Decorating the tree.

It's beginnng to look alot like Christmas...

So it finally snowed here the other day! Sophie was so excited to go out and play in it! To my surprise, Avery loved it too. We went for a sled ride around the neighborhood and he was full of smiles! Now, if I could just figure out how to keep those darned mittens on his hand, we would be all set.

Then two days later, it snowed even more closing school. Any other time, one would think this was great. It just so happened that Sophie's winter party was that day. When Jeremy told her school was closed as she lay in my bed at 8:00 me still half asleep, she started to cry. What a way to wake up...Oh well, she soon got over it as I let her do some of the crafts that were for the party and assured her she could still give her teacher a gift.

Later that day we went sledding at the neighbors next door. They had made a little sledding hill in their backyard and warmed up with some hot cocoa and marshmallows for the kiddos and a little Bailey's for the adults.

Avery now has 11 teeth. A couple days ago I looked and his top 2 molars and 1 bottom molar was poking through. Maybe that's why he has been waking up super early and crying. Or, maybe it's just a stage, who knows. He has been very active and walks everywhere! He is starting to talk and seems to understand a great deal. He calls Sophie "yaya" we think, says, "oooof" when we ask what a doggie says. He tries to say kitty, "ki" and many others.

He also LOVES using utensils at meals. He will get upset if he drops his fork and then he wants whoevers he sees. He loves to stab his food and is pretty good if I don't say so myself.

Sophie is writing like crazy and is starting to read as well. I can't believe how far she has come in the short time she has been in school so far. She is really good at 3 letter words but gets a little frustrated sometimes if she sees a longer one and is tired. Her writing is getting so much better and the letters are now basically all the same size. I even made her write her thank yous after her birthday party. She still has 3 more to go and her party was a month ago but it's the thought that counts.

Dinnertime Shenanigans

Check out these two videos. Notice Avery's silly face he makes. This is the face he makes every day at dinner. Pretty funny! Also, check out how Sophie uses her sleeve as a napkin TWICE, as well as when she takes a sip of soup and then spits it back into her bowl. Classy!

Halloween Day

Trick or Treating with the neighbors
Avery and Mommy

Cinderella and Tinkerbell

Cinderella

Kindergarten Class

Swim Class

So FINALLY after being stubborn for every week since August, she finally did it. Sophie got up the courage to take off the bubble, and the noodle during swim class. Not so much courage but she didn't have a choice. Her teacher had them swim with their bubbles and noodles to the deep end. They took off their bubbles and noodles. Then they each had to jump into the pool. This is what freaked her out at the end of her summer session. The two boys in her class did it, then it was Sophie's turn. She would not do it. Her teacher sort of helped her jump by holding her hand, even though Sophie didn't want to. She did this twice.
They put their bubble back on and swam to the middle of the pool. They took off their bubbles and noodles and held on to the side. Then they were asked to swim to their teacher without anything. Sophie was holding her teachers hand and didn't want her to let go as she swam, THEN, her teacher gave her a little push into the water and let go...That little stinker swam all the way across the pool. Then...she did it again. I knew she could do it, just needed the confidence and a little push. She was so proud of herself! Yeah Sophie!

Kazoo

Avery is growing like crazy and doing new things everyday! He is walking 90% of the time and is always trying to communicate. He is able to say "Ooooo" when you ask him what a ghost says, say's "woof", MAMAMAMA for more, and alot more. He understands a ton. He fell down, and I asked him where he got hurt. He pointed to his nose. He also tries to brush his teeth like big sister Sophie. When she spits into the sink, he does too! It is too funny and cute. He is a great eater just like his sis, and loves pickles, chicken nuggets, any fruit, peas, pasta, just about anything. He definately has a BIG sweet tooth. If he sees a cupcake or ice cream he starts crying until he gets some.

For the most part they get along, although lately she does NOT want him anywhere near her bedroom. If he gets close, she guards the door with her body and starts shrieking at the top of her lungs. Not fun. Don't think you can reason with her about it either, she is set on him not coming in her room.

Enjoy the video of him playing the kazoo and other instruments.

Soccer

Sophie has started playing soccer and totally loves it. It is so cute to watch them chase after the ball. She doesn't have official games but her class has scrimmages with each other and that is enough for her. After soccer, we always have pizza time and then play at the park with the rest of her team and parents.

Apple Orchard

This past weekend we spent the afternoon at Spicer Orchards. Avery loved crawling around the orchard and pumpkin patch. Even though Sophie was a little crabby, I think she still had some fun. Here are some pics from our day.

Swim class

Sophie has been taking swim lessons for awhile now at the YMCA. She loves the water but gets nervous when she doesn't have a floatie of some kind. She keeps at it though and I know eventually she will get it. Right now they are working on floating, it is so hard for her not to kick her legs! She loves it though. Here are some pics from her class this summer.

Avery's Birthday

Checking out the presents.

New rocking chair from Grandpa George and Grandma Bette.

The party people.

Bethany, Pete, Uncle Ed, Aunt Barb, and Grandpa Hatch


Aunt Andi and Uncle Dan




Mom, Dad, and Avery






The Cake!




First Bite...Yummmm!



Jeremy and Zeidi

Opening the gifts.



A few weeks ago we celebrated Avery's first birthday. It was a great day which we were so thankful for and everyone seemed to have fun. We had a bounce house for the big kids (thanks to the Comer family) and lots of help from mom and dad Hatch helping us get the yard ready the day before. Thanks to all who came to wish Avery a happy birthday. We hope you all had fun!

First Day of Kindergarten

Sophie was very excited to start kindergarten today! She walked to school with her new backpack on and was first in line to go inside. When we picked her up I asked her what they did. She responded, "work, work, work, We couldn't even rest on the cushions." Later on she did say they did a craft, had a snack, and played. She said her teacher was nice too. We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Oliver's Birthday Party