Christmas Tree

Last weekend we purchased a Christmas tree permit and set out to find our perfect tree. We had a lot of fun hiking and enjoying the beautiful weather. The dogs were happy to get out as well!
After a few hours we found our tree and Avery and I were a little sad to see it cut down. As the tree fell over Avery said, "Oh, sad! Mama upie". Meaning the tree wanted it's mama to pick it upie.
When we got home we decorated the tree right away. We had a lot of fun! It is our first real Christmas tree (Eric and I used to just decorated a house plant). I wish we could keep it up all year. It makes the house smell so nice and it just creates an overall warm and inviting feeling.
I'll post a picture of our tree as soon as we put the skirt on it that grandma Cindy is sending!

Little Avery ready for Christmas tree hunting!

Mama and Avery.

Papa and Avery.
Avery wants a turn with the saw!

Wait for us, papa!

Avery was having some difficulty walking in
her boots because they are a little too big for her.
Here, papa is lending her a hand.

I think Avery's favorite part was stomping on the ice.

We found our tree! Actually, after a few hours of
looking for the "perfect" little tree we finally said,
"here, how about that one?" And it was settled.
We were ready to go home by that time.
Here are papa and Avery by our tree.

Papa feeling manly after chopping down the tree.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with Grandma Sally Jo, Grandpa Gary, Aunt Karen, Uncle Paul, Cousins Katie, Caroline, and Alison, and Uncle Jesse, and Aunt Shelly. We also were able to spend time with our good friends Lindsey, Brian, and Joey.
One of our many outings during Thanksgiving break was a trip to the zoo. Avery especially loved the carousel.
Here are some photos from the day at the zoo. There is also video of Avery on the carousel which includes her cousins Katie and Caroline and Uncle Paul as well as Lindsey and Joey. Joey was not as thrilled to be on the carousel. Maybe after lunch and a good nap it would have been more enjoyable for the little guy.

Avery LOVED the carousel ride!

She had a hard time choosing between the lion and zebra.

She waved at everyone as she went by. Not sure what papa is doing.

She also enjoyed sitting on the swan.
I think this was her third time on the carousel?

Enjoying the penguins with Aunt Shelly.
The penguins were not as happy because their home was
being cleaned and all the water was drained out. They
were freezing!

Brian is always so much fun! He is spinning Avery
in her rented zoo wagon.

Avery loves to use her art easel. She spends hours painting, coloring, and drawing. Here are a few pictures...

Hiking & Swinging

Here are some pictures from a hike we took a few weeks ago. Avery, as always, could not get enough of the swings!

Halloween "Hop-Hop"

Avery wanted to be what she calls a "hop-hop" (bunny) for Halloween. We got a onesie from friend and Eric sewed a pink felt patch on it for a bunny belly. We borrowed some white pants from another friend and Grandma Cindy sent us the bunny tail and ears. We were then all set for a bunny costume!
We were going to go to the annual trick-or-treating event downtown, but we did not make it because it was POURING rain. We opted for some weather protection by going to the mall trick-or-treating event instead. Avery had a lot of fun seeing all the other kids in costume.
Here are a few pictures...

Pumpkin Festival

A few weekends ago we went to a local pumpkin festival. There was good music, hayrides, kids games, face painting, antique and craft booths, a beer garden, and some pretty descent food. Avery had a great time picking out her pumpkin and finding her way through the hay maze. Here are some pictures from the day...

She found her perfect pumpkin.

Her we all are by the scarecrow...

Avery LOVED papa's fries.

Papa and Avery

On the hayride and ready for a nap!

In the car on the way home...
she fell asleep shortly after this picture was taken.

A Bunch of Pictures!

Avery and her best friends! (from left: Ada, Wyatt, and Stella)

Waiting to catch Stella down the slide.

Moose antlers from Grandma
Sally Jo and Grandpa Gary.

Making a Moose noise.

Bunny ears from Grandma Cindy.
Avery wants to be a "hop-hop for Halloween.

3 weeks ago when it was still warm outside Avery
drove her "motorcycle" on the porch.

Avery loves her tricycle!

A Beautiful Wedding

A few weekends ago, we attended the wedding of a very close family friend. The wedding was gorgeous and amazing. The best part for us was that my mom, Jesse and Shelly, Eric and Avery, and Zak were all there together! There were also lots of our amazing friends who were there to celebrate as well.
It was one of the best weddings I have ever been to. The location was amazing, the ceremony was so beautiful, the food was devine, and the music and dancing were so much fun! Celebrating the marriage of two amazing people in the company of wonderful friends and family is something we will always cherish.
Here are some pictures from the day:

Here we all are:
From left:
Zak, Cassie, Jesse, Shelly, Cindy, Avery, and Eric

Here we are with our wonderful friends:
From left:
Brenda, Eric, Cassie, Avery, Jesse, Shelly, Diane, Cindy, Zak, and Bram

Dorie, Mike, and Zak all dressed up and lookin' good.

Avery found a hula hoop.

Avery was dancing so much! It was adorable. We thought we got a bunch of video, but our camera was not actually recording. We are bummed!

Avery has some sweet dance moves.

Every good dancer needs a snack break.

Dancing with mama.

Later on in the evening costumes came out!

Bram dancing in spandex.

A Beautiful place for a wedding.