Day with Alexandra

So Jennifer and Avery went to the doctor Wednesday for Avery's 1 year appointment. I got to take Alexandra to gymnastics. The same as last time, she wanted everybody to know I was her daddy (there is just something about that...). Afterward, we went to DD's boat for a day together. First, we stopped off at a gas station to get supplies (water and pink lemonade). Then, we made it to the boat (after hearing 'are we there yet' a hundred times...this time, it never got old). When we uncovered the boat, there were a few spiders on the cover. It took some convincing to get Alexandra to finally climb on board. She changed into her bathing soup (bathing suit). She decided she wanted to go fishing first. We got the poles and made our way to the end of the pier. After about 5 minutes, Alexandra decided it was taking too long for the fish to bite. She wanted to go swimming. We drove out onto the lake near the IH 30 bridge where the wind was blocked off. We jumped in to find the water was quite cool. After about a minute, it didn't matter. We were kicking around and having a good ole time. She finally decided she was hungry. We docked up at the harbor and had lunch at Ruby Tuesday. Boy was she hungry. She ate two of the mini burgers (about half the size of a regular burger) and a plate of kids fries. Then it was off to Cold Stone for some ice cream. She barley had the ice cream down before she decided it was time to swim again. Back to the same spot and in we went. This time, King Triton (me) and Prince Eric (also me) joined Ariel (Alexandra) for a swim in the sea. A storm moved in and we decided it was time to head for the marina. We made it back and it was once again fishing time. 5 minutes later, the fish were again not biting fast enough so we left (just ahead of the storm). We had to make a couple of stops on the way home and Alexandra had to tell EVERYBODY about her day. Then, Alexandra found quite the bouquet of flowers she just had to have for mom. Of course we got them and went home as quick as we could. I must say, it was a wonderful day.

Avery turns 1

Our sweet baby Avery turned 1 last Saturday! I don't know where the time went I feel like it was yesterday that she was born. It is amazing what happens in a blink of an eye. We had a swimming party at Nana and Papa's. Avery loves the water. We had a small pool for the little kids and a big pool for the big kids. Avery lasted the entire party! She had a great time splashing in the pool, walking around the yard, eating her 1st cake and watermelon, and opening presents. It was fun to watch her with the cake. At first she was licking the icing but then grabbed a chunk of cake and stuffed her mouth with it. We thank everyone for sharing this special birthday with us! Happy 1st Birthday, Avery!!

Dressed up in the Princess tutu!

Avery in the little pool.

Hadassah checking out the ducks.

Macy and Bradi in the little pool.

Joslyn playing with the dolphin.

Alexandra jumping off the diving board.

Tucker swimming

Avery lovin some birthday cake.

Avery taking a break.

Avery sharing her cake with Alexandra...

daddy....

and mommy! Thanks, Avery. Yummm

Avery opening gifts.

How do I put this on?

Avery pushing her new baby stroller.

Avery loves watermelon!

Madelyn, Alexandra, and Ryan swinging.

Playdate

This is a first of many playdates with our friends from church. I love this outside playground! Avery has just as much fun as Alexandra does. Avery loves climbing on the steps and going down the slide. She also loves to climb through the tunnels. This group of kids play really well together and enjoy each others company. We look forward to our Friday playdates!


The kiddos eating their snack.

Avery taking a break.

Avery and Doak playing in the tunnel.

Alexandra and Addie climbing the mountains.

Avery riding a horse and Isabella watching.

Neighborhood Carnival

We have been so busy at the Bowen Household that I am just now getting back to blogging. A couple of weeks ago the school in our neighborhood had a carnival that we decided to go to with our neighbors. Tucker and Alexandra had a great time! So did the baby sisters! Here are some fun pictures of the carnival. It was so nice we could just walk up to the school. The big kids rode in the wagon and the little ones in the stroller. Avery was not happy in the stroller so I wore her and she was happy being with mommy! I still love that I can wear her! It never fails I get so many comments on it. It is amazing how many people approach me when I wear Avery in my wrap. I don't know what I would do without it! We saw several of our neighbors at the carnival. Thanks to Richard and Misty for going with us. We look forward to next year's carnival!!


Alexandra sliding down an obstacle bounce house.

Alexandra and Tucker bouncing a ball in the bucket.

Alexandra shooting a water gun to knock down a ball.

Alexandra made the "marshmellow in the cup" shot.

Alexandra's Field Day at School

Last Thursday was Field Day at Alexandra's school. There were several events. Alexandra had a wonderful time especially since she got to play outside for most of the day. Avery was clapping for her big sister, Go Red Team. All the kids got a ribbon after each race. Alexandra's favorite color ribbon was orange! Her teacher said the kids ate and napped well that day. I am sure they did because as much as they ran I was worn out watching them. I think Alexandra is going to be a great athlete.


Alexandra in the sack race.

Alexandra running the marathon.

Go Alexandra!!

Alexandra's team and teacher Ms. Heather.

Avery at 11 months

I am a little late on the post but I wanted to share some pictures of Avery at 11 months. I can't believe she will soon be one year old. Avery is always into something. Curious is her middle name these days. We are having to really child proof the house. She definitely keeps me on my toes. Enjoy!


Avery playing with Pinkie the Pony.


Posing for the camera.

Happy girl!

Avery loves to read books!

Alexandra's First Dance Recital

Saturday was Alexandra's first dance recital! We were blessed to have family and friends share that special moment with us. The recital was so amazing! Alexandra is such a beautiful dancer! She was so graceful in her ballet routine. The smiles and expressions on her face melted my heart. I think the priceless moment was in her tap routine. She was tapping away doing some shuffles and her tap shoe flew off her foot. The amazing thing was she did not get upset or run after her shoe. She kept on dancing as if it was still on her foot. Once the routine ended she wasted no time recovering her tap shoe. Her drill routine was excellent too. It was amazing how good all the girls danced. Since I was holding Avery during the show and Toby was recording the show we don't have any pictures of Alexandra during the show. However, next time you come over I would love to share the video with you. Thanks to all of you who were able to make it to Alexandra's first dance recital. She was so surprised to see everyone and excited you all could make it!


My sweet dancer

Daddy gave Alexandra some purple tulips. She was so excited and proud!! Avery watched the entire show and crashed when it was over.

The family with Alexandra.

Patricia, Emily, and Sara with Alexandra.