Branson Vacation Part II: Fishing at the Lake

We made our way from Shell Knob to Branson. We weren't quite sure what we were going to do, but we went more for the 'relaxed' mode and didn't really live by schedules. All we knew was that Brandon wanted to fish and I wanted to shop! We stayed at Cooper Creek which was right outside Branson and close to everything. We hung out and fished- the first day we were there in the morning with no success and then went into Branson to see what Downtown had to offer. We went to local shops and ate at a restaurant called "Farm House" which in itself was funny because of Brandon being an AGR and almost didn't want to eat there because of it, but he got over it soon enough. Probably the worst stop that we made and that anyone can make was the Branson Tourism Center- where I just thought we could see what to do while in Branson, but come to find out it was 2 guys trying to get you to buy into their time-shares. BIG MISTAKE WALKING IN THERE! We did get free tickets to see the group 'SIX' but did we make it to see them...NO-because little Avery was having an out of body! I guess she doesn't like the shows as much as daddy does already. So, we ended up the next day at the time share place to get our money back and 1.5 hours that we were supposed to be there turned into 2.5 hours and a really, REALLY upset husband. Money in hand and no time share later, we were SO glad to be out of there. Those people are crazy pushy- as they claim not to be. Anyway, at least we could try to enjoy our last day in Branson.

Avery and Daddy Fishing

We met up with Jeff and Vickie and kids at Lilley's Landing near Cooper Creek and did some fishing and grillin'. It was nice to get to see family on vacation! Vickie was probably the queen of fishing that night and I have to say that I caught my one and only fish in under 30 seconds so I was satisfied with that accomplishment. 

Vicki Fishing

Vicki and I with "the Catch"

Shopping was excellent-wish I could have done more. The COACH factory outlet was a big hit with Avery and I. She got her first Coach experience. Lastly, we couldn't leave without getting an old time photo taken-it was so much fun to dress up!

All in all it was so nice to get away and spend some quality time with the two people I love most! That counts for everything! And...Avery showed us that she could giggle-it was so much fun to hear her have an actual laugh. Six days later we were headed back to small Andale, Kansas and the real world- no fun! Hopefully we get to do it again soon!

Pictures of Avery throughout the Trip

Branson Vacation Part 1: Shell Knob, MO

Everyone needs a little time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and especially work. I forgot how stressful my job can be at times, but it's the best feeling when I get home and get to rock my baby to sleep and forget about my day. We had thought about going to Seattle for one of Brandon's cousins weddings so that the family could all meet little Avery, but we didn't really get her acid reflux under control soon enough and we didn't want to be 'those people with the screaming baby' in the airport or especially on the plane. So instead we decided to do something that all three of us might enjoy. The LAKE! TABLE ROCK LAKE to be more specific! The drive down seemed a little long, but maybe that was because Avery decided that she really didn't like her car seat that day. And, when people ask 'Did you pack everything but the kitchen sink?', that is what are Traverse looked like! It's amazing how much more stuff and how much longer it takes to pack when you have a 3 month old going with you! Especially when that 3 month old usually goes through 3-4 outfits daily because of spit up! But everything went well. We spent time in Shell Knob, MO on Table Rock Lake for a few days and then trucked up near Branson to fish and shop!

The Magnolia

 Our Cabin at The Timbers Lodge in Shell Knob, MO. The Jacuzzi Tub was Way worth it!

 First time in Table Rock Lake! Thanks to the Heins for letting us borrow their life jacket! Worked like a charm!

There were a TON of turtles just swimming around the Marina

Walking the Docks

View from the Dock

An Old Bridge I thought was really neat

Shell Knob was beautiful and it was SO relaxing just hanging out and not having a schedule to live by! Avery really seemed to like the water and so we can't wait to bring her back when she is older so she can really enjoy the lake. Maybe next time we'll hitch up the boat! Actually-I think that's a MUST bring next time! We ate at little hole in the wall restaurants and had great food and just enjoyed each other. Sometimes it is more important to step back and take things in so that you don't take things for granted and let them slip away. Already wanting to go back!

Next Post: Branson Part II: Cooper Creek/Lilly's Landing/Shopping

And Then There Were Three...

Avery had her 3 month pictures and it was so much fun! It was kind of a bleak day and she was tending to squint most of the time, but they turned out wonderful! Big thanks to Alison Moore who did her pictures! We love them!
I don't know how much Avery actually was digging the outfit changes or the big bow on her head, but she tolerated it very well for her mommy! So here is the unveiling! These are also our first family pictures.

What a doll huh!?!

Next Post: Branson Vacation

Swimsuit Model/Avery 3 Month Picture Day

Today Avery had her 3 month pictures!! So exciting, but sad because I can't believe that she is already 3 months old!! She did great for pictures (which will be posted when I'm able) and mommy and daddy got in on the action. Of course the day wasn't complete without the lavender tutu and matching bow!! I am LOVING having a little girl! This may have been why I probably liked dressing my barbies in several different outfits in short amounts of time!

Last night was probably the 6th or 7th night that she has actually slept through the night...and the second thunder storm! We ended up at in the afternoon going to Andale Summerfest...the first of many I am sure for little Avery. But temperatures have been too warm this summer for her to enjoy being outside.  I am looking forward to next year when we can actually go to the pool and even the lake. She loves her baths so I hope she is a little water bug!

Here are some pictures of Avery in her swim suit at MiMi and Papa's House in their baby pool.

Avery today!

Weigh in: currently 10 lb 13 oz!

Next post: 3 Month Pictures

Catching Up

So I've never been a blogger, but I've been inspired. I figure that there is too much that happens in life not to write it down!  And, this is a better way for my family in NWK to keep up with our family!

Three wonderful months ago our life changed dramatically for the better. We were blessed with the most amazing little girl. She was beautiful and Perfect!! Little miss Avery Nicole came into this world Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 at 12:24 PM. She weighed 6 lb 13 oz. and was 18.5 inches long. She has been a wonderful baby, but we have had our challenges along the way. Avery ended up having a really bad case of reflux and once we started prevacid she has been an entirely different baby! I stopped eating dairy also along the way because that seemed to upset her tummy and that has really improved quality of life for everyone!

Avery is here!!

And I was exhausted...but already loving her so much!

When people tell you to sleep before baby arrives, you should listen. I think that we just started living sleep deprived and if we did get caught up it only made us more tired! It's been 3 months now and she is growing and growing!! She just had her 2 month shots and wellness check and all went well. She is in the 60th percentile for height (she gets that from her daddy), 50th percentile for head circumference, and 25th percentile for weight...so she is going to be as DR says, a "tall, smart, skinny baby". 

Avery had her first combine ride with daddy this summer for wheat harvest! She's already a daddy's girl!

Avery made her first road trip to NWK for my Grandma Amelia's 101st birthday! It was a long drive, but she did great and grandma was so happy to meet her. But I have to remember next time to keep her in pink so grandma knows she's a little girl! 

 I was very fortunate to be able to take off 12 weeks and August 1st marked the first day back on the job as an RN. It was very hard to leave my baby, but we are blessed to have Vickie, our sister-in-law, to watch her. I know she is being well taken care of and loved on plenty... not to mention she gets to spend lots of quality time with her cousins.

So the past three months have seemed to just fly by, and so I am told the next 18 years will too! They grow up so fast and right now I just want to keep her little as long as I can! 

Here is Avery, now 3 months!! I can't believe what a big girl she!