Here Comes the...Flower girl!

This past weekend we were blessed to be part of a dear friend's wedding.  Jessa was one of my cheerleaders when I coached in our district.  For the past 3 years she has been one of Avery's two regular babysitters.  She loves Avery like she was her own and because of that, we love her.  Jessa comes from a family of lots of nephews, but no nieces, so she had asked Avery to be her flower girl.  Avery couldn't wait for this day to arrive!  Friday night was the rehearsal....

Avery and Jessa....

When Avery woke up Saturday morning, she was ready to go!  We got dressed and headed over for pictures before the ceremony.

All ready for her walk down the isle!  Ryen was with us at the ceremony and then left and went to her godparents' house for the night!

And here she comes!  I love how she avoids stepping on the petals she has already thrown.  (Sorry for the shaky start!)

Jessa and Jordan looked great and their ceremony was really sweet.  Avery spent her time at the table collecting more flower petals for her basket.

She was a little unsure when it was time for the introductions, but running is always a good option!

Jessa's aunt had arranged for a horse drawn carriage to be at her reception for them to take a ride in and to use for pictures.  Then the driver stuck around for a bit to give the guests free rides.  This was Avery's first carriage ride, but she was so excited because it is what princesses ride in.

An attempt at a family picture!

Kisses from Daddy.

Girls Getaway

Last week, the four of us headed to visit some of our extended family since none of them had met Ryen yet.  First stop was to see Gigi Johnson.  She was so excited and couldn't wait to hold her.

After a short afternoon visit, we headed to my mom and dad's so that Lucas could finally meet his cousin!  He couldn't wait to hold her.

We then celebrated Robyn's 30th birthday and the following day it was time to celebrate Gigi Carrion's 93rd birthday.  This was also going to be the first time my dad's side of the family met Ryen.

I feel so fortunate that not only do I have both of my grandma's still here but that they both have met my girls.  It just warms my heart.

Avery also learned how to play baseball....

 and hula hoop!

4 Generations!

While in Chicago with beautiful Chicago weather, we headed to the zoo.

Then, I thought I would try and do a little art project with the kiddos for Mother's Day....man, what was I thinking?  I have no pictures of the painting part, mainly because I was trying to keep the paint on the pot and not everywhere else!  Regardless of the mess, it was so much fun!

Ryen also started smiling in response to familiar faces while we were at my parents' house.  I love these faces!

This past weekend we celebrated Mother's Day and I sure was spoiled!  Between flowers, new cookware, gift cards and new planter boxes, it was more than expected.  Last year we built one big planter box and since it was successful, we decided to add two more!  Keep your fingers crossed it goes well too!

Ryen turned 2 months old on Sunday also....I can't believe we have made it 2 months!

Here's the comparison.  At least Ryen can sit up a bit better at this stage!

Ryen has been doing much better recently.  We think that in some combination of getting older, gaining weight, the correct medications, the right formula that we might have found the right mix.  This past week, Ryen has been sleeping on her own from about 9:00pm-6am only waking around 2:30 and maybe 5:30 to eat.  It has been wonderful!  She has also been napping on her own this weekend for between 2 and 3 hours at a time- twice a day!  We are hoping this is the turning point we were waiting for.  We have her two month checkup Wednesday and at that point we will decide with our pediatrician if we will go and see the GI doctor on Friday. 

And just one random sweet picture of Avery....

Princess Tea Party Time

I was so excited to have gotten to spend part of my afternoon with just Avery today.  Bloomington High School Drama Department put on a princess tea party in their cafeteria.  It was so much fun!  Avery of course had to wear her tutu!  The high school students dressed up as different princes and princesses, their was a lunch served, dancing, princess 101 class, singing and storytime.  I can't wait to do this again!

The ballroom...

Princess Avery

Decorating her crown

Here come the princesses!

Even mommy got to make a crown!

Snow White was Avery's favorite princess.  I know that face doesn't look it, but I swear!  It was the one she was most excited about seeing...note the doll in her hand!

It was a great day and all of the proceeds went to support the BHS Drama department...now who can argue with that?