Pseudo-Professional Photo Shoot

There is just something about naked little babies that I love... especially my own! Avery was in a great mood today so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and snapped some new pics.

Oooo... He's FINE at 29

Avery and I celebrated Matt's 29th birthday today! Even though he couldn't be with us we still relished in the joy of his special day. Here's Avery singing the birthday song this morning...

Avery Montage

Ok, ok... so I know I just posted the annual video and that's probably what you're here to see (it's below), but I couldn't resist sharing a quick montage of Avery from last week at 2 mo 3 wk old. She's growing at warp speed!!! ~ Runtime: 2 min.

2 mo 3 wk old from The McNeils on Vimeo.

Life a la 2008

2008 from The McNeils on Vimeo.

This year was pretty eventful, life-changing, insert-epic-adjective-here! Here's the re-cap with some fav tunes from this annum.
Runtime: 18 min.

Family Road Trip

Every year about this time we take a trip up to Sedona. The air is crisp and hiking through the red rocks quickly cleanses the soul. This was also Avery's first time in the snow... Her cold weather get-up made her look like a new Dr. Suess character! (as always, click on the pictures to enjoy them up close!)

A Diaper Reprieve

2 years ago I painted this tree in the nursery of a wonderful young family. This year, they asked me to duplicate the whimsy on some children's furniture for Christmas. Having not picked up a paintbrush in almost 3 months, it was a fabulous timeout from my baby responsibilities. Not to mention some sweet side cash to help fund Matt's desperate need to be Blackberried! * wink *

Christmas Card

Time has simply skittered away and somehow we neglected to send out any Christmas cards! Hopefully a blog family portrait will suffice this year. Saves on postage! :)

May the joy of this season fill your home and the gift of Jesus enrapture your heart.

Love ~ The McNeil Family

p.s. Have no fear! Our annual DVD will be posted sometime in January...

1 + 1 = 2

Avery's 2 months old today! Which meant another trip to the doctor. She weighed in at 8.4 lbs and 21.5 inches (a gain of 2 lbs and 2 in). Apparently she's still just a little bean, because 97% of all girls her age are bigger than her! She also had to do shots. That little wail is heartbreaking... Before and after. :(

Just Because

Everyone says babies don't smile on purpose this young, but...

She grinned right on cue for this one!

Thankful

This is the first year in quite some time that Matt was able to enjoy Thanksgiving stateside. Avery's Grandma Laurie and Aunt Emily traveled from CA for the festivities! Here are some of the things we are thankful for this year:

1. First and foremost for Jesus and His extension of grace.

2. Six years of a strong marriage.

3. Laughter: that we never take ourselves too seriously.

4. How Avery has enriched our lives beyond measure.

5. God's amazing provision in PERFECT timing.

6. Our health. And a wonderfully uncomplicated childbirth experience.

7. Family: both the ones we came from & the one we're building.

8. Matt's new job!

9. Hayley's new job as Menage Operations Manager!

10. The simple joys of smiles and snuggles.

11. Opportunities to travel to Vegas, Salt Lake, L.A., & Elkhart.

12. An incredible network of supportive friends.

13. God's faithfulness in finances, fresh starts, and forgiveness.

14. Disposable diapers & motorized baby swings!

15. A bright future full of new adventures.