Ho Ho Ho!

**Warning - I tried to be selective on pictures but there are a ton on this post. :)

This post is called "Ho-Ho-Ho" because that was Avery's word of the season. According to her, every Santa and Snowman alike say "hohoho." Very cute, she never let a Santa or Snowman go by without saying it. Avery had a very active, and very spoiled Christmas. We were so excited to wrap all of her presents this year so that she could tear into them. She was ok with the first couple, and then got overwhelmed and had enough.

We started our Christmas at the Hermans' house for Christmas Eve. We spent hours opening presents and had a delicious infamous Bob prime rib dinner. Andy and Dad had their usual meat-off and once again Andy left victorious. Thank you Nana, Opa, Auntie Nan, Grote Opa and Grote Oma for a wonderful Christmas!

Of all Avery's presents, she liked this silly bath toy watering can best and wouldn't let it go.

Another favorite.Hanging with Opa.Daddy and Avery showing Grote Opa how to work a cell phone.Avery and Auntie Nan.Having a drink with Grote Oma.Avery has developed a major Mommy attachment recently. Every where Mommy goes, so does Avery. (I may not get much alone time, but I love having my munchkin by my side!)Thanks Opa and Nana!On Christmas day, we got to sleep in and have a Christmas morning with just the 3 of us, it was great! Santa's gift (a play kitchen) is on back-order until the end of January, so he left Avery an IOU in the tree.Opening her first gift.Reading her new Dog book from Mommy. Dogs seemed to be the theme of the year, she got 5 different stuffed/talking dogs and a couple books. People must know my stinker well, she's obsessed with dogs!Walking around in her new cool boots from Daddy.

After we were done with our Christmas morning, we headed up to Arlington to have Christmas with the Hunts. First we opened presents. (Excuse Avery's half outfit, we were attempting a nap).When the whole family got there, Daddy and Grandpa got the ping-pong championship started.

The peanut gallery. My little elf.Ah, sweet brothers.Avery and Nolan raiding the frige for a cold one.The Hunt champions had some competition: cousins Brian and Sean gave them a run for their money. Avery thinks cousin Brian is pretty cool.After the party, the babies got to take a bath in Grandma's big whirlpool tub. May be the last time, it's getting ripped out soon.Thank you Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Jess, cousins Braden & Nolan and the rest of the Hunt clan for a fun weekend and great Christmas!

The week of Christmas, my best friend Kristen and her hubby Greg were in town from San Diego and we were lucky enough to spend a few days with them! Nana & Opa had us all over for dinner for Dad's delicious bbq (tons of red meat) and "flannel pajama" hot totties. Yummy dinner and lots of laughs!

What a great Christmas! We are so fortunate to be able to spend the holidays with our beloved family and friends. We are so blessed to have our sweet, spunky, entertaining, kissable, adorable daughter Avery in our lives and get to share her with so many loved ones. These are the things you have to treasure most in life. I hope you all were able to spend the time with loved ones as well, and once again, Merry Christmas.

Avery's New Buddy, Cole!

This past week our good friends, Margie & Scott Grazier gave birth to their sweet baby boy, Cole. He's a tiny little cutie pie, weighing in at 7 1/2 lbs at birth. I think he's just adorable and just can't get enough of him! This Grazier Jr is already working it with the ladies. :) Avery and I got to see Cole and his Mommy & Daddy in the hospital. Mommy looks fantastic! The whole Hunt family visited the Graziers last weekend to bring them dinner in return for lots of cuddle time with this little cutie: (pictures are from my phone, excuse the poor quality)
Avery is not a huge fan of Mommy holding Cole, she doesn't know how to share yet. But she did put on quite a show for us. Trying to bribe the Grazier's first baby, Fonzi, with treats.
And she thought she was a baby playing in baby Cole's swing. (Uncle Scottie taught her that one).
But I think Avery's just waiting for Cole to get big enough so they can play together. In the meantime, Cole, Avery will keep the swings warm for you. :)
Congratulations Margie & Scott!

Merry Christmas!

December Shananigans

In the last few weeks, we have been preparing for Christmas and making sure our little stinker stays on the nice list. Grandma got her an "Elf on the Shelf" and Avery loves waking up every morning finding "Lola's" new hiding spot. (We picked the name Lola because Avery can say it). Every time Avery acts up we tell her Lola is watching and is going to tell Santa, and she listens! Here are some pictures from our holiday festivites.

We had dinner with some of our goods friends, the KM gang. (We were missing some members, the Klissers and the Lanes). Avery was dressed up in her new Santa parka from Nana.

No event is complete without an Avery melt-down. :)

Mommy had a cube decorating contest at work so my little helper came with me over the weekend to decorate. She had a hilarious conversation with my calculator.Going to see the Hermans family in Kent. My little diva!

She's really starting to become a big girl and does everything Mommy does. She helps me unload the dishwasher, dust the tables, put her toys away, load the washing machine. She's becoming a Mini-Me!

My little Picasso in her jammies and favorite rain boots. What an outfit!This weekend we went to Opa's work party. Usually Mommy and Auntie Nan go and join in on the karaoke, but Mommy stayed on the bench this year.

Dad's good friend Steve; however, insisted on an encour presentation of "I Got You Babe" with Opa. Avery joined in to help Opa out. Hilarious. I have video too, but we'll spare Opa. :)And we braved the masses and watched Snowflake Lane down the road at BellSquare. Avery thought the music and snow was great!

One more week for my little Stinker to stay on Sata's nice list - let's see if she can do it!