21 Months Old

Hi all,


Month 21 was a busy one for us. We spent a good part of the month in Sydney. The 14 hour flight with a toddler was interesting...not terrible, but not the best flight we've ever had! We were happy when the plane final landed.


The trip was great - the main purpose was to watch Liz (John's sister) and Alex to get married. The wedding was gorgeous and such a great occasion. We haven't seen their photos yet, so I can't debut them here...but hopefully will have some to show soon. Needless to say, Liz looked gorgeous and full of smiles.


Here are some photographs from our trip to Sydney:


Liz and Avalon playing in the grass at John's parents' backyard:

Avalon chasing a kangaroo at a native animal reserve in Sydney:

Petting a little kangaroo:

Avalon touching a python!



John holding the same python...

John's mom holding the snake, too!



Wearing the snake and feeling a little nervous...

Trying to pose with a koala!












A Tassie Devel!

Avalon dancing!



We spent a day in Bondi...

One of our favorite places, the Bondi Icebergs.















At a playground in Watson's Bay with Liz, John and Avalon.

John and Liz going for a spin!






Avalon got her hair trimmed in advance of the wedding....her first official haircut that was not done by me! :)

The beautiful Sydney Harbour bridge...



The Opera House...

Avalon on the steps of the Opera House.









I love Avalon looking at her reflection in the glass at the Opera House...

Avalon met the daughter of some people that we know in Sydney...she was very interested in this 3 year old...



Avalon is chasing her...so cute!

Our friends, Sarah and Dan, and their baby, Lachlan.



Avalon looking through a glass bottom floor...she noticed that she could see water under the floor!

Luna Park in Sydney...

The Kim's...

Avalon snuggling with Liz.

Alex and Liz with Avlaon the night before they left on their honeymoon. Avalon loved spending time with them!



We took Avalon to the Sydney Aquarium and she loved it. Here she is looking at some fish with her Grandma!

Big sharks in Sydney...!!!






Budda at Chinta Ria...

My girls, Niccalina and Kate...



We spent a day in Bronte Beach with Avalon. She had so much fun playing in the water.

We also went to the Sydney Aquatics Center a couple of times. They had a great pool complex with a huge area for kids to play. Avalon loved it so much that we took her a second time. We highly recommend it to anyone with kids!

After our trip to Sydney, we got to spend time with my parents in Redondo Beach for Thanksgiving. Avalon loved hanging out with them. Here are some pictures:



My Dad decided to go for a swing, too!

John had to take his turn, too!












Avalon wearing a turkey headpiece on Thanksgiving. :)

Getting ready to eat some turkey!












Our great friends, Emma and Tony and their kids, Alex and Sammy, visited us in Redondo Beach from Sydney. It was sooo amazing to spend time with them here. We wish that they lived closer!

Sammy and Avalon having a little kiss!

I think Avalon liked the kiss!

With Emma and Alex...






We had a Christmas party night at Avalon's Godparents house last week. In this picture, Carly is reading a story to Avalon!

With Avalon and our neighbor's little boy, Jack.



Mark, dressed up as Santa!

Avalon getting a present from Santa.

Avalon is terrified of Santa!



Santa gave me a little gift, too!

Avalon and Drew.



All of the kids with Santa.

We also put our Christmas tree up...Avalon is loving it! She loves to take ornaments off the tree and play with her electric train, which was the best gift ever from my Dad last year. Avalon says "Pop Pop choo-choo"!

We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! We are going to be celebrating at home with my parents and my sister. We have so much to be thankful for and so much to celebrate.

Happy Holidays!

All our love, xo

J, J + A