Dear Abigail,
I think we're on weeks 5 and 6 of summer. I think... All I really know is we are all happy to be home, like for real home. So happy that we couldn't wait to go eat Mexican. It had been WAY too long since we have been and our friends were all very happy to see us unexpectedly on a Tuesday for lunch!
That Monday and Tuesday were mostly about getting back in the grove of things including grocery store trips and the gym and lots of time at home whether on the playground or in the playroom. It even included a little catching up sleep...
On Thursday of that week, it was Kid's Movie day at the local cinema. This was our first time doing this and it was fantastic. For a grand total of $8, you and Katie-bug both got a popcorn, a drink, fruit snacks and got to watch a movie (Mommy opted out for the popcorn but did get to watch the movie, for free since I wasn't eating the snack!). And shockingly, we had not seen the movie - Horton Hears a Who, which not so shockingly, we all loved! It's offered throughout the summer on Thursday's and I have made a mental note to add this to future calendars. Also, Ellie (and Kipper and Uncle Jaybee) met us there. Afterwards, you two posed for with Alvin :)
And gave him some love, too! That afternoon, we went to the downtown Franklin library to watch a special ballet performance by the Nashville Ballet. It was a ballet based on a kids book (that I can't remember) but is about the famous ballet statue (that I can't remember). Anyway, I do remember that you loved watching the girls twirl and the boys jump high in the air. It was in a small room, so we had very good views of it all. After the performance, they asked all the kiddos to come up and learn dance moves but you for some odd reason were too shy to do it! I was shocked, but you loved watching them teach everyone and kept looking back at me with wide eyes every time they twirled around! Here's you with the star of the show (the statue ballet dancer).
On Friday, we meet Jacob and Anna at the downtown Nashville library for July's puppet show. Now, if you recall, we loved the first one. For the second one, well, things were a little different. First off, it wasn't in the same place (the children's theatre) but instead was in this big auditorium. Because of that, we were a later than we had planned to be. Secondly, or maybe because we were late, we did not get a great seat and it was REALLY hard for you, even me, to see anything. Thirdly, it wasn't exactly a kid's puppet show. Now, don't get me wrong, it was really good, but I think it was more for adults because it was basically the life of country music. So all the puppets were country music singers and everyone of them sang a song, so there wasn't really any comedy in it, just starting with Johnny Cash going through the years of country music and ending with Taylor Swift! The puppeting (is that a work, no clue!) was fantastic and the puppets themselves were funny to Mommy and Miss Kristin because they looked like the singers, but then again, not really, but you asked multiple times when they were going to be done singing!! And did I mention we couldn't really see?? Anyway, all that said, it was just so, so. We'll be sure to sit that one out next year, or take Mammaw to it - she'd like it.
Right after the puppet show, we headed over to the Opryland Hotel to meet up with your buddy Tripp! Miss Jenny was in town for work and was staying there and brought Tripp and and Mr. Roy along with her. You were super excited to see Tripp and also a bit excited about getting to go swimming. It turned out to be a beautiful day and the Opryland Hotel is so awesome anyway! Tripp and you played for a long time (Kate even took a nap while you two swam!). We had some lunch and even found room for a special treat!
That night Miss Lauren came over while Mommy and Daddy went on a date (I say that because you think it is so funny to say we're going on a date. I have no clue where you got this from either!). The next morning, I couldn't resist snapping a picture of you and your sister on the monitor. You love her so much and you love playing with her in the crib when she wakes up! So sweet!!
After we woke up, we decided to meet Tripp and his fam at our 'waterpark' pool (Maryland Farms Y!). Man alive, was Tripp impressed!! You and Kate showed him the ropes and all three of you had a grand time!
During the week, you brought it to our attention that you had yet another loose tooth. That's right, another loose tooth. And, before we knew it, that tooth was a goner! Thankfully it did not happen at the pool, and you were so excited that the tooth fairy was going to come while Tripp was there. Now, on a side note, you are determined that the tooth fairy is Clara Lee. You claim she told you and that's all it took to believe her. I'm eager to see how this plays out. And yes, the tooth fairy did come see you Saturday night, leaving you with another golden coin, and a few chocolate ones, too!
Like I mentioned, Tripp came back to our house (with his fam) and we had a great night of grilling out and playing in the back yard. Thankfully the two of you did not find too much trouble to get into and enjoyed the beautiful day!
