Happy 20 Months Old, Avery!

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Zoo rocks. And I'm not just saying that because they gave me a paycheck the summer before college. :)

Grandma and Avery at the zoo entrance. Avery is contemplating how to get out of his stroller. Checking out the rhinos.
Cleveland was gorgeous during our trip...sunny and sixties, with vibrantly colored leaves still on the trees. It (almost) made me nostalgic for my hometown....(I said almost, okay??).

Peek-a-boo!

Where's that polar bear??? Oh boy, there he is...and he looks hungry!

At the giraffe exhibit... Avery Jean, get out of those ropes!! Can you tell I'm close to panicking? Those giraffes were eyeballing us and getting a little too close for comfort. So, is this who taught Avery how to stick his tongue out?? Avery is making a run for it (big surprise...all I do is chase this child around). Avery lying on the ground...a super-awesome stunt he pulls when he knows someone is trying to pick him up.

Another Cleveland Trip

A couple of weeks ago, Avery and Mommy accompanied Grandma Sattelmeyer back to Ohio following her two month "vacation" in the Carolinas. While we were there, we visited with Great-Grandma Speck, Avery's second cousins and great uncle, Uncle Jon-Jon & Aunt Luz, Aunt Martina, and made a trip to the zoo. Unfortunately, Mommy didn't get to take many pictures, as she was too exhausted chasing Mr. Independent around. He is 19 months going on five. At the end of our visit, Avery and Mommy flew back to SC by ourselves. Sidenote to those traveling by plane this holiday season: if you are 6 and a half months pregnant and decide to wear an "oversized sweatshirt" in order to stay comfortable, TSA will give you a patdown. Holding up the line. In front of everyone. While you are still holding your toddler. I am never flying again. :)

"I heard that there is a never-ending supply of M&M's here...is it true??"
Grandma Speck and Avery (who is eating M&M's for the first time).
Avery playing with a Fisher's Price zoo, which Mommy, Uncle David, and Uncle Jon-Jon all used to play with. I'm not sure what is more surprising: that this toy made it through three rather destructible children or that my Mom hung onto it for 30 years.

Hair-raising adventures on Mommy's old slide.

Playing with Grandpa.

Avery is in need of a nap...too bad he can't get past the gate to get to his crib upstairs.

Killing time at the airport. This kid can't sit still for a second.

"Where the heck are the buttons on this thing...hallo??"

Leave Me Alone

Pictures of our yard in Louisville during the fall season:

Pictures of our yard in South Carolina during "fall" season:

Handyman

What does every kid need to take to school? Of course! A toolbox!!

Flexibility

Sometimes being a parent means going with the flow.

Even if that means...

...you let your child eat dinner sitting on your lap...
...or you turn your living room into a makeshift jungle gym...

...or you let your kid bust out of "jail" every now and then...

...or you let your child play in enclosed spaces...

...or you get a little peace and quiet by letting your kid veg out in front of a movie every now and then.

Having children helps one let go of his or her control issues very quickly. :)

TV is awesome

Even though we were very busy during our weekend away in Fayetteville, Avery still enjoyed some down-time in front of the TV. He had no idea what he was missing!

Avery and Little D enjoying a TV tray breakfast!

Apparently, Daddy/Uncle Phil makes a very comfortable couch!

Fall Farmin' Festivities

While in Fayetteville, we visited a small farm that had a pumpkin patch, farm animals, hay rides, bouncy slides, and pony rides. A great time was had by all!

I swear, give this kid a ramp to run up and down and he will be entertained for hours.
Aunt Susie & Athena on the hay ride.
This girl is brave!!
Grandma keeping Avery entertained (it was very close to naptime)!
Little D using his ninja skills inherited from his Daddy to pilfer a pumpkin.
Three cousins having some good ole fashioned John Deere fun!
Avery LOVES horses. He rides everything (toys, legs, dogs, turned-over basketball posts, etc) like it is a horse. This was his first pony ride. I am so proud of him for being so brave!!