Ambrosia's Birthday Party

On Saturday Avery attended her friend Ambrosia's birthday party. It was quite the party. The theme was Sleeping Beauty. Each girl got a Sleeping Beauty dress, and the two boys that came got armor so they could be knights. There was a jumping castle, a blow up dragon for the knights to slay, and a pinata. They also had in their back yard a swing set, and a little playhouse. There was definately plenty for the children to do. After we ate lunch and broke the pinata we had cake and ice cream. Actually Rose's dad had to break the pinata. After the kids had their fill of swinging at it he busted it open. It was really cute to watch them attempt to break it, keep in mind these are two and three year olds. The one boy that gave it a try actually put a hole in it, most of the girls barely even tapped it. I am proud to say that Avery actually got in a couple of good swings for being so small. She thought it was pretty fun. When it was time to come home Avery got her own gift bag with a ton of goodies in it, and her own little personal Sleeping Beauty cake to go with it.

Avery in the jumping castle. It took her few minutes to warm up but she really enjoyed it once she finally got in it.This is just a picture of the whole castle. It was really cute. That is Avery that you can see in the picture.

Avery swinging at the pinata.

Keanan, Emma, Camilla, Rose (in the back), Lydia, Avery, and Beau

Emma is the only on that isn't in Avery's nursery class.

A Day at the Zoo

On Friday we were able to take the girls to the zoo. We debated on going to zoo lights, but decided that just going to see the animals was probably enough. We went with James' family and Dan and Sarah also joined us. The weather was perfect. We were worried about rain, but all we had was nice cloud cover to keep it nice and cool. We couldn't have asked for a better day. This was Avery's first time to the zoo, and she just loved it. She got so excited about all the animals and loved running around with her cousins. Emmabelle did really well just riding in the stroller and taking in all the scenery. She isn't quite old enough to get overly excited about the animals yet, but she just enjoys being outside.

This is the girls waiting in line to get tickets to the zoo.

Really we only had to pay for Dave and I.

Dave and Avery watching the elephant eat.

It is really amazing to watch them use their trunks.Annie and Avery at the elephants.

The Orangutans. I guess it is pretty rare for all four of them to be out at one time. They have a daddy, mommy, baby, and a grandma. They were very active while we were there. The baby was all over the place climbing and doing summersaults. It was really fun to watch. This is in the monkey village. You actually go into the place were they keep these little monkeys and watch them run and jump through the trees chasing each other. It is neat to get to see them so close up. This is a little play area that they have near the petting zoo. They call it Harmony Farms. It is all Fisher Price Little People stuff. It was really cute. Emmabelle enjoyed playing in the dry dirt in the barn.

Here is another picture of Emmabelle through a side window of the barn.

They also had a slide that was just perfect for Avery she could do it all by herself.
This is at the petting zoo. They have this large area where they let all the goats out and you can go in and brush them. They are so tame. Most of them hardly even move. They just lay around and let the kids climb all over them. Avery did surprisingly well. She really liked the goats. They also have some sheep, and a miniture ox, it was very tame also.
Emmabelle also enjoyed exploring the goats.
She liked to pet them and feel their ruff hair.
Avery and Uncle Dan at the Giraffes.

We were able to have a picnic lunch at the zoo and then after that we went back to James and Sylvia's house and played some more with the cousins. All in all we had a really nice trip to the valley.

Thanksgiving 2008

We spent this Thanksgiving with Dave's family. We left Safford Thursday morning and had our Thanksgiving late lunch at James and Silvia's house. All in attendance were: Clay, Mary, John, James, Silvia, Tom, Billy Tom's friend, Dave and I, Dan, Sarah, John Boxberger from Flagstaff, and the kids, Annie, McKay, Avery, Sadie, and Emmabelle. It was a very nice and relaxing day. We had lots of good turkey and a very delicious honey baked ham. We spent the evening just visiting and enjoying each others company.

Annie, McKay and Avery enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner.Dave, Mary and Clay

Avery with her Grandpa Hartman.

Mary and Annie playing, Avery playing with her Uncle Dan and Sarah.

Annie and McKay really enjoy riding their bikes, luckily they also had this tricycle so Avery was able to join in on the fun. Unfortunately her legs were to short so I got the pleasure of pushing her around. She really loved it though. It would be a great Christmas present if she could do it all by herself. We will just have to wait another year or so, until she grows a couple more inches.

