Avery and the Christmas Tree

On Saturday, we pulled out all the Christmas stuff to decorate. I love Christmas decorations, but I just don't like actually doing the decorating. (or cleaning up afterwards). While Avery was sleeping we decorated the tree. I was thinking the whole time how it was going to be a nightmare keeping Avery away from the tree. Well, the nightmare has begun. She was awake about 5 minutes, when I turned around and she had 3 ornaments in her hands. Sunday night, right before we were leaving for church I heard the sound of many ornaments clanging together. Even though I was in my room I knew what had happened. Sure enough Avery pulled the whole tree over! Really nothing was broken and the girls were not hurt. Maybe since we got it out of the way early, she will leave the tree alone. Last night, she seemed a little scared to go near it.
Here are a few pictures from Saturday night.

Traditions

I love traditions. Maybe that is why this is my favorite time of year. Well, this week the holiday traditions started. On Tuesday, Mandy and I took the kids to ride the Pink Pig. We have been going since Allie was about 2. We also saw Santa. Avery was not very fond of Santa. She didn't scream, but she did cry a little and was pointing at me saying "mommy" the whole time. We got a picture anyway. Allie was a very big this year. (Last year I had to sit in Santa's lap with her) She sat with Santa for a while and gave him her list. Then we went to ride the pink pig. All the kids had fun. I even think Nina liked it. Mandy's mom and grandma went. Thankfully, because we were like a walking circus with all the kids. It helped to have some more adults!

Here are all the kids.

Who knows why Allie looks like this. I think it was

because she didn't want to take anymore pictures.

On Thursday, we spend Thanksgiving with my family. My mom's sisters and brother and their families all get together, so it is a pretty large gathering. We had a good time. I don't know why but I forgot to take any pictures. It seem like the day went fast this year. We had lots of great food and a fun day with family. Allie loves it because she gets to play with her cousins all day. I love it because the Erin and Hannah played with Avery all day. They are great babysitters!

Then, on Friday the women of my family participated in our other Thanksgiving tradition, shopping on Black Friday! We start when the stores open. Kohl's opened at 4:00 this year. So we went a little after 4:00. I really hope they don't start at 3:oo next year. I don't know if I can get up that early. We had a great time and of course got lots of good deals. I can't wait for next year.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Wee Feast

Allie had a Thanksgiving feast at school this week. They invited the parents, so Chris took off work and came. It was really cute. We were the pilgrims and the kids were the Native Americans. The kids had a little program prepared. I had a bad feeling about Allie and the outfit she was supposed to wear and I was right. She walked in behind her teacher with a pouting face. As soon as she saw us, she took off her hat and then her shirt. All the kids stood in a circle to sing. All the four year olds, but not Allie. She wouldn't sing or put her outfit back on. I don't really know why she didn't want to do it, but there was no talking her into it. For those of you who know Allie you know once she makes up her mind, you can't change it. And she made up her mind she was not wearing that shirt or hat and she was not singing. Anyway I took a few pictures. She did put her shirt on for a picture with us (and even smiled like she was happy). All in all we had a good time. She was really cute in her little costume for the one minute she had it on. She enjoyed the food and playing with her friends. Last night before dinner she put on her stuff for me to take picture and then played in it!




Pictures with mom and dad.


Isn't this a happy face?


Here is Chris trying to talk her into wearing the shirt.



Here is Allie before dinner, playing in the same shirt she wouldn't wear at school!

Last Soccer Game

Today was Allie's last soccer game. We all enjoyed the soccer experience, but I think we are all glad it is over for now. She got a trophy and was very excited about that. This afternoon she took her trophy for a ride in her Barbie Jeep.







Avery watching the game from my chair. It was cold today.

Halloween

Here are some Halloween pictures. Allie got to dress up for school. So, she didn't want to be Ariel. ( the costume we bought for Halloween). She wanted to be Belle. They had a party at Allie's pre-school and so Chris and I went with Avery. Then I took the kids Trick-or Treating on the square. It is always a lot of fun. Lots of little kids in cute costumes. Avery just loved watching all the kids. We went out for a little while last night before we went to church. Allie changed her costume choice again! She was a Auburn cheerleader. The Brinkleys and the Kellys came over and another family that they are friends with. That made it so much fun for Allie. She ran and ran with the big girls. I think she had more fun running around that getting the candy. Avery walked for a little while and then Ed pushed her in the stroller. She just rode around looking at everything and trying to eat candy through he wrappers. She loved her princess dress! All in all we had a fun time. Can't wait until next year!


Allie and Avery after Trick-or- Treat on the square.



Halloween night




All the girls. Aren't they cute!!!!