The Atkinson Family Christmas

We arrived to beautiful weather in Daytona on Friday morning. Uncle Scott picked us up from the airport, and from their our adventures began full swing. The boys did lots of golfing. The girls activities ranged from pedicures to a trip to the beach. Avery loved every moment!!!

Friday night after dinner, we opened presents. Everyone got lots of neat gifts! Avery's favorite is her new Elmo. He does EVERYTHING!!! Of course, she was spoiled once again and has so many new toys.

Saturday we loaded up at 8:00 and headed to Orlando. We were spent the day at Sea World and it was AWESOME! Avery took it all in and loved it! We saw an Elmo show (right up her alley), the Shamu "Believe" Show, and saw all the sea creatures. She loved the dolphins and sting rays. The shark tunnel was really neat, and she couldn't believe the fast swimming penguins. Avery loves horses so we went to see the Clydesdale's. We were able to pet the 2,000 lb. beauty Kelly. By 2:30 it was time to head back home. It was a great day and Avery only napped for 50 minutes. We must have worn her out because she slept for 14 straight hours.

Sunday was another fun filled day as we headed to the beach. This summer Avery hated the sand which made going to the beach no fun. However, this was a new day and she didn't want to get out of the ocean. Remember it is December and the water was not very warm. She jumped waves, face planted, chased birds, and got her clothes soaked.

We are having so much fun! Tomorrow we head back to Atlanta and I am afraid Avery is going to be so bored after such a fun holiday!

Trussell Christmas 2008

What a wonderful time to spend with loved ones! We had such a great Christmas this year!! Avery loved opening presents although she didn't quite get the "meaning" or the Santa Claus concept. On Christmas Eve the entire Tim Trussell Family (except for Dan and Tessa) came to our house for dinner. Trevor prepared a delicious beef tenderloin. Everyone else brought their favorite side dishes. We ate, talked, played, and did a gift swap. It was a fun night! Christmas morning Avery woke up to lots of goodies. The first one she noticed was her basketball hoop. She grabbed the ball, shot, and made her first attempt! From there she emptied her stocking and opened her gifts. She LOVED everything. Quickly, we packed up grabbed a snack and headed to Grama and Grampa's for breakfast and more presents. We all got spoiled rotten! Too much stuff (good stuff I might add). Avery's favorite was her new princess house. She was squealing with excitement as soon as she unwrapped it! Tonight she wouldn't go anywhere without her entourage of new gifts. The entourage includes her new pooh bear, the vacuum cleaner, a school bus, and a doll. She is so funny! Tomorrow we are headed to Florida to see the Atkinson's. Christmas part two! We can't wait to see everyone and celebrate all over again. We will also be taking Avery to Sea World. I can hardly wait! Merry Christmas!

Sleepover Adventures

This weekend was full of fun for the Atkinson Family. On Friday we all went out to dinner with our good friends the Parros, Mayers, and Sullivans. At dinner we learned that the Mayers are expecting a baby in July. The Parros are expecting in June, so 2009 should make for a very exciting year. And...Avery will have lots of new friends to play with.

On Saturday, we took Avery up to Alpharetta to spend the night with her Grandparents. They took her to Lake Lanier to see the Magical Nights of Lights. It is a light display that is set to music. Avery loved the beautiful lights and loved to be free in the car. Playing in the car is one of her past times now. After you drive through and see all the lights they have a little Christmas wonderland set up for the kids to eat, go on rides, and buy souvenirs. My parents said her eyes were huge when she saw the rides and Christmas trees. They had so much fun! Avery didn't get to bed until after 10 which is her latest bedtime ever. I wish I had sent the camera with them, next time. I think they might make this an annual trip! Meanwhile, Trevor and I enjoyed a neighborhood holiday party, sleeping in, and reading the paper. A few things we don't get to do much of anymore.

Merry Christmas!

Playing Dress Up!

