sound of music

I have been taking piano lessons for about 6 weeks now, and I am loving it.  We were able to purchase a used piano from craigs list about 3 weeks ago, so I was glad to not have to practice on my imaginary "piano" anymore.  After about 3 weeks, I was able to play my first song, "Old MacDonald Had a Farm."  I was so excited to recognize what my fingers were playing...

 ...and I am really enjoying learning how to play.

pumpkin carving time

We love fall...the weather, the food, the candy, the activities...we just love it!  One night, we decided to carve our pumpkin.  This is our first year carving one.  In the years past, we have painted them...but this year, as a first for Daddy & us, we carved our first family pumpkin!

First, we picked out our design...

 ...then, we got our scoopers ready while Daddy was lining it all up.

 Daddy did the tracing.

 We each had to take a turn scooping out the "guts."  I (Averie) had fun doing it...

 but, Brady only did it if he could use the spoon.  Even then, he wasn't so sure!

Brecken just gave us sweet smiles!

 Getting our pumpkin good and cleaned...

 ...then, it was time to start carving.

 And, our finished product.

A fun family night!

another first

Daddy & Mommy have been meaning to teach us to ride our bikes without training wheels all summer. But, with us being fish all this summer, it just slipped our minds.  So, finally, we took a gorgeous fall Saturday to try it out.  (Actually, we tried one time during Daddy's lunch break, and I (Averie) got it on my first try...Brady was still a bit wobbly & frustrated)  So, we decided to try it out again at Oma's house since she has such a nice driveway...wide and flat!  Our first attempt...and off we BOTH go...riding our bikes without training wheels...and loving it!!

Meanwhile, Brecken is a little ahead of the game...he was staying busy taking a cruise in Averie's old car!  Nice wheels...adorable smile!

disney on ice

Daddy & Mommy surprised us with a fun night out over our Fall Break.  We started our evening with dinner at Pike's.  Then, we hopped on the light rail and took a ride to Time Warner Arena.  Once we got off the light rail, we saw signs everywhere about Disney on Ice & Toy Story.  We were so excited! We had such a wonderful evening together!!

Mommy & Me...waiting on the light rail

 We also surprised our cousin, McKinly, and took him with us.  He & Brady had the best time...they are adorable BFF's!

 Uncle Todd & Aunt Helen joined us as well...so here is the whole crew (minus Madison)

Carter, Kaitlyn, McKinly, Brady, me, & Stephanie

 We missed Brecken, but he had a great time at Poppy & Nana's...maybe next time, he'll get to join us and really enjoy it!

 Sugared up...check, 3rd row seats...check, light up toys...check!

 Best Buds!!

 Also Best Friends!

The whole Toy Story cast...they did a great job!

Bullseye, Rex, & Ham...some of our faces!

 Brady & Mommy

 Daddy & Me

 We had a wonderful evening together...and were wiped out when we got home! 

happy birthday to daddy

Happy Birthday to our Daddy.  We love him so much, and we enjoyed celebrating him on his big day! Once he got home from work, we showered him with lots of hugs, kisses, cards, & gifts.  Then, we sang to him...and we got to enjoy the birthday cupcakes.  That evening, Daddy & Mommy went out together.  We sure love our Daddy...Happy Birthday to him!

Daddy & his little girl

Daddy & his "mini me"

Daddy & his little boy

We love giving him cards and presents

Brecken watching Daddy open his presents...and giving Mommy a little smile!

Daddy with his blessings!

And, Daddy & Mommy...ready for Daddy's birthday dinner date!

fun at home

Check out what I (Brady) built during my rest time...tall towers for Bullseye and my lego men to enjoy!!

 I love playing with my toys!

 Mommy & me

 Averie loves helping Mommy with Brecken.  Sometimes, we call her "Little Mommy."  Her favorite things to do to be helpful are to carry Brecken around (Yes, he's 35 lbs. and she can still carry him on her hip!) & to feed him.  Here she is feeding him his yogurt...

 ...& though the pic is blurry, you can still tell that he loved it!!

Brecken loves to wear everyone else's shoes around the house...he's all smiles in Mommy's slippers! 

 Watching him attempt to walk around in them was pretty funny!

 Meanwhile, I had found Mommy's headband and vaseline...and felt free to put them both on (notice my "greasy" lips/cheeks)...

 ...while Averie was all smiles!

 One day, Brecken was "reading" through the costume catalog...choosing what he wanted to be for Halloween...

...he pointed straight to Captain America, which is what he ended up being for Halloween!

We sure have lots of fun at home!

daddy & mommy

daddy & mommy....celebrating mommy's birthday...

We are so thankful that Daddy & Mommy 

love each other so much!

happy birthday to mommy

Happy Birthday to our Mommy.  We love her so much, and we are so thankful for her.

On Mommy's birthday evening, Daddy took her out...all the details were a surprise for Mommy, and she loved that.  They went shopping together (she got to pick out a purse, a shirt, & a clip for her bracelet) and then headed over to Mommy's favorite restaurant, Melting Pot.  (We got to celebrate with Mommy after school.  We loved giving her headphones & 3 charms for her Pandora bracelet...one from each of us!  Of course, her favorite gifts were our cards and lots of hugs that we gave her!) 

 Here they are at dinner (taken with Daddy's phone, so it's bright)...enjoying the yummy food & sharing great conversation.  Daddy made Mommy feel very loved and very appreciated on her birthday!  What a great day for Mommy!

1st day of 4 year old preschool

Time for this cutie (me) to start preschool again.  This year, I am in the 4 year old class, and I'll go Monday-Thursday!  I am looking forward to learning new stuff and playing with my friends.

All ready to go...

...ready for preschool!

I'm growing up fast...

...but, Daddy & Mommy love me very much!

Sweet boy

A quick pic at preschool...

...and I find my name and am ready to start my first day!