8 Thing Tag

So I have finally been tagged. I really thought I was going to get away with not having to do something like this, but here it goes.

8 TV shows I watch
1. NCIS
2. Army Wives
3. The Starter Wife
4. America's Next Top Model
5. Days of our Lives
6. Handy Manny
7. Mickey Mouse Club House
8. Law & Order SVU
Six and seven are compliments of my two year old.

8 Things I remember about yesterday.
Don't know if I can remember 8 things, but I will try.
1. It was Wednesday. I don't always know what day of the week it is.
2. I had Tangy OJ Chicken for Dinner.
3. Avery had a 100% dry day.
4. I did 5 loads of laundry.
5. The girls actually slept in until 6:30.
6. I got the dishes done, you couldn't tell today.
7. The weather was really nice. We really enjoyed playing outside in the afternoon.
8. I read Avery and Emmabelle the library books that we got on Tuesday.

8 Places I like to eat.
1. Hunan in Flagstaff
2. Subway
3. Chalos
4. Arby's
5. Golden Coral
6. Olive Garden
7. Chili's
8. Applebee's

8 things I look forward to.
1. Thursday nights, I get to go scrapbooking for 3 hours.
2. The weekends, Dave actually gets to spend quality time with us.
3. Christmas. It is my favorite time of year.
4. My Birthday. I have always loved my birthday.
5. My children's firsts. I love watching them discover new things.
6. Visiting family. I love going places and especially getting to visit with my family.
7. Fall. I love to see the colors change and I love the crisp air after such a hot summer.
8. Taking the girls to the zoo this Thanksgiving weekend.

8 things on my wish list.
1. Happy, healthy kids.
2. I could look like I did in highschool.
3. The world wasn't such a scary place.
4. The word whine didn't exist. I have a very whiny two year old I am getting pretty tired of.
5. Financial Security
6. A new and improved wardrobe. I would really like to go on the show What not to Wear.
7. My dream house.
8. Retirement.

Tag it's your turn.

1. Cassie
2. Joni
3. Keri
4. Shannon
5. Danae
6. Trachel
7. Becca
8. Lynna

Potty Training Update

I am pleased to announce that we are a one diaper baby house. Avery is successfully potty trained. She is doing so well, she rarely has an accident, and when she does have an accident she is good to stop it and finish going on the potty. That means most the time I just have to change the underware and the pants stay dry. She has very good bladder control. She stays dry all night and through her naps, and she also stays dry all through church. We have graduated from her little potty to the big potty, (it only took the incentive of M&M's). We were rewarding her for going on her little potty with M&M's, but I couldn't get her to go on the big potty so we changed the incentive. In order to get M&M's she has to go on the big potty and by golly it worked. Our last step is to get her to poop in the potty. She tells me when she has to go, but we are still putting a diaper on her to go. She just throws a huge fit. Soon she will run out of diapers and she will have no choice. It will happen eventually. It will be so nice to only have to buy diapers for one kid now. Oh just a side note, if Avery were still wearing diapers, her and Emmabelle would be in the same size. We just moved Emmabelle up to a three.

We will miss you Aunt Lori!!

Well the day has finally come where we no longer have an Aunt Lody (as Avery says it). We really enjoyed having her live here and it was so nice to have a live in babysitter. She was always such a big help with the kids, and was always quick to jump in when I was getting at the end of my rope. I also loved coming home from a weekend getaway to a much needed clean living room. She was really good at cleaning it while we were away, since I have a bad habit of leaving it a mess. We wish her the best of luck in Tucson and want her to know that we love her very much.

Date Night

Last night Dave and I were able to go on a much needed date. We called up our friends Jason and Shannon Green and went bowling. We had dinner at the bowling alley, and then were able to bowl two games. It was so much fun. Dave and I had an off night on the bowling end, but we still managed to come out smiling. I don't know what was wrong, but I didn't even break 100, which I normaly do. Usually not much over 100, but I at least break it. I only got 1 spare and 1 strike out of the two games, and for some reason I am the worlds best split bowler. I bowl a split almost everytime, but I have yet to learn how to pick it up. Dave was able to break 100 both games, but his scores weren't near where they usually are. We had so much fun with Jason and Shannon and being out togther.

