Congrats!

Congratulations to Johanna and Nate! We had a fun time at their wedding this weekend. I wish I had pictures to post, but I was too busy chasing a toddler who was playing on the playground, distributing lemonade to his grandparents and aunts & uncles, and shaking his tail feather on the dance floor. I literally had to pull him off the dance floor kicking and screaming during the electric slide. Best of luck!

St. Agnes School

Today, Avery attended St. Agnes School while Mommy went to work for a bit. They have a 2-year old room in which he played, interacted with kids, recessed on the playground, made crafts, music time and rest time. I was a bit nervous to send him, but they said he did great and he seemed to really enjoy it. Nothing beats the huge hug and smile I got when I picked him up.

For the past couple of years I have been fortunate to maintain a part-time contracting job with my previous employers. Although it can be challenging at times to balance working at home while raising a toddler, we have made it work. It has been great to have a little extra income at the end of the month and it helps me to still feel in tune with my L.B.A. (Life Before Avery). I rarely have to go into the office, but I now feel good to know that there is a safe place to leave Avery when I am in a bind and need to get a bunch of stuff done. It is also good to know that his older cousin, Mackenzie is right down the hall and his BFF, Ethan is right next door. Derrick also works right down the street.

I asked Avery if he wants to go back some time and he gave me a loud "YES!" so it couldn't have been too bad.

Trick-or-Treating: Take One: Capitol Market

So lucky. Avery gets to trick-or-treat twice. The first time was at the Capitol Market with his good buddy Ethan. What a cute duo! 

Derrick's Gigantic Baby

Uh, Derrick, I think he is almost as big as you.

Couponing

While I can't quite get my grocery bill to be only a few bucks like some of the pros, I seem to always score big at Rite Aid and other pharmacies. Before coupons this was $20.78 and after coupons, I paid $2.28 plus I got $2 back in +UP Rewards. What a rush!

Spooky!

Bat Preview

In the process of making Avery's bat costume. He has wanted to be a bat for quite some time now and mom is doing her best to make that dream come true. Hopefully she remembers how to do some basic sewing.

"Pete" and Avery

Peyton (aka. Pete) and Avery at Mamaw and Papaw's house.

Riveting Saturday Night

So, what has Avery glued to the TV? Dora the Explorer, Elmo, iCarly? Nope.

(Our parents might appreciate this one.)

The Lawrence Welk show. I know my mom talks about being forced to watch this on Saturday nights as a kid. I think Avery couldn't keep his eyes off it because it was so foreign to him. People that jolly and colorful must look like aliens to him. I can't help but stop on this once in awhile because it always makes me think of my grandparents, eventhough I wasn't around when they watched it. Much simpler times indeed.

Fayetteville

Saturday, we took a road trip to Fayetteville, WV. A charming little town near the New River Gorge. We lunched at Pies and Pints (best pizza ever) and wandered around town. No matter what people say, you can not deny some of the gorgeous spots in West Virginia, especially the New River area. Stunning!

One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure

So true. We have been de-cluttering our storage room in the basement. When anyone doesn't know where something belongs, the answer has always been "Storage Room A." (as Derrick likes to call it - eventhough there are no other storage rooms which forces a letter labeling system). Avery finds this whole process quite intriguing and can not part with some of the trash. On this particular evening, he scored an "Athens Happens" t-shirt and an old computer keyboard and mouse. Nice!

The MAIZE (from H-E-Double L)

What a nightmarish and ghoulish event! Not in the Halloween sense. Sounded like a fantastic idea...work your way through a corn maize by answering trivia questions. We showed our true colors that day when each family member had his or her own emotional meltdown in one form or another.

 All was going smoothly until about the 3rd question when Avery decided that his legs no longer worked and pulled one of his sit down on the ground, head in hands crying episodes. Stupid mom suggested a piggy back ride. Sounds easy, right? Carrying a toddler on your back to most would be a breeze, but Avery is a stocky 35lbs. and does not hold on to your neck which in turn forces the parent to suspend their arms backwards supporting his bottom.

 To keep a long story short, it seemed like an eternity that we were stuck on one question trying to find our way out, but in reality it was probably 30 mins. max. It will definitely be something we will always look back on and laugh.

Avery still got an 'A' for effort and got his caramel apple when we got home.