Second Week - Swimming, Libraries and Tents

Dear Abigail,

Another summer week has past us by and left nothing but fun memories!  We started the week off by going to 'our' pool on Monday, that is, the Franklin Y pool.  It was our first time this year and clearly not our last.  I love that it is a hop, skip and a quick little drive from our house and it's the perfect pool for you and Kate at this age.  If you would take the swim test, you would even get to go down the slide, but you aren't ready yet.  Let me rephrase that, Mommy thinks you can do it, no problem, but you do not think you are ready yet, so I am not pushing you.  It's okay though, we still have fun, especially in the baby pool.  You and Kate are both so nice with sharing your toys that we bring.  Everyone loves playing with the baby dolls and you are very good about keeping up with them/helping Mom pick them up when we take breaks.  We also like to enjoy a sweet peach on our breaks :)

On Tuesday, Aunt Steph called to see if we wanted to hang out with them since that was her day off.  We gladly accepted and even asked if they wanted to go to the cool 'waterpark' pool with us.  They gladly accepted.  So off we went, meeting them at 9:30 at the pool.  We had TONS of fun and I think Aunt Steph was impressed with the pool, no doubt.  We couldn't convince Ellie to go down the slide (this time!) but she is getting better with the water for sure.  Aunt Steph was also impressed with your swimming.  You keep getting better and better every time we go.  This day you started jumping in the pool (from the side) and swimming out, then back to the side, all without floaters on and all without me coming near you.  You didn't want me anywhere near you.  I was so proud.  I'm telling you, you can pass that swim test!  We stuck around through lunch, but headed back home shortly after to get a good rest in.  That afternoon, we enjoyed the beautiful weather by hanging in the backyard.  And by hanging, I literally mean hanging, but by we, I mean you...

You see how your sister is just staring at you.  She watches AND DOES everything you do.  I love it, but it's times like these that worry me Sister!!!
But you two are so sweet together.  She loves surfing with you...

And being pushed in the big girl swing (she, she doesn't want her swing anymore, only the one Sister uses!)

On Wednesday, we had a play date with Jacob and Anna and we offered the water park pool to them, as well.  Can you tell we love to swim?!!  We actually had planned awhile back to go with them.  They live close by the pool and are going to be members in July, so we wanted to get them accustomed to it so they will join us on our 5 day a week outings to the pool :)  And, I'm pretty sure they will!  Jacob and Anna loved the pool and Anna was so brave by going down the slide.  We had a blast with them and can't wait to join them again.  And, as yesterday, we ate lunch at the pool, swam a few more minutes then headed home for some naps!
On Thursday, we went to the Franklin library for story time.  We had been before, but it has been a long time because you are in school during the days they offer it.  It's definitely an easy outing since it's so close to the house, and we all love visiting the library...

You specifically like the computers, which I don't mind you playing while Kate and I look through books, BUT, I can't hear what it's saying, so I can't tell you how to play the game and you get frustrated but won't let me hear.  It's a very trying time, but you continue to play on it for your allotted time.  And, again, Kate saw Sister, so Kate does like Sister...

After we checked a few books out (and the movie Annie!), Mommy took you and Kate to eat at Dumplings.  Your eyes got so big when you saw the rolls.  So delicious.  You begged for a piece of strawberry cake, but I had a better surprise for you.  After lunch, we walked over to your school and picked up Chloe!  She was in summer camp but we wanted her to come over and play for a bit afterwards.  Both of you were SOOO excited to see each other.  And, even more excited when I told y'all we were going to stop by Sweet Cece's!!