Bath Time Fun!!

Avery has always enjoyed taking baths with Emmabelle. This is the first bath that they have taken together since Emmabelle started sitting up by herself. They had such a good time together. This was on Sunday morning before church. They made such a mess splashing water all over. They both love the bath so much. When Emmabelle is laying down in the bath she kicks her legs so much and just loves to splash. Now she just does it with her arms. It was so cute to watch them together.

I took this video of them. It is just with my camera, so it is kind of hard to hear.

Here is just a picture of the cute pair. You can see the water all over the bathtub and them.

Ward Party

Tonight we went to our ward pie and ice cream social. It was pretty fun. Avery had a blast running around with her friends (that includes anyone that will play with her). There were a lot of good pies and some good homemade ice cream. Dave really enjoyed talking to his buddies about hunting and fishing. He really enjoys the men in our ward. There are a lot of them that hunt and fish, so he always has someone to talk to, plus he is just very social. I enjoyed myself and got to visit with a few of the ladies in the ward. All in all it was a pretty good success. Oh as for Emmabelle she just enjoyed taking in all of the scenery and commotion of it all.

Smores and Friends

Last night we had a few friends over to have some smores and marshmallows. We have a clearing in our backyard, so we built a fire and had a great time. The night was so beautiful, we couldn't have asked for better. Justin, Cassie, and Kabri Echols, Jason and Shannon Green, and Jarom, Nicole, and Brooke Lunt were those that came. Avery devoured the marshmallows as quick as she could get her hands on them, and Emmabelle enjoyed some yummy graham crackers. We really enjoyed being able to visit with friends and enjoyed the beautiful Arizona night.

The girls and I before the party started.Avery learning how to roast marshmallows.The Echols: Kabri, Cassie, and JustinAvery with Jason and Shannon Green. Avery just loves Shannon.One more picutre of Avery roasting by herself.

Family Outing

Tonight we were able to go to the duck ponds. Avery really enjoys feeding the ducks and as soon as I have saved enough bread we take an evening and go feed the ducks. Today was more out of necessity than anything though. You see I forgot today was a holiday and so I planned on taking Avery to the library. Well when we got there it was closed and let me tell you I had one unhappy girl. So I promised her after her nap we could go feed the ducks. I am glad I did though. It turned out to be a nice family outing.The ducks got crazy close this time. There were even a couple times that one walked right up to Avery and tried taking the bread right from her hand. They barely missed her fingers a couple times. She didn't get overly scared though, I was surprised.

Avery loves to go high now. And she does so good on the big swings. She is such a big girl.

Miss Emmabelle is Six Months Old.

Well Emmabelle is now six months old. The time has flown. I can hardly believe it. She is getting so big so fast. I haven't made a doctor's appointment yet so I don't know her measurements, but here are some fun little facts about our baby girl. (This is mostly for journaling so don't feel obligated to read my never ending tidbits.)

She loves to roll all around the floor. She is no longer a stationary baby. She is all over the place. She is starting to pull herself up on her hands and knees so it shouldn't be long before she is crawling.This girl loves food. She has never turned her nose up to anything I have given her. She is starting to choose solid food over her bottle, that is how much she likes it. She is getting better at self feeding. She practices with cereal and the little puffs that are a whole lot like cereal they just dissolve faster. She is really starting to enjoy feeding herself. Her only quirk with feeding is that if the food isn't the right temperature she gags on it. This is true for her bottle also. Everything has to be warm. Another funny thing she has started doing when she drinks a bottle is cover her eyes. It is the cutest.She is doing great a sitting on her own. She still falls occasionally, but she can sit for quite a while and play with toys in front of her. When she does fall it is the end of the world. She is quite the little dramatic. She milks it for all it is worth. Even when you know it didn't really hurt that bad.She has two teeth on the bottom and one cutting through the top even as we speak. She isn't the greatest teether, but it hasn't been the worst experience either. She just gets really grouchy. (I was just use to Avery who was one that teething didn't phase.) She is so cute though when her little pearly whites show.

She also loves to jabber. She is especially good at it first thing in the morning. If you ever want to hear some good baby talk be at my house between 5:30am and 7:00am. She will talk your ear off and not quitely either.

