City Sidewalks Parade 2011

This year City Sidewalks wasn't quite as cold as last year but we still all bundled up. Jett even came along although he slept through it all. Ava Kate's favorite part of the night was probably getting her face painted and she also loved the horses and she was very enthusiastic about waving to everyone that went by. After standing out in the cold for a while we ended the night at the bakery where we enjoyed some cookies and cake pops!

Christmas Time is Here- Our First Advent Activity

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love Christmas! I love the traditions, the lights, the decorations, the anticipation of our Savior's return! Our traditional first advent activity is getting our house all decorated for the season. We made our sausage balls and M&M cookies first and then we all spent the evening watching Elf, eating our goodies, putting up the tree and decorating the rest of the house. I love this time of year and I love that this year we get to celebrate it as a family of four!

Newborn Photos

Once again Hannah Vickers amazed me! I thought photo sessions with Ava Kate were difficult but let me say newborn sessions are the hardest. It was almost impossible to have a fed, sleeping, clean baby and a happy big sister all at the same time. In fact it took two tries on two different days but somehow Hannah captured some great shots that I'll cherish forever!

A New Tradition: The Nutcracker

Since baby brother decided to arrive earlier than expected we were able to begin a new tradition this year. It is a tradition I've looked forward to starting with Ava Kate for a while. Sunday afternoon Nana and I took Ava Kate to see The Nutcracker. I was a little concerned she might still be a little young to sit through it but boy did she prove me wrong. She LOVED it!!! She was completely mesmerized. Nana bought us front row tickets and they were perfect. She of course had hundreds of questions throughout the performance. She would clap so enthusiastically after each act. It was just the most precious thing to watch her. During the intermission while we were waiting in line for the bathroom she was twirling and spinning and kicking her legs. After the ballet was over she would run up to the dancers and was especially anxious to meet the Peacock although when she actually did she got a little shy. The memories we made yesterday will be some I'll never forget!