The lights before Christmas!

Well to get into the Christmas spirit we decided to take in a local night parade.  Both Aaron and dad thought it was a little weird that mom and I separately prepared with hot chocolate and popcorn...what can I say great minds think alike.

The West Columbia Christmas Parade.

 It was actually quite warm and Avery had fun practicing her wave.

 Here are dad and Kendall eating the left overs - despite making fun of me.

We decided that we had to at least do something - albeit small to celebrate Avery's 1st Birthday.  So after a day off of work to check out the Early Child Center that we are considering enrolling Kendall in next year, a haircut, and a doctor's appointment, we decided to have a few friends over for pizza and cake.  It was low key but very nice. 

Poor Avery was a bit out of it after her doctors visit.  It is hard to believe that she is already a year old.

 She didn't really get the concept of unwrapping, but she did like her gifts.

 Nate likes the balloon.

 Her new bow...complete with her initial - no hand me downs for this pretty girl.

 Modeling her new hat.

The next morning we hit up a local craft fair and then hurried home to make it back in time to have a few friends over to make and decorate cookies.  Here are Kate and Kendall helping Grandma Rose roll out the dough.

 JP didn't do much cookie baking, but we enjoyed his company!

 After coffee we moved on to mimosas - yum!

After exerting so much energy on baking cookies, Kendall and Kate had a blast veggie out on the couch, playing dress up, and watching movies. 

It was a busy weekend, but lots of fun! 

Avery is developing quite the personality.  She is stubborn and persistent, but so happy! She is almost walking on her own and loves to clap and dance. She can sit for long periods playing with one of her two favorite toys (her car or fridge phonics) and putting things in an out of containers.  She LOVES bananas and give the world's best hugs.  She is our little bean and we love her more everyday.

She was a little under the weather this weekend - all explained by the new tooth I spotted tonight poking out on the top front. She weighs in at just over 20 pounds and is in the 50th percentile - a step up from the 30th percentile of her last visit. 

We are looking forward to making the trek back to Michigan for Christmas festivities with family and friends.  Aaron and Kendall will head back first, followed by Avery and I a week later.