Avery's No Longer Using a Crib

Avery is no longer sleeping in her crib! As of two nights ago her crib went to the attic and our spare double bed being stored in the garage is now in her room. (we have a toddler bed
in the attack but we wanted a place to put the extra bed so we could clear out that space in the garage.). Because there are no rails we bought pool noodles to put under the sheets on each side to keep her from rolling out in her sleep.

So far it's been a success, she's slept each night (after only getting up one time each night to come see what mommy and daddy are doing). Here is Avery laying down ready for bed in her monkey jammie's and her Curious George monkey:

Foliage, hike, and picnic along Rock Creek

While we were shopping at IKEA on Saturday, Mike and Lisa called to see if we wanted to join them at Great Falls on the Potomac for some hiking.  The timing didn't work out but did motivate us to do some hiking with Avery later in the afternoon.  We packed a picnic lunch and headed down to Rock Creek Park by our house, and went into the District where there are many dirt trails great for a nice hike through the woods to view the foliage and play in the water.  Once we told Avery we were going to play in the river, Kylie said she wanted to go too-so we took the dog as well.

We found a nice spot by the river on a side trail to enjoy the sounds of the water, the trails here are very frequented by all sorts of users: joggers, dog walkers, and horses!

 Kylie undaunted by an approaching horse and rider:

 Then headed off into the woods on a hike:

We found a great little "beach" to put our stuff down, so Avery and mommy could explore the river:

Avery loved picking up pebble and tossing them:

Avery in mid-hop in front of some colorful trees:

Kylie in mid-stride chasing a tennis ball, or a stick, or squirrel, or who know what:

A little girl who loves exploring:

After some more hiking, we saw some deer (Kylie froze at that sight), and tired little Avery out, she took a nice nap on momma's shoulder and took in the pretty foliage:

We feel so lucky to live right next to this park, it is perfect for long runs and for Avery to explore.  Especially in the fall, with foliage like this who can not be impressed with this little piece of the DC area?

We've also started taking daily neighborhood walks with Avery on a loop through our neighborhood.  Our street is busy but a few houses up is a looped street with almost no cars on it, so we let Avery out to run around.  We check out houses in the neighborhood, or enjoy the foliage, etc.

We usually start with a wagon or tricycle until she wants to hop out an run.  We've actually met some really cook neighbors doing this too!  Once when we passed a house with two young girls and a dog out front we started talking, then they invited us in to play (since the two girls and Avery bonded immediately), and then they offered us a beer, and then dinner.  We realized we all had common interests and next thing you know we were all friends!  (even Kylie and their dog...) 

Jim flying a plane, the beach, and Halloween Train

Last Sunday we headed over towards Annapolis for Jim to use his 1-hour flying lesson.  (It was his anniversary gift from Colleen to him).  It took place at Bay Bridge Airport just across the Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis.  The instructor let Jim fly from a few minutes after takeoff until right before touching down and landing.  Here is Jim getting ready to fly:

Avery also checked out the different planes they had there:

 

Then we headed over to Sandy Point State Park to hit up a beach there:

It was a bit breezy that day so we didn't stay too long.

That evening we went to Cabin John Regional Park near our house so Avery could ride the Halloween train!  It takes place on the small train they have there that runs year round, except in October they turn it into a Halloween train geared towards little kids.  We all dressed up, and after we got there and bought tickets and waited for our turn to ride the train.

 

 Once on the train you get a score card and you try to find different characters in the forest and circle each one you find:

Avery found every one!  Here is momma cat and baby kitten ready to ride the train:

Here we are riding through the forest:

Elmo "hiding" up ahead:

 We also spent some time petting some animals before we left:

  

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Fall Festival and Oktoberfest downtown

Last Saturday we went to the Bethesda YMCA Fall Festival and then we went downtown to an Oktoberfest on the waterfront.

At the YMCA festival, Avery started at the mini pumpkin patch and picked out a nice tiny pumpkin:

 Then we all took turns as witches, ghosts, spiders, and cats:

 Next Avery went fishing for little duckies:

 Jumped in the bouncy-house:

 CHEEEEESE:

 Got her face painted, and she chose a shark--over many other shapes that were more fall-specific!

 Rode a mini carousel:

Chucked bean bags trying to knock over a tower:

 All the money went towards the YMCA so it was a good cause!

Then we had lunch and hopped on the Metro to go downtown to an Oktoberfest celebration.  The little one loves riding on the Metro:

 The Oktoberfest celebration was down in the Yards Park area next to Jim's office.  It is on the river and has some neat fountains and pools to play in, plus outdoor concerts in the summer:

Hiding behind a waterfall made her a bit nervous:

 Dipping feet in the water (Jim's office is the building in the left background of the photo:

 Avery running across a bridge:

 Daddy and Avery playing on one of the "lilly pads"

 Then we hit the Oktoberfest.  It is the largest one on the Mid-Atlantic coast in terms of number of beers to sample, at least according to their website.  They did indeed have a great selection of over 100 beers at different tents.  You could even get away from the crowd and walk by the river, it was a fantastic day out:

 Avery was too cool for school with her shades here:

 Back in the main area they had a DJ set up and play music and people were dancing.  Avery met a few friends and danced the afternoon away:

 On our way back home we got off the Metro along the way to eat at a local pizza chain we like a lot, called Matchbox Pizza.  We went to the one in the Chinatown neighborhood and Avery was getting pretty tired by the time we left:

 She did perk up when we went back underground for our train home, she does love trains and loves train tunnels even more:

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