Crafting in Tennessee

The Judds went to Tennessee for Christmas and the following week (more pictures of that fantastic week in the next post). While we were there, the sisters-in-law, inspired by Monica, decided to craft a nativity set that each family could take back with them. When I first saw the set, I was not exactly thrilled to try it, since it was made out of felt. I'm not the closest friends with felt. But I wanted to spend quality time with the girls, and this craft provided plenty of opportunity for quality time. This is the original inspiration, from the Pioneer Woman blog:

We made a few changes, including painting the wooden blocks a cream color. Heather and I distressed our blocks, and I decided to use leftover scrapbook paper instead of felt. Here's how it turned out:

Baby Jesus, Jofus, and Murray (Avery's description of the Holy Family)

The angel, cow, and donkey

The shepherd and his sheep

These men were some high maintenance Magi, but the results were worthwhile.

Thanks, Monica, for a great idea! (And yes, I actually do love it!)

Christmas Traditions

We're trying out Christmas traditions this year to see what ones will work for our family. I wanted to try to make a gingerbread house completely from scratch, but then I decided it was an insane idea for a mom of two tiny kids, so we bough a Wilton gingerbread house, glued it together (which took a day) and then slapped some candy on the roof and sides of the house. Avery had a blast decorating the house. I put all the candies in separate bowls, and she seemed to understand what to do right away. She also kept licking the icing off her hands and saying, "I love it!!". She couldn't wait to show Daddy when he came home for lunch. We're definitely keeping this tradition, but we'll have to see if I ever get around to making one from scratch in the next few years.

Six Months

Poor guy had a rough beginning to his six month (or I guess it's technically his 7th month). Anyhoo, he was dealing with a cold, a third and fourth tooth and a growth spurt all at the same time. We also discovered Avery was going into his room and "seeing if he was awake" during his naps, so he wasn't sleeping well for a few days. He's Mr. Pleasant again and as sweet as ever. Did I mention I adore him?

Way Back in October...

...we went on a trip to Massachusetts. We happened to time it around Avery's 2nd birthday, but the real reason we were in town was for this happy couple:

This is my brother Rick and his then fiancee Eveline at our wedding. They've been married for almost a year now, and they had a reception in honor of their wedding this past October. We had such a great time meeting Ev's family and listening to them talk to each other in French (Eveline is from Montreal). My parents, Paul and the kids and I were able to meet Ev's immediate family the night before the reception and share an amazing meal Ev's dad put together. On Sunday, we celebrated with the rest of the family at an open house reception in a beautiful home rented for the occasion. I loved every bit of it, but I must say the food was a big highlight!

Our cuties were quite the novelty, as they were the youngest and only kids there. My cousins Barbara Rose and Brandi (both 13, but from different sides of the family) were Avery's new best friends. I loved how much they paid attention to her, especially considering I used to dote on those two girls when they were Avery's age.

Adam befriended Eveline's mom. I don't think I held him at all during the reception.

My Dad and his sisters

The Whole Fam

Five Months

Okay, so he's already six months as I'm posting this, but this is what he looked like a month ago. Cute as ever, of course. Adam is turning into a very easy-going, sweet little guy. He was recovering from a cold at month five, but he still seemed to manage it all with a smile. (We'll talk about how cranky he is at six months when I get around to posting those pictures).

Costume Pictures

Avery and Adam attended a friend's costume birthday party on Friday, and then we all attended another friend's bonfire party on Halloween night. We dressed up the kids, and I did an impromptu farmer girl outfit. I must say I love dressing up the kids in costumes. I'm already trying to think of what to do next year.

Our Georgia Cheerleader (too bad wearing the outfit didn't help them win their game). As I look at this shot, I'm realizing she's not looking all that cheery. What can I say, she doesn't get the idea of hamming it up for the camera.

Avery's Second Birthday

Yes, her second birthday!! I can't believe how quickly two years have flown by. The exciting part about her first birthday was that we were able to announce our pregnancy with Adam to Paul's entire family (in fact, we took the pregnancy test during the party). This year, we were in Massachusetts celebrating my brother's marriage to Eveline. It was a blast being able to have Avery's party with such a crowd of people from my side of the family. Our relatives were so generous to give her many sweet gifts, and Avery almost always responded with an "Oh wow" when she opened them. Christmas is going to be a blast.

Ice Cream Cake -Yummy!

Avery's '2' Shirt. Avery loved having her shirt on, and was showing it off to everyone in the house. She even yelled to Moses, my brother's dog, "Moses, Two!".

The birthday banner made the trip from VA as well.

The Loot

Nana Judd was kind enough to send Avery's birthday gift up to Mass. in time for her party. It was a huge hit - a Curious George tea set. Thanks, Cathy!!

We were also able to introduce Adam to our New England family. Adam was snuggled by all (and boy, does he love to snuggle!)

Avery put two of her gifts to use the next day. She wore her 'Cape Cod' sweatshirt and played with the t-ball set we bought for her.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Two-Year-Old!!