Bryken's Newborn Pictures

Oh how I just love these pictures!  They seriously make me so happy!  How can you pick a favorite?  Great job by Mandi from http://loulouphotography.com/.  We were in a bit of a photographer bind and I found Mandi last minute.  She did an amazing job! I don't love the pics of me.  I was not feeling well during the shoot and you can totally tell in the pics.  I look terrible.  Oh well, all part of capturing the moment!

Averie is FIVE

So I used to be way better about this blogging thing, but I am trying!  I can't believe my Averie is FIVE!  Where has the time gone?  Seriously, it just feels like we brought her home from the hospital.  She is such a fun little girl and this past year with her has been my favorite so far.

She is such a beauty, inside and out!  We just love her and the joy that she brings to our family.  Over the past year, Averie has transformed from a toddler into a full blown kid.  It is weird when kids make that transition.  It's like they completely morph into a different category.  It also doesn't help that Averie is extremely tall for her age.  She is 44.25 inches tall which puts her in the 90th percentile for height!  She weighs 38 pounds which puts her in the 75th percentile for weight.  Most people think that she is 6 or 7 years old when they see her.  I sure hope she likes volleyball with all of the height that she has!

Averie has such a tender heart for animals.  Anyone that knows this girl knows she loves any and all animals.  She also has a crazy imagination and pretends to be animals all the time.  If you ask her what her name is, it will most likely be "Bella" with an occassional "Maddie".  It is so cute to see her play.  

Averie is getting all ready for Kindergarten and she will be starting in August.  She is getting so smart and has been working over the past year to learn to read.  She can read quite a few words and it impresses me that she is so smart.  She is totally going to rock Kindergarten.  

We didn't do a big party this year for her birthday and Ave really wanted to go to the zoo.  Unfortunately, the weather was terrible so we went swimming instead.  Averie started swimming lessons the week before so she was really excited to show her daddy what she learned.

Bryken slept the entire time.  Maybe next time we will get in the pool.

Averie LOVES My Little Pony.  Of course that meant that we had to do a My Little Pony themed birthday.  

 With the help of my sweet mother, I was able to make this cake for Averie.  Cake decorating is NOT my thing.  I was super pleased with how this turned out.  Best of all, it was delicious!

 

My family all came over to celebrate.  I just love them so much and the support that they showed Averie.  She was one happy girl to have her cousins, aunts, uncles and Nana and Papa. 

 I am so glad this one is mine.  Happy Birthday Sweetie!!