Yesterday Avery woke up in a great mood. When it was time to get dressed she wanted to wear her Minnie Mouse ears. So I suggested she also put on the dress to go along with it. She was thrilled. Keep in mind, I tried to get her to wear this for Halloween but she wouldn't even consider it. When she was all dressed up like Minnie she began twirling and playing. Aside from the "bumpy" shirt that her Grammy got for me a few years ago she has really not shown an interest in playing dress up. I have a feeling that she had so much fun playing today that dress up will become another game we play together. I hope you can see from the pictures just how much fun she was having!Avery also likes to help! Here is her in action with the vacuum cleaner. I might mention that some of her "helping" prolongs the time it takes to get the job done. But...I remind myself that she is learning and having fun!Earlier this week we took advantage of the nice weather and grilled out.  Below you will see Avery and her Daddy.  Please don't pay attention to the mean look she is giving the camera.  Too many pictures I guess.  She quickly forgot as she is running straight for me! 

Avery is spending Saturday night with her Grama and Grampa. I know she will have lots of fun! Trevor and I will enjoy a neighborhood Christmas party and sleeping in on Sunday! Have a great weekend!

The Pink Pig Adventure!

Today Avery and I went to Lenox Mall with our friends Carrie Beth and Handley.  We rode the famous Pink Pig.  The girls just loved it!  After the fun ride we ate lunch at the food court and went to see Santa.  Handley LOVED him!  Avery was still a little shy, but was willing to sit on my lap next to him in order to get her mint (otherwise known as a candycane).  We had such a wonderful day! 

The girls holding hands as we drive to the mall.

Best friends having fun waiting in line and snacking.

The Pink Pig...







Uncle Scott and Avery playing ball (I got a picture)


Icing the sugar cookies. Avery got a taste!

Trimming the Tree

We got the tree decorated Friday night but it wasn't until after Avery went to bed. I had big plans of a fun family night decorating, listening to Christmas music, and eating pizza. However, Avery was still a little too young. She was more interested in using the string of beads as a necklace. She just wanted to play! So we played and when she slept Trevor and I decorated, watched The Grinch, and had a glass of wine. It was a great night. We gave Avery one Christmas present early (imagine that I couldn't wait) a pair of puppy slippers. She thought they were okay and I am hoping they grow on her!




Saturday Uncle Scott came to visit. We had a good dinner at the Mexican restaurant and Avery just loves saying his name. Sunday Trevor and Scott were able to enjoy a "boys" day, as Avery and I went to Alpharetta. We went to the nursery close to my parents house to roast marshmallows and see Santa. Avery was terrified of him (boo hoo). She also managed to scare all of the other children in line, poor Santa. The rest of the day we made Christmas cookies. I love December. Avery aka the Cookie Monster had a ball! Tonight is Scott's last night and I hope to convince him to let me get a picture of him for the blog!



Auntie Tricia and Uncle Kyle joined us for our Sunday bake off and nursery run. Avery loves playing with them. Although while we baked, Kyle and Dad did the Christmas lights outside.

Fun Friday!

Our day started out with Avery's 18 month check up. At her last drs visit she was miserable from the moment we arrived until we left. Today, she was an angel. She let the Dr. check her ears, mouth, and eyes and actually enjoyed it. She did have to get two shots and her crying was minimal. I did give her a cookie as soon as it was over and that cheered her up. After the appointment we grabbed lunch at Chick-fil-a. Avery climbed the playground and went down the slide herself! That was a huge accomplishment and thrilled Trevor and me. Now we won't have to hear the other kids that are playing say, "Excuse me, you are too big for the kid's playground" anymore. Here is a picture from the waiting room where Avery and Daddy are reading a few books.



After lunch, it was off to find the perfect Christmas tree. Avery loved running through the rows of trees and the fresh air. We are going to decorate tonight. I can't wait! This is my favorite time of the year!!!






Avery shared her favorite toy with her friend Sarah. I watch Sarah a few days a week and it has been a great thing for Avery and I. Recently Sarah began crawling and it is a whole new world. She can now get to all of Avery's toys, and she is fast. We are really working hard at sharing, and little by little she is getting it! Usually Avery shares a toy that she doesn't want to play with, but she is making progress. Sarah now knows the toys she wants to play with they are both beginning to understand what it means to share. The two girls are so cute together! Thursday Avery was more than happy to show Sarah how to work her car, and I am so glad I was able to snap a picture.