Thanksgiving 2011

Dear Abigail,

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we had this year. On Wednesday, your class had their very own Thanksgiving meal and your whole family was invited! Mommy, Daddy and Kate met you at school at lunch time, just in time to eat some the yummy food Miss Barbara made.

You little sister was happy to be there, too! And all your friends loved seeing her.

Right after your Thanksgiving lunch, we all got in the car together and headed to Cookeville to Aunt Amy and Uncle Martin's house. We got to their house early afternoon and what a beautiful afternoon it was. And you had no problem enjoying yourself outside... Harrison decided to show you the creek behind their house.

It looks all innocent and sweet, you playing with your cousin and all. Well, I finally figured out what had your attention. The creek was full of water, and so were your shoes and pants! But you 2 played and played and played. At one point I looked out and the two of you were trying to sit in a plastic tub in the water. Something about going fishing. Who knows - but eventually I had to get you inside, dried off and warmed up! And get ready for dinner. Uncle Martin made his favorite dish, or well, one of them - Paella and guess what? You loved it! Aunt Amy got a kick out of you because you asked "Mom, do I like this?" and I said "Sure" and you said "I do like this!!"

Thursday morning, Thanksgiving Day, we woke up and got ready to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. I'm pretty sure Aunt Amy and I were more excited than you kiddos, but we made you watch it anyway! Well, sort of. Eventually, Papa volunteered to take everyone on a walk, including Kate!

I said go for it! And I told him to make Daddy and Uncle Martin go, so Mommy and Aunt Amy could have the parade to ourselves! Now, your Aunt Amy was SUPER awesome this year and volunteered to cook the entire Thanksgiving meal on her own since we're in the middle of moving, and Aunt Steph is in the middle of having a baby, or super super close! At first I was a little hesitant because, well, she and Uncle Martin tend to make, how do I put it, different meals than the normal American family, which might make sense since Uncle M isn't exactly American (i.e paella). But anyway, I was a little hesitant, but Aunt Amy sent me the full menu, including multiple potato dishes, so I was content. And I was a little worried we might be eating at 10 that night, but she assured me that that is always Uncle Martin's fault and that she was the head chef today so I had nothing to worry about. Well, you know me, I had to see it to believe it, and at 9 that morning, we were chopping onions, cutting green beans, baking potatoes, and all kinds of things! So far, she was very organized and ahead of the game!

Meanwhile, you and your buddy played and played and played...

I think poor Caroline was getting her feelings hurt that you were playing more with Harrison than with her. Harrison has always been a fan of you though, and I think the same goes for you, too.

By noonish, I felt Aunt Amy may just pull this dinner off so I went off to clean up and get my girls looking spiffy! And, might I just say, you spiffed up mighty fine indeed!

It was such a relaxing Thanksgiving. It was so nice not to be scrambling around the kitchen, jumping over one person or the other trying to get your dish made and at the same time as the others just to make sure you're not the reason the dinner isn't served on time! Well, it was relaxing for everyone except maybe Aunt Amy. Don't worry, she had a little help... The boys had to do their part.

And Uncle Martin had to tell them what they were doing wrong...

And believe it or not, we were sitting down to dinner by 6 o'clock!!! Look at the beautiful turkey!

Aunt Amy outdid herself and we all ate and ate and ate, and then went around to tell everyone what we were thankful for. You made it clear that you were very thankful for chocolate ice cream. I thought that was a good one. The night before, when I was putting you to bed, I asked you what you were thankful for and you said "flowers, ice cream and Monkey Joe". Please keep in mind you are still not a fan of Monkey Joe. Interesting, very interesting...

I of course said I was very thankful for my girls and their Daddy but also to be have such an awesome family and relaxing Thanksgiving day!

After dinner, you kiddos watched a little television and headed to bed. Mommy got to stay up late and play games with the fam and the next morning we had a delicious breakfast. I will say, I was a little disappointed that we didn't do our annual day after Thanksgiving Day hike. It was SUCH a beautiful day, but we really needed to get back home to finish packing. Other than that, a fantastic Thanksgiving. Fantastic!

