Family Time is THE BEST Time!!!

We got to spend a wonderful half day with Jason this last Saturday! Lilly and Abby were so excited to have the whole family together, and to get to go to the Philadelphia Zoo!

Off on our family adventure! Yes - Abby has a stick in her mouth. 

We got to see something that Jason said was right out of the movie "Oliver." A funeral led by a horse and carriage...

Lilly was talking about how it was taking forever. I told her that there were a lot of people that were going to the funeral to remember the person who died. After all the cars were passed, Jason said, "I wonder where they were coming from?" We were curious about how far the two men in the front had to walk. I saw a local church and thought maybe from there, but it didn't look like it could hold that many cars. 

I said, "I don't know, but that was a lot of cars!" 

Lilly then says, "And a lot of loving!"

"Loving?" we asked.

"Yeah, like a lot of people loving the person who died. That was like a hundred cars!" she said. The wisdom of a child!

The day was a beautiful 74 degrees, so a lot of the animals were more active than in the summer. We finally got to see a tiger walking around in the Skywalk!



Traveling in a wagon makes thing a lot easier for the girls!



Looking at the penguins and flamingos! Lilly LOVES the flamingos!



We didn't get a whole lot of pictures, but the girls had a great time. Afterwards, we went to Rita's and got Lilly's favorite Mint and Chocolate Chip Misto Shake (a combo of custard and flavored ice mixed). I forgot to take a picture... darn!
It was so wonderful finally getting to spend a few hours together!!!

ABBY'S WORLD

Today, 9/26/2016, we had a rough start to the morning. I put the girls to bed at 7:30pm last night, because Jason needed to get to bed early, and I needed to go to the urgent care to get my ears checked. (No ear infection, just lots of fluid due to a cold! No bueno!) As many of you know, Abby does not need much sleep to function well. Not only does she still wake up about 4-7 times a night, she also wakes up super early if she goes to bed early. This morning, it was 4:30am. I stayed up with her, and unfortunately Lilly got up at 4:50am from waking up with Abby. Jason followed at about 5:10am. I put on a movie, and we all pretty much just hung out until it was time for Lilly to walk to school with Daddy (which happens once a week) at 8:05am.
After Lilly left, I was exhausted. I took Abby back to bed, and after about 30 mins of trying, finally got her to sleep. We then got just under two hours of sleep.
My goal then for the day: Wear Abby out so she sleeps good tonight! After waking up from our nap, she kept saying, "Deer Park!" I thought that was a great idea! Off we went to Alverthorpe Park - her favorite park ever!
She played on the playground equipment for a little bit, but wanted to go on the walking trail to explore. She is such a little adventurer! And a goofball as well. Here was our adventure on the trail...

This girl loves sticks! Give her a stick, and she's happy! Here she is doing a silly moves with her stick (and looking at an airplane). 

We loved having an adventure together!

Into the woods... and goofiness to go with it - Abby style!

Soon, whenever someone would be getting close to walk by, Abby would run off the side of the road, and tell me to come too. Then she'd cover her eyes as soon as they got close. She would giggle and laugh when I asked what she was doing. It was so funny!



Playing with the concrete rocks and building towers - one of her favorite thing!



After our walk, Abby wanted to go back to the playground. There was a little boy who looked like he was four playing. Abby started calling him, "Buddy," and playing with him. "Come on Buddy!" as she would slide down the slide. "Buddy - where are yoooou," as she's searching for him (in her cute voice).

After our fun time at the park, we headed home to get ready to get Lilly from school. It's always a highlight of the day to see these two reunite!



Later, we went to the YMCA for Lilly's Gymnastics class. Abby loves playing at the Kid Zone while I watch Lilly at gymnastics. Lilly had such a great time too!



Another day, another adventure!

Waiting for October...

I don't know why, but I feel like once it hits October, we've made it a long way, and time will go faster to the end of the year! Silly, I know, but making it to October feels like an accomplishment. Besides, there are so many holidays with activities that happen in October, November, and December! It'll be so fun, and before we know it - BAM! Jason has a two week break! Hallelujah!

In the meantime, we're just trying to enjoy each day as it comes. We're so lucky to have the Crapo family living in our same complex! Play dates are always a highlight for the kids, and Kassie and I enjoy being able to have some time interacting with adults...lol. I'm so grateful to have such a great friend so close!  Here is a picture that Kassie (who is an amazing photographer) took when we all went to the pool together...



Isn't that the most adorable thing ever??!!

Here's something not as adorable - me laying on the kitchen floor while something in the oven finishes baking. This was my 15 mins of Zen while Jason gave the girls a bath... Hey - a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.



The rainy days are going to become a more frequent thing now that fall is here! Here is Abby peaking in the door at Lilly's school, waiting for her sister to come out! Thanks Grammie for the adorable rain coat!



Ah, the generous employee at the YMCA who had left over birthday cupcakes and shared. These two were in heaven! Free cupcakes? Winning!  Mommy, however, having them eat said cupcakes right before going in to the grocery store - not winning...

Notice the cupcake wrapper on Abby's chest? Yeah - crumbs and frosting were EVERYWHERE! 

My late nighter... (not a school night)

I was very proud of myself for coming up with this gem: my own personal bathroom spa! Eucalyptus steam, yoga music, and a nice hot shower... Ahhhh....

I have some pictures of me as a child doing this same thing! Love Lilly's silly face, and Abby's pure joy!

Grammie sent the girls beads so they could make necklaces and bracelets! It was a huge it! The girls LOVED it!

Time for your check-up! Jason was using me as a practice patient for doing his Physical Examination. Abby saw, and came over patting her head with a sad face saying, "Owie." She wanted to be examined too! It was the cutest thing...

Waiting at the YMCA for Lilly's swim lessons to start...

We know how to make a week full of fun!

Just Living Life...

Lilly has been in school for two weeks now, and she is still loving it. HALLELUJAH! Here are some things that we've done this last week...

Walking to school together!

Only way I could keep her in the shopping cart.

 Lilly got to go to a Princess themed birthday party!

 

This w

Poor Abby had to get a catheter put in her to check to see if she had a UTI. She cried and screamed, but afterwards, she got a sucker, and was good to go! And yes - she has a UTI. Poor thing...

Nothing like a cheap ice-cream cone after a fun time at the park!

Back To School Night!

It was so fun going to Lilly's back to school night. Here are some pictures that were on the wall in her classroom. Her teacher is awesome! We seriously couldn't have chosen a better school. Jenkintown Elementary School is so small, that it's like a private school. It's incredible!