Stung...

Abbi tried to make friends with a bee.

Poor little fat thumb. 

Uninvited guest...

This scaley creature found its way into our garage. 

Our big protector took care of it.

Using a pool-noodle he tried to get him to go back into the bushes.

It made this alligator lizard a little angry.

For now he is back in the bushes.

Hope he stays there.

Best buddies....

early morning cartoons....

(abbi will sit for about five minutes)

Sunday afternoon snack

Abbi and Kelli the dog are pretty good buddies too.  Mostly because Abbi is usually carrying around snacks and she is very good at sharing. Abbi had gone into the pantry, taken out a bag of pretzels and dumped them in our beach pail. Here she is sharing her stash with Kelli.

Ugly bug....

Olivia and Abigail found this lovely creature in the yard and it kept them busy for hours. When it appeared to be on death's door step I made Olivia let it go. Who would have thought one could be so attached to such an ugly bug?

Where would we be without you...?

Happy Father's Day to some truly heroic men. We love you more than words can say!

They aren't just the terrible two's....

...they're the horrific, exhausting, I can't go into a store without throwing a gigantic fit, won't sleep at night, gotta have my way, my mother is going to pull all her hair out...two's. 

Good thing I'm cute.

Today we went into three different stores. Abbi threw three gigantic fits, one in each store. While putting my screaming child into the car a very sweet, well-intended elderly lady tried to give me some advice on how to change her behavior. All be it sweet, it went in one ear and out the other. Besides, who puts their not-even-two-year-old into school? I'm pretty sure they call that daycare. No thank you.

I'm in uncharted territory here folks. Numero Uno never went through this phase. I love my dear wee one. She is funny and smart and lovable and this stage, besides the terrible stuff, is a favorite of mine. But I am at a loss on how to deal with the crummy stuff. I've never had the sensation to throw my child...until now. (wow, that makes me sound horrible! And I never, ever would! Just trying to be honest.) That's when I leave the room and let DuVall take over.

Any advice will be well received...unless you catch me at a bad time in a parking lot.

The latest and greatest....

Olivia "graduated" from Preschool! I have to admit I got a little teary thinking about her leaving this preschool that we have absolutely loved and going off to kindergarten in a few months. I feel old enough, but certainly not mature enough to have a child old enough to start elementary school. I am excited for her new adventure but terrified at the same time. But I won't let her know that. She can hardly wait.

Olivia with her teacher Mrs. Debbie.

Anyone recognize this girl with Olivia? If your kids watch the Disney Channel you just might. "All aboard the choo-choo train, all aboard the choo-choo train. All aboard the choo-choo train...all-aboard, all aboard." This is the girl from "Choo-choo Soul" a show on the Disney Channel. She is friends with one of Olivia's little friend's family from preschool and she was there watching her graduate. It took all us mom's a while to figure out who she was but when it came out all the kids were really excited and everyone grabbed a picture with her. Olivia was very excited.

Abigail is now sleeping in a "big girl" bed. (Her crib mattress on Olivia's bedroom floor.)  We made the switch because she climbs out of her crib and we worry that she will hurt herself because she more "flings" herself out than "climbs" out. A few nights ago we checked on the girls only to find this. Abigail loves to be with her "Aya".

We had some visitors last week in the backyard early one morning. We found them swimming in the pool but couldn't get the camera out in time. We did catch them taking a stroll on the lawn, however. We scared them away trying to throw bread crumbs at them. 

Lots of nature out here. Like tonight, we pulled a tick off of Olivia's bum cheek. Luckily it hadn't buried its head yet. I stayed calm and so did Olivia but I really just wanted to throw up. I don't like bugs. Especially ones that like to attach themselves to you. Yuck. 

Please don't go...!

What a fun week we've had!!! Reed, Kierstin, and their three little munchkins were here for a visit and we just played, and played, and played all week long. I seriously thought I would cry when they left. (Really!) I miss being around family, having little cousins for my kids to play with, someone else to talk to.... Anyway, we had a great week and we miss them already!

Just a few highlights....

Happy 5th Birthday little one....

Where are you going my little one, little one

Where are you going my baby, my own? 

 Turn around and your two

Turn around and you're four (or five)

Turn around and you're a young girl

Going out of the door.....

("Turn Around" Music and Lyrics by Harry Belafonte, Alan Greene, and Melvina Reynolds)