The next morning was a treat for you kiddos. Mr. Roy and Miss Jenny are on this cleansing gig so I politely didn't tempt them with any yummy breakfast casseroles and instead took you kiddos to the donut shop to pick a couple to eat! Okay, okay, that might have been a little mean, but none of the adults ate any, so at least they didn't feel the obligation to eat it! Anyway, you didn't seem to mind!
We had a fun weekend with Tripp and can't wait to see them here soon when football season starts.
On Monday of the next week (so like the 6th maybe???) you went to art camp! It was an all day gig and guess who got to go with you? Chloe and Cole! That's right, we even picked them up and you thought that was the greatest thing ever!
You guys painted several things including a canvas and a bird and little figurines. All very beautiful might I add. You and Cole were actually a little below the age group but I had called and asked if you could come anyway. They were totally fine with it but when I picked you all up the ladies said that both of you (and Chloe, too) were so well behaved and that they were a little nervous with 4 years old but you both proved them wrong with how well mannered and what good listeners you were. I was super proud!
The next day was 'get ready for more company' day, which to you means build a big fort and make Mommy have to clean up even more stuff. But it did occupy you and your sister for a good bit of time, and you both look so cute!
What company you ask? Well, this was a treat. So Mommy's very good friend (Miss Erin) all the way from 5th grade (so like a VERY long time ago) came to stay with us on Wednesday and brought her three beautiful daughters, Anna Lee, Elizabeth and Ellis. I was super, super excited. While we stay in touch on Facebook and every now and then see each other when I stroll through Memphis, it's very rare I get to sit down and have real conversations with her, plus I knew you'd get along fantastic with her girls. Miss Erin has always been a super special person to me, and her family, too so it was so nice to bring her to our house for a little visit. They arrived on Wednesday around lunch time, although no one wanted to eat lunch, and instead wanted to just play play play! You happily showed them the playroom and the 4 of you were friends in no time. Not too much after arriving, we took then to our Y pool. Now, here's the thing. Daddy and I have been pushing you to take the Y swim test all summer. You, however, keep saying you are scared, which maybe you are, but we kept telling you there was nothing to be scared of, but nonetheless, you were determined not to take it. Passing the test would mean you get to go down the slides and do the rock climb AND swim in the deep in, all by yourself, not near Mommy. But, like I said, you didn't want to. We didn't push too hard, but did try to encourage you and when we decided to take you and the girls to the pool, I knew that was all you would need. See, those 3 girls are on the swim team in Memphis, so they for sure would take the test and would for sure pass, so I just knew once you saw them, you'd do it. So... we venture to the Y and immediately head to the swim test area. You are saying no, no, no, you don't want to, so I say that's fine, but as Anna Lee is completing her test and Ellis jumps in for hers, you decide that you want to! Hooray!!
SO, here are the rules of the swim test. You must jump in, cannot touch the side, the rope or the bottom or you fail immediately, you cannot use goggles, you must do either the free style or the breast stroke, but you must do that one stroke the whole way, you must swim 25 meters (a full length of the pool) and then at the end, you must pull yourself out of the water. Oh, and Mommy's are not allowed to cheer you on and you can only take it once a day. Yeah, a little ridiculous, huh. Anyway, it was your turn and you were so excited. You jumped in and just started swimming, free style. Those arms were going and you were doing so good. We all were jumping on the other end of the pool, holding our hands over our mouths since we weren't allowed to cheer. You started going towards the side at one point but steered your way back to the middle. You got to the end, looked at the lifeguard and pulled yourself out. Mommy looked at the lifeguard for some kind of sign but got nothing, and you were running towards me crying you were so excited you did it! Mommy swung you around and Miss Erin and the girls were all hugging and cheering us on - everything was so great - then the lifeguard walked up and said, and I quote "I'm about to break some hearts. You three girls passed, but you did not" and pointed at you. OH. MY. GOD. I about lost it. I was so confused. We watched you swim the whole way, not touching the sides, pulling yourself out, and her looking at me , letting you run towards me with full excitement. She claims you doggy paddled for the last 5 feet. LAST 5 FEET. Oh man alive was Mommy one very upset little mommy. It took all I could not to go off on that teenage lifeguard. It was heartbreaking indeed, but I have to say, you took it all so well - much better than Mommy. At first you were confused and I had to explain that you had to wait another day to try again, but then you just accepted it and had fun anyway. I, on the other hand, was writing a speech in my head for the life guard manager. It was just a tad ridiculous that you didn't pass, but what made me so mad was the lifeguard let you believe that you passed, all of us, until she walked down decided to 'break some hearts.' And yes, I did report to the manager the next day I went to the gym. SO - here we are at the pool and the Avery girls are swimming around on the slide and rock climbing and you just sit back and watch. You are awesome little girl, very awesome. And it only gets better but I'll save that for another post! We had fun and Miss Erin and Mommy were able to chat it up. We eventually had to call it a day at the pool when a kid threw up, but it was time anyway! We needed some dinner (Mommy may have needed more than that I was still so fired up!) so we took the girls to Mellow Mushroom in downtown Franklin. They had never been and we love to show off our downtown.
