and Daddy

Party Pictures

WOW! I can't believe a year has already gone by. Exactly one year ago today, I was posting Avery's welcome pictures on the blog and here I am today posting about her first birthday.

We celebrated with most of our family on Sunday with a party and will celebrate with the rest this weekend. Avery had a lot of fun at her party. She enjoyed the boxes that her toys came in maybe more than the toy at first. She hugged them and wanted to sit on all of them. Thank you everyone for making her day so special

Happy Birthday Miss Avery- we love you! (Again, I have a TON of pictures, these are just a few of the highlights)

Pumpkin Patch

"Look Mom, this one is my size!"

My mom, Jen, me and Avery made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. We went to Post Family Farms this year. This was Avery's first time and she had a lot of fun. Last year we went to Robinettes a week before I was due and it was hot out-not my favorite year! :(

Anyway, we took a hayride out to the pumpkin patch and Avery was very determined to walk around herself despite tripping over vines and such. I think you can tell from the pics that she loved the pumkins. ( I have a TON of pictures so these are just a few of my favorites)

Readin'

Avery loves to go into her room and pull books off the shelf and sit and read them all by herself. I have been trying for weeks to sneak with the camera and I was finally able to get a cute pic. She's pointing to the "dog-a" (aka doggy).

What a Mess!

I realize that someday I may not think that a mess like this is so cute but I couldn't resist. She loved spaghetti. Check out the wall. Some art work for us to enjoy while we dine.

Mmmmm...

Avery agrees with her mommy-Diet Pepsi is the BEST! (Just a note- she was not really drinking it, caffeine is the LAST thing that Avery needs)

Warning

* THIS IS NOT THE PROPER WAY TO RIDE IN A CAR SEAT * Avery sure thought it was fun though.

But Mom...

That's not fair!!!

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

I love you more today than the day I married you!

A Nice Getaway

Kraig and I got away for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary. It was the first time that we left Avery overnight-Thanks Mom & Dad, she sure had fun. We missed her but we sure enjoyed our time together. It was fun to be just the 2 of us again. A much needed break that was very much enjoyed!

Great Grandma V

Great Grandma V reading Avery a book. (She loves the camera now and points to it when you try to take her picture.)

Two New Friends

Last Thursday, I babysat my friends daughter Addysen. Avery and Addysen had a lot of fun together.

Avery has another new friend also. Meet "puppy". She carries him around with her and she loves to throw him on the floor and fall on top of him and snuggle.

Thought for the day

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hours I first believed

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His Word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Song lyrics by Chris Tomlin- "Amazing Grace(My Chains are Gone)"

Labor Day Weekend-part 2

Avery was bored while Kraig and I worked.
Swimming at grandma & grandpas.

Avery loves her "Papa"

We spent part 2 of Labor Day weekend getting some things done around the house (Avery fell asleep in her stoller while I was cleaning the garage) and the spending time with my family at my parents house. What a great weekend.

Labor Day Weekend-part 1

Mommy and Avery on the pontoon boat.

All the kids swimming with mom's and dad's.
(Minus Kyle, I don't know where he went) Gettting in trouble. I left the room for 2 seconds and this
is what I found when I came back. Dog food all over the floor.

We spent part one of Labor day weekend at the cottage with the Kuipers.

First Ride

Avery's first ride on the four-wheeler at the cottage. She liked it but I think that Kraig liked it WAY more.

A Nice Summer Night

"SO big!"
We told Avery she couldn't eat the rocks she was playing with,
as you can tell she wasn't very happy about that.

Our family

I love the nice summer nights where it cools off and it's just nice to be outside. It's a sure sign that fall is around the corner. Many people disagree with me but fall is my favorite season. I get excited for it every year. These pics are of our family just hanging out in our yard.

The big day!!

The Bus

We had a fun ride on the party bus.

The Beach