And it begins...

We have officially started potty training. I thought I would just secretly do this while Taylor was away but after two very long and sometimes messy days I have decided to take it slower and wait for his help. I am sure he is so excited to help out with this :)

Children's World

Here are some pics from our recent visit to the indoor play place called Children's World. It is a short walk from our flat and Avery loves going there. She finally went in the ball pit and had a blast! Of course her favorite thing there is the little kitchen set.

Random pics...

Here are some shots to give you more of a look into an average Avery day. She loves picking out clothes and changing outfits if a shirt gets wet from her spilling water on herself because she has to use a real cup at times. She has gotten pretty fast on her little truck, and yes that pic was taking in our parking lot. Mother of the year award for having Avery play in the only open space :) Don't worry it is usually pretty empty during the day when most folks are at work. She also loves playing camping in her new tent. This little tent will replace a pack 'n play on future trips and for any other kids we might have. This is a pop up tent that come with a little sleeping bag and blow up mattress!!!

Testing....

Sent from my iPhone

Girl's night in

We are having a fun time being just us girls while Taylor is away in Sudan. One evening we made Chicken pot pie and Avery helped! She dropped the noodles into the pot! We ended the evening with some popcorn and veggietales. More pics of what we have been up to are coming soon.

Thailand III

We decided to be unashamedly touristy on this trip. Took way too many photos, asked many questions, did the very touristy things, went to the touristy markets, bought the touristy sun dresses...you get the idea. We had a BLAST! Taylor was also a HUGE help taking care of Avery, even carried her on some of her naps on the go. I have to highly recommend Thailand as a vacation spot to anyone. Not sure if they are up yet or not but Taylor's photos...i.e. the great ones...are or will be up on his site, africaonfilm.org.

Thailand II

We enjoyed the Chiang Mai night market and Avery enjoyed the mango ice cream. We also stopped by a super ritzy hotel to view their grounds and Avery enjoyed splashing in the pool a bit. Our hotels were AMAZING! It was so nice to have clean feet for the whole time we were there! One special thing Taylor enjoyed were the cold towels they handed out upon check-in. Taylor got Avery the best little sand bucket with toys that helped her get used to the sand. She has NO problem with mud, but sand that is a whole other story.

Thailand I

We had GREAT time in Thailand. It even started out well as we had a few hours to wait in the Nairobi airport and found they had a kid's area complete with some great toys! It was great to hang out with Chris and Sarah. Avery loved them and actually enjoyed the pool. She slowly warmed up to the ocean as well. Not like she has a choice but to enjoy water with me as her mom :) Avery did great on the long plane rides and we kept her on Nairobi time or close to it so we were able to hang out with others in the evening. She also was able to catch some good naps on the ergo carrier so we also had some days out as well! She was able to have her first happy meal and mom was VERY happy to have an actual american tasting dill pickle!!!

Just Avery...

Avery enjoyed getting to spend time with some of her Sudan team mate friends while they were in town. One afternoon we were able to hang out with Agnes family. They have a 3 year old girl Bethany and a 5 year old son Caleb. They found some fun rides at a local mall and enjoyed them too much to smile at the camera. Also an extra bonus of Avery and her lovely art work later on that day. Yes, she gave her tummy a beautiful tatoo.

Gingerbread Houses!!!

I can remember making gingerbread houses with my Grandma when I was young and thanks for Grandmum and Grandpa Avery was able to take part in a new family tradition. I think next year I will attempt to make my own gingerbread....we will see :)