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.

Photo Op - Day 113

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!!!

Fall Update

I honestly cannot believe it's the middle of October.  Where did the time go?!  Lots of big and little things to update everyone on.  I'm hoping I'll get caught up here and stay caught up.  But you know how these things go, especially now that...

**ABBY IS WALKING!!**
She took her first steps a week after she turned 11 months.  I had hoped this day would come later rather than sooner.  I'm so sad, she's growing up too fast.  And I'm terrified.   Everyday she finds something new she's not suppose to get into.  All joking aside, a huge milestone for our little peanut and we are all excited for her.  You should have seen how excited Nicholas was.  When he saw her take her first steps, he shouted, "Abby!  You're a toddler now!"

I have a video of  Abby walking to me, but it was taken sideways and I don't know how to fix it.  Darn smartphones.  Anyway, here are a couple of videos.  The first is of her walking w/ Nick and her cousins cheering her on.  Second is a week later.  You gotta love her orangutan walk!!

**LITTLE KICKSTER**
We signed Nicholas up for soccer for the first time this fall.  There weren't any games, just a huge group of kids out there following directions and learning the basics.  And allowing the moms to admire their cute little punkins in uniform and the dads to live out their coaching dreams.  The last fifteen minutes of practice the kids would "scrimmage."  All 30 of them.  Ask me later how I feel about that.

Nick was pretty pumped for his first practice.  But after his first water break he asked why it was taking so long.  This was pretty much how his first practice went.  He did do most the drills and, I have to say, looked pretty darn cute out there doing it.

He stuck w/ it and enjoyed it more and more w/ each practice.  It helped that his friends, Jack and Keller, were also there.    Favorite moment of the season was during a scrimmage.  Julie (Jack's mom) and I were looking at the swarm of kids trying to locate Jack and Nicholas.  Then off to the side, I noticed Nicholas, Jack and Keller strolling along together, oblivious to the game.  At one point Jack even put his arms around his friends' shoulders.  It was the cutest thing, at least the moms thought so.  Julie had to shout to her husband, who was perturbed his son wasn't paying attention to the game, a reminder that, "He's four, Ben!  Four!"  I about died laughing.

Here are some nifty pictures of our future Pele.  Does that show my age?  I meant to say Beckham.

That's his buddy Jack in the red shorts.



**SO HAPPY TOGETHER**
Now that Abby's mobile and really interacting more, Nicholas has found a new victim playmate.  He's developing the fine art of taunting and mocking.  He loves to move all her toys to areas beyond her reach.  He loves grabbing her hands and feet and not letting go, especially when she yells.  He likes to use her as a coat and hat rack, often seeing how much stuff he can pile on her head.  But don't worry, she gives as good as she gets, maybe even more in some cases.  She will not hesitate to take a swipe at his face if she's displeased or if she wants him to move.  She is quite vocal when he takes things from her.  I once over heard him telling her that it wasn't nice to yell at him like that and she should stop.

It's been fun watching our two monkeys together.  They have their moments, but you can tell they adore each other.  She often looks at her big brother as if he hung the moon.  He calls her "his little Abby" and tells everyone he knows and doesn't know about her.  His face just lights up when she's there to pick him up from school.  He will proudly tell everyone what a mess his little sister is.  He talks to her sometimes like a 4 y/o brother would and sometimes like a grown up.  Can't wait til she starts talking.  They are just the perfect little pair.

**MONDAY NIGHT COOKOUTS**
Every Monday night for the past few weeks, we've been attending a neighborhood cookout/potluck.  Our neighbors, Mark and Mary Claire, have graciously hosted every week in their front yard. We all bring something for dinner, bring our lawn chairs, eat and talk while the kids run around and play.  It's been wonderful getting to know everyone.  We moved here 2 years ago and up until now have only known the neighbors to either side of us.  Now we meet a new neighbor every week.


Mary Claire, our gracious host, in black.

Happily munching on a cookie she wasn't suppose to have.

Whew!  That's it for this update.  Be sure to check back.  I will have Biscuit's birthday and party post up soon!