Abby's Antics.

Her second and successful attempt at a sink bath by herself.

What a dichotomy is my little Abby. She insists, "I do it!" and then 30 seconds later, "Mommy help! Mommy do it!"

Potty time has become a moment to sneak in a bit of bubble making, when I thinks she's washing her hands. Those bubble moments have nearly resulted in a few accidental over-run sinks. 

Viewing those lovely bubbles, an idea leapt into her little mind, "I love bubble baths. The sink would be perfect little bath tub!" So she endeavored  to climb in before momma spotted her thwarting her efforts. 

A few days later she successfully took her bath. But as you can see by the picture, she wasn't thrilled with the results. 

This wasn't the end of the sink's siren's call. "Hmmmm.... Mommy washes my hair with shampoo. Why can't I?" she pondered.

Friday evening company was the perfect time. While washing her hands after going potty, she carefully covered her curls in hand soap. Mommy was able to fix that by rinsing her head off in the kitchen sink. This was repeated several days later.

Today I found her in the bathroom once again, hair plastered to her head, rinsing her own hair under the bathroom faucet. Independent little girl.

I work diligently to teach my children instant obedience. When I start to scold her about something she'll say, "Okay momma! I be happy!" Immediately bursting into song, "Be happy. Be kind. Be loving. Be True. I'll meet you, in heaven. And live next door to you!"

Tucking Abby into bed, "I love you!" I said. She looked up at me declaring stoutly, " I love you too much!"  snuggling down to sleep.

Abrianna exclaimed to me, "Momma, today is a day of great gladness for Grandma Melody's coming!"

This morning Abby finished brushing her hair, "Dere, I beautiful!" she declared. Then spontaneously bursting into song "Beautiful, beautiful, Jesus makes beautiful,"

Not so little monkey up a tree.

Rick wanted updated pictures of his kids in horizontal shot as it best fits on his office wall. So the camera joined us on our walk. Lucas loves having his picture taken and often begging to be in the shots or trying to sneak into somebody elses photo op. Today was his day to shine. 

A different view...

He was a little monkey up in the tree. Unfortunately the swinging from limb to limb shots weren't as clear as I'd have liked.

She believes she's independent enough to walk the trail by herself. 

Okay... Maybe with a little help from big brother.

Baking baby...

Emmy in the mirror.

Hi baby!

Kissing that other baby.

Peek a boo!

The Girls

Abrianna

Abrianna tears streaming down her cheeks, wailed "I feel discludded!" "Oh really?" I asked. "What does that mean?" "It means not being included!" she howled.

Abigayle

"Ouch! Abigayle That HURT!" I cried out after having my 25 lb girl plop unexpectedly onto my stomach. In a comforting voice she held out her arms and said, "Tome here... Tome here...." wrapping her arms around me in a comforting hug.

Emberley

At six months old her learning is exploding. She says her versions of  "dada, a ma (momma), hi, and ni ni (night night). Yesterday she began waving. She's begun to inch across the floor commando style. When sitting in the bath tub she scootches along on her bottom.  Her size is a modest 16 lbs and 26 inches. Its about time to graduate to the next size of clothes as we had to do with diapers recently. 

Lucas 6 1/2 and Emberley 6 months

Family Sledding

Last Sabbath we tried to go sledding... without checking the weather forecast. Not a bright idea. Within minutes both the older girls were back in the van wailing about cold toes, fingers, and upset tummies. Emberley and I had stayed in the van cause it was snowing, 12 degrees, and she had just come down with a cold.  Two hours later, the boys returned after having a thrilling time sledding. Fast forward a week. We checked the weather this time and it was 29 degrees and sunny. Time to try again. This time everybody made it to the hill and went sledding. Oh, how we forget... Last year Abby was terrified of sledding on a tiny hill just down the road from us. This time she was semi-happy. She asked to go down the hill with momma a few times. But by the time we reached the bottom she was wailing in terror. Poor baby.

Lucas is old enough to handle the hills on his own.

Daddy was in his element.

Abrianna said it was hot and boy was that snow good!

After a ride down the hill on the new wild sled, he's a little worse for wear. His leg wound up under the sled on the way down the hill. But he jumped right back on and continued to sled.

Abby's thoughts on sledding... "Waaaaaa!!!!!"