Halloween Festivities

I just love Halloween maybe because I love eating candy and Fall is my favorite season. I also love getting dressed up, decorating the house and making spooky goodies.

After 8 years of marriage and trying to get Chris more excited about Halloween, I finally figured out that all I needed to do is have a child. Kids make holidays so much more fun and now that Avery is old enough to interact and be cute it will be even more fun.

To start the season off Chris and I took Avery and the neighbor kids to Hee Haw farms. Everyone was so grumpy but we went and had fun.

They had a ton of fun activities on was a huge slide. Avery wasn't so sure about it.

There were animals roaming around that the kids chased and pet.

Nevaeh, Zach, Angie, Avery, Chris

That night we had the annual ward chili cook off. I made pumpkin bites and came in second by two votes for the desert contest. I was so proud of myself for coming so close to beating the famous Heidi Riboldi cinnamon rolls.

We were invited to a Halloween party with some friends in the area. We were sitting in the living room watching T.V. when the doorbell rang and all that was at the door was note with a picture of our friend Cami tied up and gagged. The note said to go to a YouTube site where it showed Cami getting electrocuted and a garbled voice saying "If you ever want to see your friend alive, come to the Wycherly's house at 7". So creative.

we got to the party, Troy (Cami's husband) came in dressed like a crazy police officer to give us instructions to find Cami.

Officer Troy told us to find a pumpkin hidden in the house with our names on it. We had to smash it to find the clue inside telling us what team we were on.

Once the teams were determined we were each given a costume to put on for the scavenger hunt to find Cami. I was cat woman and Chris was Dog the bounty hunter. There were some funny seriously funny costumes.

The scavenger hunt consisted of some creative tasks one of them involved two people paddling across the marina.

Chris chugging root beer. To make the night even better, it was foggy. I'm am certain that they planned it for the party.

We also went to Smith's, a pumpkin patch. At the end Cami came out with her captor and we all ate yummy food. It was so much fun and so creative.

The Burrup's are so good about finding fun things to do for free. We went to the UVU Halloween party for little kids. they had a various stations like donut eating, foods that feel like yucky things, pumpkins and a photo station. They even had a little hallway for trick or treating.

this is a picture of our little Unicarn and Jayce as Bam Bam.

The week of Halloween, I wanted to get a cute picture of Avery in her costume at a pumpkin patch. we drove to Orem to find out that the pumpkin patch was already closed for the season!!! I was shocked and very disappointed. Instead we went to winco and got some gigantic pumpkins for extremely cheap. Not as cute but so much better on the wallet. I finally talked Chris into carving pumpkins with me. Here are the results of our labors.

Thursday before Halloween I was so fortunate to be on call so we went to the "Nightmare Express" which is a haunted train ride for kids. The train goes through a block of 6 different yards that consists of one family. we went through a bunch of spooky tunnels it was so cool and the best part is that it was totally free but they except for donations for various charities. We went during the daylight hours which was less scary for the little kids. I can't believe this family does this every year. They also do a Polar Express and one in the spring which we totally plan on attending.

While we waited to get on the train they played a movie and had cute decorations to entertain us. Here is a pic of the whole group in front of one of the areas.

The conductor

The Carn's

Some of the cool stuff on the train ride.

I thought I would start a new tradition of taking a picture with a witch like you do with Santa. Avery didn't like the idea very much.

Since we live in Utah Halloween was celebrated on Saturday and unfortunate for us it rained all night. I was so bummed out. I was so excited to take Avery out sporting her Unicarn costume and getting me some yummy candy but do to the awful rain we went to only one house the Gushard's where I scored a full size baby Ruth, yummmm my favorite!

We went to the annual neighborhood party for some treats and fun. I was wearing some large wings so it was really difficult to huddle in the garage with everyone.

Avery was a Uni"Carn", I was an Angel"a", and Chris was a boring hunter.

This is a cute little girl who followed me everywhere the entire night. The funny thing is, I have no idea who she is. I'm guessing she liked my costume because it was similar to hers.

After a few minutes we left and went to crash the Burrup's family party.

We came home in time to hand out candy. Chris had put up some black plastic covering our entryway, played spooky music and sounds with a strobe light. He stood in the entryway in his camo scaring the kids when they came up to the door. Avery was so wound up that I eventually sat out there with Chris instead of putting her to bed.

1 year old!!!

I can't believe how fast 1 year has gone by! Avery seems so old and now I'm ready for another (no announcement yet). We have had so much fun and just love this little girl. She makes us laugh out loud everyday. Don't get me wrong, there have been many frustrating days but for the most part, Avery is the best little girl EVER. Except when she poops all over in the Target bathroom or Kohl's dressing room. If I ever need her to poop all I have to do is go to one of those places. Seriously, it never fails. Good thing Target's bathroom smells like Fruit Loops. Really she has been a great baby and I can't wait to see what she is like as a toddler. If she is anything like me, I am in big trouble. I was a complete spoiled brat and a daddy's girl.

