1st Birthday Party

The Saturday before Avery's birthday, we decided to have her birthday party. I can't believe that a year has passed already but it seems that it has! I decided to do an owl theme for the party. I took a ton of pictures of Avery so that I could remember the day. I wish that I would have done a little better at capturing all of our friends and family that came out to celebrate but I guess I was just too focused on the birthday girl.

The birthday girl getting excited for all of her guests to arrive

The cute sign that Ash, Kyle, and Luke got for Avery. I just love that we will be able to use it every year!

The food table (not the best lighting but you get the idea)

Sprinkle cupcakes

Ave's smash cake

I made a banner using a picture from each month. It's so crazy to see how drastically she changed from birth until now!

Let's get this party started!

Garrett and his favorite duck...such love on his face

Hanging out with Great Uncle Eddie

She's so blessed to be loved by so many

I think that finger was in her mouth the entire party. Darn those teeth!

After a little bit of playing inside, the babies (can I still call them that?) braved the heat to play at the sand and water table.

Here you go Lacey

Oops- a little windy!

Daddy and Ave

Next, it was time for cake and lots more pictures!

Hmm

Not quite sure

Now she's getting the hang of it

Sharing some cake- appetizing, huh!

Such pride on her face at the destruction that she caused

Next, we opened presents. Avery is wearing her new mini apron from Dan and Linds. It's so cute!

After the majority of people left, we busted out this present from Kel and Andrew. It shoots balls through its nose.

She absolutely LOVES it!

Our little family :)

Balloons are so cool...

So is pushing a cooler!

Doing a high kick for Uncle Scott and Aunt Steph

Sorry Kel but I had to include this one! Avery got a tent and tunnel from Bill's Grandma. We were trying to get Ave to crawl through but she was a little nervous. Kel decided to put the whole thing on and Avery thought it was hilarious!

The party was such a success. We all had so much fun! I thought that I would get really emotional about Ave turning one but I am actually really excited about all that her 2nd year of life will bring. Babies are wonderful and so sweet to snuggle with but I just love all that she can do right now. I love that she shows her personality and can somewhat communicate with us. I can't wait for this upcoming year and all that we will be able to do with Avery. We love you baby girl!

Punta Cana

At the beginning of June, Bill and I went with some friends to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for vacation. It had been 2 years since we had gone on vacation so we decided to live it up in an all-inclusive resort for 6 days. I told Bill that my requirements for vacation were this- I didn't want to have to cook a thing myself and I wanted sun (I was beyond pale from no sun exposure for a long time!). Beyond that, I really could care less where we were. Bill obsessed over tripadvisor.com for a long time and decided on the Majestic Elegance Club in Punta Cana. It was amazing! Here is our trip in pictures...

The hardest part of going on vacation was leaving my girl. Here she was helping me pack :)

On the way to Grammy and Grampy's house. There were a few tears shed on my part before I left!

About to get on the plane

The lobby

Our section of the beach. We stayed in the Elegance Club which was the adults only section. We decided that if we were going to be away from our babies then it would be a sad reminder to constantly be around other people's kids.

The entrance to the spa...definitely an interesting spa day to say the least!

It was a little rainy during the first few days but that didn't stop our laying out on the beach.

This is Dan in the pool right off our patio sipping his drink in the rain

We had a hot tub on our patio that probably was there so a couple can have a romantic dip in the evening. Well, we were right in front of the pool where there were always a ton of people so I don't know who would use this as a couple! When it would rain, it would get a little chilly so Bill decided to get the water scalding hot and warm up.

The weather cleared up after a couple of days and we tried to get as much sun as possible!

This bar was about 10 steps away from our patio. They made the most amazing Pina Coladas and Banana Mamas (they tasted just like a strawberry banana smoothie...yum!)

Bill and his big gulp banana mama on the beach

So relaxing!

I'm not quite sure when I will grow up and not find speedos on men hilarious and then feel the need to capture them on camera! I liked the couple in the background that decided to match their bathing suits. I think the man's bottoms are as small as the woman's.

Paradise

Our waiter at the Hibachi Restaurant. There is something so amazing about eating at a restaurant and just leaving without paying after you finish your food!

Sushi buffet...not my cup of tea but Ash and Bill sure were excited

Breakfast- one of my favorite parts of each day. They had an amazing breakfast buffet that included awesome omelets, crepes, fruit, and so much more!

Linds was convinced that this waiter at the buffet was Billy's Dominican twin

At the entrance to the buffet

At one of the great shows one night. They were always entertaining!

One half of our group

...and the other

Another night at the show

They had some interesting statues

The girls at the steakhouse

About to leave- sad to go but so excited to get home to see Ave!

Our drive back to the airport. Our driver felt the need to weave around lots of cars. Ash was holding on for dear life!

Bye bye Punta Cana!

We had a great time getting away for a little while. I don't know if I have ever laughed so much in my life! I've realized just how necessary it is as parents to get away and have some down time. It refreshed us and we were ready to get back just in time to prepare for Ave's 1st b-day party!