Avery's 3rd Birthday

Wow - still trying to play catch-up here, but getting closer!

We celebrated Avery's 3rd birthday in February with a Dora party and family and friends! Frequently leading up to her party she would request, "Mommy, I want pizza/hotdog (the meal would always change) and cake, but cake FIRST!" So we began the party by singing Happy Birthday and eating cake first. :)

Here are the top things we love about Avery right now:

1. Avery is our most....passionate child. She adds much drama and fire to our day - sometimes for good and sometimes for ill, but we love her for it!
2. This child can pack away some food when it's something she likes.  She can stuff in 3 pieces of pizza at a meal plus a cookie for dessert, 3 donuts for breakfast (we normally have to deny her more even though she keeps asking)...oh her sweets and unhealthy foods. :)
3. Avery's smiles make our day, as do her mad faces and her silly faces.
4. Avery loves to laugh and make us laugh.  She copies her daddy by making up silly names for all of us, "Corrie sclooberdoober.  Mommy Dommy."
5. She has a very adventurous spirit - likes to climb, explore, and be outside. But she also loves to cuddle with Mommy and Daddy and fits so perfectly right now in the crook of my arm as I read her a book.
6. Avery is growing in her knowledge of God and His word.  She sings Scripture songs that play regularly around our house (our current favorite - "He appeared in the body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by the angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up into glory.  His name is Jesus, He is my King.")  She loves to pray and often will pray for everyone she can think of that she knows before saying Amen (which can sometimes take quite awhile for a 3 year old). :)

We love you, Avery, and are so thankful that God blessed our home by giving us YOU as a gift!

Birthday decor

Dora cupcakes (the round toppers are pencil sharpeners - could not find Dora cake toppers anywhere!...Just don't lick the icing off the pencil sharpeners, kids! :))

 Matt played Swiper throughout the party and the kids would yell, "Swiper, no swiping!" and he, in character would say, "Awww, man!"

 Avery enjoying her cake first.

 Daddy, Mommy, and our 3 year old Avery!

 Sweet cousins!  We're so glad Taylor made the trip!