A cardboard box, a little boy and a cat, what could go wrong?

 Actually nothing :)

Boxes are  fun!

After Avery checked out the box for himself it was the cats turn (if he wanted one or not). I'd put Diesel in the box (at Avery's request), and Diesel would climb out. Avery would laugh and request Diesel get back in the box.

Cat in the box!

 Diesel let this routine continue for a little while, but after the fourth time in the box he was over it.  I am sure without all the "extra help" Diesel would have had as much fun playing with the cardboard box as Avery did. Playing with a cardboard box and the cat was a great way to spend a few minutes on a cold January night.

What do you do when it feels like -34 outside?

What do you do when it’s –10 with 20 mph NW wind,  and it feels like –34 outside, blow bubbles  of course, what else? 

Blowing bubbles in below zero temps

On the coldest day in 4 years we went out and blew bubbles. Avery always enjoys blowing bubbles, but blowing bubbles in the freezing cold is extra special, because the bubbles freeze in the air.  

Floating frozen bubbles

We watched the bubbles float thru the air  and they looked like they do any time but it’s when they land you know something is different. Some of the bubbles popped when they landed, leaving what looked like broken glass, the others that didn’t pop, rolled around like balls.

Checking out a broken bubble

Watching the bubbles roll

 Frozen bubbles are so much fun. Lucky we ran of bubbles about  the same time it was time to go in, because when bubbles freeze you know it has to be cold out!  

Do I look sick to you?

Waiting to see the doctor

If you have been watching the news in MN this winter you haven't been able to miss hearing about the flu, and how southern MN has been hit hard with the illness. Thankfully we have been able  avoid the flu (knock on wood). However Avery has had a cough for a few weeks now and with his well-child visit getting canceled for the second time yesterday (because his doctor is out), we decided he couldn't wait anymore, Avery had to see someone for his cough. Getting an appointment in the middle of flu season is tough but Avery was able to see a pediatrician late yesterday afternoon.

 And even though he is his happy self he is actually sick. His chest is congested and there is some fluid in his lungs, so he is a 2 oral medications and back on his neb for a few days. He had his first dose of meds last night and already seems to be breathing better, so hopefully things continue like that and things clear up fast.

Happy Birthday Mama!

Takes two to blow all the candles out

We had to sing  "Happy Birthday" a  few times before Avery stopped saying "to Avery" and replaced it with "to Mama" but he got it.

The cake has 'sparkles" (aka sprinkles) mama

My expert card opener

After Avery helped me blow out my candles  and we had some cake and ice cream he helped me open my cards and present. It was a great birthday!

Turning 2 with Trucks

Avery blowing out his candle

How else to do you celebrate a 2nd birthday then with a truck themed party.  A few decorations, balloons, a monster truck cake and family, a perfect party.

Homemade Truck Pennants

 Where did I get his cake you ask? I made it! I got it in my head that I wanted to make Avery a monster truck cake for this party, my mom made my brother one when he was little so I had a plan (I just modified it a bit), and it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. For the record, frosting a cake is not easy, fun or relaxing, the only thing it is, is tasty (and a little tricky). 

Avery's Monster Tuck cake

Avery is such a lucky little boy, he got so many great things, a magnadoodle, remote control car, clothes, a harmonica, and his very own chair. 

Modelling his new shirt

Driving his new car

Playing his harmonica like a pro

More the presents and cake, I think Avery liked playing with everyone and boxing his balloons (all while playing the harmonica) best. 

Balloon Boxer

It really was a great party! And as a bonus a wash cloth was all that was needed to clean him up this year, not a hose :)

Cake Face Age: 2

 

Ski Fast!

Tuesday was a very busy day, not only was it Avery’s birthday, it was the first home ski race for the Mankato High School Teams, which I help coach. And it wasn’t just any home race it was the Wuk Fut (which means Ski Fast! In Swedish)  it is  the only time we score East vs. West, making it an important race for bragging rights (and a big log for a trophy). Its a great race, a little bit on the casual side, some of the athletes dress up in costumes,  and there is a pot luck after. We also invite all former Ski Team alumni to return and race, usually I race but this year I  had a different plan.  Avery came out and he and I went thru the course together, so on his 2nd birthday Avery skied in his first ski race, going from the Bunny Hill to Big Brave in three days!

Avery is youngest skier ever to be in Wuk Fut!

Taking our first race run!

Second Run!

Crossing the finish line, completing his first race!

He had a great time, he loves riding the lift, and during our second run Avery was trying to reach for the gates, we may have created a monster!

Twenty Four Months

I AM 2!!!!!

24 Months = Two years old! Today our baby is 2!!!!  I remember a year ago marveling at all the things he learned in 1 year of life and here I am again completely blown away by how much he has changed and learned in another year. In 365 days he went from clawing to walking to running to skiing, from finger foods to silverware, from single words to singing, from a one year old to a two year old! I can’t wait to see what this next year brings . Happy Birthday Avery! Mommy and Daddy love you!

(At 2 years old Avery is wearing size 2T-3T shirts, 2T pants, 3T pjs, size 5 diapers, size 7 boots and shoes)

The Bunny Hill

 After Avery’s backyard ski adventure went so well, we were really excited to get him out on his skis again and  since today was another great day for skiing we headed out to Mt. Kato so Avery could take his first runs there. Originally we thought we would skip the lift and just hike up a ways and ski down but then we decided since we were there we might as well give riding the lift a try too. Avery rode with his daddy, (I am not ready to ride solo with him yet). He did great, if he was scared he didn’t have anything to say about it.

Almost our turn

On the lift with Daddy

After the lift stopped 3 times, we finally made it to the top of the bunny hill, and Avery got to take his first run at Mt. Kato.  

Avery's first run on the bunny hill at Mt. Kato 1/5/13

Skiing with Avery really works your legs muscles but it is totally worth it! Avery took 2 runs down the bunny hill one with his daddy and one with me. 

Skiing with Daddy

Way to go Avery!

Skiing with Mommy

Skiing is fun

After two runs it was time to call it quits and go warm up and have a treat. What a great day skiing, one I will never forget!

Avery's first day at Mt. Kato

 

Little Boy Hair Cut

New year, new hair cut. We took Avery to Great Clips for his first little boy hair cut, sure we have buzzed his hair before but lately he hasn’t wanted anything to do with that (and I like his hair longer) so we thought we would give a professional a try. Daddy needed a hair cut too so he went first and Avery watched. Then it was Avery’s turn. He was a little bit fearful, but he got to hold the comb and that seemed to make it better. 

Cape on and ready to go

Cut, Cut, Cut

He toughed it out, no tears, and got a nice little boy hair cut, success!

Success!