Avery had a great birthday party. With the amount of people who came to her two parties (yes that's right, two) I think she was the most popular girl around. Thanks to everyone who came. Since she is my first child, I really don't know what kind of toys to get her so I really do appreciate the toys she got and loves loves loves to play with. I got her a chair that is just her size. She loves to sit in it with her sippy cup in one hand and her blanket in the other watching Baby Einstein.

Avery decided to walk two days before her birthday and is now walking all over the place. She likes to chase the dog and run away from her giggling like a crazy person.

She talks all the time with her own little clicking Zulu language, it is hilarious. She knows exactly what she is saying and in her mind is having a full on conversation with me. Her Pediatrician says she is an advanced child with the way she talks and interacts and plays. She must take after her daddy for sure. She was in the 50% for height (29.5 in), 75% for weight (22 lb) and 95% head (totally takes after her dad).

She now has 11 teeth and one more molar trying to break through. Most kids are just starting to get teeth at this age. Avery has actually been a very good teether. she hasn't been that fussy except for our vacation to Illinois. And she hasn't drooled like a Hound dog as most kids do. I am so grateful that I haven't had slobber all over my shirt.

Now that she should be down to 1-2 naps a day she if finally starting to sleep. People always told me to sleep or do housework when she sleeps, but she never slept. I'm not exaggerating either. she NEVER took naps, not even as an infant. I have been so jealous of those parents whose newborns slept all day long. Okay little exaggeration, she would sleep but only if I held her which was not convenient at all. She has however been a great night time sleeper. Since she was 4 months old, she would go to bed about 9pm and not wake up until 9 or 10 in the morning. This schedule works great for me since I work nights and like to sleep in. I really should get up early and get a run in or clean the house or work on a project but I really do Cherish my sleep.

We still have to leave her in her crib screaming, which breaks my heart. but once she is down, she sleeps like a champ and is so happy when she gets up.

Avery is so excited for football season and hunting season, she can hardly contain herself. Oh wait, that's Chris. He is like a little boy waiting for Christmas but Avery and I are excited too.

I would like to take Avery hunting but not too hip on camping in a tent in freezing weather and sitting in the cold while Chris gets his Bambi. I grew up hunting and really enjoy going but a small child makes things a little more difficult.

Fall is my favorite season because there are so many sports going on and the weather is cool and smells so good and camping and hunting are so much fun. It is also the beginning of all the great holidays. By the way you retailers out there. Christmas in August is a little ridiculous!!! pretty soon FM 100 will start playing their Christmas music in July.

We are so blessed to have Avery in our lives. I just love being a mom and Chris is the best dad in the world and really does deserve the mug that says "worlds greates dad." I am looking forward to seeing Avery grow and develop. She is amazing and I am so glad we are able to be her parents.

Well that's been quite the mouthful. but now you have been updated on Cranvery's life.

Bi-ped

My little fledgling is becoming a bi-ped. It has been fascinating to watch the progress of Avery's prowess (i just learned this word, it means superior ability or skill). I have decided that she has her mommy's prowess and her daddy's intellect. Together we make the perfect baby. First, a few months ago Avery pulled herself up to stand; then the cruising began, as she scaled along the side of the sofa to the coffee table to between my legs until she arrived at her destination: upright, but hanging on tight. She just delighted in her ability to find a finger hold on all manner of vertical surfaces. then last week she bravely (or inadvertently) let go of her grip and found herself balancing on her own two feet. Then one day (today) she worked up to here first tentative step; sadly I wasn't there to witness the miraculous event. I work two days a week if that, and I happened to miss the most important milestone in my fledglings life. I am so bummed. However, a few days ago she let go of the coffee table and took two steps or more accurately fell into my arms, so technically I could count that as her first step. Either way we are the proud parents of a toddling toddler. Wow time has gone by so fast. I think I'm ready for another. Ha Ha just kidding. no really I'm serious.

