Avery is in first grade. This is her first year in a new school. She was incredibly excited. I was incredibly anxious. However, I said my goodbyes at the door and she walked right in all by herself. She is definitely growing up overnight.
Mark and Avery
Barry, Anne and Avery
Anne and Barbara
Mark Hanging Out By The Fire
Kevin and Avery
Our girl is 6!!! How can that be? We celebrated Avery's special day on her actual birthday. However, the weather was terrible. We faced record heat in Oregon, well over 100 degrees. Thus, her birthday was spent partially indoors and out. We held most games outdoors while dinner, dessert and presents were indoors with air conditioning. We are very thankful that no children or adults melted.
Sack Race
Pinata
Sombrero Cake
The Gang
Elsa, Avery and Greta
Hallie and Avery
Southern California is always a great time. We spent our vacation with the Tramutola Family and enjoyed the many splendors of the area. Of course, the best memories occur with the family swimming, going to the beach or possibly engaging in a competitive game of badminton. However, during this vacation, Mark and I had the opportunity to have a little alone time. We spent one of those days on Catalina Island. We took the boat from Dana Point early in the morning and headed back in the evening. We engaged in all the tourist activities such as the island bus tour, casino tour and even a game of miniature golf. It was pretty fun. On another outing, we went to Hollywood to see the Craig Ferguson Show. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that it would take more than two hours to get to Hollywood from Orange County in the early afternoon. I might be dating myself but I remember when it was just an hour. Needless to say, we missed the show and decided to tour the hills instead.
Badminton Players and Cousins: Nicky, Ariana, Mikey and Avery
Avery and Mikey in the Pool
Catalina Island
Maureen and Mark in the Hollywood Hills
Disneyland is quite possibly the happiest place on earth for our daughter. This year has been the turning point from little kid rides to big kid rides. She has been on all the roller coasters including Space Mountain (her favorite), Matterhorn, and Splash Mountain. This visit was even better than previous because her good friend Laira and her mom Jennifer went with us.
Avery and Laira
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Maureen and Avery Waiting in Line... Again
Avery loves the beaches in Southern California. She has gone many times with us, her Grandma, Aunt Monica and her cousins. This year we got her a boogie board. She can definitely catch the white wash with the best of them.
Aunt Monica and Avery
Although the summer has just begun, we seem to have already hit the dog days. Avery has been particularly busy with three different camps and playtime with friends. In addition, Mark and I have taken on an appliance overhaul in our kitchen. Let's just say it has not gone according to the plan. However, we managed to get away for the 4th of July in Seattle. Go Mariners!!!
The Entrepenuers: Hallie and Avery
Avery on the Rings
Mark and Avery at the Mariners Game
