AVERY OLIVIA MAUTZ

FOUR YEARS OLD

Yes, I realize I am two weeks behind schedule. Avery turned 4 on the 24th of November. I can't believe how big she has seemed to get even since then. She has taken on the role of a 4 year old with gusto! My sweet Avery...here are some of the things that make me smile about you...

You are very funny. I love it when you sing it's a hard knock life when you have to make your bed. Complete with calling mommy Miss Hannegan.

You are very sensitive. You think about the feelings of others, including, but not limited to, worms, ants, "crockroach", etc. I also love that after you acknowledge their feelings, you have no problem killing them.

You love dinosaurs as much as you love pink dress up. Infact, often times they intermingle.

You are fearless when it comes to trying new things. You were the first to swim in our family, are the first to try new foods, climb on the biggest horse, meeting new friends. You were the first little one in your gymnastics class to try the high bar. The older girls were talking about how fearless you were, and how after you did it, the other kids wanted to try. Sometimes you dive into things headfirst(literally). I love how you inspire your sisters already to be more, do more, love more.

I love you so much Avery O! Happy Birthday

Now, onto the Party.

First, her birthday celebration at school. She was so excited for this ever since being able to watch Sophia have her turn in September. We were literally counting down the days to this rainbow cape!

Lyla Rose was included in the festivities, even sitting on her own chair

Avery, about to walk around the circle with the lit candle. No wonder she loves school so much.

Waiting for her special heart shaped apple cake.

For her birthday, we threw a tea party!

The kids made tea hats for the craft with these huge flowers. They also loved having tiny cookies to eat with their "tea". (lemonade).

Waiting for her tea.

Lyla loved all of the action.

Swimming with friends. They have two pools to choose from. What do they want to play with? the hose

Presents

Blowing out candles. No, fondant doesn't work in Hawaii. Melty mess. Good thing I made a pound cake so it didn't fall apart. Seriously, the cake was sooo good.

Climbing the Plumeria tree




Later that same day.....





She found my blue ink pad.

The End. Thanks for staying until the end. if you did.

I hate moving. And yet, this time I don't mind so much. Even though I can't find my camera cord to upload pics from Avery's birthday, (which turned out great by the way.) I'll post when I find it. It's got to be in one of these boxes. Our Thanksgiving was great, although because we were moving that day, we decided to buy a "ready-made" turkey feast from the local market. We thought it would be like a giant rotissarie chicken. While we were driving home with our feast, we realized there was no familiar smell of turkey, or anything else for that matter. When we opened our highly anticipated dinner, we realized we actually still had to cook the turkey for two hours. And the mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc was frozen. I wanted to pull out my hair and rub the bald spots while I rocked surrounded by half packed/ unpacked boxes. Instead, I put the turkey in the oven of an empty house, popped open the can of whipped cream, and we all knoshed on frozen pumpkin pie. That helped take the edge off, and I was able to keep my hair where it belongs.
I have much to be thankful for. When we were first moving to Hawaii, I told Toby I didn't want to live in a house that we hadn't even seen. But, we moved anyway. I made do. Then we were only going to be in the house for a couple of months. I didn't complain, I just didn't unpack everything. After 12 months of living on top of each other, with no where for our oversize dog.to go (Hawaii is not exactly dog friendly.) I put my foot down. "I am going to put pictures up, and make this house a home." This was driving me crazy. Then we learned the house we were renting was going to auction.
After looking for over 3 months for a place to live, this house opened up and within 3 hours, it was ours.
I am thankful to have a beautiful place for my daughters to run, dance, play, explore, and grow in.
I am thankful it was not MY house that is going to auction.
I am thankful that Toby is such an ambitious man, with a very strong work ethic.
I am thankful that everyone in my family is healthy.
I am thankful we can provide our children with a decent education.
I am thankful I am in love.
I am thankful to be a mom.
I am thankful to live in Hawaii.
I am thankful to be able to stay at home with my children.
I am thankful for wonderful friends.
Happy Thanksgiving