When Grandma's in town ...

We break all of the rules! TV in the afternoon!

Lollipops before dinner!?

However, hugs from Aven are the rule, not the exception.

Aven at 6 months

This week, Aven had her six-month check-up. I really can't believe that "AviBaby" (as Rory calls her) is already 6 months old!
Generally speaking, Aven got a clean bill of health (although we did discover that her current sniffles are the result of a mild ear infection, ick). Aven clocked in at just under 14 pounds and 25.5 inches, which matches Rory's vital stats at that same age almost perfectly. For a reminder of what Rory looked like at 6 months click here here. Pictured here is Aven's new super power (as Mommy calls it) ... her ability to sit-up on her own.
Aven is a chill, calm kid ... giving us more tummy time and longer stretches of contentment that Rory did. Interstingly, Aven is also a little more tempermental: she knows what she wants (e.g., bed time, food, a toy) and she'll let her needs be known. Daddy thinks: "Great, a house filled with spirited, independent women ... and a willful cat to boot!"

Rory's New Do

Rory has an adorable new hair do. Ah, America's Next Top Model. How does she achieve that wind-blown look?...
... Ah, that's how.
A side profile.
A smile.

Little Girl, Big Chair

Moments of Tranquility

Mommy and Daddy have been waiting for this moment ... when their two little angels are content to play by themselves. Rory is our puzzle master, and Aven is our energetic exerciser bunny.
Aven is a calm, cool character. She spends most of her time being chill and cute, until we cross her. Delay her food or nap by just a few minutes, and this little angel becomes a demon.

Aven's First Solid Food

Last weekend, Aven got her first taste of solid foods ... a little rice cereal.
Admittedly, Aven had a few misgivings about the rice cereal. That is, until ...
... Mommy modeled the proper mouth movements and enthusiasm.
Rory has similar misgivings about her first solid foods.

Rory & Aven Are Ready for Autumn

Mommy keeps her kids warm and stylish. Pictured here, Aven is modeling her knit sweater and fashionable boots. On a side note, we celebrated Aven's 6-month birthday. Unfortunately, Aven enjoyed the event with her first official cold. Hmmm ... I had forgotten the joys of baby snot.
Rory had a new pair of tights and a funky new hat to show off.

Halloween 2009

After many trial runs, Rory finally donned her Butterfly Princess costume for the real deal, Halloween 2009. And wouldn't you know it, she found herself a procession of other princesses as well!
Our little duckling was also excited to participate in her first Halloween festivities. We spent the afternoon with our friends Becky, Tim, and Greta ... the gracious host of Halloween's past.
At last, Rory was able to take her Daddy around their neighborhood for trick-or-treating. Rory canvassed about a dozen homes before telling her Daddy, "It's time for Rory to eat some of my candy, right?"

Aven & Daddy

Dinner & A Movie (with Grandma)

Rory and Aven had a lot of fun at Grandma and Opa Paul's house.
Rory even baked her very own Rice Krispie Treats!
A hug from Grandma.
Opa Paul was very good at entertaining Aven.
Both girls enjoyed watching Mary Poppins with Grandma (while Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a night on the Beaufort town).

Boat Ride

Aven enjoyed her first boat ride.
As did the rest of the crew of the HMS Water Bug.
Unfortunately, Rory upset the captain of the Water Bug!

Kite Festival

What's got this little girl so exicted?! It's the kite festival!
While we were at Grandma's house, we enjoyed the annual kite festival.
Rory even got to make her own kite ...
... And fly it amidst a crowded sky of kites.

Aven only had eyes (and bare feet) for the sand.

Two Babies, One Pan

Halloween Practice

Rory and Aven had many opportunities to practice their trick-or-treating before the real event. Here, they try out different "tricks" on Grandma.
Rory perfects the Butterfly Princess walk.
Rory and Aven hit the hallways at Mommy and Daddy's office for the annual Halloween Party.
Rory got pretty good at flashing a "yes, please, I'll take another piece of candy" look on her face.
Aven was a hit ...
... right before she passed out. Our sleepy little ducky.
At Renny's Halloween Party, Rory found another winged member of the royal family, her friend Carle.

The "W&C" Crew

Rory mugs for the camera with her "wine and cheese", Greta, Dahlia, and Aidan.

Magic Box

This is what it looks like when Project Runway airs in our household. My three ladies are transfixed.