Caroline's 2nd birthday party

This morning was Caroline's second birthday party at the zoo.  The twins had a blast despite the heat and enjoyed climbing around on the big play set. 

Here are some moments captured by Aunt B and Mama.

Avery having a blast

Avery getting kisses from Daddy.

Avery, the very serious lion

Riggs, the silly lion

Avery (still serious), Frances, Charlotte, and Riggs (more interested in posing behind the lion)

Attention grabber!

On Monday, Anne and I helped out Angie and Blake by watching their two kids for the afternoon.  Even with eight kids under our care, Avery seemed to steal the show!

She had no clue she was much younger than those big girls and wanted to be right there in the mix.  She even managed to get my 90 pound Lab under her spell!

Being a big girl is so much fun!

Now, what do I do with this?

Oh, throw the ball.

Maggie, sit!

Hey Maggie!  I got your ball thrower!

Love how Maggie is just sitting and waiting for Avery to use the Chuck-it!

After playing outside, it was time for dress-up and Little Miss just had to get in on the fun.

Looking adorable in Charlotte's dance costume

My future's so bright...

She may not have any hair upon that sweet little head of hers, but she sure does have some stunning eyelashes!

Aunt B, don't make fun of my hair!

I am just too cute for words.

And a total ham, too!

You talkin' to me?

Just call me Princess Avery

So happy to be with Aunt B.

Avery, really, you like me!  Where is that adorable smile!?

On the move

After school, Frances and I headed over to Anne's house to help her get ready for our supper club dinner.  My job was to watch the kids while Anne did was she does best:  clean and organize. 

The weather was beautiful, so we let the kids play outside.  Anne put down a cozy blanket for the twins to play on, but they had other ideas of how to enjoy the great outdoors!

Avery, playing on the blanket....for now!

Hey, what is Frances doing over there?

Don't do it Avery.  Mom said "sit" and that is what we should do!

Avery trying to climb up with Frances.

How did Frannie get up there!?

Riggs started to follow the girls, but realized his favorite toy was outside...

....the swing!

I could push this smiling boy all day long!

And when I was busy keeping sticks and leaves out of his sister's mouth, he just chilled and waited.

Take your time Aunt B, I'm good!

They also explored the courtyard,

though Riggs was not a fan of the hard surface.

And Avery, with the support of Abi, tried to master Frances' big girl sippy cup.

Enjoying the fall weather

After school and some errands, Anne and the twins came over to enjoy this beautiful fall day with the girls and me.  Riggs, a total boy, had fallen asleep after all that shopping, but Avery was ready to play with the girls. 

She was loving getting all of Charlotte's attention, though was not a big fan of the swing.  At first she was fine, but then started pulling at her ear - a sure sign that the motion was not helping her stubborn ear infection.  She did enjoy sitting on the mats in the grass and kept Charlotte and I busy pulling leaves and sticks out of her mouth.  That girl will eat anything!

Avery was also not content on just sitting on the mat we had set out just for her.  No, Little Miss Determined wanted to explore and get closer to her best friend Maggie (our yellow Lab). 

Riggs eventually woke up and joined in on the outdoor fun.  He loved the swing and would belly laugh when we would push him high (but don't worry Dearie, not too high!).  Of course when his mama tried to capture him laughing on video, he got all serious and would only stare at Maggie. 

That is okay Riggs, Aunt B got plenty pictures of you having a blast!

Little Miss Serious checking Maggie out

Hey, what is this?

I think I will give it a taste.

Charlotte having a ball playing with "her baby"

Avery off to get Maggie

Frances trying to love on Riggs - with him pushing her off. 

What was that!? My mama doesn't hug me like that!

the time of his life

Aunt B, this is much better than that food you gave me yesterday!

so handsome

Aunt B, are you really going to let her keep pushing me?  She really is not qualified for the job.

Adventures in Babysitting

Since Anne is extremely busy with those adorable twins, I have offered my services to blog about her babies when I get to spend time with them.

This morning Frances and I got to babysit for them while Anne ran to the Doc in the Box (another sinus infection).  They spent the morning keeping me on my toes, but we had a blast.

When I got lunch together for Frances, I decided to blend some of it up for the babies.  On the menu:  pork chops, rice, gravy, and green beans.  Wonderful whole, so it should be wonderful blended, right?

I started with Avery since she will eat anything, and got the funniest reaction.

All ready to eat with Maggie batting clean up!

Aunt B, what is that stuff you are trying to feed me?

Really?

Gag me!

Aunt B, I see Avery's reaction.  You must be crazy if you think you can get me to eat this!

Yuck!

Avery, despite her reaction to each bite, would open wide for a fresh bite everytime I offered.  She is a soldier when it comes to eating!  Riggs did try two bites, but after that he hid his face from me.  I had to earn his trust back, but he eventually ate his normal baby food from me.

Sorry kids for subjecting you to this nasty meal.  I promise to be "Fun Aunt B" the next time we hang out.