Gymboree

Today Avery had her trial class at Gymboree. The kids play/learning center, not the clothing store. We went to the GymWalkers class but we will start GymRunners in September. I figure this should be a great way to get out in the fall when the weather is getting colder and there is much less daylight.

Avery was a little overwhelmed when the class started but by the end she was starting to explore her suroundings. There was some group play and singing, there was bubble time, fun with a parachute and free time to explore the room and check out all the cool stuff.

I was hoping to get some pics of her playing but I didn't get a chance. I took a quick snap of her when we got home. The name tag is on her back so she 'can't tear it off and eat it' (as the teacher told me).

I had fun!

Where's Avery?

As of last night every single toy was put away in the toy bins. As of this afternoon the book basket and toy bin were empty.

Step, Steps, Steps!

Avery took her first steps a few days ago, but Dad doesn't believe me since he didn't see it, so we were all able to capture more steps today! Check it out!

Cartoons and Beer

Many comic strips originated in Brussels. Most famous in Europe are 'Tintin and Snowy', most recognizable to me is 'The Smurfs'. Local artists have painted buildings throughout the city. Here are a few that we stumbled upon.


We also tried a few local beers. A few Trappist beers are still brewed by monks.

Brussels

We made a last minute decision to hop the Eurostar train to Brussels for the weekend. The weather forecast had us worried when it predicted 100% chance of rain but we got lucky and had pretty good cool weather. There were a few heavy downpours but we were prepared. We had Belgian waffles, mussels in Brussels, Belgian beer (more on that soon) and chocolate.

Arch in Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parliament

Garden in Petit Sablon

Grand Palace Square

Taking a break to stretch our legs.

Grand Palace

Manneken Pis: A naked little boy peeing. I'm not sure why he had clothes on.

Brussels is fun!

Windsor Castle, London Zoo and more...

Last week Avery and I visited Windsor Castle with PopPop, Bubbe, Aunt Ricki and Unlce Eddie. The queen was in but didn't invite us in for tea. The grounds were beautiful and Avery took a snooze in the carrier on my back as we toured in the inside living quarters.




On Sunday Josh, Bubbe, Avery and I visited the London Zoo. Here is a peak at a few of the animals we saw.

Check out this sleeping guy!

There are parrots in that exhibit.

A few more birthday shots too...

Birthday Lunch

PopPop and Avery

Uncle Eddie, Aunt Ricki and Avery

Hurry up Dad, open the present!!!

My Second 1st Birthday Party!

Happy Fourth of July!

Today was Avery's second 1st Birthday Party! The party was smaller than expected because Avery spiked a 102+ fever yesterday and I notified the other families with kids coming. Her fever was down today but she wasn't in the mood to eat much and was fairly fussy compared to her normal smiley self. We still had a great time today!

Daddy and Avery cutting the cake.

Cake and cupcakes.

Yummy cupcake!

Avery was lucky enough to have PopPop, Bubbe, Uncle Eddie and Aunt Ricki in town to help celebrate.

Fun with the new water table.

There were even enough left overs from lunch to enjoy for dinner outside on the patio.

Happy First Birthday Avery!

I want to wish my baby girl a happy first birthday! I can't believe she is already one year old. She has been to 5 states, 4 countries and I lost track of the number of flights she has been on ( I really need to count to include that in her baby book). She still doesn't sleep through the night. She has two bottom teeth and I'm pretty sure she has a few more on the way. She is not walking yet but she is close. She has changed my life. Happy Birthday Avery! I love you!

Birthday Eve, Daddy is assembling his gift.

Birthday Morning

She likes it!