Abby May & Hope Marie: the Tuma sisters

Trick or Treat: Oct 31

2009-11-04T06:26:00.004-06:00

Hope as Tigger!

Hannah Montana!

Rehearsing her moves in the mirror...

When the time came to actually head out trick or treating, she decided she did NOT want to wear the wig, so she then became Miley Cyrus!

Dady's Deer: 10-31

2009-11-04T06:19:00.006-06:00

Joe got a deer while bow-hunting.

Abby & Hope wanted to be included in the photo.

Orange you glad it's almost halloween?? Oct 30

2009-11-04T06:06:00.006-06:00

Abby, Joe & Hope all sporting festive orange shirts.

Hope got a Halloween tattoo at daycare on Friday...pretty cute!

Abby teasing Hope with her sucker.

GOT IT!

The Pumpkin Patch - Oct 25

2009-10-28T06:54:00.007-05:00

It was a dreary, drizzly day, but our spirits were cheery.

We went to the pumpkin patch to get our Halloween pumpkins.

This is where naughty girls go...JAIL!

Looking for the perfect pumpkin.

New Hats from Grandma - Oct 24

2009-10-28T06:44:00.004-05:00

Abby & Hope's grandma made them new matching hats...they love them!

Hope: 7 months old - Oct 24

2009-10-28T06:26:00.004-05:00

Sleeping Beauties - Oct 23

2009-10-28T06:21:00.002-05:00

Abby & grandma in their matching PJ's

A Hair-Raising Good Time: Oct 23

2009-10-28T06:08:00.005-05:00

Fun with wigs!

Early Snow - Oct 10th

2009-10-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

We woke up the morning of Oct 10 to a startling sight.........

*S*N*O*W*

Hope's 6 month portraits

2009-09-29T06:50:00.008-05:00

Hope: 6 months old - Sep 24

2009-09-29T06:38:00.003-05:00

Had a harder time capturing the Hope of the Month photo this go-round...she kept trying to eat her sign!

Abby traying to help her sister.

Happy kids!

funny girl Sep 22

2009-09-29T06:28:00.002-05:00

Having some fun with Hope!

bandwagon fans sep 20

2009-09-29T06:21:00.003-05:00

They are such cute super fans!

old pops - sep 17

2009-09-29T06:15:00.004-05:00

Some recent pics of Joe with his sweeties.

Jetskiing - Sep 12

2009-09-29T06:07:00.004-05:00

Our friend Keith came up for a day of fun on the water...and he brought his big boy toys!

Cabin Trip : Labor Day 09

2009-09-09T21:52:00.006-05:00

We spent a weekend up at the cabin doing some work & some play.

Uncle Chad took the kids for a four-wheeler ride.

We went pontooning and Evan got to drive the boat.

We saw an eagle on our way to the sandbar.Joe worked on his fish house a lot while we were there. Hope & grandma inspected the progress.
Emma, Abby, Evan, Grandma, Hope & Grandpa.

The counstruction crew...Joe, his dad, and his grandpa.

Emma & Abby riding bikes.

Evan driving the jeep.

Hope with great-grandma.

Emma & Abby poolside.

Feeding each other popcorn.

MN State Fair - 9/1/09

2009-09-08T20:58:00.004-05:00

Joe & I played hooky and took Abby to the fair for the day!Abby did a toddler version of a bunggee jump.

Abby & mom on the dragon coaster.

Joe & Abby on the giant slide.

Hope: 5 months old - Aug 24

2009-08-26T06:23:00.003-05:00

Photo Fun: Aug 24

2009-08-26T06:10:00.004-05:00

Joe & Hope posing for a snapshot.
Three happy girls.

Joe & his princesses.

Who are these red hat ladies?!?

Abby & Joe goofing around with dress up accessories.

GO VIKES: Aug 21

2009-08-26T05:39:00.004-05:00

Hope got into the spirit of Purple Pride/Favre Fever by donning her cheerleader uniform for Friday's pre-season game. She couldn't peel her eyes away from the screen long enough for me to even take her picture...she couldn't believe her eyes...

a PURPLE NUMBER FOUR?!? What?!?

"I'm so happy Favre is a Viking," says Hope.

"Rah rah rah...go purple!"

(unofficial) Rollover: aug 16

2009-08-16T15:25:00.006-05:00

Hope gets SOOOOOOOOOO close to rolling over. But just doesn't seem ready to commit to going all out.

On her back.

Tips to the side.

Reaching for it.

I'm STUCK! And I'm mad!!!

Playing Barbies - Aug 15

2009-08-16T15:15:00.003-05:00

Abby asked her sister Hope if she would play Barbies with her.

