Halloween

Nicholas really liked Halloween last year. This year he LOVED it. The first couple of times, he was a little hesitant and asked me to be close by. Once he got the hang of things, he told me to stay back, that he could do it all by himself. We were so proud, we only had to remind him to say thank you just a couple of times. He had the routine down. A few times he stood there unsure of what to do because the homeowners didn't say, "you're welcome" after he said thank you.

Abby started off in the wagon, and looked like she enjoyed herself. For a while. But after watching big brother walking around, she could take it no more, opting to dive head first out of the wagon. Thank goodness Scott was there to catch her. I'm sure the whole subdivision heard my scream. She put many kid miles on her little feet that night.

With their cousins, Matthew, Nicholas and Megan.

 



Walking Trail

We took a walk on the trail at Crystal Bridges so we could check out the museum's progress.  If you've never been out there before, go.  That place is going to be amazing once it's finished.  In the meantime, the walk is short but lovely, especially w/ the fall foliage.  Nicholas had so much fun collecting rocks and leaves along the trail.

Weekend Visitors

Scott's parents came for a visit over the weekend.  Nicholas was positively giddy.  He went trick or treating that afternoon at his Uncle Joe's office w/ his cousins, but kept asking what time it was.  When it was 5pm, he demanded asked ever so nicely that his Auntie Hai take him home.  He wanted to be there to greet his grandparents.  Thank you for taking him and putting up w/ his demanding ways, Hai!

Here we are killing time.  I also thought I should put Abby's costume on her to see if it would actually fit.  It's Nick's old costume when he was about 8mos. 


This is how she smiles now when I say cheese.

 

Just look at those beautiful brown eyes!

 

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Pajama Day at school.  He was the only kid with a robe.

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They both thought this was amusing.

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Please do not ask why there isn't a picture of the finish jack o lantern.  I'm still scratching my head.

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At Kate's (purple sweater, isn't she cute?) 4th birthday party.  Thanks for having us!

Punkin Patch

We took the kids to Ranalli farms to pick out some pumpkins.  It had started sprinkling so we had to rush.  It was just as well, I could barely manage a clear shot of either kids, especially Abby.  I mostly got pictures of her backside.  She was busy running around tripping over tree roots and such.  Nicholas bounced from one spot to the next grabbing as many pumpkins as he could.  Oh well.  Next year we plan on taking the kids to a real pumpkin patch w/ all the fixins... hayride, corn maze, etc...
 



This was my only clear shot of her.  Of course.



I love that Scott's hat is peeking out.

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One Sweet Party!!

So for Abby's birthday party, we went with just family.  We kept it short and simple.  We also decided to hire my friend, Dawn Lensing, to take pictures so that we could relax and enjoy ourselves.  She did an awesome job!  With the exception of the last two and the ones in the invitation, all pictures were taken by Dawn.



Since the theme for Abby's nursery was sweets shoppe, I used that as inspiration for Abby's birthday as well. I've never done anything like this, but it was so much fun making the decorations and treats.  I used Dimpleprints diy kit for the invitation, banners, cupcake toppers, water bottle labels, etc. 

She's never paid attention to her clothes before, but you could tell she felt pretty in her tutu. You should have seen her prancing around. Thank you Noi for making it!

An Asian tradition, what you choose determines your future.  First thing she chose was thread (long life) and second thing was a pen (she'll be a scholar).

We thought she would attack this cake, at least mush it a bit.  She wasn't too sure about it.



This is an ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese dress.  Thank you Aunt Tam!  It was funny watching her walking around being all prissy.



Please click HERE to see the rest of the fabulous pictures.  Thank you to our family who helped us celebrate Abby's special day.  We love you guys!!

The Big ONE

Today our sweet little girl turned one.  How is it that it's been a year already?  We can't imagine our lives without you and how we ever managed before.  You are truly a blessing to our family.

• You are an itty bitty thing.  You don't even weigh 18lbs, that's 5th percentile!  You are 27.5in which is right about average.
• The most difficult thing about you is your eating or lack thereof.  You don't like taking a bottle and you know how to eat table food, you just won't do it.  You have to watch Mickey Mouse while taking your bottle or you won't do it.  Oh, and you have no intention of holding that bottle anytime soon.  I know this because you are related to your brother.  It's just as well, if I didn't feed you, you'd never eat.
• You're still a pretty good sleeper, especially at night.  But those 2 naps are more and more erratic.  We are not ready for you to go to one.  You were taking 3 naps a day just 3 months ago.
• We often wonder how far and long you would walk if we could just let you go.  It seems you put alot of miles on those little feet.  How can you not be hungry?
• You love climbing up the stairs and get sooo mad when we pull you off.
• You love to dance.  You get your smooth moves from your mama.
• You are curious and constantly getting into things.  As Nicholas says, "you're a mess."  I'm sure if we put your food on a dirty floor, you would have no problem finding it and eating it.
• No words yet, but you don't have any problems getting your point or opinions across.  You babble alot.  You point and often shake your head no.  Speaking of the word no, you understand it.  But listening is another thing.
• You watch and follow Nicholas around all day.  When he laughs, you laugh.  You do what he does, except eat.
• You've got a favorite stuffed animal, Bunny. You carry her around the house by her ears all day.  It's so stinking cute.

Happy Birthday, Abigail!  We Love You!!!