Ariel is Valedictorian!

Alexis, Ariel and Avery at Ariel's dog school graduation.

Alexis and Ariel

Avery and Ariel

All of us

So, Ariel finally graduated. Eight weeks of dog school and she has become a really good dog. I know it is hard to believe, but dog school is the best $109 I have ever spent. She was so wild and out of control. Now, she still has her moments, but fot the most part she does what we tell her to do and behaves. I almost really like her now! She is going to be a great dog. She is in love with the girls and follows me everyshere. She is my running buddy, whether she likes it or not! We are so proud of her. I may be biased, but she was the best one in her entire class. (There were 4!) Now she may even get to go to the dog park and make some dog friends!

My new toy

This is my new toy. A jogging stroller. I found it on Craig's list for a steal. It is like brand new! I am in love. I used to think that jogging strollers were lame. Then I had 2 kids and a dog. Walking at even a brisk rate with the regular stroller and dog following an almost 5 year old speed racer on her bike is no easy task. So I took to running after her. I think that Avery was getting shaken baby syndrome because the regular stroller was anything but smooth! I just got it today and have already used it twice! This morning Avery, Ariel and I went to pick up Alexis from school. It is about a mile away. Then we went another 1/2 mile or so to a park which was crowded and too big for Avery. I was having a heart attack trying to make sure she didn't fall off and break her neck! So we carried on another 1/4 mile to a small park. It was fabulous. Then everyone was tired and cranky. That is when I took this picture. Ariel's tongue is practically touching the ground! She didn't know she was going to have to take up running! Tonight after dinner we took our nightly walk. I love this stroller! Seriously I need to get a life because something like a stroller makes me so excited! Avery likes her "new one stroller" too!

My husband

So, Avery and I went to Frys for some food when Alexis was at school, and this is what we saw!

Avery said she wanted "daddy's cart". I knew he was planning on advertising on the shopping carts here, but it was so exciting to see it actually there! He's famous! We are so proud of all he has done with his business and how successful he has been. Keep up the good work daddy! And if you need your garage door fixed, call him!!! (he's cute too!)

Valentine's Day

Valentines day this year was quite romantic...just kidding! We have small children! We actually found this really cool park near our house that the kids loved! The slides were extremely high and Alexis loved that. You aren't supposed to go unless you live there, but nobody asked so we played!!! It's all fenced in so it is really nice to just let the wild ones run and play. I'm sure we will go back soon!!

My Valentines

Avery on the kiddie one

Look at that concentration!

I love this one, she looks like she is having so much fun!

Avery on the aligator

Me and Avery on the big slide

Cody and Avery, she cried at the end of this one!

We then had a nice dinner at GG and Joes and hung out all day as a family. It was a lot of fun, even though it wasn't very romantic!!

Avery's 2nd Birthday Party

So on January 31 we had Avery's 2nd birthday party. It was here at our house with all of our favorite people. We took Avery to the party store about a month ago and told her to pick out whatever she wanted for her party. She picked Nemo and has been talking about it ever since. We had a great time with all our friends and family and Avery enjoyed being the center of attention. The weather was great and the food was too!

Avery's cake
The decorations

The party girl, Avery Marie

Opening presents

Yippee!

Excited for all the new toys! (just what we needed!)

Pretty face Avery!

Blowing out 2 candles, cousin Trista by her.

Avery eating the delicious Nemo cake!

Avery with all her loot!

We love our precious Avery so much. She is loving being 2 so far, except for the fact that she tells everyone she is 4. Lying about her age already! Looking forward to the years to come, and more parties!

Trip to the Phoenix Zoo

We wnet to the Phoenix Zoo on Friday January 30th with my brother Matt, his wife Karie and my niece Kodie. It was Kodie's first trip to the zoo! We have year passes, so we go to the zoo all the time. We love it and always have a blast. Most all the animals were out that day so the kids enjoyed seeing all the awesome animals.

Alexis, Kodie and Avery ready to go in the zoo
Cool dude Kodie

Alexis got tired of walking so her and Kodie doubled up!

Avery's sweet smile

Alexis as Ariel

The girls hiding under the turtle shell

With all the exotic and unusual animals at the zoo, all Alexis wanted to do was pet the nasty goats. Go figure!
Alexis' favorite goat, Little Dipper

Avery and her goat friend chillin

Kodie and Avery with the goats

Avery trying to coax the goats out of their home.

We can't wait to go to the zoo again soon!!

Avery's Birthday dinner

For Avery's 2nd birthday dinner she wanted "cheese". I asked her all of our favorite restaraunts and she said no, no, no. Finally I said Cheesecake Factory and she said yes! She wanted cheese! We went there for her birthday last year so I guess it has become a birthday tradition!

This is her ready to go. Doesn't she look awesome! We didn't even help her!

Here is the birthday ice cream and the look on her face when they were singing to her!

Me and my girls, Alexis and Avery

Joe and GG. We love them! Joe is wearing his Mickey shirt because he knows Avery loves Mickey and Minnie! How cute. Joe and Avery are the best of friends. They are very close. Probably because he always gives her coocoos! The girls love GG as well. We are so lucky to have them live so close!

Marmmett and Toni, the rest of our family. We love them too. It is so awesome to have friends who are so close you consider them family.

My husband, Dad, Cody Wayne. Cute huh?

Toni and Alexis love to take pictures of themselves!

Alexis and Marmmett

Avery and Marmie

Avery and Toni

I think Avery had a wonderful 2nd birthday. We are enjoying her personality more and more as she gets older. Now to work on the potty!!!