She loves to be outside. She can be extremely grouchy and all we have to do is stick her outside in her bouncer and she just cheers right up again. Tonight we were actually able to go to the duck ponds and she just loved it even with the chilly weather. She got to swing and even went down the slide with assistance. She had a blast.

One of her most favorite people is her big sister. She just loves to watch Avery and is so good at putting up with Avery crawling all over her and poking her face all the time. Avery is the best at getting her to laugh. Most the time all Avery has to do is look at Emmabelle and she goes into a laughing fit. I hope they continue to be good friends.

She gives the best hugs. She does this especially when she is tired. She will just snuggle her little face into my neck and she actually squeezes with her arms. I just love it. She has been an amazing addition to our family. Her sweet spirit has blessed our home greatly.

Is that Barack Obama?

So we were standing in the line at Wal-Mart today and Avery was standing in the basket looking at the magazines on the rack. I was getting ready to load my items onto the belt when she asked me a question. I wasn't sure that I heard her correctly so I had her tell me again. She looked at one of the magazines and very matter of factly said, "That's Barack Obama." I looked and sure enough on the cover of one of the magazines was a picture of Barack Obama. I had to ask her one more time just to make sure I was hearing her correctly, but she knew who he was. I even brought her home and pulled up a picture of him on the computer so that Dave could witness the discovery. I have never really been a political person, but I married into a family that is up on politics and has many political opinions or at least my husband does. Since the elections started Dave has watched many hours of Fox News and so I guess that is where Avery picked it up. I did try to explain that Barack Obama was going to be the next president of the United States, but that concept was a little to much. I just had to laugh.

The infamous potty training.

So we have officially begun the task of potty training Avery and I am pleased to say that it isn't as painful of a task as I thought it was going to be. She is actually doing quite well. We were even able to find some big girl panties that actually fit. I had my doubts.

It has been a week now and I am proud to say that accidents are becoming more and more scarce. We only have about one a day which is pretty good. She did really well over the weekend staying dry on both the drive there and the drive home, and she stayed dry through all of church. She refuses to go on the big potty, so she just held it through church I guess, or I am not giving her enough fluids, either way I was proud of her. She hasn't started to tell me when she needs to go, but hopefully she will start getting better at that, until then we will continue the every twenty to thirty minute routine. I hope Emmabelle is as easy as Avery has been.

Weekend Fun

This last weekend the girls and I were able to go to Animas and visit my mom. Dave had a scout camporee at Gillespie Wash which is south of Safford so Avery, Emmabelle and I decided to go and visit Grandma. I say only Grandma because Grandpa was off hunting with Clifford, Brigham, and Brinnick Payne.

We left Friday evening and stayed through to Sunday evening. We didn't do anything to exciting, but it was just nice to get out of town and visit with Grandma. We were able to go into Lordsburg and have lunch on Saturday afternoon. Other than that we just enjoyed eachother's company at the house. We stopped in and saw Grandpa and Grandma Great on our way into town on Friday. They are doing well and are enjoying being home from the high country. We went to church with Grandma on Sunday. I am pleased to say that Avery went to nursery all by her self, with no problems. She asked if I would go with her, I told her that I was going to go to my class and she just walked right in and didn't even look back.

Dave had a good campout with the boys. He said it got pretty cold that night, but all in all it was a fun trip and the boys liked it.

Sorry I don't have any pictures. I always take my camera, but never seem to get it out. It's a shame I know.

Hallwoeen 2008

Well halloween has come and gone and I have to say we had a fun night. Avery enjoyed trick or treating very much. She didn't get the concept at first. The first couple houses she tried to give them the candy that she had in her bag of candy. It was kinda cute. Once she got the idea she was ready to go. She didn't want to get back in the car, and she didn't want to go home. She only got scared of the costumes other people were wearing a couple of times. Emmabelle seemed to enjoy the night air. She loves to be outside. She was the cutest little cat I've ever seen, but maybe I am a little biased. We enjoyed spending the holiday with Grandpa & Grandma Mortensen. It is always so much fun when they come to visit and it is definately nice that they live so close by. I hope someday we will be able to live close to both sets of grandparents.

This isn't a halloween picture but instead of doing a whole new post I thought I would include this picture of Emmabelle. Today Dave was outside working on our back yard all day and I took Emmabelle out there and for the first time let her play in the dirt. She absolutely loved it. She just dug in and got nice and dirty.