It happened... it really, really happened!

Well, if you haven't noticed by the familiar pose in the first picture (maybe there are some boys out there who don't immediately recognize it), my baby sister, a self-proclaimed "old maid" at the ripe old age of 24, has gotten engaged! She may have thought it would never happen, but I never really doubted it. I mean, seriously, it's not like there are many guys out in the world who would pass up a blonde, long-legged, 6-ft model-type... oh yeah, who has a heart of gold, impeccable moral standards and is intelligent. It was just a matter of finding a guy who wasn't too intimidated to talk to her.

So a big CONGRATULATIONS to Nate and Brenna! I'm excited for both of you and Nate, I am proud to have you as a part of the family... I just hope you know what you're in for! :)

Nice job on the ring, huh?

I know, I know... it's about time.

I have good excuses, but no one wants to hear them so I'll just refer to a little bit of Ecclesiatiscal wisdom. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"... and had Solomon written this in the 21st century he would have continued, "a time to blog and a time not to blog." I have had a prolonged stint of the latter... sorry.

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Here is the promised and belated picture of my sweet new niece, Parker Marie Davidson. She takes strongly after her mother in looks and stature (can you believe scrawny little Tara was a chunk of a baby?). I just had to show her off.

Avery has blossomed (I think I say that every time). She is beginning to get her little routine down around the house. One of her newer ones makes good use of a cradle my Nanny made for me when I was a baby. Avery will climb in that cradle to do many of her daily activities... reading, brushing her hair, sometimes pooping (no picture of this one, sorry).Mr. Potato Head glasses fit perfectly... almost.
Pawpaw and Grandmommy got Avery a rocking horse for her first birthday. Doesn't every kid have a picture similar to this one? I know Clay does! :)Who could resist this shot?... Pinchable!These are Avery's 1-year pictures. If you want to see the fancy comparison of month-by-month photos, you'll have to come and visit us. Maybe I'll get really bored one day and Avery will take an extra long nap and I'll post them.This is one Sunday morning before church smelling the mums... Clay thought she looked like a Kennedy kid... I thought she looked precious.Here is the only birthday party picture I have of her so far. I got so wrapped up having fun, I forgot to take many pictures. Don't worry though, Doodle has it covered. I'll have some soon! It was a beautiful day to have a little outdoor celebration and I think Avery (and the rest of us) enjoyed ourselves.After her party we went to the Pumpkin Festival in Paris where she had her first pony ride compliments of Nana. She loved it. I'm not sure if she even realized she was on a horse though because she was so distracted and amazed at the pony that kept following behind her.
Again at the Pumpkin Festival.

Avery and Roselyn were Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss for Halloween. Their costumes were pretty cute I have to say. We couldn't get many great pictures because Avery suddenly disliked her wig and kept taking it off, but I think you get the picture from these.
Welp, see you soon... maybe.