And apparently, Hope said, "yes."

And so they played.

Baby Barbie.

Jewelry Party: Aug 7

2009-08-16T15:12:00.002-05:00

Abby & Hope had a little bling session with each other. They both looked totally fab!

Abby kissing her sister Hope.

Two very accessorized girls.

"You look great!"
"No, darling, YOU look great!"

Have it YOUR Way Abby May : BK Aug 2

2009-08-16T15:05:00.003-05:00

Abby's favorite place is Burger King.
It has absolutely nothing to do with what's on the menu...
...it's all about the playland.

Hope & Grandma lounging while Abby plays.

Hope: 4 months old - July 24

2009-07-25T08:39:00.003-05:00

Rice cereal - July 21

2009-07-25T08:17:00.002-05:00

Hope's first attempt at rice cereal...

Not so much a fan.

July 4, 2009

2009-07-07T20:29:00.009-05:00

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday...and I love living in a town that celebrates it with great pizzazz!

Abby & Hope & I pre-parade.

Abby at the parade...enjoying a cool glass of lemonade.Hope at the parade.The color guard.Abby wearing the sticker mask she got from one of the floats.Hope chose a nap over the parade.Later in the day we went pontooning & swimming.

Abby & Haley exploring at The Point.Abby & Emma wading in the water.Emma & Hope & I on the boat.Happy Little Hope on the boat.Some of our neighbors had some super fun water toys at their houses.

Abby on Charlie's waterslide.Evan & Jack in the pool.All the kiddos taking a breather before heading out for fireworks.

We took a Wizar of Oz break.

Out on the pontoon for fireworks.

Abby & Emma with Carrie & Chad.Ooooooh! Aaaaaaah!
Hope slept through all the fireworks!

Hope: 3 months June 24

2009-06-24T21:47:00.001-05:00

The newest installment of the Hope of the Month Club.

Happy Father's Day: June 21

2009-06-21T22:08:00.002-05:00

Abby & Hope took Joe to a Twins game for Father's Day.

We made a "circle me Bert" sign.Hope even put on her rally cap...but no luck the Twins lost.

Two hits the whole game...ugh!

On a positive note...Abby had her very first Dome Dog!

Redneck First Aid: June 17

2009-06-21T22:05:00.001-05:00

Abby fell off a chair in the living room and bonked her lip. She walked into the kitchemn, opened the fridge, and grabbed a cold beer can to hold on to the sore lip.

For real.

Joe & I just looked at each other accusatorily.

Cabin: June 11-13

2009-06-16T21:44:00.010-05:00

We had a great long weekend up at the cabin...

There were lots of nature walks:

Joe & Emma & Abby found a deer's jawbone.

The Nature Walk Guide...daddy a/k/a/ Uncle Joe

Abby & Emma off for a nature walk

Me with Abby & Emma

Out on the pontoon with Abby & Hope

At the sandbar

Joe driving the boat with two co-pilots

Joe & Hope

The kids swimming in the kiddie pool

Abby lounging in the sun

Abby & Grandma
Evan

Abby & Emma

A Campfire

Emma, Abby & Evan at the campfire

Evan with Uncle Joe

Emma & Abby

Making s'mores with grandma

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall - June 7

2009-06-16T21:36:00.004-05:00

We have found that Hope LOVES to look at herself in the mirror.

She smiles.

And laughs.

And talks.

And squeals with delight!

Scary the Clown - June 5

2009-06-16T21:09:00.004-05:00

It was circus week at Abby's daycare...and one day she came home with her face painted like a clown.

It was actually a bit scary!! I think it was the eyebrows!

Abby & Hope - June 9, 2009

2009-06-10T09:18:00.003-05:00

Abby's 3 Year Portraits

2009-06-09T17:26:00.005-05:00

Hope's 3 month portraits

2009-06-09T17:18:00.003-05:00

Out & About: the Zoo & the Beach - May 31

2009-06-01T22:38:00.006-05:00

Sunday was a beautiful day, so we hit the Zoo.

Abby got a chance to splash in the water fountain.

Abby & Joe in front of the camels.We went to check out the new Africa exhibit.

A blurry zebra.

An ostrichA giraffe.This was Hope's first trip to the zoo...but not sure how much she got out of it.

She spent most of her time either totally covered from the sun in the stroller.Or asleep on my chest in the baby bjorn.

Here she is awake watching the sea otters!

The day continued to be beautiful...so the fun had to go on.

Off we went to the beach!

The water was still a little chilly...but you got used to it.

Hope, again, took a nap.

