Fourth of July

Dear Abigail,

We just got back from one of many, many, many fun fourth of July weekends! It was a long week, but I think we all enjoyed it at some point or another. Mimi started off the week by taking you back to Memphis with her, leaving me and Daddy with, yet again, more free time! If we ever complain about not having any alone time, or time to ourselves, just read this to me! So Mimi took you home on Tuesday, after she visited with you (i.e. babysat you while Mommy and Daddy went to the concert in Franklin, which, btw, we will probably take you to next time, but decided not to this time because, well, the Friday before at Mexican you were a little out of control when it was past your bedtime, but I think you will do fine at the park - okay, back to Mimi) - so Mimi and Kateland came up and played with you then decided to take you back home with them! From what Mimi told me, all you did was swim swim swim. Emery and Sarah were in town at Mammaws, so you played a lot with them in the pool, and of course Emily. Mommy made it in Wednesday night just in time to see you go to bed, but I was so happy to see that pretty face. You even have walked a little more, and you got to show off a little. Thursday, me, you and Mimi spent the day shopping!! I was searching for things for your playroom and birthday party - Mimi's always got a good eye for that stuff. Then, yes, Mimi babysat you again while Mommy went to yet another concert. I am really not that cool of a mom who goes to concerts all the time. This concert was New Kids on the Block. I hope you have a special band/group that you love growing up AND, more importantly, I hope you have the memories with special friends while listening to that band while growing up. Mommy got to go with a dear, dear friend, that I have known all the way back to the 5th grade!!! It was fun, and i'm sure Mimi didn't mind watching you again.

Friday was Lynnie and Lizzy's birthday, so what did we do - we swam! You really liked playing with Uncle Bubba's hat a lot! and he like swinging with you a whole lot, too....

Then we ate some cake and ice cream, or well, I did, and you napped!! Emery ate some too!!

Friday night was low key because we had to get ready for the Tramel Family reunion. You never got to meet Great-grandmother Tramel (she would be your Great-great-grandmother, but nonetheless) BUT, she had 10 babies, and one of them was mammaw. So all mammaws brothers and sisters and their kids and their kids and their kids all got together in the park on Saturday. It was great seeing everyone, and letting them meet you.

You and Clara Lee looked absolutely adorable in your matching outfits:

Here's us all together. Mimi couldn't convince us to get on our hands and knees again (like at the beach):

You had fun playing with Aunt Gina and Clara Lee and even Pic-pic played with you a little bit while Mommy & Daddy played corn hole.

You even learned how to play corn hole!! You were so good at it, and loved playing it too. I've never seen your daddy so proud.

Then of course, you got super tired, as we all did. So you rested...but then it was time to cool off at the pool. The reunion was over, but we all headed to Mammaws to take a dip before the big fireworks. You, as usual, loved the water, loved your little pool, and loved the company.

and no, we didn't make you wear a bathing suit. I think we were all just so exhausted!! We also couldn't keep our eyes off you. You were all about the pool, even the big pool. I had you on the side and you just kept reaching in, trying to touch the water. You almost fell in, but thankfully you've got a quick thinking mama! or really just a mama who was keepin' her eye on you!!

After swimming, we all headed to Mimi's to watch the fireworks. Well, except you and Clara Lee. We were so worried about you waking up. You see, the fireworks didn't start till 9, so you had been asleep for a long time BUT, the fireworks are literally in Mimi's back yard, right above the room you sleep in!!! Somehow, you made it through, not even a peep. Pretty amazing, especially with all the traffic in and out of that house. Clara Lee, too. You guys must have had way too much fun!!! All in all, a good 4th baby girl. Like I said, I see many more memories over the years. Can't wait for you to spell your name with a sparkler (with an adult standing near by that is :) LOVE YOU!!!!! We're home for a few days, so enjoy it. Miss Lee missed you so much and is so impressed with how much you are walking. She is so impressed with you, as we all are. Love love love.