Family Photos!

November 2010

Photographer: piedpiperphoto.blogspot.com

New Year's Resolutions?

Resolutions? Nope, not for me. I find that my inability to make and accomplish goals results in a lot of, well, GUILT! It always starts out the same; eat healthy, exercise, read scriptures, go the temple (you get the idea). And it always ends the same. So now, you see, I have a dilemma. How do I progress and improve my life without setting unrealistic goals that always end in failure? And then it occurred to me, a mantra. I... need... a mantra. According to wikipedia, A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of "creating transformation." I know what you're thinking and the answer is no, I'm not crazy :) But it just might work. So after much thought and self evaluation, it came to me.

"Worry less, Love more." That's it.

Now, to more important things. Miss Avery Jaye is about to reach her 1st Birthday. So exciting and so sad. My baby it growing up and there's nothing I can do to stop it! But she is so fun!

7 Months

Her first tooth! Now she has 8, but I'm a few months behind :)

Crawling like crazy! Now she's walking (still behind)

I left Avery alone for a few minutes while I was doing laundry, and this is what I found!

And yes, she tried chewing her way out.

8 Months

Standing up all by herself!

Hole-In-the-Rock at Papago Park.

Avery was a cheerleader for Halloween and Daddy was a football player. Happy Halloween!

This is her scary Halloween face!

9 Months

Hanging out at a football game with Grandpa J and Daddy.

My sister had baby girl #2 on November 18. Avery and I spent a week in Utah playing with cousin Shayne and helping out with baby Brooklyn,

I convinced myself that running the Turkey Trot was a good idea. And some how I convinced Brett to run it with me and push Avery in a stroller. And now we have vowed never to do it again! But I am proud to say that I ran the entire race. (Brett says the word "ran" is debatable since he could walk faster than me while I was "running")

10 Months

Ho Ho Ho! Avery met Santa for the 1st time at the Tolman Family Christmas Party. Does Santa look familiar?!

Playing dress up with Grandma Nettie!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day!

Santa's little Helper

11 Months

Avery got a baby stroller for Christmas. She loves to cruise the house with her baby. And this is my new favorite face, not sure what it is, but I love it!

Thanks Grandma Nettie!

Drum Roll Please...

Introducing the latest and greatest of Miss Avery Tolman. I wish I could take all the credit, but I can't. My Mom watches her on Tuesdays and every week Grandma Nettie teaches her a new trick! It is so cute! And just in case some of you were wondering, yes... she can do more than stare. Here's the proof!

Snuffy Face

No, No, No, No

Hi-Hi!

Growly Bear

More Growly Bear

Lick-a-licious

Samoa!

Brett's parents are currently serving a mission in Samoa. They left last October and Avery was born in January. About a month ago we spent a week there and they finally got to meet baby Avery. She sure loves her Gammy and Papa!

Apia, Samoa Temple

Gammy and Papa's house



We were so spoiled, we got Daddy for a whole week. No work, computer, or cell phone!

Brett and I climbing the waterfall at Sauniatu.

...more waterfalls!

Brett got really thirsty at this one! :)

Brett cracking open a coconut. And yes...the person on the right IS a woman. But she sure doesn't crack a coconut like one!

Once you husk and crack the coconut, you get to drink the yummy coconut milk. Cheers!

Papa showing us how to shave the meat out of the coconut.

Brett gave it a shot.
And not to be out down by the men...I had to try it! It's a lot harder than you'd think!

Sua Trench

I love, love, love this picture. Brett says she reminds him of those expensive dogs that cost more if they have lots of wrinkles! Let's just say...Avery would cost a pretty penny! :)

Sportin' the shades.

Eating her shades...or in deep thought, you choose!

Brett really wanted this to be the photo on our Christmas card this year. Yeah...maybe not.

Only in the South Pacific do you see colors like this.

Avery loved to snorkel...or at least chew on them!

Beach Babe! The pack-n-play at the beach was genius. It kept Avery from packing her face with sand!

Gammy and Papa took us to the most beautiful beach on the other side of the island. I have never seen water so blue and clear. It was incredible!

Avery got to take a nap with Gammy!

While her crazy Dad decided to climb a coconut tree! Sort of :)

After a long day at the beach...she was wiped out and slept the whole way home.

Every morning Papa and Brett would take Avery on a walk. She loved it!

Gammy and Papa, thank you so much for such an amazing week. We will never forget it. We love and miss you both!