It was so funny because after we got the ice cream and were half way through eating it (you and Chloe at your own table), you informed me that this was Chloe's second ice cream of the day!  Apparently they had a special treat at school but I didn't know (nor her Mom because I did ask first!).  Oh well!  More sugar to burn off, I guess.  And y'all did.  You two went from one thing to the next to the next to the next.  I couldn't keep you two focused on anything more than 15 minutes, but you were both having a blast.  You played for a long time, outside and inside (and even inside the neighbors house!!) and eventually we had to take Chloe home.  You begged to play at her house for a few minutes and I had to talk to her mom about some gifts to make, so you got to play for another 30 minutes or so.  But man alive, when it was time to leave, you would have thought I didn't let you just play for the last 5 hours with Chloe.  You threw a heck of a fit, but it didn't last too long.  All it took was the mention of not ever coming back and you crawled out from behind the bean bag in the corner...
And then, when we did get home, the neighbor's niece (she was in town and is 6) asked if you could come back over, so while dinner was cooking you played with her.  To say the least, you got your fair share of play time in that day.  At dinner, you kept telling Mommy and Daddy that you left your 'prizes' at Briley's house.  You explained that you played this game with a ball and if you threw it in the box you got the prize.  I assumed it was just pretend prizes but you were determined that you HAD to go get these.  I said 'we'll get them tomorrow' to which you replied with 'they are leaving early in the morning to go to the beach.' Daddy confirmed your response and so after 20 minutes of you pleading that you had to go get your prizes (a lollipop, a cheerleading thing and something else) I decided we would BOTH walk over there and see what you were talking about.  Sure enough, you had 3 prizes, a lollipop, a pompom and a party decoration thingy.  Briley's aunt (our actual neighbor, who is older and does not have children) had all these things in boxes in the bonus room where you were throwing the balls (which she knew about) and she had said you could have those things.  Man alive, I knew you would not go to sleep if you did not get those things in your possession.  Then, to top things off, while I was talking to her (the aunt, that I can't seem to remember her name right now!) you ran off to play with Briley for a few more minutes.  Well, a few minutes later, Briley says "Abigail needs you".  You were in the bathroom and needed help wiping. And not just any bathroom, but the master bathroom.  So I had to walk through our neighbors bedroom to wipe your booty!!! After that, we headed straight home and to bed!!  I did giggle though, while putting you to bed.  The whole situation just made me laugh!
On Friday, we headed to the downtown Nashville library for the puppet show.  We had never been to that library and I was very impressed.  The puppet theatre was impressive enough but they also have this great craft area and then a very lovely outside area where you can have lunch right beside a fountain!  We had a great time and definitely will be back!

Did I mention Jacob and Anna joined us?!  They did.  We watched the puppet show (which was GREAT) and had lunch at the little restaurant in the library.  We even got to have a piece of chocolate cake, although I think Miss Kristin may never eat lunch with us again if chocolate cake is involved.  She was pushing for something simpler, like a sugar cookie, but I knew there was no walking away from a chocolate cake if you were involved in the decision making!!  

After the library, we headed home and tried to rest a bit because that afternoon we were taking Daddy to the zoo with us!  Daddy NEVEr gets to go with us and Friday night was Member night.  That means it stays open 2 extra hours and only members can go.  It also means unlimited (and free!) carousel rides and train rides and bouncy houses, too!!  We were super excited, as this was our first time to go.  The weather was perfect and we headed straight towards the trains, after watching a monkey or two hang from the trees.  We stopped for a little viewing of the meerkats, too...

 And you even saw some of your duck friends, who had babies.

 We showed Daddy the zebras and you got to hold a real ostrich egg, or well, touch it.  You tried holding it but the sweet little old lady zoo keeper person made it very clear it was not to be held :)  You and Kate both led the way around the zoo...

 And finally we made it to the train!

 After the train we headed to the carousel where we all got to ride!  Even Mommy got on an animal and went up and down and up and down.  We even held hands while we rode up and down, beside each other.  You and Kate jumped through the bouncy houses while Mommy grabbed some dinner for us and after dinner we did one more ride on the carousel.  This time you wanted to ride by yourself.  Miss Independent...