You had to stick your feet up for some silly reason!
While it did take a bit longer than we wanted, it was a yummy meal and you were able to win a couple ducks at the arcade. After dinner, we headed home straight for the bed because we had a fun day prepared! On Thursday, we headed out early to the Nashville Shores waterpark! It was SO much fun and we for sure will head back, but we will wait until you are 48 inches high! You and Ellie were a little bit more limited on the slides you could do but that did not stop everyone from having fun. You and Ellis were a little unsure at first but after playing on the kiddy area for a bit, you decided the tube slide would be fun - and it was!!! You all went multiple times down the slides.
We had lunch outside the park at a little picnic table and all was well until you got attacked by fire ants! Miss Erin and Mommy were getting bit but you girls had your feet up but somehow they were all over your legs. After calming you down with a brownie (Miss Erin's idea!) we headed back into the park to cool off and enjoy more slide time! Eventually, this day, too, had to come to an end, this time due to terrible weather. We got caught there in the middle of a bad thunder and lightening storm and had to stay under this pavilion for way longer than we wanted. You helped Anna Lee play games on her phone while some crazy weather passed through. It was still raining when we left, so we had to say really quick goodbyes to the girls but you showed your loved by giving out hugs. You really liked playing with them and even insisted on wearing your hair like Anna Lee's. You even had her do it before we left for the park! Mommy was so happy they came for a visit and definitely want to make it an annual thing, if not figuring out a time before then!
You may be wondering where Kate is with all this excitement going on - well, we left her at home. Waterparks are not meant for 1 year olds, for sure! But, who might be home with her? Well, none other than Mimi, of course! When we got home you were happy to walk in to see Mimi, but more importantly, Nacho!! Ash-ash was at the beach and Mimi was dog sitting so she had to bring him. Between the water park and Nacho, this was one of your favorite days for sure! And of course getting to sleep with Mimi (and Nacho!).
On Friday, we took Mimi to our waterpark (again, the Maryland Farms Y) and boy was she impressed. You showed her all the tricks and she loved watching you slide. Anna and Jacob met us there, too and, as always, we had a blast with them! Friday night we FINALLY made it back to Friday night Mexican with Ellie and the crew and we were all giddy as can be! Uncle Jaybee even bought you two gumballs and you even got to play outside on the wall - a big treat for all!
Saturday, we went plant shopping with Mimi and helped her make our back porch a little nicer and then the three of us (me, you and Mimi) just did some old fashioned shopping for nothing in particular! It was a treat because usually we are in such a rush trying to get to one store to the next but we just wondered through several stores around the area! That night, Mommy and Daddy went on another date while you and Mimi and Kate went on your own date. You also spent some time hanging out with ole Nacheeee...
Sunday came and Mimi had to leave. Mimi wanted to take Katie-bug home with her but you had to stay because you had pioneer camp next week. You were NOT happy about this at first and it took a bit of convincing. Eventually you gave in when it was decided that YOU could go the next week to Mimi's by yourself but you had to go to camp first. You did try to sneak off with Mimi though. You told her you had a plan and while Mommy was inside, you'd run outside to tell Mimi bye one last time, but instead you'd just hop in the car with her. Hmmmmmm... Yeah, not a good plan, at all. Thankfully you didn't go through with it and stayed with Mommy. I am so happy you did because we had such a GREAT time, just me and you time. I called it Abby week and by the end of the week, Daddy was tired of Abby week!!! Ha!!
But more on that later. As you can see, summer is continuing to be awesome. Love you sweet girl!
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
