The Devil Went Down to Georgia

Avery and I were able to travel down to Georgia for 2 whole weeks. Greg was unable to go due to work duties but he graciously let us go without him and told us to have a fun time. And we certainly did! Avery got to play with her cousin Tessa. And at first they played like this together, far apart.

Don't worry I don't blame you Tessa. Avery can be very intimidating. She's like a nordic viking, tall, blonde, and loud.

However, they were soon paling around like the best of friends. We got to help celebrate little Tessa's 1st birthday. Avery was so excited to sing and help blow out her candle.

Tessa was very dainty at first, not what we expected, but once she figured out that under that yummy frosting was even yummier cake she dug right in.

 And was even willing to sharing with her mom, the wonderful and gorgeous Amy.

On Sunday, we went over to Brad and Karen's to sing Happy Birthday to Rose and Tessa. We got a first hand look at what will surely be the most amazing pool in town.

This cake was beyond delicious.

And this is just half the crew...we're a big bunch when we gather together.

Not only delicious but look how colorful!

Avery fell head over heels for the little rabbit. She talked about it the whole night long.

"Rabbit, Hold it?"

And even though Ryan and Amy both have brown eyes, little Miss Tessa has the bluest eyes on the block.

After cake the kids disappeared to play and romp around. A while later, Little Jamie came down and went over to his mom, Jess, and said, "Mom Avery is upstairs playing the guitar and singing. And Mom, she.is.good." So the kids convinced Avery (not that she would need much convincing to perform) to come downstairs and play us a little tune.

She put on quite the show and rocked out.

The next day for Family Home Evening we decided to take a walk around a pretty little lake. Avery's favorite part was being able to walk Kirby all by herself.

Grandma has some pretty awesome bath toys and Avery always had a blast in the tub.

Most days in Georgia were hot and muggy, so in the evenings, even if we had already gone swimming, we would break out the sprinkler and Avery would have a ball.

 

At night we would go out back and catch frogs. My little girl is a animal lover of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. She doesn't mind slimey in the least. This little frog was very patient with us, can you find him...here's a hint...he's not in Avery's hand anymore.

After frog catching, Avery would get to "swing" with Granddaddy.

Great Grandma and Granddaddy came to visit as well. She loved getting to know them better.

She hated swimming the first day, screamed the whole time. Granted the water was cold and the sunscreen ran in her eyes but she overcame her first experience and started loving it.

Tessa and Avery loved spending time together and Uncle Ryan was the most awesome Tiger spotter around. (Apparently there are hundreds of tigers in the backyard...they even have their own tiger house, but you have to be really fast to see them.) Ryan pulled these two little girls around and around the yard. Avery thought it was her own private roller coaster.

On the last Tuesday we were there we went up to Noah's Arc, a free animal reserve. Avery was beyond excited. "Tigers?! Monkeys?! Bostich?! (Ostrich) So fun Mom!" Even though she looks a little disturbed Avery was loving that tiger. Her and Tessa just loved walking around and looking at all the animals.

This is where Dad realized the camera had been in black and white all day and switched to color...its kinda like that moment in The Wizard of Oz.

That night she got to water the plants...but she ended up watering Grandma.

We learned a few new tricks like balancing ponies on our heads.

And flying. 

This last picture is for Katelyn. Katelyn, I hope you love Avery's face as much as I do. You would never know it, but Avery was laughing the whole time...she wasn't nearly as terrified as the picture depicts.

We had such a great time at Grandma and Granddaddy Turner's house. It gave us hundreds of amazing memories.