Goings on around here...

Things have been a little chaotic the last few weeks but I finally found some time to upload a bunch of pictures to catch everyone up on our lives.

Avery continues to grow, change, and thrive on a daily basis. She has such a huge personality and the sweetest disposition.

Paul snapped the next couple of pictures of us while we were sharing an afternoon nap.
Me and Avery with our ever present protector Rowdy.

Somehow this doesn't look like it would be very comfortable for either of us but we don't seem to mind.

I know I haven't posted about Rowdy lately so I will catch up on him. He is doing AMAZING with Avery. When we first came home they basically ignored each other. Slowly but surely they have warmed to each other. We are trying very hard to teach Avery to be gentle when petting Rowdy. She is learning but it is a slow process. She tends to be a little rough but Rowdy is taking it all in stride. He has never shown aggression toward her even when she is pulling his hair or petting a little too hard. She is even starting to share her food with him which I know he thoroughly enjoys. We couldn't have asked for a better dog as far as bringing home a new baby is concerned.

We love our little Rowdy man!!

Usually in the summer we spend quite a bit of time at the lake riding jet skis, camping, and tubing. This summer with all the adjustments we have been making our lake time has been a little scarce. We were out shopping the other day and came upon the end of summer sales. We took the opportunity to buy Avery her very first life jacket. We tried it on her when we got home and it is too cute!!

She's not quite sure what this big bulky thing is all about!!

Ready to go in the water!!!

We did get to taker her to the lake for the first time a couple of weeks ago. We already knew that she loved the pool and the bath and she was equally excited about wading around the lake. She didn't really know what to think of the waves. It is so interesting to see her experience things for the first time. The sense of wonder she shows makes us all pause a little bit and maybe not take so many things for granted.

Here are some shots from the lake:

Trying to catch the waves as they were rolling in..

"Hey, wait a minute this water is making me move!!"

I absolutely love this picture. She just looks so calm almost like she is just reflecting on all the new experiences she has had.

Having a little fun at the lake.

Trying to figure out what is causing all these waves.

For my dad's birthday a couple of weeks ago we were able together with the family to celebrate. Avery is always the life of the party and loves spending time with Kelby and Kolin.

Watching Blues Clues. She is still mesmerized whenever it comes on tv.

Kelby trying to give Avery a little gangsta look!

Avery loves books and having someone read to her.

Danette reading the counting book to her while also showing her the numbers.

Once again mom and I attended the Women of Faith conference. This is the third year we have attended and the second we attended with some of the posse. It is always a huge blessing to us and definitely a rejuvenation for the spirit. The speakers are just amazing and the music always has us singing and dancing in our seats. If you ever get the opportunity to attend this conference you must jump at the chance!!


Kelley, Erin, and me hanging out as the conference was winding down.

Me and mom!!

Believe it or not these are the only 2 pictures I took during the whole thing. Me...the camera hog only taking 2 pictures. What was wrong with me??

So that hits the major highlights through last weekend. I still have more pictures to post sometime in the next couple of days to catch up a little more.

Thanks for checking in!!