2 Years Together

This is a little late, but we were at the beach when her 2 yr anniversary happened and I had a special photo shoot in mind that only now just happened. On July 22, 2013, Avery was placed in my arms for the first time. I will never forget how she felt, the meaning "scared stiff" doesn't even cut it. I could tell from the moment we met she was a fighter. And that's about the only characteristic that has remained. The transformation is unbelievable and exhausting to keep up with ;) 

I knew I needed to take the opportunity to capture her in her most favorite costume. It's the only "dress-up" clothes she really wears. Thank you, to whom ever sent it to us! She adores it and it suits her to a T. She is has a strong-will, a strong-voice and despite her measly 27 pounds, she can cause damage if you mess with her ;)

This is her fighter face. It's usually a little more angry looking ;)

 

Her first instinct is ALWAYS to fight for what she wants/needs/feels. Even something as simple as opening a door that she just can't do on her own. She does not think to ask for help. I have studied this about her and it makes me sad and laugh at the same time.

She is a determined little girl. She does not let her size hold her back. She is learning to face her fears (there are a lot of them) and it's amazing to watch. I love being the one who says, "when you are afraid, say 'Jesus, help me I am afraid.' I get to be there with her, she has a momma to hold her and help her. Yes, it's exhausting and discouraging and heartbreaking at times, but what a gift for both of us. And her expression and joy when she realizes she's been "brave" (her words, not mine) carries me on.

 She loves doing everything her brothers do.

 I truly don't know what is going to happen when he starts KG. Please pray for ALL 3 of us.

Avery's language development has been amazing. She carries on full conversations, sings songs and follows directions. In fact, now we can't really get her to stop talking. Until recently she was very timid around strangers. Now she says "hi" or "what's your name?" to almost everyone she passes and occasionally it's a more inappropriate comment or question that makes us all blush. Yikes! 

It is still common for Avery to get quickly confused and upset and her scream makes me shutter. We are grateful that she feels safe enough to show her emotions (unlike 2 years ago) but it's taxing. Her fighter instincts are quick. We are trying to teach her to calm herself and use words, but it requires a lot of patience for all of us.

2 years has flown by. She definitely keeps us on our toes and there is not much relaxing with her around. God has taught me a lot through this Super Girl of ours. Most days, I wish she wouldn't feel the need to fight so hard, but then I quickly thank God that she did. Happy 2 years Home, Avery! We love you!

Game of the Summer

It seems each summer we have a "favorite" game to play. Last year was Spite and Malice and Yahtzee. This year it's Dutch Blitz (thanks Jill for posting about the game). 2-4 players can play and we squeeze in games whenever we can. We also play UNO quite a bit because Ryan can play that :)

Summer Study

Each summer, I attempt to do a small study with my kids. I pray about what to study and God usually makes it pretty clear what the subject matter should be. In college, a wise woman in my life, took time out of her busy family life to go through this book with me and another friend. I kept it. It's small but has tons of good scripture references about how powerful our words (good or bad) can be.

 

The kids and I are going through it slowly. I am repeating the theme of each chapter over a period of 3-4 days depending on the week. To help it have time to sink in. I don't read the whole book (it was not written for kids). I am using it as a jumping off point and usually only read a few sentences at a time mostly centered around the verse we are focusing on.

There is a certain someone in my crew that likes to color each time. So at least 1 time per theme I find a coloring page online to keep him interested. These are samples. We have covered: being a fountain of life, bragging, complaining, and this week we are studying reckless/careless speech.

 

I wish I could say they sit with eager anticipation each afternoon, but it's not usually like that. We will continue anyway, and I pray that these words sink down in their hearts and take root. Each lesson, is also a reminder of how much we NEED Jesus and the cross because despite our best efforts, we fail ALL the time. I am grateful for the time we have together and I think deep down they are too ;)

Lots of pool time

The pool seems to be a perfect spot for our family this summer. All the kids are happy to go and stay (fairly) happy while we are there. I don't often get to relax in a chair, but someday... all too soon that will happen. At least that's what I tell myself ;)

The past two Sunday evening we have spent together as a family at the pool and I love ending our week on that note! On this particular night, Ryan wasn't feeling good and his throat was getting progressively worse. The next day, we discovered he had Hand Foot and Mouth (!) Boo. He recovered quickly and none of the other kids got it, thankfully!

 Ryan's swimming as really progress this summer. So fun!

She is so proud of the fact that she can "touch the bottom" (in the shallow end) and she repeats that statement at least 50 times while we are driving to and from the pool and during our swim time.

The kiddie pool allows me a break from holding her hands while sitting on the steps of the adult pool.

 She loves the water and I think it's very therapeutic for her.

Tree Climbers

Mason received a unique gift from Aunt Lissa and Uncle Alex for his birthday, two passes for tree climbing. He invited a friend from school. EJ took them last weekend. Both boys were pretty excited.

 There was quite a bit of standing around as each kid took a turn (they each went twice).

 But overall they loved it and Mason said the view was really cool.

Thanks Lissa and Alex!