Love you little turkey!!!!

Catching Up!

Dear Abigail,

A lot has been going on this last couple of weeks, of which I've documented none so far. But I did capture a few pictures and I'll storm my brain to try to remember a few other things...

First off, I've been wanting to document a few pictures of you with my camera phone!

You LOVE taking pictures of yourself and I find about 20-30 of these pictures a day on my phone...

And you were so gracious to capture a picture of Ellie at Mexican!!

Speaking of, we went to Mexican. Ha, like it took a lot to remember that. We've done gymnastics, and we've done lots of errand running, which isn't always the easiest thing. It also wears us all out, but you refuse to take a nap - unless it's at a random time where you just pass out...

That's right, you and your sister were just sitting on the couch and next thing I know you are both asleep...

We went over to Uncle Jaybee's house to watch the UT football game. Ellie's Nona and Papa were there so it was TONS of fun!! Oh and I FINALLY got a picture of our family in our orange!!!

You and Ellie played and played and played, as usual...

And were ready for bed before we had to mention it. HA. yeah right.

On Sunday, Mimi FINALLY arrived. You had been waiting on her for a while. You sat on the counter for the longest time waiting and waiting and waiting for Mimi. But she arrived. And we all got ready for a party for Kate! Aunt Amy and Aunt Jill were throwing a Sip and See for all the Clark family. So everyone came over to sip and see Kate! And you too of course! Although you did a lot of running around with Ellie, Caro, and Peanut (that's what you kept calling Alexis for some reason!!). You also some how found your way outside to the rocks. An no shoes. I took very few pictures, but got that some how...

Mimi stuck around for a couple of days to help out with you kiddos while I packed a few things up. And I'm pretty sure Mimi had her first dose of "Abby at 3"!!! Granted she is around a lot, but most of the time we have something to do. But on Tuesday, she kept you and Kate at home while I ran a few errands. Let's just say you changed her meaning of "bouncing off the walls". She was also very concerned that she would have to call 911 at some point. I assured her that somehow through all the falls and bumps and bams, you don't ever really get hurt. And you let her know that you could call 911 if needed - you sing your 911 song all the time!! Mimi left on Wednesday, but don't worry, we headed to Munford on Friday. More people were coming to sip and see Kate!!! But before that, we had to sip and see Papa Rob - at Mexican though! The whole crew went minus Aunt G and Daddy and we warned Papa Rob that it could be crazy, but you kiddos proved us wrong. Not too bad, I have to say. Papa Rob even took ALL the kids outside after the meal to run around. Now, he DID try to do it before the meal, but there was NO way I was letting you out of that high chair until I knew you did not need to be back in it!!! Overall, a good mexican night with Papa Rob.

Saturday morning we just got ready for the party. You were so worried you were going to miss the party, and reminded us multiple times that you had not eaten cake yet, so you couldn't have missed the party!!! We got all fancied up and took a few pictures...

Yes, that one scared me. And was as good as it can get!!!! And we sipped at see'd your baby sister. Well, you didn't really. You played upstairs with the girls. And your BFF stopped by and you let her know immediately that she was wearing your momma's shirt!!! She has the same sweater as me, and apparently you were rather angry that she took my shirt! After the party, you went with Ash-ash and Clara Lee to their friends Thanksgiving meal. Not sure what exactly went on there other than there was a dog, but the friends were nice enough to put it outside!!! You spent the night with Clara Lee and THEN went to her Daddy's family Thanksgiving!! You'll be a Waits before we know it! Again, don't have the details, maybe Aunt Ash-ash will be nice enough and write a little something about your visit????? Or at least post a few pictures???? (yes, that's me guilting your aunt). Mommy actually went back home and left you and Kate with Mimi (or well, Ash-ash for you apparently!!). I'm picking you up Tuesday and then it will be time to celebrate OUR thanksgiving!!!! Can't wait to see you - I miss you already. Love you, too.

