Michelle: "Avery, who is mommy's mommy?"

Avery: "Grandma Lily!"

Nate: "Who is daddy's mommy?"

Avery: "Grandpa!"

Avery (to my sister Carol): "My baby sister is stuck"

Avery (to Brittany): "My baby sister is coming at my house tomorrow"

Michelle: "My tummy is getting so big, isn't it Avery!"

Avery: "No mommy.  Baby sister is getting big."

Avery: "We're going to the beach mommy." (I have no idea where this came from since we have never been to a beach or have ever talked about what a beach is!)

Michelle: "Oh really?  Okay, let's go to the beach."

Avery: "The PRETEND beach mommy."

Avery's first haircut was LONG overdue, but her cute hair was getting so long that I hated to cut it.  I don't dare cut her hair myself so we took her to "Cookie Cutters" that specializes in kid's haircuts.  The place is so cute.  They let the kids pick out which movie they want to watch and have them sit in little cars.  Of course, Avery picked the pink car and happily watched Dora while they cut her hair.  She held still and was great for the hairstylist.  I know she would never sit that still for me!  After her haircut, they gave her a balloon and sucker.  Her cut turned out really cute and I would recommend Cookie Cutters to anyone. 

First hair cut!

She wouldn't hold still so I could get a good "after" pic, but it looked cute

We had a nice Christmas this year!  This was the first year that Avery really understood what was going on and it was so fun to watch her get excited about Christmas.  We wrapped all the presents and put them under the tree and Avery knew exactly which ones were for her and she would carry them around the house all day for two weeks before Christmas.  It was cute to hear her say "Merry Kissmas" and sing Christmas songs.  

We spent Christmas Eve and morning with Nate's family in Huntington.  We love spending time with Grandma Grange.  She really spoils Avery with attention and gifts and Avery adores her.  We appreciate all the nice gifts she gave us and the yummy treats and food she prepares while we are visiting.  Nate surprised me with Muse concert tickets!  I can't wait to go see them in April!  I told him it was my Christmas, Valentine's, anniversary and birthday present.

On Christmas night, the Hansens had a family Christmas party at my mom's house.  It's been over three years since my parents have been in Utah for Christmas so it was a treat to have them here.  It's a tradition for our family to act out the nativity every year, but since our family is growing so large, now we just have the grandkids act it out.  I wanted to be the pregnant Mary but since I'm not a grandkid I didn't get to :).  Avery got to be Mary this year.  I didn't think she would perform in front of everyone, but she did a great job and looked adorable.  Although, she got very possessive of "baby Jesus" and wouldn't let anyone else get near him.  lol

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too. 

Decorating gingerbread men with Grandma Lily and cousins

Can't wait to open presents!!

Christmas morning opening presents

Mary in nativity

Blake (shepherd), Avery, Lincoln (Joseph), Isaac and Maddie (Wisemen)

Riding the donkey (Britt)

Hansen grandkids acting out the Nativity

To celebrate my dad's 70th birthday, my sisters and I planned a big birthday bash and invited all my dad's family and friends.  Unfortunately, his birthday is December 20th so not many extended family could come since it was so close to Christmas, but we still had a nice turnout from friends and immediate family (my siblings and their families alone make 35 people!).  For his birthday, I created a "remembrance book" with pictures and letters from all my siblings for dad.  It turned out nicely and he seemed to enjoy it.  At the party we had a short program to tribute things we remembered about dad throughout our childhoods.  I sang a song about fathers that my aunt wrote, but could barely sing without crying!  I love my dad and appreciate all he has done for me and the family all these years.  He's an amazing person and father and I feel so lucky to have him for a dad. 

Happy 70th Birthday dad!

We are so thrilled to welcome my parents back home after two years serving on a mission in Malaysia!!  Avery was only 6 months old when they left so you can imagine that my parents didn't recognize her when they first saw her!  Avery wasn't used to them either but it didn't take long for Avery to fall in love with her Grandma Lily and Grandpa. 

Welcoming Grandma Lily home

Snuggling up to Grandpa

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of our new kitchen. It's so nice having it done! Most of you have already seen it, but for those who haven't I attached some pics. You can't appreciate the full affect unless you see the before pictures too!

After pictures

Today was my ultrasound.  How awesome is it to see your little baby on the screen!!  We went to a cool place that does 3D imaging and give you a 4D dvd of the ultrasound.  Maybe it was because I wasn't as sick with this pregnancy, but the whole time I have thought it was a baby boy.  Nate and Avery thought it was a girl so we knew one of us would be right.  Well who was right???!!!  We are excited to announce that we are expecting a baby GIRL!!

I couldn't be more thrilled with the news!  Thinking of Avery not having a sister made me sad!  I LOVE my sisters and want her to share in the same experiences and fun that I do.  There are so many benefits to having a girl too.  Nate always teased me about our pink infant car seat I insisted on purchasing when we had Avery.  Now we don't have to get a new one!  I love having a girl and can't wait for another little girl to add to our little family!

The ultrasound showed that the baby is perfectly healthy and that she even has full lips just like her older sister!  Her limbs were also very long (not surprising considering Nate is so tall).  She was very active throughout and even kicked her legs to her forehead!  We are so excited!

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Opening her little mouth

Curled up

Pointing her little nose up

Long arms and legs like daddy!!

I think I'd been to the state fair only once in my lifetime, but we decided to take Avery this year.  I would recommend it!  Avery loved doing the kids' activities and seeing all the animals.  There was a cute little farm area where children could pretend to work on the farm and take care of the animals.  Although she loved riding the "tractor" and "feeding" the animals, her favorite part was the treat they gave them at the end.  :)  We took Avery on a pony ride and she only lasted one time around before crying to get off.  We watched the bear show and saw bears riding scooters and playing "bearsketball."  Avery still talks about the bear climbing the ladder.  Of course, I had to eat a funnel cake drenched with strawberries and bavarian cream...mmmmm.  At the end of the day, a nice clown made Aves a cute giraffe balloon which she completely demolished and looked more like a snake balloon once we got home.

I have loved going to Hogle Zoo this summer!  There are so many new babies!!  We love seeing the baby giraffe and tiger cubs.  A couple weeks ago we went to see the new baby elephant!  What a cutie!!  She is so full of life and it was fun to see her running around and playing with a ball.  Definitely something everybody needs to see!

Riding a "tractor" at the State Fair

Planting veggies

Combing the sheep's wool

Baby piglets!

Riding a pony at the fair, only made it one time around before she started crying

Giraffe balloon

Baby elephant

Avery and little friend Summer

Mini mommy