Big Bear, Baby!

Avery met a big bear this past weekend.  Oh no, that isn't right.  Avery went to Big Bear this past weekend.  Sorry, it's been a long week.  What is that you say?  It's only Tuesday?!  Bring on the W-I-N-E!

Jeff's parents took the three of us and Lindsay and Pat to Big Bear for the weekend.  There wasn't much snow, but we managed to have a wonderful time in spite of that.  Avery went on her first sled ride and loved walking around touching (and eating) what snow there was on the ground.  She's a very outdoorsy girl and stood strong against the cold temps while stomping through the leaves in the yard.  And, it was really fun to dress her up in coats and hats that are normally just too warm to wear in San Diego!

Here are some pictures from the trip:

Charging through the wilderness in Big Bear...

Where's Goldilocks?

Laughing at something hilarious I said.  Typical.

Sledding!  (Yes, Jeff is wearing a t-shirt and yes, that snow is dirty.  Don't worry - she didn't eat that snow.)

Part of the skiing/snowboarding crew!

It was a great weekend with family I love dearly.  Getting away is always fun and spending time on the slopes was definitely one of my highlights!  In the same breath, what trip would be complete without a few mishaps (Pat's snowboarding injury and the Big Bear flu)?   

The weekend before Big Bear we went over to the Rookers to meet their new puppy, Max!  Avery loved him (duh, we all did...he's adorable)!  Surprise, surprise...I didn't get a good picture of the two of them.  I mean, should it really be that hard to get a six week old puppy and a 17 month old to sit and smile for a photo sesh?!

Cute, huh?

Can we come inside??

FPT!

Avery and her buddy, Stone.  Not sure what's going on, but I'm thinking it was a good idea that Janae and I were there to chaperone...

Helen Cameron Manzi

She's here!!

Helen was born on Monday, January 30th at 9: 30 a.m.  She weighed in at 7lbs 14 oz and was 19.75 inches.  She is happy, healthy and absolutely beautiful.  Michel did wonderfully and is proving to be a natural and loving mother.  Brennan is a hands-on dad and loving every moment being with his daughter.  They are easing into parenthood smoother than anyone I have ever met and I think it helps that Helen is a great eater and sleeper already.  The three of them fit together perfectly and seeing them as a family unit melts my heart.  {tear...}

Avery loves her cousin...calls her "baby" and gives her gentle pats and toe squeezes, but since Helen can't quite play yet Avery is ready to move on to something else once all of the "look how cute" yelps from onlookers dissipate.  The age gap will slowly begin to disappear and by the end of this year I think they'll be playing together like I did with my cousins growing up.  Great memories for all of us!

Here are a few recent snapshots:

Daddy and Daughter

Helen, Alistair (Helen's cousin on her other side) and Avery.  Too many funny things in the picture to mention...

All of the kids at Alistair's 3rd birthday party...this was prior to Avery's outfit mishap...

The Simpson family with the party's dragon dancers.  What entertainment!

Papa cuddling with his two granddaughters and loving it!

Helen, I love you so much already and can't wait to see you grow up.  You have a huge family that will love you unconditionally and your parents are two of the best people I know.  Avery is already planning sleepovers and can't wait to show you the ropes.  From all of us, welcome to the family, Helen.  Get your party pants on - it's going to be one hell of a ride!! 

FPT

I told Avery to do something artsy.  This is her interpretation.  Just when I think I couldn't love her any more...