TOU Marathon

Our neighbor was silly enough to try and talk Chris into running the Top of Utah marathon in Logan. ha ha ha ya right!!! Chris can barely run the bases playing softball (sorry babe but it's true.) I have always wanted to run a marathon so I told him I would run it. I have been running a few miles here and there and started a 16 week program 3 weeks ago. The training program consists of running 3 miles one day then 4 miles then 3 miles and a long run starting at 5 miles and increasing a mile every week. I am now supposed to be at 7 miles. Last week Chris was out of town so I wasn't able to run except two days while pushing Avery in the blistering wind up hills both ways. Come to Saratoga Springs and you will know what I'm talking about, our tree sure does. This week Chris was out of town again and I work so I'm not sure when I am going to do my runs. Chris says to run when I wake up at 2pm. Are you kidding me that is the hottest time of the day! I only work 2 days a week, if that, but it seems like the days I do work get in the way of my ever so eventful life. I started out so excited but am now getting discouraged. I did my 4 mile run yesterday at 9am and it wasn't pretty. I hadn't eaten breakfast, it was hot, I was dehydrated and I ran rolling hills into the wind both ways. I was huffing and puffing and barely made it in! my face was as red as a nice plump cherry. I still have hope that I can pull this off. I just need to figure out a time I can go. Now that Chris isn't galavanting, I mean traveling, I can go in the morning or evening. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Avery at 9 months

Holy cow time really goes by so fast, Avery is now almost 10 months old! Her personality is really emarging now. she is all smiles but gets shy, hiding her face when strangers try to talk to her. She jabbers like crazy and has been saying "Mommy" and "Daddy". She definately has a mind of her own and knows what she wants and will let you know when she doesn't get it. For instance, she loves Maggie's leash and will scream bloody murder if I take it away. I finally broke down and just let her play with it. Now that is all she will play with. So much for all the toys we bought her. Who knew that all I needed to do was get her a dog leash. It is hilarious watching her play with that thing.

I cought Avery making faces through the takeout box. I made faces back at her on the other side and she would laugh so hard then make faces back at me. We had such a fun time.

I was so excited for Avery to start crawling and walking but now realize how much easier life was for me before she could move. just today I was trying to change a poopy diaper and she twisted around onto her knees while I still had a hold of her feet holding them in the air trying not to get poop everywhere. I swear she had ADHD in the womb and now as a baby. She is all over the place! She is crawling on her knees with her belly off the floor and stands up holding on to objects and will walk while holding on. I love to stand in front of her while she holds onto my pant leg and walk backward while she walks forward. She really isn't afraid of much and acts more like a boy than a girl when it comes to trying new things.

Here are Avery's 9 month pictures

More Teeth!!!

I discovered another tooth coming in, Avery now has 7 teeth! She is going to have a full set before long. I read that some babies are born with teeth, how creepy is that! I had a dream the other night that I had a baby that was born with a full set of adult sized teeth. He kept smiling at me with his big horse teeth. It was really weird and the baby was latin... What?!

Here are Avery's 8 month pictures.

I went into get Avery one morning and saw this. She cracks me up sometimes.

Avery at 8 Months

-Avery is now army crawling around the house and gets on her hands and knees more and more. I'm amazed at how fast she gets around like that. She will stand at the side of the couch holding on for dear life. When I hold her hands she will lift up her legs and walk foreward. I think the Baby Einstein videos are really teaching her something.

-Avery had her first fall today. She was leaning over the edge of the couch and before I could stop her she toppled to the floor with a loud thump. I knew this day would happen eventually but I wasn't prepared for it to be so soon. She was more terrified than hurt, I felt so bad. After we went for a walk today I had her sitting in front of me on the floor. She grabbed my shirt and pulled herself to a standing position all by herself, I was shocked. I tried to get her to do it again but she just got frustrated.

-She now has four teeth that are totally sticking out; Two on the bottom and two on the top left. there are two more coming in on the top right. she will have six teeth by the end of the month for sure!!! I am slowly weaning off breastfeeding and am totally fine with it. My goal was to go 6 months and now that she has so many teeth, I really don't like to be bitten. As you can see from the image she is a monster ready to snap.

-She will drop objects on the floor from her high chair and look down to see where they went. I know it sounds cute and she is learning, but it isn't very fun for me. When she hears Maggie's collar jingle, she will turn to look where she is. Sometimes the jingle will wake her up from a nap. She also will look around when she hears Chris's voice and get so excited when she sees him.

-She like to hold books on her own and will talk as if she is reading. I think she is starting to imitate her mommy. If I take the book away or turn the page she gets so mad.

-Avery is getting a little attitude. She knows what she wants and when she doesn't get it, all heck breaks loose. When she is focused on something we cannot distract her (should I be worried about that?). Her favorite items as of late are bottles including lotion bottles, water bottles, formula bottles.

- She loves her stuffed animals now. When she sees them she will squeal and give them hugs. I love that she plays with her toys and can entertain herself for a little while.

-Maggie is still extremely jealous. When we are on the floor playing with Avery, Maggie runs and gets a toy trying to get us to play with her too. Poor thing is neglected. Avery loves Maggie and will laugh at her, especially when she licks her hand.

-We have discovered many tickle spots including her ribs, stomach and thighs. I've never met a baby that laughs as much as Avery does.

-Avery is still sleeping about 10 hours at night and I am so thankful for that.

I love this age, she has so much personality.