(this kid loves to snooze!)

outside fun - May 30

2009-06-01T22:08:00.004-05:00

Abby got a fun new toy recently...a Barbie 4-wheeler, which she has been enjoying riding all over the neighborhood.

Hope seems to like being outside too...

although on this particular day, she napped through all her sister's fun.

the Children's Museum: May 26

2009-06-01T21:05:00.006-05:00

We had a great time at the Children's Museum. We always do! (Love that place.)

Abby showed off for her grandma, and Hope mostly slept.

Abby painting rocks with water up on the rooftop.

Abby playing in the sand.

Dressing up like Cleo from Clifford.

And dancing in front of the big screen.

Abby spent a big chunk of time pretending to work in the Chinese Restaurant.

Here she is taking her grandma's order.

Cooking it up.

Serving the food.

Cleaning up the kitchen.

(maybe she can be in charge of dinner at home?!?)

Hope's New Tricks - may 2009

2009-06-01T19:16:00.008-05:00

This little gal is not just a pretty face...she's got some skills! She seems to be learning a new trick every day.

Here she is sleeping...okay...not really a trick...but it's a cute photo.

Here she is working out at the Baby Gym.

She can also hold toys in her hand. Though I am not certain she knows she is doing so.

Hope has learned how to put her hand in her mouth.

Which she now does frequently and with great delight!

Here she is concentrating on her goal and lining up her mark.

BINGO! Got it right in the kisser!

Another success.

And here is a near miss. Try again!

Abby is THREE - May 25

2009-05-30T13:44:00.005-05:00

On Abby's actual birthday we had a lot of fun doing things of her choosing. We went to the park near our house and spent lots of time playing outside. We went to Burger King for lunch, which is her favorite place because they have a playland. Now that she is THREE she has decided she can climb up that burger king playland without any help...and she also decided she can pump her legs while swigning...but then as her little legs got tired, she announced she might not be able to pump on the swing until she is FOUR.

At dinner we had a JUMBO cupcake with three candles for Abby.

Hope: Two Months Old - May 24

2009-05-30T13:40:00.005-05:00

Hope is 2 months old and doing great!

Newest stats:

10 lbs 8.5 oz

22.25 inches

60 years - May 23

2009-05-30T13:32:00.003-05:00

Joe's grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week. There was a party to celebrate. Abby practiced saying" Happy Annie-versary" all day so she would get it right when she saw Grandpa Charlie & Grandma D as she calls them.

Here are Charlie & Dolores with their great-grandkids:

Emma, Abby, Hope & Evan.

Abby & Emma

Grandma Kathy with Evan, Abby & Emma

Abby's 3rd birthday party - may 17

2009-05-20T16:35:00.006-05:00

We had Abby's 3rd bithday party this past weekend and had a super fun day!

She was very spoiled by her relatives and got many excellent gifts.

Her big cousin Evan has outgrown his Leappad game, so he gave it to Abby. She is VERY excited to have a big kid video game! (She calls it her "DS.")

Dinner was cheese hot dogs, mac & cheese & mandarin oranges...Abby's favorite things.

The party theme was Dora...here is the cake Abby's grandma worked on for many many many hours! (Thanks mom!!)

Abby loved it when everyone was singing happy birthday to her!

And then she blew out the candle!

Hope enjoying her big sister's big day.

Joe & I with Abby and the pinata.

This is Abby's "Crabby Abby Apple Tree" that we planted on her first birthday. It is growing almost as fast as she is!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! We love you!

smile! may 14

2009-05-20T16:19:00.003-05:00

Nearly as difficult to catch on film as Bigfoot....a baby's early smiles!

She's so sweet!

Rub-a-dub-dub! ~ May 13

2009-05-20T14:11:00.005-05:00

Abby helped me give Hope a bath in the kitchen sink. She thought it was HILARIOUS to give a bath in a sink...so I showed her photos of HER taking baths in the sink when she was a baby.

This is how Abby smiles for photos these days....CHEEEEEEEESE!

Mother's Day - May 10

2009-05-20T14:00:00.003-05:00

Abby & I spent a portion of mother's day at Como Zoo...just the two of us. It was a very nice treat for both of us to have some one-on-one time.

We had so much fun! Abby went on a ton of rides (and I went on the teacups with her...note to self: I am too old to go on spinny around rides...ugh!)

We ended the outing with a corndog...and a smile. Yum!

Fishing with her Best Friend - May 9

2009-05-20T13:36:00.002-05:00

Abby has declared that her dad is her very best good buddy...here are some pics of the two of them fishing together.

