Mommy and Avery Days

Every time I look at the calendar I can't believe another month has gone by.  Between buying the new house, moving, Avery's birthday and work for both Dave and me it's been jam packed!  To that point I have tried to make a real effort to spend as much quality time with Avery as I possibly can.  As Nana reminds me, it's quality not quantity - which I pretty much tell myself every day at this point, when I leave this beautiful face in the morning. 

I decided that in mid October to take a couple days to myself for Avery and I to hang out.  I gave Rachel the days off and we just enjoyed ourselves. Minus getting the stomach flu a few days before I was so excited to be at home with my little angel.  And really packed in all the activities I could.  We got in lots of walks and park time since nice weather is limited at this point in the year. And took advantange of Rachel one of the days to be able to run some serious errands...2.5 hours in Target should have told me something but I got a lot done and was able to get some fun Halloween items for miss Avery. 

The next day, Avery and Mommy went to the Shedd Aquarium which was her first visit there.  It was and still is one of my most favorite places to go as a child and there is so much to see and do there. 

watching the sea otters under water

The penguin area was under maintenance so this was as close to the real thing we could get. 

The beluga whales

Avery loved watching them swim by

the whales from above

Having so much fun

we couldn't leave without a stuffed animal sea otter

The big fish tanks were here favorite part - she would have watched them for hours. 

On Friday we headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo for fall fest with Carolin and Emma.  We made sure to stop by the petting zoo to see all the animals. We had so much fun walking through the corn maze even though there were lots of kids on school field trips that startled us while they ran through. We went to the pumpkin patch in the zoo as well and picked out a mini pumpkin for the house.  

walking through the pumpkins trying to find the perfect one to take home

Getting ready to walk through the corn maze

It was a little crazy bc there were so many kids there that day but we managed to get through

Britini's Baby Shower

The day was finally here to celebrate Baby Hunter Wilkens at Auntie Britini's baby shower.  Mommy was so excited to be there and be part of such a special and emotional day.  Everyone that loves your Auntie Britini was there to show love and support for her and Matt on this special day.  

It was a hunting theme and no surprise that her mom and sisters did an absolutely amazing job. No detail missed and the right amount of everything.  The shower was at the new restored White House in Barrington and the food was delicious.  Auntie Britini made a beautiful speech thanking everyone for joining and being there to support her and Matt on this emotional journey.  

We cannot wait for the birth of this handsome little man, even though he's not my actual nephew that's what I'll be calling him!!! So excited for Britini and Matt - we love you guys.

2nd Annual Goebberts Visit

A Fall pumpkin trip to Goebberts has become a family tradition just like when Mommy was a little girl, except Goebberts has expanded their fall festivities since the late 80's early 90's.   We made the drive up to Barrington and Papa joined us for a fun day, however mommy didn't get one photo of the two you together.  We also picked a very cold day to go and VERY windy.  

Avery had so much fun playing with all the signs and taking her picture with everyone. 

Charlie Brown

Whinnie the pooh

How tall is Avery

Daddy helped you stick your face in the cut out

Papa was so surprised at all the different animals there were to see in the zoo.  We were able to buy carrots and grain to feed to everyone, which ended up being your favorite part.  You loved feeding everyone and mimic'ing them chewing. 

There were even  Bangle Tigers that were playing with pumpkins

You loved watching the piglets run around and squeel

Feeding the goats with Daddy

Watching the Kangaroo

Zebras

We also wanted to make sure we got some decorations and pumpkins for the new house. Mommy and Daddy thought it would be fun to have some fall/Halloween decorations in front to really get into the spirit.