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!!!