Pinky the Leech - May 9

2009-05-20T13:23:00.002-05:00

The night before the MN fishing opener, Abby accompanied her dad to the bait shop. They bought leeches and minnows for th next day's outing. Abby became enthralled by the leeches. Joe let her play with one, and Abby decided his name was Pinky. She carried him around all that night. Pinky even took a bath with Abby that night. When bedtime came, she burst into tears when we told her that Pinky could not sleep in her bed with her.

Pinky spent the night in plastic cup full of water int he fridge and the next morning at about 6am Abby came running into our bedroom and asked, "Can I go check on Pinky now??"

Here she is holding her friend.

She tried to take his picture with her Cinderalla "camera phone".

Pinky's life was short...but full of love. Pinky was dead...and flushed down the toilet...just a few hours after these photos were taken.

Hope: 1 month ~ Apr 24

2009-04-25T20:00:00.002-05:00

Hope was one month old on Apr 24

Floating Happy Hour - Apr 23

2009-04-25T19:28:00.005-05:00

Happy Hour on Forest Lake...

we took the pontoon out for a spin...and met up with our friendly neighbors doing the same.

Hope was actually awake this time. She seemed pretty happy.
Millie came along...she seemed happy.
Joe was fishing...he was happy.

Abby was playing in the minnow bucket...she was happy.
Me?? I was happy too! See?
That makes it a happy hour...all around!

BONUS SHOT: I call this one "Sun's out...guns out."

Fishing Buddies - Apr 23

2009-04-25T12:21:00.002-05:00

Below photo is where you can find Abby most days: two steps behind Joe. Tagging along and talking non-stop. "Daddy, why do the minnows breathe water? Why does a bobber float? Do fish have daddies? Why can't we touch the fishy's eye?"

They are the best of friends, and they share a common love of fishing.

Baby's first fishing hat.

Surprising Daddy: Apr 22

2009-04-25T10:35:00.004-05:00

With a budget of five dollars, and a heart full of good intentions, we decided to make daddy's birthday extra festive! Off to the crappy dollar store we went to get birthday decorations! We found an aisle full of cheapie decor...and loaded up on Cat in the Hat trinkets! Banners, whistles, hats...you name it!

Upon our return home, we started off on making a cake.
Here are the festive party hats!

And the completed cake.

Millie wore a hat tooo...but was pretty angry about it...no photos taken.

Bath for Two - Apr 15

2009-04-17T15:27:00.004-05:00

Hope's first time in a tub...

Abby volunteered to get in to help her.

She looks a little unimpressed, no?

Easter: Apr 10 & 12

2009-04-17T14:53:00.005-05:00

Abby did a fabulous job dipping her eggs this year. No major toxic spills!

Showing off the completed product.

The Easter Bunny came...he brought candy & a new movie.

Hope must have been reflecting on the true spirit of Easter.

The Easter Bunny brought booties & a bib & a new onesie.

Crappies! (plus slimerocket) ~ Apr 10 & 16

2009-04-17T14:35:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again!

Spring arrives...and as the

ice disappears, the fishies return.

The trusty Barbie pole has been hard at work.

Everyone gets a little bit hyped up during the big crappie bite.

Neighbors John & Jack were slaying em too.

Abby also caught another slimerocket (a/k/a Northern).

Baby's First Boat Ride: Apr 14

2009-04-15T20:09:00.003-05:00

I am very obviously a "second-timer"...we embarked on a very important voyage.....Hope's first pontoon ride without me bringing along my camera! (bad mommy!) So compliments of my cell phone...this is the only photo of Hope's first sail.

Bathing Beauty - Apr 4

2009-04-04T17:14:00.004-05:00

Hope was getting a sponge bath on the counter and spotted a pretty baby looking back at herself in the mirror.

Who is that beautiful girl??

Sleeping Beauty Apr 4

2009-04-04T17:05:00.004-05:00

I forgot...babies really do just sleep a lot.

A LOT.

Here is Hope snoozing.

Too many pics...the flash woke her up.

I'm a Cowgirl! - April 4

2009-04-04T16:43:00.008-05:00

Saturday morning we recieved a very very exciting invitation...

Would Abby like to ride horseys??

Abby was beside herself with excitement, and immediately ran upstairs to her dressup bin to put on her turquoise sequined cowboy hat... "I'm a cowgirl!" she said again & again.

Abby LOVES horseys and was SO thrilled to get the chance to ride one! We are so lucky to have such thoughtful friends that were willing to include Abby on this fun day.

This horseys name is Scotty...and Abby kept patting him on the side and saying:

"Giddyup Cotty!!"

This was also actually JOE'S first time on a horsey too.

He was less enthusiastic about the experience.

(And he did not put on a turquoise sequined cowboy hat.)

After the horsey action, Abby also got to go on a four-wheeler ride with her friend Tyler.

