November 26-30, 2008--Thanksgiving in KC

We spent Thanksgiving in Kansas City this year.

Aunt Nancy and Uncle Russ got to meet Avery for the first time.

Addison got to see the geese in the pond behind my parents' house.

Paula with Avery on Thanksgiving Day.

On Thanksgiving evening, our friends Dan and Lissa brought baby Kivrin over to see the girls on their way back to Topeka. Avery liked tickling Kivrin.

Apparently I took no pictures of Thanksgiving dinner, which included my parents, Paula, my brothers and Kristen. What was I doing? Oh yeah, holding babies...

Though I should have gotten a picture of my extremely always helpful brothers teaching Addison to smash black olives with her elbow. I really cannot wait for some payback when they have kids!

November 17, 2008--Playing at home

Addie working on her Strawberry Shortcake puzzle (she just called it the "girls puzzle").

Avery sticking out her tongue.

Addie demonstrating the splits. She's been doing this for awhile but I finally got it on film.

November 14, 2008--Bedtime stories

Each night, we read stories before bedtime to Addie and Avery (if Avery hasn't already fallen asleep--she is very strict with her 8 pm bedtime!). One night, we let Addison hold Avery during stories.

Addie tickling her little sister...

...giving her a kiss...

...and what sister bonding would be complete without a little head butting.

Avery looks more than ready to (escape her sister and) go to bed!

November 14, 2008--Blowing bubbles

Avery's favorite mouth activity is to blow bubbles. She does it almost constantly. Although it is impossible to capture a sound visually with a camera, I tried anyway.

Coincidentally, Avery is also working on her second favorite activity--pulling off her socks!

November 11, 2008--First solid food

After Avery's six-month well baby visit, we got to g0-ahead from the doctor to start feeding Avery solid foods. We began with rice cereal. She didn't know quite what to make of it the first time.

After a few days, she did not let one morsel escape her mouth!