A long time waiting... my sorry attempt at catching up.

Well, since my last post I have discovered what it is like to be busy.  I thought I knew busy but I didn't.  I've had to check my priorities and yes, I will admit that I have failed multiple times.  It's a good thing I have Katie to remind me!  

Ok, so here is my attempt to briefly catch you all up on our last few months.  

Mountain runoff from the Rocky Mountain range makes for great views of downtown Spokane. 

My parents visited from Ohio in April.  We had a great time hiking, eating, golfing, and just sitting/walking with Avery. 

We saw this guy on our hike.  

 We headed to Birch Bay for Mother's day.

At 13months, Avery was in the 90% in height.  Now she's almost 16months and the rest have caught up putting her right at 50%.

 Since she has discovered walking we have had to keep an eye on her at all times.

 Clam digging has replaced bird chasing as Leila's favorite beach activity.

 Katie gave her approval for me to drive south for the night to visit this group of all-stars in Seattle.

 When we aren't playing we are working.  This is my greeting party when I return home.  It's the best.

I've never worried about her running away but we did put in an invisible fence around the main fence to keep her from barking at walkers.

Avery's doctor thought she had something wrong with her eye so she referred her to an ophthalmologist.  Here she is in the waiting room happy as a clam.  No problems found and it probably could have been avoided honestly. 

 Rockin' the one piece for life!

 "Panda" attempting to revive himself from my childhood.

 Avery and I in Liberty Lake.  Her first kayak ride.

 I was blessed with the privilege of baptizing a good friend Dan.  He then proceeded to  baptize two others.  Baptizing big dudes in shallow water is not recommended!

 Sunday morning.

 She loves her bike trailer!  Here we are after an eight miler.  She can't handle much more than that yet but we are working on it.

 Rockin' the hoodie!

 Above, Avery loving on Leila.  Below, Avery annoying Leila.

 Dinner at our place with the Koziol clan.

Golfing on the course just down the street.  Nothing better than long shadows on a golf course.

Summer has been great.  August and September will be busy and full of fun.  October will be split in half w/ almost two weeks in Ohio.  I will post more.  I still have 4th of July pics to post. 

Happy Birthday Avery!

I knew this day would come.  They said it would come fast.  Because of that, I savored every moment. I got home from work early.  I held her as much as possible.  I made her a priority.  And here we are...she's one year young. 

The festivities began and we waited for her to take a shot at the candle.   She did it!  Out it went and the room erupted with cheers which caused Avery to be concerned what all the commotion was about.  

Anticipating her cupcake!

That didn't stop her and she dug right!  Like a pro, she stuffed that chocolate cake like it was her first meal of the day. 

Katie did a great job planning this party- balloons, desert, invites, etc.

Afterwards was the gifts.  Toys, clothes, and more.  We appreciate everyone's gifts and will be thinking of you when we distract her with your toys to get a couple more precious moments of personal time.

Katie and Vivian doing what they do. 

 Nothing like a get together for an excuse to play corn hole and spend time in this awesome back yard. 

Happy 1st birthday Avery June!