Eyes - Mar 31 & Apr 1

2009-04-02T10:11:00.003-05:00

Per request....some photos with open eyes.

Enjoy.

Momma I'm Coming Home: Mar 27-30

2009-04-02T09:36:00.007-05:00

Hope & I got the green light from the docs to head for home...we packed up our things and hit the road.

Hope paused for a quick pic with her friend Dr. Magnusson.

Auntie Carrie & Hope

Millie meeting her newest sister upon our arrival at home.

(she's smacking her lips...a little unsettling, no??)

Abby was so eager to help out and wanted to hold her sister.

And hug her sister.

And kiss her sister.

Abby being a helper.

Hope checking out her old pops.

Abby & Hope

Joe with his two little girls.

Hope taking her first bath at home.Millie snuggling her sister.

a BIG Sister is Born! Mar 24, 2009

2009-03-28T11:11:00.003-05:00

Welcome Hope Marie Tuma...the little sister of Abigail May.
Born March 24 at 10:13 am.
6lbs 10 oz; 20 inches long.

the Science Museum: March 7

2009-03-12T21:53:00.004-05:00

We spent the morning at the Science Museum in St. Paul.

Dinosaurs were the fan favorite for sure...

Abby with her friends Tyler & Hannah.

Abby & Tyler in a barrel the size of a dinosaur tummy.

Abby & Joe

Ice Princess - Feb 8, 2009

2009-02-09T17:28:00.006-06:00

We took to the ice to see what luck would bring our way.

Abby helping Joe run the auger.

The fine art of bucket-sitting

A teeny little crappie came up to see us first.

Ice Princesses

"IT'S A MONSTER!" says Abby.

"Nope," says Joe, "It's a slimerocket!"

"Oh cool! Slimerocket!" says Abby.

Abby was SO pleased with her catch she hugged it and hugged it and hugged it.

She was covered in stinky northern slime, but she was also coated in glory!

Junior Assistant - Feb 1

2009-02-02T21:22:00.004-06:00

Sunday morning I witnessed my darling daughter cleaning doggie nose-prints off of the deck door. She could be heard muttering..."Naughty Dog Millie. No kissing window."

Oh Help, Oh No, It's a Gruffalo! - Jan 31 2009

2009-02-02T21:14:00.009-06:00

Abby's Grandma treated her (& me & cousin Kayla) to a performance of The Gruffalo at the Children's Theater. Fabulous fun!

She laughed.

She cried (when the gruffalo came running into the audience right by us).

She wanted to see it again.

Grandma, Abby & Kayla on their way into the theater.

Abby picked out her dress & fancy blck shoes for the performance.
Abby & Grandma right before the start of the show.

Should See the Other Guy ~ Jan 29 2009

2009-02-02T21:14:00.006-06:00

Abby took a header on her way up the stairs the other night. Socks & carpet collided and her chin took the brunt of it. It is a red raspberry of a rug burn that is going to take a few weeks to heal.

My witty husband has coached Abby so that when asked, "Abby, what happened to your chin?"

She responds, "You should see other guy!"

priceless.

Wise Lady - Jan 27

2009-01-30T10:46:00.000-06:00

On the way home from daycare the other night, Abby said to me,
"Mommy, teacher said to me today, 'Abby you all done talking. Now teacher talk.'"

I asked her, "Uh-oh. Did your teacher tell you you needed to listen?"

"Yes."

"That's hard sometimes, isn't it?"

"Yes, I like talk more."

"Well Abby, you know what you need to do?"

"What?"

"You need to listen really good to all the things your teacher is trying to teach you so that you get really really smart. And then someday, you can be the one to talk and everyone else will listen to you."

Later that night Abby told Joe & I that when she grows up she will be a teacher. She said, "And then Abby talk and talk and talk and everyone listen to Abby!"

'Nastics: Jan 14 & Jan 21

2009-01-22T07:23:00.006-06:00

Jan 14th was Beach Week at gymnastics. The kids got to wear their swimsuits instead of leotards and all the circuits were "accessorized" with beach themed decor.

Ta-Da!
Abby was asked to demonstrate for the class on beams

And on the jumping circuit.

(you can almost see the "tada" coming out of her mouth.)

Then on Jan 21, it was Bring-a-Friend Week. Abby invited her friend Tyler.

Here they are warming up & stretching.

Abby was "showing off" a little for her friend.

Abby & Tyler.
They blew up the big bouncer.

And Abby bounced non-stop for about 10 minutes.
Abby & Tyler "shimmy-ing" on the bars.
Here Abby reached over and asked Tyler, "Are you having fun Ty-Ty?"

