Halloween

This year Avary really got the hang of Halloween - and more importantly, trick or treating.

She chose to dress up as her favorite character, Captain Jack Sparrow. 

(Pirates have been a big deal lately)

Her costume was a combination of items she already owned, a few makeshifts items, my moms mad sewing skills, and some great pirate accessories from her uncle Zak.

 We spent the afternoon with friends and family at a Halloween party.

Lucy the lady bug

Oliver the doctor/green monster :)

Then we went trick or treating through our neighborhood and 

over to Mat's parent's so  they could see little Captn' Jack.

By the time we got home there was a bounty of candy for us, ahem, Avary.

3 Years old!

For Avary's 3rd birthday we had a small backyard party with just our immediate families.

And we ate a buffet of her favorite food "The panda place" (Panda Express)

We ate cupcakes.

Avary opened presents and played with her cousins.

I can't believe my little girl is already 3! The time has just flown by. 

Avary is so smart and mature for her age, 

sometimes I forget that she is still just a toddler.

she can be shy and cautious, but

she also loves to be the life of the party and to make people laugh.

She loves to sing and dance and color.

Avary LOVES books, and is constantly asking us to read to her.

She has memorized most of her books, and often asks to go to the bookstore.

She loves to play with her cousins and make new friends everywhere she goes.

She is very compassionate and tender hearted.

Avary,

You are my sunshine.

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You will never know dear, how much I love you.

Happy Birthday my angel.

Road Trip

In September we made the drive to La Jolla, California 

for a vacation with my family.

We stayed in a large beach house with beautiful views.

We even managed to get a photo of the whole group.

Avary loved swimming in the private pool - and playing with her uncle.

And making necklaces with Auntie D on the beach. 

We all went to Sea World together. 

It was a VERY large group, but we managed to sick together almost the whole day.

Avary had no problem feeding the dolphin, but would have no part in touching it.

She LOVED playing in the sand at the beach,

and eating ice cream on the beach!

We spent some time at the tide pools on the beach right below our house. It was BEAUTIFUL!

State Fair

In September we made our way to the Utah State Fair

It was fun this year - Avary was much more interested and aware of everything that was going on

We enjoyed looking at the different vendors, eating hot dogs and and onion blossom.

Avary LOVES pony rides! She seems so grown up riding all by herself!

She also loved looking at all of the animals. Goats and sheep were interesting. Bunnies were a favorite. Cows....she has a lingering fear from last summer when a CALF mooed near her.

We were also able to hang out with a couple of sea lions for a minute - and had our photo taken with them. Unfortunately I can't get my scanner to work to get the photo on my computer.

Anyway, All in all, a great trip to the fair!

Baby number 2!

By now, everyone knows that we are expecting our 2nd - but I am desperately trying to catch up the blog and include everything that has been missed.

Mat and I had decided that after getting (re)married, it would be a great time to add another member to the family.
Toward the end of August I started to experience a few symptoms of pregnancy. The typical exhaustion and nausea. We tried not to get too excited, of course it was too soon know for sure.

Then on August 30th, while Mat was at his parents helping with a computer problem, I randomly decided to take the test. I prepared myself for a big old negative - it really was far too early for such an immature pregnancy to show up.

Even with all the signs and symptoms, I was completely shocked to see that little blue plus sign.

I immediately texted Mat asking when he'd be home. I hadn't planned to find out that night. I wanted to come up with a fun way to tell him.

I couldn't contain myself. I ran downstairs (where our friends Katie and Spencer were living at the time). I blurted out the news and asked for ideas on a fun way to tell Mat.

Then I got a text from Mat. He was on his way. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep it a secret. So this is what I came up with.

When he got home, I asked if he would like to look through some photo edits I'd been working on while he was gone. Who knows what the photos were from - maybe our Sun Valley trip? - I can't remember. But after about 10 photos I placed these.

Mat was so surprised and excited! 

5 years married - and now, getting married.

On August 6th, Mat and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
But it was much more special than just that. We went to the county clerk, signed the documents, renewed our vows, and made it official.

