Dress Up Night in Abby's Dance Class

Fall 2011

So Much Fun

I just love having a garden so much. I wish I could just plant all kinds of things just to see what they turn into and look like. I am really enjoying growing heirloom plants this year, each one is so unique. Names are cool too, like this Cosmic Purple carrot. I have never grown carrots before, so I had no idea how they were doing or when they should be pulled. I guess they still need to go a little longer, but its neat seeing a purple carrot. The cucumber is an heirloom plant also, called an Early Russian. And especially fun was finding a ripe Russian Black Krim. I can't wait to taste it tomorrow. I had to look up pictures of this particular tomato since I have never grown this kind before and had no idea what it should look like. I have already dried a couple jars of Dark Purple Opal basil and the Giant of Italy parsley. I only wish my garden was 4x the size it is. Oh well, maybe it will just have to grow some more next year.

My 1st Strawberry

Pretty Tomato

This is a picture of my Black Russian Krim. Its the 1st plant I had tomatoes on this year. Aaron took the picture with his new camera.

Tooth #2

Abby lost her 2nd baby tooth tonight while she was brushing her teeth before bed. She was almost as excited this time as she was the 1st.

Abby's 1st Dance Recital

After learning tap and ballet all year long, Abby was so excited for recital week. She had 3 rehearsals and then came the day for the recital. Abby always wakes up between 7:45 and 8:30. When she didn't wake up by 8:45, I went and woke her up. She was very tired, but we got her up to get ready for Sunday School. She came downstairs and did nothing but lay on the couch, which is very unusual for Abby. I decided we had better stay home from Sunday school and see what was going on, and after already taking a nap in the little bit of time she was awake, I went over to check on her. As soon as I touched her I knew. She was hot and had a fever of 101. At least it wasn't nerves, which I didn't think it would be because she just absolutely loves to dance around and even does it outside in the driveway. We gave her pepto-bismol and Motrin for the fever and 5 minutes later she threw up. I guess she decided to get the flu on the worst day of the year. The Motrin got her fever down enough for her to still go to the recital and dance, but as you can see in the pictures, she was definitely sick. She wouldn't miss this day for anything :)

My Garden

Some things look really good for this time of year, and some are just ok. A few things didn't come up at all, but overall I am happy with it so far.

Abby's Turning 6

Abby got a new 2 wheel bike from Mommy and Daddy for her birthday. She really likes her new bike and it was difficult to get her off it to come in the house.  Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!

Nice Spring Days

Easter

On Saturday, Aunt Cindy had an Easter party for the kids.  She had them decorate a bag for their egg hunt, look for Easter eggs, and eat lunch that Grandma prepared. They were definitely wound up and very excited.  They had a great time and even baby Charlie got to participate.  Thanks Aunt Cindy and Grandma/Great Grandma.  The other 2 pictures are Abby and Maria all dressed up for church on Sunday.  The girls love getting new dresses for spring.

Sun!!

Finally, a few hours of sunshine.

Paulie's 4

Dance Program

On April 2, 2011 Abby's dance class from Jackie Lou's Dance Studio, performed 2 dances at the Shenango Valley Mall.  They danced to Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend and Candy Ballerina's.  You can tell by the pictures that Abby absolutely loves dancing.

1st Tooth Gone

After many weeks of watching Abby playing with her loose tooth, it's finally gone.  While eating breakfast this morning she exclaimed, "hey, my tooth fell out."

Disney Princess Classics on Ice

We got to go to see the Princesses on Ice today in Pittsburgh at the Consol Energy Center.  We were pretty high up so pictures didn't really come out very good,  but the girl's had fun anyways.  That's all that really matters.  Abby especially enjoyed the show because she is very much into all the princesses. What was pretty funny was that even though she was so into the show, all she did was ask questions a lot of the time. Questions like," how are those shapes on the floor", and "where are all those lights coming from", and "how is that carpet flying through the air", etc.  One question after another.  She is very inquisitive and needs to know everything and thrives on information.  She's going to be so much fun to keep up with when she starts homeschooling.  Maria on the other hand just acted like a typical 4 year old, watching the show, sitting on her daddy's lap and enjoying the attention.  She has no fear of anything, and a couple times, I thought for sure she was going to go right over the balcony. I think this kid needs gymnastics. She especially liked getting to see Tinker Bell. 

Ballet

It was watch night again at Abby's dance class on Tuesday.  As you can see, she is very happy to be there.  I am glad she has something she loves to do and looks forward to every week.  I think this is definitely something she will be doing long term.  Most of the little girls complain about coming every week but all Abby does is count down the days of the week until the next class.  Most of them seem to prefer 1 type of dance over the other, but Abby claims to like both of them equally.  She does pretty good in both ballet and tap, but I think by watching her, she seems to like and do better in ballet.  It is such a joy watching her dance and seeing the way she just sparkles when you talk about dancing.  The little girls all seem to concentrate really hard on learning their steps.  It will be fun watching the dance recital at the end of the year that they have worked so hard on.

Valentine's Day

Daddy got each of the girl's a rose for Valentine's Day.  They also got a stuffed animal from him.  Abby got a pink bear she named Lily, and Maria got a pink dog that she named Rose.  They just love getting presents from their daddy.

Homemade Chicken Stock

I forgot to post a picture of my 1st attempt at making chicken stock back around the beginning of February.  It smelled really yummy all day as I was cooking it, not sure what it tastes like though.  I haven't cooked with any yet.  It sure does look pretty in the jars though.