Let's do Lunch

I know, I know. It's been ages since I've posted. The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. So I'm posting on my lunch break. (It used to be called the "lunch hour" but I'm almost positive we don't get a whole hour any more.) I can't post at home any more. Avery is much too wiggly. She likes to kick the keyboard while I type, so I don't even try to get the laptop out any more. And I'm just about ready to pass out myself after she goes to bed. So lunch break it is.

Work has been incredibly stressful lately—not just busy—but stressful. I'm quite used to a fast pace. In fact, I enjoy the fast pace. But the work load is wearing on me. I actually drove to work the other day with a pit in my stomach about it. Nervous! Me? I'm not supposed to be worried about work. Regardless, the anxiety finally started wearing off today.

We're getting ready to go to North Carolina this weekend to visit my parents. I haven't been there since February. And Chad hasn't been there since Thanksgiving! My parents are in their new house. Sort of. Much of their furniture is still at the old house while they're trying to sell it. "Staging" it for the prospective homebuyers, if you will.

I'm thrilled to be going "home." I'll get to show off Avery to all my friends from high school. The Fourth of July is always a big deal in Hickory. Since we moved there, we've always had a party at the Starnes' house on the water. The guys have a golf scramble starting in the morning. The women hang out in the pool and the kids and teens hit the lake for water sports. Then everyone comes together for dinner. There's always a band, so people dance until dark. Gradually, the fireworks display has gotten bigger and bigger. I heard that it overshadowed the one at the minor leage baseball game last year! Can't wait!

Avery's Uncle John and Uncle Ben came to visit us last weekend and went to the zoo with us. They hadn't seen her in quite a while, so they were shocked to see how big she is and how fun she is. We're making sure they stay updated on all the fun things she's learning and cute stuff she does.

I'll leave you with some pictures from the last few days. Enjoy! Uncle John is showing Avery how the elephants "mop, mop, mop."
Somebody got really sleepy, really fast.
This is the goofiest looking alpaca I've ever seen. Somebody get this animal a dentist!
Avery has learned to suck on her toes. Limber little thing.