ABCs

Weeks in Review

Since too much happened in the last two weeks (new job, Disneyland/Oceanside family reunion, and packing), I bullet-pointed the most fun things to share. I mostly just wanted to show off how cute Abby is and the story just makes the pictures so much better! :)

• Roy accepted a magistrate job in Wise, VA. We move August 25 and Roy starts work September 10. And yes, we are feeling a little bit of stress since we have to pack up, say goodbye, find a new place to live, and be prepared for Roy to work full-time all in 3 weeks. Ah! :)
• We had a fabulous time at Disneyland and Oceanside. Roy got to go on tons of rides with various family membersbers and Abby got really brave and wanted to try everything! I enjoyed the kiddie rides with Abby and not waiting in line with all the big kids. Sometimes the benefits of being pregnant and not waiting in line are great!
• We stayed on the same floor as all of my family members in the resort and it was so nice to run down the hall so the kids could play. Abby would routinely wake up in the morning and say, first thing, “Alli, Alli" (translation: I want to play with my cousins now. NOW!)
• We played at Disneyland for 4 days. Abby loved any boat ride, train ride, and the teacups. She loved Pirates of the Caribbean. To Roy’s chagrin, she also loved It’s a Small World.
• We went to several shows while at CA Adventure. Abby especially enjoyed the Parade of Lights, Aladdin, and the High School Musical Parade.
• While we waited for the Parade of Lights, a Disney employee announced over the loud speaker that the audience should prepare for the sparkling lights, famous characters, wonderful music, and twinkling floats. My dad and I were with the 4 granddaughters who appropriately wowed each proclamation. The employee then warned that the aerial lights would be dimmed so we could enjoy the parade. The 5-year-old turned to Michelle and said, with wide eyes “They have ARIAL lights?”
• When we woke up our last day at Disneyland, Roy asked Michelle what she wanted to do that day. Abby rolled over in bed and said, “Choo-choo.” So after we packed up the car, we took off for Disneyland and rode the monorail. She was so excited she couldn’t sit still. And still when you say the word Disneyland, her response is “Choo-choo.” Glad Disneyland made such an impression!
• After so many hours of constant play time at Disneyland and the hotel, we were ready for a break so Oceanside was the perfect solution. We hurried down after spending the morning at Disneyland, checked in to the hotel, gathered a few supplies, and headed to the beach. Every member of my extended family (except Mor Mor) was on the beach for a family reunion and family picture. Getting 40 people organized on the rocks and actually smiling is a long story in itself.
  
• Immediately after taking the family picture, Abby ran toward the ocean. She couldn’t stop talking about the big water with bubbles. She literally attacked the waves. After soaking both her parents and herself, completely filling her diaper with ocean water, and getting cold, we decided it was time to head back inside.
• That evening, we had the extended family BBQ and let all the little ones play together. There are 9 kids 5 and under and all the movers were all over the place. It was SO fun to watch!
• We spent the next two days playing games, enjoying the beach, going on walks, swimming, and relaxing with everyone. It was a great way to end a family vacation.
• We then drove up to LA to spend time with Roy's Grandma Pyper and the Marcusens (Roy's aunt and cousin), who were nice enough to let us stay for a couple days. Abby greatly enjoyed the attention and the walks we took with Grandma. She even let Grandma hold her hand (at least for about 10 seconds until she decided it was time to race down the street).
• We successfully endured 2 very long days in airports and on airplanes. Abby did a great job. We landed at midnight back in DC and everyone was pretty tired. Abby had just woken up from a nap, but she was sure to cheerfully say goodbye to everyone we passed. She also got to ride the bus that night and told the whole bus how happy she was.
• Now we’re back home and busily preparing to move. Abby had a happy reunion with her toys and is very successful at distracting us from our much-needed packing.
• We had a lot of fun with the Sterling Zwahlens and Grandma and Baba Z on Saturday. It will be weird not to see family on a regular basis. 7 hours is a long way to drive to get to family! We've been spoiled to spend a lot of time with them in the last 3 years so this move will definitely be a huge change.

We really appreciate all the kind words and help that we've received in the last few days. Thanks everyone!

So Long, Farewell

Roy just got a job in Wise, VA so we will be moving at the end of the month. A big thank you goes out to all our friends and people who feel like family who we have enjoyed being with the last 3 years. Thanks for your patience, the time you have spent with us, the fun times our kids have had together, and your friendship. If you are ever in the Wise area, please come visit!

And if anyone wants a great goldfish named Jakers, let us know!

Toddler Talk

Imaginary play is becoming more a part of our lives and I LOVE it! We are usually accompanied by a baby, Abby Caddabby, Elmo, or stuffed animals on our walks. And we always have the baby doll stroller, even if it is temporarily empty--don't worry, it'll be filled with leaves, rocks, and other treasures to take home to show Dad and to put on the balcony.

The pacifier is also becoming less a part of our lives (through several days of effort and many days of being the worst parents ever) so Abby is talking a whole lot more. The sweet sounds that come from my girl bring tears close to the surface, but I keep trying to blame pregnancy hormones. Abby wanted to make the top video because she wanted to make a talking video. And, no, I have no clue what she is saying. The bottom video is my attempt to capture her reading a book to her baby last night, but she caught me pretty fast! Enjoy the sweet sounds of toddler talk!