Mommy and Daddy and Kate still rode, just way behind you :)  

It was a fun fun fun Friday night at the zoo and we were happy Daddy finally got to join us.
Then, for the big finale of the second week of summer... Saturday, Daddy took you (and Uncle Jaybee and Ellie) CAMPING!!!  Oh my word, were you excited!  You guys left around lunch time and from about 10 o'clock until then you wanted to wear your backpack the entire time!  Finally Ellie arrived and y'all packed the truck!

 I said my goodbyes, told Daddy to keep the bears away, and told you to have a blast!!!  Daddy sent pictures periodically to me and I loved seeing your happy face on all of them!  Here's you and Ellie having a snack in the humongous tent ever! 

 You went on a hike down towards the river and go this pretty picture taken.  Daddy said it was a little dangerous getting you two on that rock but Uncle Jaybee was determined to do it.  I said as long as no bones were broken, I was fine with it :)

 You also went to the swimming pool but Daddy said that didn't last very long.  It was very crowded and huge.  Y'all decided to go to the playground and then cut open a delicious watermelon!

 Daddy and UJ built a fire and for dinner you roasted hotdogs and of course, s'mores!  The dads said bedtime was a little difficult but eventually you both did fall asleep.  Late, but asleep.  The next morning came early with being able to see that sun almost instantly!  Instead of building a fire, the dads opted for breakfast at a little country restaurant down the street, so y'all packed things up and headed home.  It was only a 25 minute drive, but you clearly needed a little nap!

Daddy said he had so much fun.  So much that he's already talking about whether we need to buy our own tent and when we can take Kate!!!  I think you had a blast, too!  What a fun trip for you and Daddy to do together, but Mommy wants to go next time, k!  

And that concludes our second week of summer Sista!  We have had so much fun this summer and we're only 2 weeks in.  But here's the sad part... Mommy is going on a 2 week trip to Germany on Wednesday, without you, sniff, sniff.  Happy part is you get to stay with Mimi those 2 weeks!!  Hooray!  Mimi has many things lined up for you to do including Farm Camp and a trip to the waterpark (a real water park!) and movies and I'm sure lots of nights at Aunt G's and Ash-ash's house, too! It's going to be a fun next couple of weeks, starting with this Monday when you go to Science Camp (here in Franklin) then on Wednesday, I'll pick you up from your last day at camp and we will head straight to Mimi's house.  SO exciting!!!  You can't wait.  You told me today "Mom, when Mimi runs out of healthy food, I'll just eat all her junk food."  To say the least, Mommy is sending some healthy foods with you!  

Love you Abby - I'm going to miss you like crazy while I'm gone but I know you will be having so much fun with all your family in Munford.  Love you always and always!!!  

First Week of Summer

Dear Abigail,
Let me just say it now, the summer of 2013 is going to be epic.  Mommy has done her research and I have lots of different things planned, along with some laid back things too like pool trips and story time.
This week, we started the week off maybe a little too epic - we went to see The Lion King at the TPAC.  If you recall, you have seen Mary Poppins, and we saw Alice in Wonderland, but nothing can compare to the production of Lion King and, therefore, we do not miss it when the opportunity to see it is here!  So much that Mimi stuck around another day just to go with us and your BFF drove up on Sunday morning, to see it with us!  You were ever so excited (as we all were) and we started off with brunch at Puckett's in downtown Nashville.  It was delicious and we even got to sit outside and watch all the people pass us by.  You requested bacon and fruit and ate it up like it was your last supper (along with grilled cheese).  Then we walked to TPAC.  Apparently Mimi promised she would buy you something, so after standing in line debating on what to get, you chose the big 'broadway' Simba.  I thought he was perfect because we already have a baby Simba.  You, too, thought so...

 We found our seats just in time to snap a couple pics...

