Audrey and the Christmas Cookie

This past Saturday, the Thurston Clan invaded the Thurston compound to spend an early Christmas with Audrey. Audrey enjoyed their company, as well as the gifts. She loves the wooden puppy from Great-Grandma and Grandpa and the foam blocks from Great Aunt Barb and Uncle Terry. There is one toy Audrey is in love with that was given to her by Grandpa Keith. Audrey now rides in style through the house in her kickin' Schwinn tricycle. Subtle hint to Grandpa Keith - send pictures. He also got her an uber-cute pink helmet with crazy bunnies all over it.

After the celebration was done, Audrey "sat" down and enjoyed Great-Grandma's cookies. Audrey loves Great-Grandma Fritz's sugar cookies, as shown below.

Audrey goes to the Cider Mill

Recently, Audrey Violet realized that she loves all things sweet. So, Mommy decided that a cider mill trip was needed. There was much rejoicing. Audrey enjoyed a spiced doughnut and freshly made apple cider. Here are a few photos from their adventure.

Audrey the Ninja

Audrey attended a Halloween Bash today, and she enjoyed it thoroughly. What was her costume? A princess? Nope. A bumblebee? Sorry. Hannah Montana? Nyet.

Audrey is a Ninja for Halloween. An awesome Ninja. Here are some photos of Audrey today.

Audrey At Meijer Gardens

Who knew Grand Rapids had such a great place for both kids and parents to spend an awesome fall day outside? Team Thurston loaded up in the Family Truckster and did some exploring in our own back yard recently when we visited Meijer Gardens. We've lived in the Grand Rapids area for five years, and never made the trip until now.

This place has a fantastic kid's area to explore, play and learn about nature. In addition, the sculpture park has some of the finest pieces of large art in the world. The entire time we spent there, we kept saying how amazing it is to have something so culturally important at our doorstep.

Here are some of the photos of our trip:

Time for a change

Yeah, I know my folks are slackers and have not updated my Bloggy-Blog in a while. So, if you want something done right - do it your dang self.

I sent Dad to the Kent County Democratic Headquarter today to score an Obama/Biden lawn sign. We are surrounded by right-wing Christian conservatives on the West side of Michigan, and it's time to show that there is a dissenting vote here in Ada. Sorry, John and Dick (DeVos).

Audrey swinging in the yard

On Saturday, Grandpa Keith came over and helped Dad put up her new swing up. Here is a few videos of Audrey swinging away.

Audrey in her Detroit Lions Jersey

Today, Audrey and her Daddy watched their first Lions pre-season Detroit Lions game together. To celebrate the occasion, Aud got a new Detroit Lions jersey - a #81 Calvin Johnson.

Here is a video of her playing some football:

Just a good picture to share

Mommy took this picture of me Sunday. I look so gosh darn cute!

Audrey and the Cookie

After Daddy left last Sunday to drink Leffe and eat waffles, Mommy decided to give Audrey her first cookie: Chocolate Chip. A good solid choice for a first cookie. Mommy crumbled it up to the appropriate pieces and Audrey ate it enthusiastically. Today, out of curiosity, Mommy wanted to know what Audrey would do if given a whole cookie. Supervised, of course. After dinner, Mommy gave her a Kashi Chewy Dark Chocolate Oatmeal cookie.

Let's begin....

Audrey is given said cookie.

At first, she was a little hesitant about it. Mommy takes a bite to get things rolling and quality control. Once it is given back to her, she gums the cookie. She quickly realized the sugar goldmine that has befallen her.


Audrey is always on the go. She decides to take the cookie with her to whatever she has decided she was going to do. Mommy never knows and doesn't venture a guess. But, she is followed.












After she rounds the kitchen, she makes her way to the front room. Where the heck is this kid goin'?

Audrey makes her way to the foyer.

She passes the front door and heads up the stairs, taking a bite of the cookie on her way up.











Wrigley is now in pursuit...

Audrey makes it to the landing and is feeling victorious. She takes another bite of the cookie and stands tall like a gold medal Olympian.



Wrigley passes Audrey up the stairs and plots a coup for the cookie.



Audrey takes a few more bites and teases Wrigley with the cookie. This involves outstretching her arm with the cookie towards Wrigley and pulling away when he reaches for the it. Wrigley is not happy.

Audrey continues up the stairs and ventures into Mommy and Daddy's bedroom. Kennedy arrives on the scene.

Audrey makes her way around the bed towards the dog bed. She body slams into the bed much to her delight. Not much of the cookie remains. She gives the remainder to Wrigley and pets Kennedy (not pictured, unfortunately). Kennedy would have rather have had the cookie.

Walkabout

Here is a video of Audrey taking a little walk in the living room. While she's not ready for long distance, she is really getting the hang of this. Behold, her talent!

You mean I get more cake?!?!

The day after the 4th of July, much to her delight, received another cake. The Thurstons and most of the Toth clan made it out for Audrey's Super Fantastic First Birthday Shindig. Even a special appearance by Uncle Joe and Paula! Audrey enjoyed seeing all of her cousins and Daddy continued his greatest uncle streak by purchasing a Sonic game for Aiden and Ryan to play since it was too hot and the swarms of mosquitoes were too great to go outside.

But, the best thing about the day for Audrey was cake. Glorious cake! She cried initially, but once she tasted the homemade marble cake goodness, she dove right in. Just like with the first cake, she was gleefully messy. Audrey required a wardrobe change.

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Happy 4th of July from the Doodle!!! 14+ days late, but better late than never. Mommy and Daddy haven't been letting me near the PC.

Whose John Deere is better?

Over Father's Day weekend, Audrey and Grandpa Keith showed off their new John Deere tractors to see who had the better rig. Grandpa Keith's may have horsepower, but Audrey's has a horn and can play music. Top that!!!

Hey, uh why did you wait a year to give me cake?

Newsflash: Cake tastes good. First time for me, but I am a bona fide fan of this cake stuff. Sugar? Yeah, it's delicious. I must admit that I was a bit sheepish when Mom and Dad put this weird UFO in front of me. However, I realized soon thereafter that this wasn't a Martian lander, but my prize for being a new One Year Old. Here are some snapshots of me tackling this mammoth cake.

Audrey's Reset Button

Yes, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 2 should not watch television. With that said, Audrey will have moments where, not even Mommy, can make her happy. The only thing that will soothe the savage Audrey: Pocoyo. He becomes Mommy & Daddy's best friend when Audrey is inconsolable.

Memorial Day at the Thurston Farm

Audrey went to St. Johns for Memorial Day, to spend time with her Grandpa and Great Grandparents. She played outside, despite the wind, and even took a ride on the Gator. She had lunch at the Wheel Inn as well. All the excitement was too much, and she slept the entire way back to Ada.