Away in a Manger

Like many people, Christmas is my favorite time of year. I look forward to getting out the decorations, hanging ornaments on the tree, and playing Christmas music 24/7. I especially cherish my nativity scene decorations (I have a lot) because I love the reminder that in the midst of the family gatherings, tv specials, present wrapping, and Christmas cookies, our focus should truly remain on that precious tiny baby who came to save the world. This is a really fun year to enjoy the holiday with Avery. She's at just the right age to grasp the concept of Christmas, santa, presents, and baby Jesus. Baby Jesus has definitely been her focus this month. She has a few different nativity toys of her own and loves to hold the baby from each one, giving him lots of hugs and kisses of course. Here's a video of Avery enjoying her little people nativity. Dancing with gusto, such a sweet sight. (I love that she doesn't notice the camera until the very end)

Thanksgiving

Erich had to work on Thanksgiving this year, so Avery and I packed up and headed to Stow to celebrate with our Piland family. Although Erich was missed, it was a great visit with Nana, Papa, and Aunt Nikki. On Thursday we enjoyed a wonderful meal with many members of the extended family. Avery had an especially fun time playing with Brandon, Aunt Pam's grandson. They were partners in crime and spent most of the day chasing each other in circles around the house.

Avery and Brandon hiding under the table

Making a Thanksgiving craft with Momma

Aunt Sue, Brandon, and Nana working on their crafts.

Erich had the day off on Friday and we just couldn't stand the thought of him missing out on a turkey dinner! It just so happened that a few of his college friends who live in the area were all going to be in town that day with no plans, so we hosted a Thanksgiving "after party". It was a BLAST! We prepared a turkey and a few appetizers. Our friends all came equipped with their holiday leftovers, desserts, and sides. Josh came over a few hours early and whipped up a couple of delicious turkey pot pies. We had more food than we knew what to do with. It was a full house with all of the bros, their wives, and children. Avery was pleased to have 4 little kids to play with (all of them younger than her. She likes to be the boss), especially newborn baby Amelia (who was just over a week old at the time). After we finished dinner the kids all went to bed and the adults had a great time playing Wii games until midnight. It's difficult sometimes to live away from our families, but nights like this remind us that we have a wonderful community of loved ones here in the Perrysburg area. We have much to be thankful for, indeed.

Avery checking out Daddy's turkey. Eeew

The bros (minus a couple who have moved out of the area). Bryan, Matt, Erich, Ben, and Josh.

Trick or Treat!

Although last year was Avery's "first" halloween, this was the first year that she was actually aware of what was going on and could get into the fun. She was hesitant about the costume at first, but she soon figured out that people gave her candy when she was wearing it and she was more than happy to oblige. She made a very cute ladybug! We went with some friends to "Little Boo at the Zoo" and downtown Perrysburg's toddler time trick or treat (where the downtown shops and restaurants hand out candy to cutie kids). The highlight was definitely trick or treat in our neighborhood. Not only was it a first for Avery, but it was a first for me! Growing up out in the country we didn't have any kids knocking on the door at Halloween (we had to drive in to town to go trick or treating ourselves), then I spent several years living in dorms and apartments, then I married Erich who owned a house in an alleyway off of a main road... not a prime location for kids seeking treats. I was excited when we moved into this subdivision because it would be my first opportunity to hand out candy to trick or treaters! It was a fun night, but sadly it was also the coldest day of the year so far so we didn't last super long outside. Avery went around to a few of the neighbors houses and yelled "trick or treat" with pride. She then enjoyed sorting through her loot, taking it in and out of her bucket over and over while we handed out candy to the other kids. It was a fun night (which ended with some punk teenages stealing the rest of our candy while we stepped inside to put Avery to bed, but we knew were taking the risk by leaving the bowl unattended).

Avery and her friend Grace at the zoo... always holding hands everywhere they go. Two cute ladybugs!

I'm thankful for my MOPS group because of some of the great friends I've made. 5 of us met up for Little Boo at the Zoo. Here are all the kids lined up in their strollers. Avery is the one with her head buried in the pumpkin bucket.

Pretty girl getting ready for our neighborhood trick or treat

Checking out her candy with Daddy

Heading out to the neighbors' to charm them for some treats

It got really cold so we had to cover up the cute costume with her winter coat. She loved taking the candy in and out of her bucket.

Grandmother's Tea Party

A few months ago my sister, Shannon, came up with a wonderful idea. She wanted to host a tea party for the ladies of the family and had two special guests in mind... our grandmothers. Shannon went all out and it felt like we were attending a high noon tea fit for a queen! The decor was beautiful, the food delicious, and it was such a special moment to have 4 generations of women sitting around the same table together ranging in age from 3 months to 92 years. Shannon had come up with questions for everyone to take turns answering such as, "What was your favorite outfit as a girl?", "What is one of your favorite things about your mother?", "Where is the farthest place you've traveled to?", "What is a favorite Bible verse or Bible Story?", and many more. It was a special treat to hear all of the answers, especially soaking in what Grandma Staley and Grandma Kelley had to say. Avery had a great time. Although she was a little young to grasp the concept, I will love telling her about this special memory when she is older. Her cousins, Katie and Karly, are the perfect age to enjoy a tea party and were cute as could be answering each of the questions. This was a day that will be cherished in my heart forever.

Cousins Karly, Katie, and Avery enjoying the tea party "pre party". I promise we didn't coordinate their outfits, but they sure looked cute together.

Shannon's beautiful table set up. I envy her party hosting skills.

All of the ladies together

What a fun day!