First Beach trip of the Summer

Last month we finally headed out to the beach. We went with the Engaged and Young Married's Group from our church and we had the most perfect weather.

It was Avery's first time going to the beach. And Cohen's 4th. I first put her in the sand. She wasn't a fan. She kept trying to wipe it off of herself and it wouldn't come off. And she got frustrated. It was cute. I then moved her to the blanket where it helped for a little while.

And then it was time for her first steps into the ocean. She was not a happy camper at first. And she would not let go of that shovel. But really, it didn't take her too long to warm up to it.

I think she walked both of us around the whole time. Until she got tired. And that is when it was nap time.

Cohen was not a huge fan of the water. I know it wasn't the actual water because he love baths and pools, but he didn't like the waves. We tried braving it a few times. But he just clung to our friend Andrea pretty much the whole time. He did enjoy himself though. Eating and building sand castles.

And although not a very good photo, I do have proof that he at least tried to get into the water. Our only convincing was that we would kick at the waves, which he found fun.

Hopefully they will grow to love the beach. After all we do live in Florida. Even though our lack of tans don't show it. Or the fact that we only go once a year. Which is really bad. Oh well. To next time.

Enjoying the weather

Today I decided to skip my usual morning work out and pack a lunch and take the kids to a nearby park. The weather has been pretty nice lately. Not roll your car windows down or open the windows in the house. But where you can spend 2 hours outside without feeling like you are going to pass out.

I am loving where Cohen is at right now. Despite his whines and temper tantrums, he is loving, outgoing, fun, eager to learn, asks lots of questions (which I do get tired of admittedly), enthusiastic...he's just a lot of fun!

Recently Avery has learned how to climb the ladder on the backyard playground and then slide down the slide. It's so fun to see her being independent and at the park was no exception. She was loving the slide.

This is where Cohen was watching out for Avery when there were bigger boys going around her on this part of the playground.

It looks as if he's choking her and sometimes he borderlines choking her, but this is how he plays with her. Avery does not like it. At all.

After a little bit of playing around we decided it was time for lunch. The bad thing about eating at the park is the squirrels. They aren't afraid of humans. I think people tend to throw them food and they have gotten pretty brave and comfortable. One got way too close to Cohen on top of the table and I freaked out. Like the squirrel was only a foot away from him! I literally screamed. Thankfully it went away. And it was at the end of our lunch time.

Not letting Mommy take any pictures of his handsome face.

I love this picture of Avery. You can't see her face, but just something about it really speaks to me.

This is the first time that I have seen Avery clap. This could also very well be her first time clapping. But I don't know. It was so cute and she was so proud of herself.

I asked Cohen during lunch if he wanted to keep doing this and he said yes. I said yes too. So, I think I will start doing more of this...but after my morning work out.

Avery's 1st Birthday Party

I finally got around to editing some of Avery's photos from her first birthday party. I have tons to do, but I didn't want to bog down the blog with an overload of photos.

We had a few close friends over to help us celebrate our little girl. We feasted on pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, salad, fruit, and veggie chips. And we just let the little ones play. It was a pretty laid back party but equally as special.

I saw a tutorial on how to make this tassel garland and knew I had to do the same for Avery's birthday.

I tried taking some pictures of our birthday girl before the party. She wasn't exactly cooperating. She kept pulling out her hair clip and most of the time was wining for me. I made the shirt a couple nights before and I really love how it turned out.

Earlier in the week I painted this wall with chalkboard paint. Under the garland I hung her monthly pictures including a week old photo and drew on some chalk picture frames.

This was my first attempt at cake balls. I think I made them too big...therefore they didn't turn our so nice. But they tasted amazing. For Avery's cake and the cake balls I used a recipe from the Paula Dean.

This was right after she tried touching the candle...or actually touching the candle. I don't know. After this she wanted nothing to do with the cake. I put some icing in her mouth then she was all about it...after a little bit of timidity.

We had fun celebrating Avery's first birthday and we look forward to so many more to come! We thank God for giving us this little pistol!

1 Year Photos

I took Avery out the other evening to take a few pictures now that she is one. I have some more that I would like to take, but here are just a few from this weekend.

She kept making the funniest faces the whole time. I think she was super excited to just be walking around outside all free.

do you like my first ever black eye?