Pumpkin Patch 2012

We went to Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch again this October to pick out our Halloween Pumpkin.

 When we got there Avery was ready to go! Mrs. Heather's is such a neat place. You pay one price to get in and you get to play with all the attractions.

 There was a little petting zoo area with baby chicks. Avery was so excited to hold a baby chicken!

 Mommy got to hold one too!

 Then we went to jump on the BLOB!

 There also these little blow up horses.

 

 Daddy got to play too :)

 Avery loved the corn kernels!

 It was a huge trough full of corn kernels, we went back to play into 2 times. She had corn in her pockets and panties when she was done playing!

There was also a huge slide, zip line and swings. Avery got to play with a lot more this year, and she had a blast. Once we were done playing, it was time to pick our pumpkin.

2011

2012

Baby girl was not interested in smiling this year. We had a great day and I look forward to many more years visiting the pumpkin patch!

Global Wildlife Center

 This labor day Josh and I took Avery to the Global Wildlife Center. It is a huge open "zoo" where all kinds of animals can roam around. You can take a tour of the grounds to see and feed all of the animals.

 Avery was excited and ready to go!

 The animals are so used to the people and food, that they come right up to the tractor with their mouths wide open!

 We were very lucky and the giraffes came over for a snack!

 They would stick their longs necks into the tractor and eat right out of our hands.

 Avery was so brave! She fed the animals with her cup.

 And even out of her hands!

Although it was a sweltering hot day, we had a great time!

School Days

 Our baby girl is officially a Preschooler! Josh and I decided to start her in a 2 day a week preschool program. She goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-3. It has been very good for her to socialize with other kids, learn a classroom routine, and it gives me a few days to work and get stuff done.

 August 13th was "Meet the Teacher day" Avery was very excited and cute as can be in her blue dress. Daddy met us at her school and we got meet Ms. Lauren and Ms. Lisa, Avery's teachers. She is in the "Fishy" classroom with the other older 2 year olds.

 I adore this girl!

 August 16th was her first day of school. We were up bright and early.

 Mommy packed up her lunch. Ms Thing no longer eats the crust on sandwiches so I have to cut them off now!

 We took some pictures by the front door before we left. I can't wait to do this every year until she leaves for college!

She had her nap mat, backpack and lunch box all ready to go. She has adjusted very well to school. Her teachers say she is a very happy and smart baby (of course we all ready knew that!). We love that she comes home singing new songs and telling us new stories. Right now her BFF's in the class are Emerson and Lainey. They pull their nap mats and pillow pets together for nap time :) I am excited for her to learn and grow. I hope this is the start of a love for learning.

Happy Mardi Gras!

We had a nice/busy Mardi Gras week. Saturday, Avery was in Luling with our parents, so Josh went down there to be with her while I worked. He was going to take her to the Luling parade, but it was awful weather and the parade got cancelled. I was off work Sunday, so we took her to the Des Allemands parade. She was so cute, waving to the floats and racking up on beads and stuffed animals. Monday, Josh and I both had work, so Avery stayed at my mom's. Tuesday morning we went out to Metairie to catch the Mardi Gras day parades. We had a great group with us including Josh's parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins. As well as some of our friends from the northshore. There was lots of food, kids and fun. The day was beautiful and the kids had a blast. Avery loved the Clydesdale horses and drums. She caught a stuffed Barney and that has been her favorite toy all week! This Saturday there is a dog parade at the lakefront, I think Avery would love that. So we will try to make it to that one tomorrow too. Happy Mardi Gras!

Autumn 2011

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year! I love the cooler weather, fall decorations, autumn smelling candles and sweet pumpkin treats. I got to decorate the new house for the fall and we were able to enjoy our first fire! 

 Avery liked the cooler weather too!

 Thankfully I was off this year for Thanksgiving. We spent the majority of the day at Josh's grandma's house enjoying fried turkey, meatballs and red gravy, broucalloni, 10 different types of casseroles and just as many desserts!

 Josh got the honor this year of carving the turkey. He turned it into a surgical operation, that is the Dr. in him :)

And of course Avery thoroughly enjoyed the holiday revolving around food. She filled up on all the goodies and was the entertainment for the evening.  After leaving their, we went to my mom's for round 2. It was a great holiday, and I know I have said it before, but we are so thankful to be back home where we are able to spend the holidays with our families.

Halloween 2011

We had a fun filled Halloween this year! Like I said in the previous blog, my crazy self decided to throw our 4th annual Halloween + housewarming party less than 2 weeks after we closed on the house. After cleaning, moving, putting away and organizing like a crazy woman we were ready to party!

Josh went as Sean Payton, after his knee injury! I was Jimmy Graham, the Saints player that hurt his knee, and Avery was our little cheerleader :)

Geaux Saints!

 We had a nice spread of chili, hot dogs, dips and desserts!

 Josh's parents, grandparents, my brother Josh and a bunch of our friends came to celebrate with us.

Russel Brand, Katie Perry and a deviled egg

 The kids enjoyed the playroom (yay!) and we had a great night.

Halloween night we went over to Chip and Tanya's for trick or treating. They live in a great, very family friendly neighborhood. I made her costume this year. She is obsessed with Elmo, and I couldn't find a costume that I loved. So I made her tutu and ironed on an Elmo applique on her shirt.

Trick or Treat!

Filling up before a fun filled night.

 The Curtis kids took her under their wings to show her the trick or treating ropes :)

 Josh got off of work in time to share in the fun.

 It took Avery about 2 houses to figure out the swing of things. After that she went running up the driveways with her little tutu swishing around her, said trick or treat and thanked everyone for her goodies.

Mimi and Papa also came up to share in the fun. It was so much fun! We love watching her grow up and change from year to year. I am sure next year she will be up on the hay ride with the big kids and she'll probably want to pick our her own costume :(