Abby's first day of CDO

We had not signed Abby up for CDO (children's day out) this year, but when a spot came open after school started and the preschool director asked me if we were interested, we took it! Abby has seemed so interested in Luke's class and tries to run in with him every day, and she is definitely social and loves to play with others, so we thought she would love it. Abby did great today, she walked right into her room with no crying. The report we got was that she already has a boyfriend that was trying to kiss her, she loved her neighbor's food at lunch (i.e. she was stealing everyone's food!), and she had fun at the playground and motor skills. I missed her while she was gone, but had a fun day shopping and having lunch alone with my mom, which we haven't done in, oh, about 4 years!

Abby is 2!

Abby turned 2 years old this past Sunday, I can't believe it! She has changed so much this year, and is at such a fun (and crazy!) age. I took Abby for her check-up yesterday and she is 24 pounds (the same weight Luke was when he turned 1!) and 34 inches tall. Abby is a typical 2 year old girl, she loves princesses and dolls. She is also my little animal lover, with her favorite being "meow meows". Other favorite things of Abby's at this age are singing songs, reading books, going down slides and swinging. She is a picky eater, her favorites are strawberries, french fries and yogurt. Abby has really started talking, especially putting words together in the last couple weeks. She will repeat any word you say, and one thing that I love now is seeing Luke and Abby talk to each other. She adores her big brother and asks often about him when he is at preschool. While Abby is independent (i.e. strongwilled) and thinks she is a princess, she is also very sweet, giving lots of hugs and kisses. Even though we have our days that definitely fit the "terrible 2's", I love this age with Abby and am enjoying the special time I get alone with her while Luke is at school.

On Sunday, we had our families over to celebrate her birthday. Abby loved her birthday presents, who wouldn't love things like princess slipper boots?

Tasting the frosting before we sang Happy Birthday!

The weekend before Abby's real birthday, we had just a couple friends of hers from church come over for a party. They played with water toys in the backyard, and had pizza and cake. Her friends must know her well because they all gave her princess related gifts :-)

Time for cake!

Abby put on her Belle dress to open presents, because she thinks she is a princess :-)

Gymnastics!

Abby started gymnastics today!! I have looked forward to buying her a leotard since she was born. Abby had lots of fun, she ran right in and wanted to run and jump on everything. Unfortunately, she had no interest in following directions or waiting her turn. I also did not realize that this was a class that the parents participate in. I understand now why they do, I spent 45 minutes chasing after Abby, holding her while she was kicking and screaming because she didn't want to wait her turn, walking across the balance beam and jumping with her on the trampoline. I was not prepared for getting a workout! The other moms were super nice, and all assured me that it took some time for the kids to understand the routine and follow instructions....easy for them to say! It will be nice for Abby and I to have a fun activity to participate in together!

I didn't get any good pictures, this is blurry because she RAN onto the floor and helped herself to all of the equipment.

Each child had a turn in the harness where they were lifted up so they could jump high and swing, Abby loved it!

Luke's 1st day of Pre-K!

Luke started his first day of Pre-K today! He is attending preschool at our church, which is also where he has been for the last 2 years, so he was excited to go back and see his friends. Luke will be in preschool monday through thursday, which is a little too much for me, but I know he will enjoy it.

Yesterday we went to "Meet the teacher" and Luke was able to see his classroom and meet his teacher and classmates. He decorated his folder and was ready for school to start!

First day!

Walking into school with a couple friends :-)

Luke's wonderful teacher, Ms. Jill!

August

I haven't posted much the last month because we haven't done a whole lot! It has been a relaxing, HOT, and easy going month with the lots of trips to the pool and playing with friends. Luke is really looking forward to preschool starting next week, but I am going to miss him since he will be going 4 days a week. We did have a really fun family weekend, here are some pictures...

We spent thursday evening with Vic and Debbie. They wanted to take us out to eat at a Hibachi restaurant in Kemah and then take the kids to go on rides. We had a really fun time! Since they cook the food at your table, the kids were actually entertained and didn't mind sitting through dinner....a nice change since it seems like the only places the kids like to eat must have a play area (thank goodness for chickfila!).

The kids LOVE riding the rides at Kemah, and they have no fear. Luke's favorite ride is the "up and down" ride as he calls it. And Luke will proudly tell you he rode it 8 times! Both kids liked the airplanes and Abby's favorite is always a good carousel. Thank you Nana and Papa for a wonderful night!

Vic had Friday off so we took the kids for a end of summer treat to the beach at Moody Gardens. It was wonderful, they have white sand (must have come from very far away), a lazy river, wave pool, splash areas and slides for the kids. It was perfect and we enjoyed a day of swimming and playing on the beach, a great end to the summer.

Friends and Crafts

Today we had our friend Tyler over while his mommy was working, and the kids had so much fun playing together and doing crafts. It has been so horribly hot that we have had to be a little more creative in our activities!

Finger painting!

They REALLY liked the scissors, I kept a close eye on everyone to make sure no one got a free haircut :-)

Showing off their maracas....I am sure Tyler's mommy was happy for him to come home with an annoying musical instrument!

4 year old interview

I decided to ask Luke some questions about himself now that he is 4, here was our interview :-)

Me: What is your favorite thing about being a 4 year old?
Luke: Getting presents

Me: What are your favorite toys?
Luke: My spaceshuttle, ocean boat, bat cave and pirate ship
(basically we own every Imaginext toy that is made)

Me: Who is your best friend?
Luke: You!! (Wow, I feel so special!!), but then Luke added - Everyone is my best friend (oh well)

Me: What is your favorite food?
Luke: pizza

Me: Where is your favorite place to go eat?
Luke: Skeeters

Me: What has been your favorite vacation?
Luke: going to the pool (apparently he has already forgotten about Disney World last year??)

Me: If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be?
Luke: a lizard

Me: What did you like best about preschool this year?
Luke: Going outside!

Me: What is your favorite thing to learn about?
Luke: God
(I now feel much better about his answer to the previous question!)