Avery's 4th Birthday Party!

Birthday parties at our house are always exhausting, but well worth it. The day started off with the construction of the massive castle birthday cake. It turned out okay, I was hoping for something a little more exciting. Avery absolutely loved it; and that's all that matters.

Jeff was taking pictures of me while I was working on it. I was stressed out enough already!! Thanks, honey!

Here is the finished product. Notice the leaning tower? Well, the box that the cake was on is caving in. The lessons we learn!

Avery loved her birthday cake!

Blowing out the candles...

Our little nephew, Junior, enjoying the party. Isn't he sweet?

My happy sisters...Aren't they beautiful?

Grandma Niecie and Papa Bill

Grandma Horsley with Kira

Grandpa Matthews and June...we are so lucky to have our families so close. It makes our girl's birthdays extra special.

Avery opening presents...She wanted to wear this vest the moment she saw it and I have to keep reminding her that it is still to hot for the vest.



Avery's last present was from Jeff and I. It was kind of a present for everyone. Avery finally gets to be a big sister. She is so excited and so are we!! Avery's party was the perfect place to share our secret because we had all of our closest family members were there to share the news with. And besides, if Jeff and I had to keep the secret for one more day we probably would have exploded. It was killing us.

Avery Turns 4!!!

Our sweet little Avery turns 4, today. I can't believe how fast these last four years have gone by. Our baby girl is a little preschooler, now. It's crazy!!! Here are four reasons that we love Avery...
1. She absolutely loves to help. She helps mom dust, unload the dishwasher, take care of Libby, water the plants, etc., etc. She is a great little helper!

2. She has a contagious laugh. When Avery is laughing, everyone is laughing. She has these huge eyes that light up. It is great to be around!!

3. She loves to sing. She can sing tons of different songs, even if she throws a few of her own words in here and there. When, we get home from church on Sunday, she sings Primary songs for the rest of the day.

4. She loves us and she always tells us that loves us. It is so great to hear, especially when you are having a rotten day. A hug and a kiss from Avery is the best!!

Avery,
Happy 4th Birthday!! We hope that your day is great and you know how much that we love you! You are such a blessing to our family and in only 4 years, you have taught us so much. We love watching you learn and grow! We love you!!
Love,
Dad, Mom, and Alexa

Our Golfing Adventures

Jeff has a golf membership at our Soda Springs Golf Course, which we take full advantage of every summer. Alexa has been learning some basics this summer with her new golf clubs. She is fun to watch.

Jeff is coaching everywhere he goes. Here he is giving Alexa a few pointers.

Alexa and Avery waiting for Jeff to tee off.

Avery is always cleaning up everybody else's tees. She is also good at raking the sand traps. What a great helper!

Alexa's First Day of 2nd Grade......

Today was Alexa's first day of 2nd Grade. Heartbreaking!!!! She is growing up so fast; I can't believe it. She was so excited for school to start she loves to learn and she missed all her friends, terribly.

Alexa all ready for school.

Avery wanted to go to school really bad today. Her preschool doesn't start until September. So, we took her to meet Alexa's teacher and help Alexa put all her supplies away. Hopefully that will keep her happy until Preschool starts.

Alexa with her 2nd Grade teacher, Mrs. Rupp and one of her classmates.

Mesa Falls 2009

On our way home from Montana, we stopped to let the girls see Mesa Falls. They really enjoyed the falls and being able to feed the fish.

This picture was taken by some other tourist right after Avery almost lost one of her favorite flip-flops in the falls. It was a close one.

Jeff had to get an action shot of us climbing the millions of stairs.

I love my little girls! They were great little travelers and we only heard "are we there yet?" about 100 times.

Feeding the fish at Warm Springs.

Avery trying to get a sneak peek at a little fish that was hiding from us. It only came out to grab a piece of bread.

Jeff's Birthday Present

Jeff's birthday was the day we came home from Montana. I really think that I tricked him this year. He is such a snoop! I ordered his birthday present a few weeks before his birthday and had it shipped to my work. I wrapped it and sent it to Bozeman with Jeff's parents. He had no idea that the girls and I had gotten him anything. I was also sure to keep telling him that I had no idea what to get him this year. So, I am almost positive that he thought that he wasn't getting anything. I am so sneaky!

Jeff opening his present...

He can see what it is...

And, he loves it!!!

Ever since we got the WII for Christmas last year, he has been bugging me about Guitar Hero. And finally after 8 long months without Guitar Hero, I gave in. Obviously, he was very excited about his birthday gift!

Sweet Pea 2009

Avery has been working on this funny face for months. I think that she has finally perfected it!

Alexa and Avery giving Aunt Kibbie a big hug. They love Aunt Kibbie!

Trying to get ready for a normal picture. It took quite a lot of tries!

Still working on it...

Silly little girls.

We're all a bit odd!

Junior waiting for the parade to start.

Our little girls after their big race. Alexa was in the beginning stages of a monster kidney infection and she still managed to finish the race. Great Job, girls!

Trying to stay out of the rain.

Alex and Alexa all cozy.

I think they were tired of watching the "Modern Dance." Little did we know that Papa Bill had some dance moves of his own.

The kids enjoying some modern dance.

And finally, we got it all together! Once again, it was another great Sweet Pea Weekend. Thanks, Aunt Kibbie!