Happy Birthday

I am wishing my daughter a very happy sixth birthday. How quickly the past 6 years have gone by. Your features are changing and I can't see much of that baby face anymore. You are growing up to be such a smart girl and your father and I are so very proud of you.
I hope you enjoyed your little surprise party!

I am not favouring one child over the other (the pictures all seem to be Brennyn lately) but Avery isn't interested in posing for pics these days. Although, she is into sneaking my camera and taking pictures of anything and everything. I'll upload some of those shots later (actually, her pictures are better than mine and she's 5).

Grumpy Lion

Had a very fun family day at the YMCA near Grandma and Grandpa's apartment complete with 2 hours of swimming followed by a carnival in the gym. Someone may have had a little too much fun and slept the whole way home in the car. This is what was left of her lion face paint. Oh, and I asked her why she picked a lion and not a butterfly (her usual choice for face painting) and she said a butterfly is way too nice! She wanted to be fierce.
This certain someone is not a happy camper after her naps, does it show?

Dull, dreary weather you don't bother us

We love to bust a move in the living room, while watching the snow/freezing rain/drizzle icing up the sidewalk and driveway outside.
It's tricky trying to get a picture of these two dancing queens! They were even trying to choreograph some moves for mommy.

Happy Valentines Day

Started off the day with some pink heart homemade pancakes (can't take credit for the pink idea, saw a facebook post from one of my friends mentioning pink pancakes just before I mixed up the batter). It was a hit for my Valentines!

The girls and I picked out a heart shaped ice cream cake for Daddy (and a box of chocolates to go with it), so he was one happy guy!

My Avery did surprise me today with the best gift. She was excited to find a little box of chocolates and stickers for herself beside her plate this morning and she said to me "I want to make you something now Mom". I, of course, explained that she did not have to do anything for me just because I gave her something.
Her response "but I want to, because you always do so much for me and I love you". "You know mom, you are a good mommy".
A mother couldn't ask for anything better!

Really need a new camera

That's my excuse for the lack of photos on the blog. Our little camera is just not working as well these days, hence the pictureless blog.

Brennyn started swimming lessons last week. She was so excited to get out to the pool deck, she jumped into one of the showers that was still on before I could say to her that we were still 15 minutes early. Poor kid was freezing by the time the lessons started (even with her towel). She had such a great time, she didn't mind that she was cold. It was so much fun to watch! I was a little concerned about her not listening to her coach/lifeguard, but they know what they are doing at that pool. She had a firm reign over those kids.

Avery, not loving the gymnastics unfortunately. However, it's so difficult to tell with her if she really doesn't like it or is just not liking the social aspect. I think we're going to give it a try for one more year (I just bought her team suit and for the price of it, she's going get wear out of it).
She's so good at it too, it's crazy how flexible that girl is. She is also crazy strong (as I've said before she is small but mighty).

Meet the teacher

We met with Avery's teacher last week. She is very pleased with Avery, and mentioned how bright Avery is (we knew that, but we are kind of biased, ha ha).
The only concern (which we were going to bring up, but she beat us to it) is that Avery is so shy with the other kids.
It's gotten to the point that if the kids are playing on one side of the room, Avery will go to the other side and play a puzzle or something on her own.
Even when someone does say hi or ask Avery a question, Avery ignores them.
It's heartbreaking!
We explained to the teacher that when Avery is at home with friends she is a whole different person, laughing, bossy, etc. Yet, at soccer, gymnastics or school she will not say a word to another kid.
She will answer the teacher no problem but not interact with the kids.
The teacher even mentioned anxiety, and she may be correct.
We are at a loss. The more of a big deal we make, the more Avery seems to go out of her way to not talk.
We just want her to be happy at school!!