A Year Gone By

It's been so busy lately that I don't have a whole lot to post. So, I thought it would be nice to look at a few photos of sibling love from this time last year.

I'm so glad that their bond just keeps getting stronger.

And funnier....

Pee Pee on the Potty!!!

At her 18 month check up the doctor and I talked about potty training. I am in no hurry, but the Dr. suggested getting a potty and letting her sit on it. Also, taking her with me, and dumping the contents of diapers into the potty. I took her advice, and it turns out that daughter of mine is a very quick learner. Every day she leaves something in the potty at least once.

Good for you BABY girl!!

Pigtails...

I have been so eagerly awaiting the long hair on Abby so I have something else to play with. Alas, pigtails!!!! Although they only stayed in a short time, about long enough for her to say "etty." They do look cute though.

The semester begins...

Well, school is in session again. Up this semester.....

And American Sign Language

So far, this class is so much fun!!! And it counts as a forgien language.

OUCH

On sunday Gavin crashed his bike pretty horribly. I got a call from his Dad at about 10:30 in the morning saying he wiped out. They both reassured me that it wasn't bad and he was wearing his helmet.

When he got home at 9pm this is what it looked like, OUCH!! By the next morning he was on his way to the doctors because the eye was swollen shut. Turns out he wasn't wearing his helmet and needed a CT scan. Thank god everything was ok, well except he started 4th grade with an incredible black eye.

Fancy Feet

At the begining of summer I bought Abby a new pair of sandals. Last month they were so tight she was limping. We went to payless and bought two new pairs that were 2 sizes bigger. How in the world did this child skip a size?

They are pretty cool with their lights and all. The funny thing is, Abby has never liked anything on her feet and now she loves wearing "shees."

My Ice Cream

Abby has learned how to take her bibs off and this is what happens.

At least she enjoyed the ice cream. I oxycleaned this shirt so much that it faded and ate a hole in it. Oh well, it was getting small anyways.

Daddy Save Me!!!

A couple of weeks ago, Abby decided she didn't want to put her pj's on after her bath. I tried to explain to her that she was going to be cold, but I guess she had other things in mind. After running as fast as her naked legs would take her, this is where she hid.

I see her plan was for Daddy to keep her warm.

They think they're so funny :)

Just stopping by...

One would think that I would be posting much more with extra time this summer...

Unfortunately, we really haven't been up to much. Abby is growing so quickly and talking more everyday. She is so different from Gavin it's amazing. Her energy if breathtaking (literally) and she definitely keeps you on your toes. A spitting image of her Dad, she loves to be outside and can find joy in the simplest things; which very much includes the neighbors gravel driveway. Twenty minutes could be spent just running her fingers through the rocks. And of course, she keeps practicing her smile.

Gavin hasn't been very busy, especially with baseball over. After much encouragement from Chris and I he has finally started spending a lot of time with the neighborhood kids. Lately you can find him a couple doors down playing ball in the field. He is not however, excited about going back to school in two weeks. I can't believe he's going to be in fourth grade!!

Leaving everyone with a special Abby kiss. They are lovely:)

Practice makes perfect

Lately anytime you bring out a camera or even a cell phone, Abby gives this cute little smile.

And, if you just keep snapping pictures you eventualy get the perfect smile :)

The Tired Birthday Boy

I guess as we get older those birthdays just seem like any other day... Chris and I both had to work on his special day this year so the celebration happened a little late, say almost 10 pm. Grandma H gave over to play with the kids and brought yummy cake for the birthday boy. The kids and I spent the day making him cheesecake and wrapping gifts.

That was Chris after opening his gifts in bed.. After gift opening the two boys used the super boot covers as pillows while I dished out cake.

Chris has wanted these silly things for awhile now to keep his feet warm while sitting in a tree. They looked great on Gav and I couldn't help but crack up and take lots of pictures.

What a goof.

Happy Birthday Chris, and here's to many more.

Happy Independence/Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Grandpa H!!! We all gathered for Grandpa H's birthday on the 4th as previously reported by Robyn. There was good food, company, and CAKE!! Afterward everyone headed out for fireworks and Chris and I took Abby for a far away first experience. She was asleep before we got down the street, but we woke her when we parked in Kmart parking lot and she watched the "etties" without loud sound.

If you ask me, the greatest thing about family gatherings are things like these..

Especially this cute little face.

Girly hair

I am so proud to announce one of my greatest accomplishments to date. Abby let me put a clip in her hair.....YIPPY!!! Now I can't wait for pigtails, I can already picture it (ok, I've been picturing it).

Busy Days

I know I haven't posted in almost a month so there is lots to talk about. Abby of course is growing like a weed and increasing her vocabulary daily. She also has been using her brothers sandals as wings to fly around the house (see below)

And is determined to get someone to push her in her babies stroller.

Gavin's baseball team placed 2nd in the league, and don't tell him but I'm thrilled they are done for the season. Twice a week games are a little much to fit into the schedule, either that or I'm just out of practice. So, on to the next post....

I just realized that the way these post, I probably should have done this one last. Oh well

Amazing

Today Gavin had a friend spend the night, so Abby and I spent some girl time together. The weather was beautiful and we turned circles in the front yard. I couldn't get any pictures of her turning circles because I had to spot her as she tumbled. I did capture some shots of her admiring the world around her.

It's amazing the things these little people can do, and the joy they can bring you. Those couple minutes will be in my heart forever.

The Screwballs

No really, that's their team name. If you met their coach you would totally understand :)

The season is in full swing and the team is doing pretty well. Gavin is paying special attention to his batting skills and is getting better every time.

I'm sure it helps that he has his fan club cheering him on.

And trust me, she cheers pretty loudly.

Miss Independent

Abby has resorted to fasting unless allowed to feed herself. Of course independece is greatly encouraged and we all get many giggles out of it. Here is her latest accomplishment.

She is very successfull with the spoon, but of course it's just not fast enough for her.

With yogurt it's usually a bath needing mess, but like I said...lots of giggles :)

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!

Okay, maybe Monkeys and Turtles and Koalas, oh my!

I took the kids to the zoo last Saturday and we had so much fun. Abby was amazed with all the primates.
Nobody really cared about this very slow...turtle, but I thought he was a cutie.

And of course everyone loves the koalas, because all they do is sleep. (Really it's because their building has air conditioning)

All in all, I think I enjoy the zoo much more than the kids. Gavin had a great time on the playground. Abby loves the playground too, but for the wood chips.

She did like the kangaroos though.

Hopefully we'll make another trip soon.

Baseball season, Hooray!!

Gavin has started baseball practice for a much anticipated season. He seems to really be on top of the ball this year.

Oh, and it helps that he has a cheering section :)