 And then it was lights out.  Of course, that didn't stop you from asking ONE MILLION questions.  You were worse than watching a suspense movie with Mimi, seriously.  You also had a bit of trouble using your inside voice, or rather, your "they are on stage so be quiet" voice, but you did have some pretty insightful thoughts.  That, and also you were very concerned about Scar and then very concerned about the fire in the movie and whether that was going to happen for real.  I tried to tell you again and again that it was not, but you kept asking until finally it didn't happen.  Oh, and you thought it was HILARIOUS that you could see the dancers booties.  And pointed it out.  Every.  Single.  Time...  You and Mimi made a quick trip to the bathroom during intermission (where apparently you pointed out that someone was super tall and probably could touch the ceiling) and then back to the show, and questions.  At one point you said to me "Mommy, it makes me sad when other people are sad and other people are sad, so I am sad."  This was when the lions were crying because Mufassa died... Mommy was then sad because you were sad because the lions were sad.   You are too sweet.
After the show, we headed home where Daddy and Kate were waiting on us to grill out.  We all had a delicious dinner outside, showed Sarah some of your monkey bar tricks and enjoyed the first summer night.
On Monday, Mimi had to head out early, but Sarah stuck around a bit.  After y'all spent the morning playing in the playroom, we headed to eat at Blue Coast burrito then back home for a little catnap then off to the grocery store to stock up on some much needed groceries, since we had been gone for way too long!

On Tuesday, we headed to the swimming pool for the first time this summer.  Sadly, the pool less than a mile from our house (Franklin Y) was closed for a swim meet, so we ventured to the Maryland Farms Y.  We have never been, even last year, but I had heard it was pretty kid friendly.  Ha, that's an understatement!  It was awesome!   

I didn't take too many pics because I couldn't take my eyes off you two for too long, but it was SO much fun.  They have a water slide you can go down and then tons of water spout things that spray water and a big bucket that gets filled up and spills out then a kiddy pool and, well, lots of stuff.  If you can't tell, we will be making this trip often.  It's funny because 20 years ago I would never have though a 15 minute drive would have been considered "long", but now it does.  But, maybe after this summer and multiple trips to the "water park" as you like to call it, 15 minutes will seem like down the street :)

I love pool trips, too because they are so laid back and easy. Just throw some lunch in the cooler, put your gear on, and we're off.  No fixing the hair, not make up, just fun in the sun!  

 After the pool, we headed home for Kate's nap.  You decided you wanted to help me make dinner that night and I looked up and you were ready to help!

I have no clue what day this was, but you were super excited to show me that Kitty let you hold her.  I actually was kind of excited too because she's usually not this friendly.  Maybe she's getting kinder with age! 

 On Wednesday, Mommy had an eye appointment that I had to take both of you, too, and while I thought it was going to be okay, I then realized when I got there that I left the stroller at home.  Fine for you, but made me anxious due to your sister. BUT, good news is both of you were fine and you thought it was funny the way I couldn't see without my 'tontacts'.  It was a yucky morning with lots of rain, but it was supposed to clear up. I had promised you we could go swimming at the neighbors pool while Kate was napping.  You insisted that Kate needed to swim with us, and so as soon as we got home from the appointment, we got our gear on and walked next door.  It was a little too chilly for me to get in the pool, and apparently for you, too, or maybe you were just in a foul mood (I'm thinking the latter).  You just wanted to sit there on the edge of the pool, then you found a sassy attitude and couldn't shake it off, so after 3 time outs in a row (and a grand total of 20 minutes) we marched back over to our house and you pouted for the next 30 minutes.  I put Kate to sleep and you told me you needed privacy.  I thought you were trying to get on the IPad and when I looked under the covers (you were in my bed) you were just laying there, no IPad or phone or anything, but then you yelled at me for not giving you privacy and ran to your room where you crawled in your bed and napped for an hour and half!  Clearly you were tired.  After you awoke, you were happy as a clam and we continued on our adventures with a trip to Target, Costco and then Chick-fil-a for dinner.  Daddy was out for dinner and, well, Mommy just wasn't feeling it that night, so you got to choose (knowing exactly what you would choose!).  You and Bug ate then played then it was time to head home and go to bed, which you took a little extra time doing since you decided to nap!  

