Rock-a-bye baby in the treetop...

Look! Daddy and Avery climbed to the top of a big tree!

Which wasn't a very difficult thing to do, considering it was laying across our yard...

On Thursday evening (while we were hosting our church home group at our house) we had a huge storm with gumball size hail and 60mph winds. It did quite a bit of damage around the neighborhood and took down a 60 ft. tree in our backyard. Thank the Lord, it managed to fall right between our storage shed and the garage and didn't do any harm. We love our homegroup family dearly and are SO THANKFUL that the guys offered to come this morning and help cut up the tree. You can see them hard at work below...

Boys will be boys, and once they had their chainsaws and axes out they didn't want to stop. There was another even bigger tree that had split down the middle and was dying. They decided to chop that one down and cut it up too. Here they are contemplating the best way to go about the task. They are standing at the base of the gigantic tree. Famous last words: "The only problem is, when we cut it down it's going to land on the railroad tracks. As long as there aren't any police around and we move fast it should be fine". (I had the phone in hand with 911 on speed dial!)

Indeed, part of the tree did land on the railroad tracks and the guys did work VERY fast to get it moved (as scenes from "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Stand By Me" flashed through my mind). The larger part of the tree fell across the yard and landed within inches of our carport and Bill's truck. Seriously, if it had been just a foot or two longer it could have done some serious damage.

So, that was the excitement at the Piland home this week. It's never dull around here!

Yum!

Avery has really enjoyed eating playing with her toys lately!

Toyland

Avery's little personality is developing right before our eyes. She's starting to babble and coo a lot more and tries to imitate some of the noises we make. In the past week she has finally started to take an interest in her toys and seems to love playing with anything she can hold on to, shake, and stuff in her mouth. Just a couple of days ago, Avery discovered her new favorite toy... her feet! She's always been adorable, but now she's really starting to get fun. What a great stage this is!

Happy Father's Day!

Today Avery and I had the joy of helping to honor Erich on his first Father's Day. He is more than I ever could have hoped for as a daddy to our daughter. He and Avery seem to have a special bond and I love to watch them interact. Erich provides her with a love and security that only a father can offer. Avery is always so content and relaxed when she's in his arms. She adores him and he is definitely wrapped around her little finger! We had a fun day loving on daddy and letting him know how special he is to us.

When Erich stepped out of the bathroom this morning, this is the sight that greeted him:

Avery was ready to start the day by giving her dad a couple of gifts. A cordless drill and an "I love Dad" mug that we made especially for him, complete with Avery's footprint. The "I love Daddy" bib that Avery is wearing was my gift to Erich the night I told him that he was going to be a dad (almost a year ago!)

Avery's first art project. I really wanted to put her handprint on the mug. Have you ever tried to get a 3 month old baby's handprint?? It's harder than you'd think. So, we settled for a footprint. It turned out pretty cute!

Daddy and daughter enjoying the beautiful day. Thank you Erich for being the best dad Avery could ever have! We love you!!

Bumbo!

Avery is the perfect age and size to really start enjoying the bumbo seat. Lately she's not content unless she's sitting up, so this seat has helped us out a lot! She's been able to sit up with us while we eat dinner and has a great time being at our level. The second picture isn't a great one of Avery, but take a look at Nellie trying to get in on the action. Whenever there is a blanket on the floor, she wants to be under it!

Avery and Jack

Our friends Bryan and Mandy came over for a visit with their 6 month old son, Jack, on Sunday evening. We had a great time celebrating both Bryan and Mandy's birthdays and playing with the babies. We all went on a walk together and had fun taking pictures of Jack and Avery as they got to know eachother a little better...

Perfect night for a walk

Mandy, Bryan, and Jack

We thought he wanted to give her a hug

He actually wanted to eat her head

What night is complete without naked babies?

cute kiddos!

Nana and Papa Piland visit Perrysburg

I had a seminar to attend last Thursday and Friday in order to maintain my social work license (2 full days of learning about gambling addiction... that's a story for another time). Nana Piland was kind enough to come up and babysit Avery while I was away and Daddy was at work. And we got an extra treat when Papa Piland decided to come up and visit Thursday night as well. It was great to see them both, and I know Avery really enjoyed being spoiled by Nana during their time together during the day on Thursday and Friday! Here are a few pictures of Avery with Nana and Papa, and then a couple of Daddy loving on his baby girl. He's head over heels for her and it melts my heart to see them together!

Avery and Mommy in Marysville

Avery and I decided to take a little roadtrip to Marysville last weekend to visit Grandma and Grandpa Kelley (and of course, all the aunts, uncles, and cousins!). Erich had to work and was disappointed that he couldn't come. We were sure to take lots of pictures so Daddy could see what Avery was up to while we were away. We did a lot of relaxing and enjoyed time with family. It was a great weekend!

Playing with cousins Spencer and Karly

Relaxing with Grandma

Karly, Katie, and Spencer checking out Grandma's flower gardens

All smiles with Grandpa

Laughing at crazy Uncle Travis

All the Kelley grandkids sitting with Aunt Kristen