FHE: Halloween Cookies

Abby's preschool class had a Halloween costume party day on Tuesday, and all the kids were asked to bring a treat to share. So, we decided to make Halloween sugar cookies for Family Home Evening.

Abby insisted on helping.....

She tried to pound the dough flat, so I introduced her to a new kitchen tool....

That rolling pin is almost as big as she is!

Having fun making shapes!

We had a really great time making cookies together!

 (Even though the counters and floors were covered in flour!)

Abby's 1st day of School

We decided to put Abby in a once-a-week toddler preschool class.  It's been a couple of weeks now and she loves it!!!

Here's our big girl brushing her teeth to get ready to go on her first day!

She wasn't very excited that first day when we got there.....

Until I left. Her teacher took this cute picture of her having fun in class!

The Lazy days of Summer

This last part of summer has been fun and pretty laid-back.

Abby and I have spent lots of time at local parks....but, mostly the spray park.

And the rest of the time...we've just been goofing off!

Hope your summer has been as fun as ours!

Birthday party fun.....continued

Loads of fun at Abby's birthday party.

Some of her favorite guests were:

Aunties Erin & Maryann. Cousins Brittney & Tristen

Grandma's McDaniel & Steadman

Grandpa Steadman

And fun friend Ethan!

Birthday party fun....

Abby had a Curious George/red, yellow, and blue themed birthday party. It was really fun.

Abby got a lot of fun presents, including her very own bike.

Cupcake for the 2 year old.

Make a wish....and blow out your candles!

Abby's first hike....

While my parents and sisters were in town for Abby's birthday, we decided to check out a local state park. We hiked around Federation Forest. This was Abby's first hike, though it was more like a nature walk. I did end up having to carry Abby most of the way to the White River.

Here we are taking a quick snack break, and enjoying the scenery...

My Baby's 2!!!

Abby turned 2 in July. Wow time sure does fly.

Her stats were:

26.6 lbs 50%

35.5 in 90%

4th of July Fun

We enjoyed a long weekend for the 4th, so on Friday the 3rd we decided to take Abby and my sister Maryann to Point Defiance Zoo down in Tacoma. We had lots of fun!

Abby's favorite part was the Aquarium.

But she also enjoyed chimpanzees.
Oh, I almost forgot the birds. I can't remember the correct term for what they are,

but Abby tried to get them to eat seeds off her stick. Unfortunatly, it was nap time and the birds were in there home.

Tired after a long day!

I didn't get any pictures of the 4th festivities, but we had a great day. Our neighborhood does a big block party where everyone BBQ's and brings a potluck dish. Being new to the area it was a really fun oppotunity to meet our neighbors.

The rest of June...

When we got home from Utah we came home to a refigerator that was on it's last leg. A couple days later I had to move everything from the fridge over to the freezer. We found out that it was as old as the house.....1987

out with the old......

In with th new. We found this almost new fridge on Craigslist for a screaming deal!!!

We also celebrated (well me not so much) my 28th birthday. As I'm looking at this picture I think my sister thought I was turning 27.....not 28. See 2 candles, then 7 on the other side. I guess I'll take 27 again.

Abby enjoyed cake and ice cream too.

Abby the water-baby.

Hogle Zoo

While we were in Utah, my sister Amy, and I took our kids to Hogle Zoo. It was really hot, but we all had fun.

Abby & Koda posing.....

....riding the Tigers....


.....Abby and mommy with the gorilla....

......Amy and Koda too!

Pooped out after a long fun day!!!

Utah Trip in June

Abby and I went to Utah in June. We were there for a week, and then Gerritt flew down to be there for my Grandpa's wedding. Here are some highlights!

Abby and her cousin Koda. These guys had so much fun together!!

Just horsing around with Grandpa (my dad)

Abby and I went to a park and met up with my friends Heather & Monica and their kids. This is Abby with Miles. They had a lot of fun. Plus, it was great for me to catch up with friends too.

Grandma bought Abby some cool new shades!

Auntie Erin is the best!!!

Long Weekend

We had a great Memorial weekend. Unfortunatly, I'm being gimpy again(my back went out), so my sister came up to help me out with Abby. I'm glad she's out of school this summer and can help me out!

Abby loves her new

sunglasses!

Erin helped me put in the rest of our garden!
And, it was actually warm enough to blow up the kiddie pool!
Abby had a BLAST!

Daddy even let her try her hand at driving!

New Niece

My brother and his wife welcomed their first child, a cute baby girl, into the world Monday May 4th! Abby is so excited to have a new cousin!

Ava Lei

8lbs even 19 in.

We can't wait to meet her soon!

Beach Day

I have so many cute pictures that I've wanted to post, but just not as much time as I'd like. Over a week ago, Abby & I drove up north to go to the beach with our friends. The weather was spectacular! I was smart enough to get sunblock on Abby, but somehow missed myself. I was totally fried for a couple of days.....now I'm just peeling ewww gross.

The kids started the trip with a picnic lunch of Chicken McNuggets and fries.

(I know super-nutritious.)

This is Liam. Abby LOVES him! They snuck away with the fries.

Digging away! Who knew a dollar store bucket and shovel could be so much fun!

The whole gang!
Beach days are too much fun! We can't wait 'till the next great day comes around.