Can't wait for next Christmas!

Avery's excited for next Christmas already! Actually it's me who is excited! She's pretty festive, though! My parents gave Harley and I this Santa hat for Avery last Christmas when I was still pregnant! She wore it this year and I'm pretty sure it's not going to fit her next year so we're glad we caught a picture with it on her!

Christmas is here!!!

Here we are, Christmas day! Harley and I hauled all our presents into the car Christmas Eve and we spent the night at Dave and Suzanne's. This morning was a blast! We always have a HUGE breakfast after we open presents; ham, eggs, hash browns, toast, and freshly squeezed orange juice!MMM! Presents this year were great! It was a lot of fun for everyone to watch Avery's first Christmas. She sure got the hang of tearing open presents; and then trying to eat the wrapping paper! Harley and I got a new camera! Yeah!! Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful gifts you gave Harley and I. They were the most thought out wonderful gifts and it meant so much to us! We really felt the spirit of Christmas this year and the importance of wonderful family and friends.

climbing stairs

Avery climbed up the stairs today for the first time! It was pretty amazing. I can't believe what this kid is doing already~guess I shouldn't be too surprised since she will not hold still for a single minute!

Dad & Son

To the left we have Harley in action riding his '49 Panhead. When Harley and I started dating I had no idea how big of a deal Harley Davidson's were to this family. I should have given that his name is Harley, but that's beside the point. Anyway, the bike you see Harley riding he and his dad, Leo, built from scratch! Yup! Isn't that amazing! He and his dad worked on this amazing bike for almost 4 years off and on; pretty much any spare minute Harley and Leo had. My dad, Dave actually took this shot while they were riding down the street somewhere! Safe, huh! Ya, did I mention Dave has really only 1 good eye? That's another story. To the right is my father-in-law. He actually purchased his bike and as you can see he looks pretty dang good on it! Aren't they handsome!!!

Dundudun! Tackling The Stairs

When Avery is in the lower living room she gets pretty upset if you go upstairs to the kitchen! As you can see, she is now trying to get to wherever you are! I try to tell this girl, "Slow down! You got plenty of time for this!" I'm afraid with Harley's energy and both of our stubbornness we are in for it with this child! Isn't she cute!?

I don't wanna go anywhere!

Avery worked so hard to crawl into the car-seat, a place she would rather not be, that when she figured out it wasn't so much fun anymore...tears. Don't worry, we didn't leave her in there long; only long enough for the picture! She is everywhere & climbs on everything!

Drama anyone?

Avery can be a little dramatic at times. She likes to throw her arms in the air as if to say "My life is so hard!" Sometimes when she's drinking her bottle she'll cover up her eyes like this; it is hilarious! Gotta love the girl.

Behind bars

So, Avery knows how to pull herself up in the crib. Now we're thinking of putting a row of pillows or something on the floor right in front of it to break her fall when she decides to throw herself over the edge!!lol She is so much fun and such a stinker!! I really hope she never gets used to these bars;>

Averys first bath

Ever since Avery was born she has LOVED her baths. Anytime she is fussy you just stick her in the tub and vwala she is happy again. This picture was obviously taken when she was just a few weeks old but I tell you what, baths never get old for this kid! She gets SO excited when you're getting her ready for it because she knows exactly what's coming! It's way cute.
Harley and I are still trying to get pictures downloaded and share them with everyone so there will be a few that may seem ancient by now since Avery's getting so big!

baby love

We got our family pictures recently, right. Here is my wonderful mother with her beloved grandchildren. Aren't they cute! She is the best grandma a kid could ask for. When she watches Avery it doesn't take long before she prefers her over me:( What you gonna do? Thought maybe you all would like to hear I completed my first final for procedures in general, GU, GYN, ENT, and Eyeball surgeries with a 92%! WWAAHHOOO! I so cannot wait to be done with all this book work stuff! Harley and I are doing good and plugging along with our everyday stuff. Trying to get Christmas done has been a real treat let me tell ya!!

Could I be addicted!

Alright! It's official! I'm totally addicted to this thing. I guess there could be worse things. I've spent the last 4 hours downloading songs. Harley had to bath Avery and put her to bed tonight cuz I can't get enough!lol I'm outa control. Anyways thought while I was up I'd put a recipe on here for everyone to try if they want. It's a slow cooker soup recipe so hopefully it will come in handy on those days you don't have all day to slave in the kitchen! ENJOY!
Potato Chowder:
8 cups diced ptoatoes
1/3 cup chopped onion
3 cans (14-1/2 oz each) chicken broth
1 can (10-3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled, optional
Snipped chives, optional
*In a slow cooker, combine the first five ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until potatoes are tender. Add cream cheese; stir until blended. Garnish with bacon and chives if desired
Yields: 12 servings (3quarts)

Averys first Halloween costume

So I'm a horrible mother-I didn't take pictures of Avery for halloween so when we got family pictures I brought her costume with me and the photographer was nice enough to help me out! Avery was starting to get fussy; these pictures were taken toward the end the the picture session, but she still looks absolutely adorable! Harley and I love her so much and feel very lucky and blessed to have her. Isn't she the cutest thing ever!=>

Sooooooooo in love

Harley and I haven't had pictures taken of us since our wedding! How sad is that. We were really glad that Jess wanted to get family pictures this year. They were done for my mom for Christmas-kind of an early present-but boy am I glad we got them done!-Isn't Harley sexy!! ;)

Our crazy family!

So, this is my parents, all their kids, and the grandkids. Not too shabby so far. I was really excited to hear that my brother was going to be able to be in the pictures. I don't get to see him too often so it was great! He's the only person in the family I look like!!LOL. I wanted a fun picture of our family to show because we all have our special quirks and we have the best times when we get together!

Angies parents

This is my stepdad and mom. Aren't they cute! They are the best parents. At our wedding Dave wanted to wear his holster and gun because when he gave me away he had on his cowboy hat and boots. HOWDO! He is so silly! Of course my mom said no. You go mom!

Family picture

Thanksgiving

Well, tomorrow's Thanksgiving and Harley has to work until about 2 or 3! That sucks! I've been busy with school and trying to get Christmas presents done. Pretty much all the gifts this year are home-made! School will make you broke. Avery's started to become shy around people she doesn't know. It's cute. She buries her head into my shoulder when strangers smile and talk to her. She's so much fun! So, Thanksgiving is at my parents house. I love going over there! Especially for the holidays.