Oh, on a side note, Mimi wanted me to make sure to record this.  One morning this week, you woke up and told me that Mimi told you that if you eat a lot of chocolate, you get golden teeth, and, well, you wanted golden teeth, so you should eat a lot of chocolate.  I clarified that for you by explaining that if you get a golden tooth, the dentist has to pull the other one out and it hurts REALLY bad.  For a bit we were concerned that you would never eat chocolate again.  But alas, you still love it :)

On Thursday morning, I looked at the weather forecast and it called for a cloudy with chance of rain.  I decided to risk it and head to the zoo.  It was a last minute decision, but worth every bit! We were there right when it opened and the animals were as lively as ever.  It also was great because the sun was blaring down on us, and zero rain helped out!  

We decided to try a different path this time and head towards the birds then the elephants and giraffes.  

 You did a great job feeding the birds but this one in particular started nibbling on your hand and that didn't sit well with you.  Your time with the birds came quickly to an end.  Sister loved watching them fly right in front of us thought!
Next we saw the warthog moving around for what might have been the first time ever.  He's usually asleep.  We sang Hakuna Matata to him, but he didn't sing back...

 You also took Kate on a nature hike through the woods, while I walked on the sidewalk.  This was great until Kate fell and her whole face was covered in mud.  I tried to take a picture but it was so sad seeing her face covered.  Somehow, she only got her face and hair and hands...

 We cleaned her up and headed to the giraffes who were also very friendly today...

 The elephants, too, were wandering around quite a bit and eventually we made our way out of the 'safari' part of the zoo and to the ever so great carousel!  Kate wanted to ride, so we all got to ride!!  Another first!

After the carousel, we headed to the opposite direction, peered at the meerkats and then did another first!  We went to a zoo talk.  You loved it.  We got to see a real opossum, skunk, snake, hawk and turtle, and learn all about them, too!   

We then headed to your favorite - the petting zoo.  And, guess what finally arrived??? The baby camels!!  You were ever so excited and we had perfect timing - we got to see them get their bottles!

And lots of petting of the goats...

We packed a picnic for lunch, and after eating that we headed to burn some energy at the play ground.  We love that playground, but it's SOO big it scares Mommy when you just run off.  Now Kate's starting to do the same thing, but you've learned to just wait patiently for Mommy at our spot.  By 12:30ish, we were done!  We hopped in the car and headed home...

It did end up raining pretty bad, but we were home by then.  It was a good afternoon of relaxing and playing in the playroom.
Friday was a whole other new adventure.  Some of Mommy's friends had mentioned this goat farm in Franklin, where they raise the goats and make yummy goat cheese.  They have tours every Friday or at least most Fridays, so Mommy decided we'd try it out.  I even talked Miss Kristin into taking Jacob and Anna!  So, Friday at 1:30, we went to Noble Springs Goat Farm.  We were a little concerned at first because it felt like we were driving up someone's driveway, which we were, but we were thinking there would at least be a sign or something.  But don't judge a book by it's cover.  Mr. Farmer (I can't remember his name, and you kept calling him "The Farmer") came out and was just nice as can be.  We started the tour off by hiking down this trail to look for the 2 horses that live on the farm, Snowflake and something else.

You and Jacob were loving it!  Just running down the trail, free as the wind. Sadly, we didn't see them (at least not then) because they were enjoying the acres and acres of land they have free to roam, and the shade!  We headed back towards the goats but first made a pit stop at the chicken coop!  Here, Mr. Farmer pulled some eggs out of the egg holder (yeah, not up on my farm terminology) and one of the eggs was blue!  I never knew a chicken could lay a blue egg, but they can.

This was everyone's favorite chicken.  She had quite the hairstyle going on...

And then there were the 2 chickens that seem to get out of the cage every day (per Mr. Farmer).  Anna LOVED these chickens and you and Jacob didn't mind chasing them around either!!!