A Special Guest Star - Jan 19

2009-01-19T12:55:00.003-06:00

On the drive to daycare, Abby announced that she was expecting a special visitor.

"Rock Obama is coming to Apple 'Cademy today," she said.

I asked her to repeat herself...and clear as day, she said, "Rock Obama is coming to Apple 'Cademy to play with Abby."

I tried explaining the flaws in this belief...first that he lived very far away in a town called Washington D.C, and second that he was going to be a VERY busy man the next few days. But Abby was really rather certain that she was going to be seeing Barack today.

(If she DOES get to play with "Rock Obama" mommy's going to be pretty jealous.)

Ice Skating - Jan 11

2009-01-11T14:29:00.002-06:00

Not quite Olympic level...or even Ice Capades level...but we have a new skater in the family.

New Years Eve

2009-01-03T09:30:00.005-06:00

Do we know how to have a good time or what?!
(no need to mention these photos were taken closer to 7pm than midnight!)

More Christmas Fun - Dec 27

2009-01-03T09:28:00.002-06:00

A big hit this year was read-a-long story books. Grandma & Grandpa came to our house to celebrate Christmas. They brought Abby many gifts...including three princess books that you could read, and listen to at the same time. They are getting a lot of miles this past week. Abby likes to follow along with her finger as she "reads" them to mom, or dad, or Millie, or her dolls.

Xmas day in Northfield

2009-01-03T09:19:00.005-06:00

Abby received a giant horsey from her aunt & uncle & cousins.

Of course, Emma received a giant Barbie doll from us.

Cinderella-Abby with her fairy Godmother.

Evan & Grandpa both got new masks for xmas.

Emma got a beauty parlor! She looks so happy!

So does Chad who got the pleasure of putting it together.

Abby applies her makeup.

Christmas Eve at Home

2009-01-03T09:06:00.006-06:00

We celebrated Christmas Eve at home.

THANKS UNCLE JON...Abby loved the new Barbie that he sent.

Abby also got to open her gifts from mom & dad....a whole lot of girly dress up clothes.

And bling.

Joe, Abby & Millie watching Charlie Brown Christmas.

Good grief!

Finally, Abby got her jammies on and set out cookies and milk for Santa.

(she snitched a little nibble for herself too!)

Big Girl Bedroom - Dec 8

2009-01-03T09:02:00.004-06:00

Abby moved down the hall to her new big girl bedroom...
the walls are pink! (per her request.)
Here she is reading books in bed.

Ho Ho Ho - Dec 6, 2008

2008-12-07T22:24:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again...jolly old Saint Nick!

We have been talking about Santa for the last few weeks and invoking his name as a reminder for Abby to try her best to be a good girl.

Saturday we went to see him. Abby walked up, gave him a hug and announced that she was a GOOD girl. Santa asked her what she would like for Christmas...she told him a Princess Toy.

Popcorn Posse - Nov 30

2008-12-02T22:12:00.004-06:00

Abby has inherited several of her dad's traits. His passion for teasing people, his pretty blue eyes, his slightly less than attractive toes...and a powerful preference for POPCORN!

Here Abby, Joe, & Millie are sharing a giant bowl of popcorn.

Abby is working on improving the "shovel method" of cramming an entire handful of popcorn into her mouth at once.

We LOVE popcorn!

MORE popcorn!!!

Here Abby is on a solo popcorn mission.

Vid Kids - Nov 29

2008-12-02T22:06:00.002-06:00

We went over to Evan & Emma's house to play on Saturday.

Evan has adopted his dad's old Sega Genesis and was demonstrating his gaming prowess to his little cousin Abby.

Gobble Gobble! - Nov 27

2008-12-02T22:03:00.004-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Me, Abby, & Mom.

'NASTICS! - Nov 26

2008-12-02T21:48:00.004-06:00

Abby has begun taking gymnastics classes...and she LOVES them.

Gymnastics, or NASTICS! as Abby calls them, are a great way to burn off some energy now that the weather has turned colder.

Imagine a dozen 2 and 3 year olds all bouncing off the walls for an hour each Wednesday. It's pretty nuts-o! Abby does her best to listen to her teacher and learn the new routines each week...but I am begining to suspect that she really just looks forward to the part of the night when they blow up the big inflatable bouncer.

Here Abby is about to perform a forward roll...a/k/a a sommersault.

And here she is modeling her pink leotard at home.

Fall Fun - Nov 1

2008-12-02T20:24:00.003-06:00

Uncle Jon was here visiting for a few days from Arizona...so te remind him of the joys of life in Minnesota, we let him help us with raking leaves.

Here Abby & Uncle Jon take a break for some fun.

