Sun, Sweat, and Swings

Yesterday Anaheim was the hottest city in the nation at 102 degrees. Today wasn't much cooler, as it was about 98 when I left work, so I decided to take Avery to one of the parks by our house to enjoy the fading sun. 

Luckily they had bucket swings. She has never been on the swings before (besides her infant swing), so I was anxious to see her reaction.

At first she wasn't too thrilled about the idea.

But after a few good pushes, she decided it was alright.

Avery's First Halloween

For her first Halloween, Avery went as a tempermental, teething giraffe.

While she was napping, I had set up this little backdrop to get some pictures before we left the house.  Tyson volunteered to be my test subject.

Then of course the princess took the throne:

 We first made a stop at Lizzy's house to show off Avery's costume. Lizzy had on a white wig and lots of eyeshadow, and even after she took the wig off, Avery still wouldn't go near her! I think it's the first time that Avery chose me holding her over Lizzy. 

Lizzy is the favorite, and I'm usually her second choice,

with Daddy coming in a close third at the moment.

We then spent the evening at my Aunt Julie & Shannon's house in Orange. Their neighborhood goes all-out with the decorations, haunted houses, lights and graveyards.  Julie & Shannon usually get well over 100 trick-or-treaters each year. Of course Grandma had to stop over too to see Avery's costume.  (She was still in a "mood" so required tickling in order to get a good smile for the picture!)

Then we decided to take Avery trick-or-treating to just a few houses since she can walk while holding someone's hand.  Here are a few shots of the obligatory first Halloween trick-or-treating excursion, and the reason my back is so incredibly sore!

Being that she was one of the smallest and most unsteady on her feet, she drew a lot of attention despite the fact that there were dozens of kids filling the streets.  

Strangers were even taking pictures of her.  We eventually stopped at one house where the lady said, "Oh, aren't you cute. Well, you're a little small, so this is probably more for mom and dad," as she put the candy in Avery's bucket.  I felt like we had been called out at that point, so the charade was over!

So we went back into Julie & Shannon's house, where Avery made herself comfortable on Ken's shoulder. She doesn't see him all that often, so I guess she just really took a liking to him tonight. She kept climbing on him and reaching for him, and wanted to give him more hugs when we were saying goodbye.  So sweet!

Last but not least, I was determined to get a picture of the "My First Halloween" bib.

This was the point at which I finally got an opportunity:

Fun With Daddy

 The jammies say, "Daddy's Angel" and have wings on the back:

 The tornado that hits our house every morning:

Click HERE for more fun with Daddy!

Some Monday Sunshine

Click HERE for some more happiness!

Hurry or You Might Miss It.....

I have come to realize that if you don't capture a trick on video as soon as Avery learns it, sometimes you will miss it, because she might stop doing it after a few days.  For example, the tongue trick is no longer in her repertoire.  So, for the moment, I have captured her hugging the rally monkey that Boompa gave her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81-T_fv-z-w
And climbing the stairs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk6PVDMLBWc

The Moment Has Arrived...

Miss Avery took her first 2 steps last night! Ever since she was born I have been so worried that she would take her first steps at Lizzy's house and I would miss it.  In fact, I had even considered telling Lizzy not to tell me if it happened at her house so I could just believe that I saw it first.   So I was pretty excited last night when I was walking her along in the kitchen, and then let go, and she took 2 steps without my help before plopping onto the floor.  (I confirmed with Lizzy that these were, in fact, her first real steps). 
My mom was here and got to see it, but unfortunately Josh was at school and missed it.  Avery hasn't walked for him yet, but I know there are many repeat performances just around the corner.

Wearing the hat that Lizzy made her (and making a hilarious face):

Removing the hat that Lizzy made her:

Eating Graham Crackers (her favorite food) with Daddy:

Two in a Row!

Right as I was posting the pumpkin patch pictures, this was going on in the living room! I ripped the SD card out of the computer and jammed it back into the camera as fast as I could to catch this moment...

Grandma Mel bought Avery this pink basketball set before she was even born. Avery really loves the ball, but we have never set up the basket. Now that Avery is getting ready to walk, Josh thought he would bring out the basket today and show her how to use it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vadQ52n9SB4