So Much to be Thankful for!

Each year on Thanksgiving we take a few minutes to think about all of the things we are thankful for.  In reflecting on this, we have so much to be thankful for.  We are so lucky to have such a loving circle of friends and family surrounding us.  We are so thankful that Avery has this now as well.  Of course we are beyond thankful for her and her health.  We truly are so lucky!  I hope that you all took time to think about what you are thankful for as well. 

This year we hosted Thanksgiving for Dave's parents and family friend Jerry.  It was supposed to make Avery getting a nap easier, however, she slept for a little over an hour -she usually sleeps for anywhere between 2- 1/2 and 3- 1/2 hours!  We were a bit concerned.  Luckily, she had plenty of people to spoil, er, play with her! 

Our table was set and dinner was cooking!  We had turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberries and rolls!  Even with 5 adults at the table, we had to put a leaf in the table just to hold all the food!  :)

Since it was so nice outside, Avery spent some time playing outside with Papa and Daddy before dinner.

Then it was time to get the last few items ready for dinner.  Thankfully Avery wanted to help with that too.  Needless to say, all of our rolls had little finger holes in them! 

Time for dinner!  Avery was such a great eater!  She ate a little bit of everything!  Her favorite things were the sweet potatoes, cranberries and rolls. 

Eventually, Avery had enough of dinner.  This is what happened next!  :)

One of Avery's favorite things to do recently is put money in her piggy bank.  Thankfully, Papa and Ga came with change to contribute to her savings! 

Since Papa was still out in the kitchen, Avery brought the pig to him....and found more money to put in the bank!

And then of course, there was some time for dancing on the table. 

Then, Avery worked on her sharing skills! 

Today, we continued the tradition of putting up Christmas decorations.  Luckily for us, Avery slept from 12:15 until 3:45 so we were able to get everything up before she woke up!  She didn't know what to think when she first saw the tree.  I am so excited for this Christmas because she is more aware of what is going on.  Be prepared for lots of pictures to come!

Finally, our friends Shaunna and DJ were home from South Carolina and stopped by to visit.  Avery definitely made some new friends today!! :)

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the upcoming holiday season!

Halloween Pictures (A few weeks late...) and more!

Halloween was so much fun around the Glacinski home.  Perhaps so busy that it prevented me from actually updating this blog!  So, enjoy the update on Halloween all the way up through last weekend! 

Our Halloween festivities began with a pumpkin carving contest the weekend before.  Avery was dressed up in one of her Halloween outfits! 

Then the carving began....

And of course some jumping in the leaves!

And the night ended with some story time from Avery's friend Jaelyn! 

The Friday before Halloween, downtown Bloomington does trick or treating at their businesses.  Avery seemed to enjoy it, but wasn't too sure about all of the costumes...especially the scary ones!  My parents were down to enjoy part of the holiday with Avery as well.  Check out our little monkey!

Storytime with Papa and Ga...

Since my mom and dad were down, we thought it would be a great time to carve pumpkins with Avery.  This didn't go well!  She seemed interested at first, but as soon as we began to cut, she was not happy!  She loved all the pumpkins through the fall and I think watching us destroy the pumpkin was a little rough for her!

Poor little girl! 

Better off watching from afar!

On Halloween, Avery and I visited a few homes in El Paso and got to play with a few friends.

Visiting Auntie Beth  :)

My first piece of candy! 

We stopped by my boss' house and Avery got to play with some of her friends!

Then Avery thought it was her job to hand out the candy...5 pieces at a time per kid!  :)

Another one of Avery's favorite things about Halloween were the ghosts we had in our front yard.  Every night when we got home, she would need to go and kiss them! 

Last weekend Avery and I went back to the suburbs for many events.  I got to visit my old friend and roommate and her new baby, Joshua! 

The following day, a family friend passed away and a memorial luncheon was held.  Not only was it nice to attend and visit with family, but I got to dress up Avery in this adorable dress!  Avery and Lucas were so excited to play with each other and kept the atmosphere happy!

And then there was time to read!

They were exhausted by the end of the luncheon.

Last weekend was also Papa's birthday!  We celebrated with pizza, presents and cheesecake.  Avery chose to buy papa a Sesame Street Memory game!  Papa can't wait to play it with Avery and Lucas too!

And then to finish off this blog, here are just some random pictures I thought you would love and a hilarious video at the bottom.  Avery loves to jump in her crib each night.  This video is especially funny because she takes these breaks from jumping to look and say some very serious things!  :)  Enjoy!