Abby's Birthday: May 25

Abby turned TWO on Sunday May 25th!

We were all excited for the big day, and planned to enjoy family time together to celebrate.

First thing in the morning, I snapped a couple quick shots of Abby next to her crabapple tree which we planted last year to mark her first birthday.

(Check out the goofy smirk with Nuk!)


The forecast called for rain in the afternoon (little did we know what was to come!) so we headed down to the MN Zoo right away that morning. We had a fabulous time. Saw all our faves...monkeys, cows, sharks.

Monkeys (no wise cracks....the monkeys are in the cage BEHIND the three of us.)
Turtles.


My favorite is the bald eagle, but Abby would not hold still for a photo.

On a horsey wagon on the way to the Farm.

We fed the goats.
Abby got to drive a TRACTOR.

She made her own sound effects. Grrrrrr r rrrr rr rrrrrrrrrrr.

Check out the Little Farmer...Old McAbby.

We got home and played outside for a while. The sky was getting real dark in one direction and was still bright and clear in another direction. In the not good...very odd way. Weird. Joe went down to the dock to cover the boats and as he was on his way back up the driveway the tornado sirens started going off. I grabbed Abby out of the sandbox and we headed inside.

I was going to make Abby spaghetti for dinner (her fave) and right as I was getting that going the storm hit and we lost our power. So instead, Abby got to have COLD Chef Boyardee out of the can, mandarin oranges, and a banana for her birthday dinner.

And the hail hammered away outside.

We did not know it until we were able to catch some news on our little battery TV, but a tornado passed through Hugo, the town just south of us...causing some very extreme damage. Peoples homes were destroyed.

After the storm passed, we actually went outside, to play with the hail.

and the puddles.

The neighbor boys came over to say hi and check on us. We invited them to join us as we sang happy birthday & ate cupcakes. (Note the sparkler shaped like a number 2...a souvenir from Grandma & Grandpa's trip to Alaska. Abby was very impressed!)

All in all a very memorable birthday for Miss Abby.

We were beyond stunned later that night when we heard about the 2-year-old boy in Hugo who didn't survive. Here we were celebrating our two year old and another family just a few miles away lost theirs. Made us very emotional, greatful, ashamed, & humbled all at the same time.

Leeches - not so bad after all - May 23

Abby & Joe were fishing off the pontoon, when Abby discovered the leeches.

Goofy Photo Shoot - May 19

Having grown tired of always being the sole focus of all my photos, Abby decided she wanted to take some pictures too.

Here is a shot of Millie the dog.

And then...even more funny, it was self-portrait time for Abby & momma.

Abby's 2nd Birthday Party - May 18

Abby's family & friends joined her for an Elmo-themed extravaganza to celebrate her 2nd birthday. Clearly this girl knows how to have a good time!

We had an Elmo pinata, which was a riot.

(Or at least as much fun as pulling strings out of a red monster's backside can be.)

I think Evan was the one who finally hit paydirt...there were dum dums and kazoos everywhere.

We also got to spend time playing outside with our party guests.

Abby swinging with Grandpa Gary & Cousin Evan.

Emma on her way down the slide.
Auntie Jamie & Haley Lyn.
Abby and her friend Charlie snuggled up in the bike buggy.

Abby & Emma taking the baby dolls for a walk.

Abby checking in on Millie to see if she is enjoying the party.

Millie got to invite friends to the party too...she invited Jett & Loomis.

We went for a pontoon cruise. Abby helped Joe navigate.
Abby in a grandma sandwich.

Abby was a spoiled girl with presents in plentiful supply. Elmo toys & books, a dollhouse, a slip & slide, her very own sleeping bag, a bubble machine, a lawn mower, clothes & PJs, a hat, a big girl necklace...you name it. Pictured below is the pink purse with REAL nail polish, and REAL lip gloss, and even BUBBLE GUM. (Geeee. Thanks Auntie Carrie & Uncle Chad.)

Abby's devilish grin MIGHT be interpreted as follows:

"Yummmmm. Bubble gum. Mom & dad NEVER let me have this...wow being TWO is really cool! "

Abby's Grandma Kathy made her a totally awesome ELMO birthday cake. Here Abby is graciously offering her the first taste.

(Hopefully that was a "wow I'm having fun" shocked face...not an "Oh my God, what have you done child" shocked face.)

Happy Birthday Dear Abby...

Happy Birthday To You!
(make a wish!)