Birthday Parties

Hey Abs, I'm a little behind. Who knew a 3 year old, a 2 month old, a new house, an old house you are moving out of, and an in between house until the new house is ready would keep you so busy. I won't get into that. Let's focus on you :)

A couple weekends ago, you had 2 birthday parties to go to in one day! Hello sugar overdose... Saturday morning, we went to London B's birthday party at the Y. (For the record, and just because I want to document this, you have 3 London's in your class, and one Landon. How many Abigail's - 0. How many Jacob's - 0. How many Emily's - 0. London's though - you've got 3!! That's crazy. Anyway, back to our weekend...). SO, Daddy stayed home with Kate while the 2 of us went to the party. At first, you had so much fun, running around with all your school friends, specifically Silas and Julianna, jumping in the bouncy house, running back and forth on the racquetball courts - fun, fun, fun. And, Miss Amber showed up (your teacher!). She was working out at the Y and had heard about your class being there! It was so funny watching the kids reactions. Most of you thought your parents were going to leave you!!! So, fun, right. But then, Julianna's mom comes running up to me and says "Hello Kitty is coming. I was told to let you know right away." HA!!! Apparently your fear of adults dressed in costume has made quite the impression. So, I grabbed you and told you the situation and asked if you wanted to leave. There were a couple different rooms, so we could stay in the bouncy house while the Kitty stayed in the birthday room. And that's what we did. Except for the 40 times you wanted to go say hello to the Kitty. Which, of course, meant I had to hold you. And which, of course, consisted of you peeking in the room, everyone saying "come on Abby - she's so nice" and you burying your head in my shoulder and saying "I'm ready to go bounce now.". 40 times might be a little exaggeration, but it had to be 20 for sure. Finally Hello Kitty left, and after a little readjustment period, you were back at it.

You of course got cake and ice cream, and then they had a pinata to which EVERYONE went crazy for candy when it was open!!!

And yes, I forgot my camera so I had to use my phone... Here's you with the birthday girl and then your other little friend that I can't for the life of me remember her name. In my defense, she is new to your class :)

As soon as we left London's party, we headed home to get Sister and Daddy to head to Ryan's 3rd Birthday party!!! I tried to get a few shots of you and your sister before we headed that way, but I'm starting to grasp the concept that multiple children looking at the same time, smiling, no hands in the mouth, all at the exact moment I take that picture is just a tough thing to capture :) But I'll keep trying because you two are just so stinkin' cute!!!

This one is pretty awesome with Kate giving us a thumbs down!

And you always take great "Love my sister" shots...

So off to Ryan's birthday party. The party was train themed and as usual, Miss Leigh (and Ryan's grandparents!!) out did themselves. AND, as usual, it was a beautiful day and you kiddos got to play outside!! You had to sit in the baby swing, but needed someone to push you...

Ellie to the rescue...
And there is the birthday boy - maybe the theme should have been monkeys :)

You 3 discovered a field of flowers (i.e. the neighbors backyard) and had a ball picking away!!!

You guys LOVED it!!! And you also loved the sandbox... So much that you missed singing happy birthday to Ryan. Oh, did I mention you missed singing it to London, too. We were in the bathroom that time. I blame Daddy and Daddy alone for making you miss singing to Ryan. You were in the sandbox and I said "Can you get Abby so she can sing Happy Birthday?" and next thing I know you are not singing. Apparently he didn't know I meant 'now'.... So, when you are scarred for life because you didn't get to sing to Ryan on his 3rd birthday, go see your Daddy :) Of course, though, you got to eat the cake!!!! And lots of other goodies...

And that Daddy of yours enjoyed his time, too, just hanging out with the girls...
Oh, and guess what Ryan got for his birthday??? Buzz and Woody!!! You gave him Woody and Ellie gave him Buzz. I'm pretty sure it was his top 2 favorite gifts :)

It was a fun filled birthday party weekend. No costumes at Ryan's but you handled that Hello Kitty just fine and dandy, well, to an extent. We're still holding off on that Disney World trip!

Love you!!!!!