A Camper!

Today we went up and picked up our new (to us) camper! It towed like a dream, we managed to back it into the driveway without much frustration, and it set up and packed up really easily. We are all looking forward to our upcoming summer of camping trips.

When Avery stepped inside, he said, "You buy this Daddy?"
"Yup, I bought it."
"It's cool, Daddy. It's cool!"

Jen is going to get busy making some new curtains and then we'll be ready for our first trip. The bed Max is resting on in the picture makes up into a booth with a table. It has a sink, a three burner stove and lots of storage.

It was strange putting it up and taking it down. I remember my parents going through the same motions when I was little--cranking it down a bit then walking around tucking in the canvas before cranking it down some more. Our family had a great time camping when I was a kid, and I know that we are all going to really enjoy the camper. -jgr

Acadia Trip

Today we took a trip to Acadia National Park to enjoy the nice weather. We started out with a picnic lunch, then walked down to the rocks to watch the ocean, see some birds, collect some rocks and explore. It was a really beautiful day and we all had a great time.

Happy Day B

Happy Birthday to You Bryan!

Elmo LOVES you!

Jason requested an Elmo birthday party. Avery has been talking about it all week. He doesn't watch much TV but occasionally we see Elmo's world on Saturday morning. He insisted that Dorothy the fish be part of the celebration. Tonight in the tub (yes its midnight and I'm at work....) I asked him what tomorrow is... and he sang 'Happy Birthday' and then asked 'where daddy card'... good thing that's all he knows about!!!! Hopefully all of my boys enjoy the Elmo birthday treats planned. Happy Birthday Jason!

Spring is Here!!

We spent some much needed time outside this weekend. Belle and Avery played on bikes in Grammie's driveway on Saturday. Sunday we took Max and Avery out for a walk - Avery walked a mile on his own (holding our hands of course). We also tried out Avery's new puddle boots. During our walk, he identified every puddle of water that would require his new puddle boots.

The Monkey Party

A few snapshots of the monkey party. Avery had so much fun. He was surrounded by grandparents and all their love. It was a great afternoon.

Happy Birthday

Happy second birthday Avery! Avery is a little under the weather today. The current cold has brought on asthematic reactions again. We did get out to bring cupcakes to his friends. They all sung Happy Birthday to him and his teacher gave him a card. He grinned from ear to ear. We've spent the morning snuggling on the couch, reading stories, coloring together and playing with matchbox cars. Oh, and I think we have neglected to share Avery's new favorite book... Peterson's Guide to Birds. He finds and correctly identifies the puffin, the eagle, the chickadee, the cardinal, the woodpeckers, the owls (he picks out the snowy and barn owl and owls without ears), and of course the bluejay. Its a riot. We've spent a lot of time reading this book this morning, in response to "where my woodpecker go?".

Monkey Love

Tomorrow is Avery-Monkey's second birthday. I can't believe he is already two. I can't believe he talks so well and so much, sings so many songs (he does insy weensy spider with all of the hand motions), tells us "i love my daddy" and "i love you mommy" with great big hugs, is using the potty (not yet trained but on our way!), how many signs he remembers and uses, how well he colors (not in the lines completely but very purposeful)...I can't believe how simply amazing it is to experience life with this beautiful boy! Avery will share these monkey cupcakes with his friends tomorrow.

Tummy Troubles

Tummy troubles persist in our household. Avery's got the better of him (and the dining room carpet) this morning. We've spent most of our day snuggling on the couch... and the floor.

Buggie Love

Avery and Buggie share a little love on the couch this afternoon.

Ka-Chow!

Here is Avery's new pillow. Jen bought the fabric and sewed the pillowcase for him. He is REALLY into Lightning McQueen and the movie Cars right now. Avery enjoyed displaying his musical talents in a duet with his Gram today. Avery played the green egg.

Just not the yellow snow.

Ahh, to be two years old again. Today was another typical day in the life of Avery--playing, eating, sleeping, playing. We're headed out for dinner, drinks and some comedy tonight. It will be nice to go out for a change. And Avery will get to play with his babysitter.

Snow!

Avery finally got to play in the snow last week. He's sporting his new snow pants and jacket, which we bought him for Christmas. Just think, only a couple more years and he'll be able to shovel that stuff for us.

Everything's Cool

Everything is cool here in the Richard household. We've had some technical difficulties that have had an effect on the upkeep of the blog. We have finally upgraded to broadband internet access, which will help things immensely.

Avery is talking up an absolute storm these days. He's moved on to complete sentences, and Jen and I find ourselves doing double-takes and looking at each other shaking our heads with some of the stuff he comes up with.

Hockey Game

We all enjoyed another hockey game last night. Though it turned out to be a dissapointing 6-5 loss to BU, it was still a great game. On the way out, we ran smack into Bananas the bear. He's a little more imposing up-close, so Avery was a little hesitant to offer up a high-five, but he's still talking about the encounter this morning.

Weekend Festivities

Avery is so much fun this holiday season. He asks to watch Reindeer (Rudolph) every waking moment! We had brunch with Santa on Saturday morning and then went out to get our tree.

In Your Shoes!

Here is Avery-Monkey in his daddy's shoes! We won the drawing in my office for U Maine hockey tickets for tonight's game.... Avery loves Bananas (the Maine mascot...). Should be fun!

Good Sharing!

Sweetness for the Grandmothers

This is Avery assisting me with the Thanksgiving baking! He is such a character these days. He can now sing Baa Baa Black Sheep AND Row Row Your Boat (quite accurately). He does a pretty mean Bob The Builder song too. He asks for Papa's Song (even more since Papa visited and HE sang... so much better than momma) and (Puff the) Magic Dragon often as well. He's counting everything "two" "three" "two". He refers to himself in third person a lot. He runs around the house playing football (sometimes with and sometimes without his actual football)... yelling "tack-le... hurt... okay" "ruuuunnnnn" "hike" and "touch down" while raising both hands above his head. He's using his "please" and "thank you". He LOVES the Christmas lights and lets us know how pretty they are. He is growing up so fast. Life is so amazing through the eyes of Avery!

The Hunt

The bad news is that I won't be deer hunting any more this year. The good news is that it's because I took a 136-lb doe on Saturday. With the invaluable assistance and guidance of my Mom, it's already been processed and put in the freezer. -jgr