Trick or Treat - Oct 31

2008-11-03T20:50:00.004-06:00

We went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood on Friday.

Abby's "practice" house was at our neighbor's door. Once the candy hit the bag...she caught on pretty quickly.

Abby (Elmo) was joined by Jack (Luke Skywalker) and Charlie (Yoda)...a pretty good pair to hit the 'hood with.

Tub for Two - Oct 30

2008-11-03T20:43:00.003-06:00

You know you have a TRUE friend when you can share bathwater.

Abby & Haley splish-splashed together the other night.

Our Little Pumpkin - Oct 26

2008-10-27T20:39:00.003-05:00

Abby & Joe worked together to carve our pumpkins for Halloween.

FIRST, they were creative with the pumpkins...Then it became creative photography time...

Here is the Mount Rushmore of Pumpkin Heads:

And to keep it a little more Minnesota...here is a Pumpkin Totem Pole!

And then Abby held the pumpkin on dad's head!

AFTER photos - 1st Haircut ~ Oct 20

2008-10-21T17:55:00.002-05:00

Simply marvelous, darling!

Abby's first haircut - Oct 19

2008-10-19T19:34:00.006-05:00

After much deliberation...the time for the first haircut was upon us.

Abby's hair had gotten so long...but it was taking on a touch of the "rat-tail" look...a la early 90's skater dudes.

First Abby watched Daddy get his hair cut to get an idea of how things would play out. (Note...This was the longest she stood still in many many moons.) She kept watching her dad's face to make sure he was having fun.

A BEFORE photo of the mini fe-mullet.
Abby got to sit in a fancy car chair, and watched VeggieTales while getting her hair done.

She seemed to enjoy the process and did a good job of tilting her head when she was asked to...she also treated her stylist to an acapella version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
At the end, her stylist even sprayed some "princess sparkles" in her hair...very fancy!!

I.O.U. an AFTER photo...will post ASAP. It looks really great! All clean and straight...like a little woman.

Pumpkin Patch Oct 12

2008-10-12T22:24:00.004-05:00

We spent Sunday morning with our friends the DesJardins and the Steffensmeirs picking out pumpkins.

Abby wanted to find a little pumpkin.

There was a little village of Halloween cutouts that Abby got to cruise around in. Here she is attending "Ghoul School".
Abby with her friends Haley & Hannah.

Fire Hall Open House - Oct 11

2008-10-11T15:22:00.006-05:00

October is Fire Safety month...so the FLFD had an open house so that kids could come explore the firehall and the BIG YELLOW fire trucks.

Abby got her own Fire Chief hat.

Abby & Joe got to climb into the big tanker truck.

The firemen were doing kiddie fingerprints.
Abby pretended to drive this big rig.

We topped the day off with a hot dog for lunch...who could ask for more!

Fall Yard Work: Oct 11

2008-10-11T14:57:00.004-05:00

Most of the year, we feel very lucky to have big beautiful trees in our yard.

However...in the fall, the big pine trees that edge one side of our house begin to drop their needles and blanket our yard. We have to clean 'em up, or else our grass is toast the next year.

Joe & Abby spent Saturday morning doing the first of several pine needle clean up patrols.

It's not ALL work...

...it's kind of FUN too!

MN Childrens Museum ~ Oct 4

2008-10-05T13:59:00.011-05:00

Abby & I spent a fantastic morning exploring the MN Children's Museum this weekend.

We both had a BLAST!

In the Habitot Gallery Abby pretended to be a frog on a lily pad.

And she peered down an ice hole at a big fishie.
She also pretended to be a turtle.

In the Our World exhibit, Abby took a turn driving the Metro Transit bus. She shopped for produce in the market.
And then took a turn at being the Checkout Girl...

...kind of like her mom back in the days of Leuken's Village Foods!

I questioned her on how one bottle of tide would ring up as $600 dollars...

and she got a little flustered.

Abby created a visual masterpiece in the Creativity Room.

It is now prominantly displayed on our dishwasher at home.

We also made a hat with boingy antennaes out of recycled paper.

In the World Works exhibit, Abby and a few other industrious children manned their posts in a make-believe warehouse. They worked as a team to move boxes through a long two-story conveyor belt.
There was also an entire room full of water activities...Abby was soaked up to the elbows,

but had so much fun...who cares?

Naughty Daddy! Sep 28, 2008

2008-10-01T08:49:00.002-05:00

Saturday night I tried a new recipe...which is always a dangerous undertaking in my kitchen. This recipe was for a chocolate cake that you microwave in a big coffee mug. Yummmmmm. I made one for me and one for Joe. Joe was not too impressed by the rich & gooey concoction and didn't get past the first few bites. At the end of the evening, I scraped his discarded giant lump of chocolate into the trash can.