We had only a few family members and close friends at the ceremony - where we included Avary by giving her a necklace. A silver chain, holding one pearl and a silver tag engraved with the date.
I thought it was SO sweet That my dad unexpectedly offered to pay for our marriage license and the ceremony - and also that Mat's parents gave us a beautiful card with cash to spend on our "honeymoon".

Later, I realized that unintentionally, The bride's parents paid for the wedding, and the groom's paid for the honeymoon. I chuckled a bit when it crossed my mind - I guess we are a little more traditional than thought!

After the ceremony we shared a wonderful lunch with family and friends at The DODO.
Then, Mat and I said the most difficult goodbye either of us has ever had to say, when we left Avary to go to Sun Valley. This four day trip would be the longest we had ever been away from her.
Once we were on the road, and (mostly) over our guilt of leaving our little A behind, we began talking. Like, actually talking to each other  - and our conversation did not include whether or not the dishwasher was loaded properly, or if it was better to use spray on or rub on sunblock for Avary. We were able to just BE. It was wonderful.
When we arrived in Ketchum, we quickly checked into our hotel (we stayed at a lodge in town for the first night) and then walked down the street to the Roosevelt Grill. Mat had called ahead and made reservations for a romantic rooftop meal - how sweet!
Everything was perfect - and the food was AMAZING!
The next morning, We ate a DELICIOUS breakfast at The Kneadery, and then Mat took me on the Gondola/chair lift up to the top of Mount Baldy. It was beautiful - and something I had never done in all the times I have been to Sun Valley.

After our trip up the mountain, it was time to check in to our room at the Sun Valley Resort. 
I too wanted to take Mat to do something that I loved in Sun Valley, But he had never done. Horse back riding. First thing the next morning, I called and Made the reservation. Then I went and told Mat about our adventure for the day.....and that the man said that we would have to wear closed toe -solid sole shoes. The problem was - we both only packed flip flops. Oops!
So the hunt was one. Our first stop was to the thrift store - closed.
Then to the drug store - they only had flip flops.
Our last option was the sporting goods stores - or pay for the horseback rides - and not go.
So we reluctantly made our way to the high priced resort town shops. Luckily we each found a pair of hiking shoes that were on sale - but really, even the 'sale' price stung a bit.
We made it to the barn just in time and went on our own private trail ride up the mountain. It was wonderful!

We spent the rest of our time in Sun valley eating the MOST delicious food either of us has ever had, and just hanging out. It was peaceful, relaxing, and just the right amount of time - we were really missing A by the end of our trip.


And now, we are FINALLY, LEGALLY. Mr. and Mrs. Wennergren!

4th (and 3rd) of July!

We started off the holiday weekend with the neighborhood parade/bbq.

Avary and her cousins had a blast decorating their bikes with streamers, flags and balloons and riding around the 2 block parade route.

Afterward we enjoyed the festivities...

Climbed in (and on) a firetruck - which was the lead in the parade!

Ate a snow cone - A's first ever! She chose blue.

Got a stick-on firework tattoo. 

And finished the event with a hot dog and watermelon - A's FAVORITES.

After a nap (for everyone), we walked to Sugar House park to meet up with my sisters and camp out for the afternoon to get a good spot for the fireworks that evening.

After settling all of our things (we packed ALOT of things to keep everyone entertained), we watched a really cool African sparring/chanting/drumming group. Avary loved grooving to the drum beats, and Mat and I enjoyed the crazy flips and tricks.

Then we walked around to check out all of the fun booths and vendors at the park.

We spent the rest of the afternoon/evening in the shade on our blankets playing games and eating snacks. When it got dark, we cuddled up and prepared for the fireworks. They began - and were exploding right above our heads. Avary was terrified. Aside from the VERY loud boom that came with each one, she thought that they were going to fall down onto her. I held her and covered her with a blanket so she could just peek out whenever she was ready. 

The fireworks were beautiful!

What a wonderful night!