We had one more stop before the goats - baby chicks!  These were SO precious and you begged and begged to hold one but Mr. Farmer said he was too scared it would fall and run away, so we all settled for petting it!

Finally!  The goats!!  There were baby goats that LOVED attention from anyone!  They would just follow you kiddos up and down the gate.  

And apparently a little stinky, too!

We also saw the daddy goats, just a few of those, and then we saw all the momma goats roaming the hills of the farm.  After petting lots and lots of goats, Mr. Farmer took us inside the milking station and showed us how they bring the goats in and hook them up to the machine to get yummy goat milk! 

He continued to show us how they turn that milk into even yummier cheese.  It's a really neat process and I think Mommy and Miss Kristin led the team with questions :)  You kiddos just wanted to pet more goats! The best part, though, was getting to taste the yummy goat cheese!!  I LOVED it, you, not so much.  Understandable, though.  It's a rather strong taste, but man alive it was so good.  He had several different flavors and Mommy had to buy a couple to take home with her :) All in all, it was a great day on the goat farm with Jacob and Anna!

When we left the goat farm, you were whining like crazy at how thirsty you were.  While we were technically in Franklin, we were REALLY close to Lieper's Fork, so I decided we'd just hop on over to Puckett's for a little afternoon treat!  

That's right - ice cream!!  And, while we were there, a little boy and maybe his grandpa decided to start playing the guitar and drums, so we had some live music while eating ice cream!  We had pretty good timing too because the rain didn't quite hit us until we were safe back at home!  Everyone rested and then we all took showers, since we smelled like a goat farm!  Miss Lauren came to babysit you guys Friday night while Mommy and Daddy went to see a play (Caroline's mommy was the star!!), so you had a fun filled Friday, too!  

Saturday brought on tons of fun when the whole gang came over to play for Daddy's birthday party.  Daddy grilled ribs for everyone and we had such a fun afternoon playing with everyone on the playground and in the playroom, too!  

After ribs, we all sang Happy Birthday to Daddy and got to eat chocolate cake and ice cream!!!  Actually, it was a chocolate cobbler that Mommy made for the first time and will absolutely make again!  Or at least that's what you told me :)
Here's us singing to Daddy!

After our bellies were full, we burned a little more energy and then everyone headed home while the Daddy's stuck around and played corn hole.  It was all Daddy wanted for his birthday :)
On Sunday, it was Daddy's actual birthday and so he got to pick what we did.  He was pretty jealous that we went to Puckett's in Lieper's Fork without him, so he decided he wanted to go there for lunch!  Ha, we have been to Puckett's 3 times in one week - that's crazy!  It was kind of yucky outside, but we managed to make it there for lunch and it was SUPERB!  You and Kate chose corn dogs and french fries, Daddy chose fried bologna sandwich and fried okra and Mommy got the burger and onion rings.  We clearly were not going for the health this meal!

All morning you kept asking if the waiters were going to sing to Daddy like they did for you and I kept trying to explain that we weren't going to that kind of place so when we got there you saw they had live music and insisted we tell them to sing for Daddy.  Well, when Daddy went potty, you ran up to the man and woman singing and told them it was your Daddy's birthday!  They loved it and then asked what his favorite song was and you told them Rocky Top!!  So... when Daddy came back out, they announced we had a birthday in the house and made everyone sing! Then they played Rocky Top and Daddy loved it!!!  You were so proud and excited, too.  And of course what's a trip to Puckett's without a little ice cream...

Afterwards, we walked around for about 2.8 seconds until we realized Kate wasn't going to hold our hands and was running like a banshee, so we headed back home.  First we came across this car you were determined to drive...

When we got home, you went with Mom to the store while Daddy got a nap (and Katie bug) and then we decided to eat healthy for dinner, or well, not really, it was more like left overs, but  nonetheless, it was healthier than lunch!  I think Daddy had a great birthday and I know we had fun celebrating it with him!  Love you Abs!!!