The next morning Abby went to throw something in the kitchen grabage, and turned to me with big worried eyes and said, "Mommy! Daddy take big poopy in garbage!!"

It took me a minute to figure out what she was even talking about, but when I peeked into the trash and saw the big brown glop of chocolate cake, I couldn't stop laughing!!!

Lindsey & Brad's Wedding ~ Sep 20

2008-09-24T07:13:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, my friend Lindsey's beautiful wedding took place. It was a SUPER fun day!

Smooching in the Limo.
My walking-partner Jay.
Becky & Tracy.
Tracy, Lindsey, & Becky.
Joe & Abby & I.

All the girlies posing in the fountain!

Party Girls - Sep 13

2008-09-13T20:16:00.003-05:00

It was Abby's BFF Haley's 1st Birthday Party this weekend.
Not sure what was sweeter...the cake, or the birthday girl herself!

Little Big Girl: Sep 1 & Sep 4

2008-09-04T21:26:00.004-05:00

Abby is getting to be such a big girl!

She can make her own peanut butter sandwich.

And she recently developed a taste for dressing up in silky nighties.

Sassy.

Water Wknd - Labor Day Wknd: Aug 30 - Sep 1

2008-09-04T21:03:00.005-05:00

We spent the "last" weekend of summer on the water as much as possible!

On Saturday Abby went swimming with her b/f/f Haley (and the mommies).

On Sunday Evan & Emma came over to fish & swim & play!

Evan took this photo of the BIG BIG fish we caught!
Abby & Emma hauling our gear down to the dock.

Emma helps Uncle Joe drive the boat.

At the point.

Great MN Get-Together: Aug 24

2008-08-27T07:09:00.012-05:00

We spent a beautiful Minnesota day at the State Fair this weekend.

Abby was a champ...only one "meltdown" when she was too short to ride the riverboat rapids ride.

We went through all the animal barns...

Horseys

Sheep
Piggies
Goats
We met up with Abby's cousins Emma & Evan.
Took an ice cream break. Played a carnival game version of fishing...for ducks. (weird!) Abby won a pink dolphin which she ADORES!

We made our way over to the Kidway Midway so Abby could go on rides.

She did baby bumper boats. (laughing the whole time!)

Her next selection was an airplane ride.

She was too short to fly solo, so Mister Joe got to catch a flight also. Quite the sight...big Joe and tiny Abby sharing a tiny seat on this airplane that went in remarkably fast circles and relatively high into the air.

Abby was happily smiling and waving the whole way.

Joe looked petrified!

Sturgeon Lake - Aug 9

2008-08-15T19:44:00.005-05:00

We spent a day of fun & sun with Grandma & Grandpa at the campground in Sturgeon Lake.

Abby's cousin Kayla was there too.
We went swimming...and lounged in the sun.

The campground has an AWESOME playground where we spent much of our time!

We went shopping at a bargain shop in town, and Abby got a SQUIRT GUN! She chased us all around laughing like a maniac!

the County Fair - Aug 2

2008-08-06T06:32:00.005-05:00

Abby & I spent an afternoon at the county fair.
We had a FANTASTIC time...I mean, how can you not?

We started off with a couple rides...
Here is Abby on the motorcycle ride. After MUCH deliberation she went with the pink sparkly one. I think it was a great choice.

Then, we progressed to everyone's favorite...the merry-go-round.
Abby selected an able-bodied white with black mane mare.
She was very well-mannered and the ride was pleasant indeed.

We wandered through a couple of the exhibit buildings and the county watershed dept was there with info and a game for kids. Abby tried her luck in the kiddie fishing hole and actually landed a BIG big muskie...I was so PROUD, I was speechless! (Okay...I know it is a plastic fish with a magnet for a mouth...but there were a LOT of panfish & bass in there...and she came up with the MUSKIE...it was really quite a moment!) Her prize was a red & white bobber.

We then spent the rest of the afternoon going through all the animal barns. The turkey/chicken/duck/rabbit barn kind of freaked Abby out a little. (she must belong to her Uncle Chad's lot...those that are freaked out by birds.) Check out her expression in this photo.
The sheep were much cooler. There were some baby lambs too. And goats that you could feed.

We also got to watch some pig racing. They were FAST...and the announcer was hilarious. All the race contestants had very funny/punny pig names.

We also got to watch some horse competitions...in this one, kids held an egg on a spoon while their horses trotted and gallopped and came to a complete stop. Pretty impressive.
We had such a great time...and will for sure make plans to go again next year!