back to preschool...

Well, it's back to preschool for me. This year, I am in the 3 year old class with Mrs. Betty and Mrs. Kim. They also taught Averie when she was in the 3 year old class. I get to go 3 days a week, and I love it!

Here I am...all ready on my first day back!

My "pretty smile" for Mommy! :)

A little hesitant...

Bookbag is packed...lunchbox is full!

And, I am ready to go!

I was looking forward to going back to preschool, but I wasn't excited about Mommy leaving me there. But, I hugged her tight and went in hesitantly. But, after a few minutes, I loved it and was ready to go back the next time!

missing tooth

Look who's missing a tooth...yes, it's me, Averie Grace.

My tooth became loose right before bedtime...the next day at school, it was out. I loved losing my first tooth...and I am already excited for the next one to come out. Mommy says I'm growing up too fast. But, I am having fun!

brecken...

just a fun picture of Mommy & Brecken...

...& a fun picture of Brecken falling asleep in his jumperoo!

He was sleeping while still jumping. It was so funny!

7 months old

Look who's 7 months old...and as cute as ever!!

Our sweet Brecken Thomas

Big B & Little B

Learning to sit up all by himself...

...& learning to clap, laugh, stick out his tongue...and still stay sitting up! :)

He loves his tongue...and is so fascinated by it!

And, he's just plain adorable!

But, during this month...

...his favorite thing to do...

...was to stick out his tongue every time he smiled!

Happy 7 Months, Brecken!!

big fire

I LOVE "big fire"...you know, the restaurant where they cook in front of you. I am fascinated by it...watching the chef's every move. Then, I love to come home and mimic their cooking. I grab Mommy's (or my) spatula, frying pan, mixing bowl, and a receipt (with my order on it)...and I cook for whoever is in the room. It's so much fun!

Doing my "tricks"...

...& a few more...

...& making some good rice and noodles.

So, next time you come over, maybe I'll make you some good food :)

buggy fun

Look who's riding in the race car buggy with me? Yep, Brecken is finally sitting up well enough to ride in the buggy next to me. We love shopping with Mommy!

(Please excuse the blurriness of these pics...they were taken with Mommy's phone!)

Could this tilted smile be any more precious?

He's in serious race car driving mode!

He sure loves riding in this buggy!

fun helping Oma...

Oma loves buying clothes for the people in Haiti. We love helping her take off the tags,

fold them up, and then put them in the boxes to be shipped to them. So, one morning,

we got to hang out with Oma and help her get the clothes ready. We loved it and had

so much fun!

Getting them all ready!

Oma & us...we each had our piles folded and organized...ready to be shipped!

first day

Big day for me (Averie)...

New stage of parenting for Daddy & Mommy (the "elementary years")...

My First Day of Kindergarten

I was so excited...

Got my backpack ready...

...and ready to head to school.

I am attending Lake Norman Christian, and I love wearing the uniform,

especially since some of it is pink :)

All smiles...ready to go!

First stop...Dunkin' Donuts as a family. I enjoyed one of my favorites...a chocolate coconut donut. Yummy!

Next stop...Lake Norman Christian. Daddy, Mommy, Brady, & Brecken all walked me in this morning...

I was so excited!

Here I am in my classroom...ready to start my morning work of coloring!

Mommy & me

Daddy & Me

My brothers & Me

I had a great first day of school. We have 2 half days, and then, I start my full day of kindergarten on Wednesday. Yes, I am growing up fast...& loving it!

As tradition, we go out and celebrate the first day of school. And, we always go with my Aunt Helen. So, Stephanie & I sat together, talked all about our first day of school (we are in the same class...yay!), and giggled while we enjoyed our yummy food at "big fire"...our traditional location for the 4th year in a row.

Stephanie & Me

What a great day! I already love school and am so excited about going back tomorrow!!

"daddy date"

Each month, Daddy & Mommy are going to each take me out on a "Daddy date" and a "girl's night out with Mommy." I am super excited. We started this month. For my girl's night with Mommy, we went shopping for school supplies and shoes for school. We had so much fun just being girls. But, I was really looking forward to my "Daddy date" with my Daddy. So, I got all dressed up (I even picked out the adorable headband!), and Daddy took me to dinner, we got ice cream, and then we played a round of putt putt. It was so much fun! I sure this one-on-one time with my Daddy & Mommy!

My Daddy & Me...I am his little girl!

just brecken...

Just Brecken...and his beautiful blue eyes...

...jumping around in his favorite toy, the jumperoo!

Then, I (Averie) got a hold of his hat & Mommy's camera (with her permission) and took a few pictures myself!! Brecken didn't seem to mind!

Out of about 30 pictures, I got a few good ones! :)

Sweet Brecken Thomas