5 and 3

During my six month blog hiatus this little girl turned 5. 

She ....

loves arts and crafts

graduated to a big girl bike with no training wheels

dreams of a pet dog named "Gingerbread Girl"

prefers to wear dresses and skirts

likes to chill out in pajamas

enjoyed her first sleepover at a friend's house

Weighs 47.2 pounds and is 43.75" tall

 And

This little girl turned 3

She ....

Can keep up with all the big kids

Is an endless flirt

Takes swimming lessons with sister and can go down the water slide solo

Still loves her night doll 

Prefers yogurt, cheese, and crackers to sweets

Can't wait to go to school in September

Weighs 37.6 pounds and 40.5" tall.  She's a giant!

In case you are wondering, Abby is 2 inches taller than Ella was at age 3. Here is the LINK from Ella's 3 year appointment and Abby's 1 year visit.  It's hard to believe that that was our life two short years ago.  Sigh.  

Glamour Girls, For Once

I have long given up on even asking the girls if I could style their hair.  In truth, I am lucky if they allow me to run the brush through their locks as they much prefer to do it themselves.  Abby always responds, "I do," and so I let her.  Meanwhile the stockpile of themed barrettes, ribbons, and adorable headbands are scattered around Ella's room and used to style doll hair.

99/100 Days you will see the girls with hair like this:

Never a clip, never a bow, never a ribbon, and rarely, a headband

 On haircut days all bets are off.  This past Monday we had a bang trim scheduled for the girls.  It seems that we are always at our local kids' salon but I don't mind all that much because 1). it eats up part of the afternoon and 2). they often let the stylist do something to their hair.  

Pig tails for sweet Abby. 

A big grin and purple streaks.  Don't judge me. 

It's washable, I swear.

Clearly they love this place: lollipop, movie, glitter spray, hair color spritz

Ella's turn in the coveted PINK CADILLAC. 

Bangs are a wee bit short, but at least they are not in her eyes. 

Rainbow Brite.  And now I know you are judging.  

The girls were beyond proud of their hairstyles.  Ella even proclaimed, "I am never going to take my hair out."  She slept with her piggies in and I refreshed it in the morning.  No joke, 3 minutes after I styled her hair, she took her piggies out.  I am never going to win!

I'm BAAAAACK

I have been a pretty awful blogger.  It's true.  I lost my mojo, bedtime is later, social activities are more common, and I have just been plain lazy.  But, I am bound and determined to make another go at my blog.  I like to write, I really do, but I also like a neat house (to be honest with you, I NEED a neat house), reading, zoning out in front of the TV, and scanning Pinterest.   Add in the responsibilities of holding up the fort (grocery lists, bill paying, dish washing, laundry folding, and kid wrangling after bedtime hours) and no wonder my blog is lagging; my time is in high demand!

2014 Resolutions

1. Blog more often.  
2. Work on my posture.  This never would have made my resolution list until I tweaked my neck and could hardly move for 3 days.  Two weeks of chiropractic visits and massages and I am finally close to normal.  Turns out my poor posture can be improved with strengthening my back muscles.  
3. Finally update the baby books and while I am at it, create family photo books for 2012 and 2013. 
4. Drink water and consume less carbs and sugar.
5. Read more.  Catch up on movies.
6. And most importantly, be more present for my girls and the husband. 

And here is a quick teaser to show you how we have been spending our time lately: 

 Abby sleeping in her big girl bed, and Ella playing Doc McStuffins.  However, don't call her Doc McStuffins.  For some reason that doesn't go over well. 

Our Florida Vaca in PIctures

A few weeks ago we traveled to Florida to visit with Grampy and Grammy.  

We spent 99% of our time swimming or eating ice cream.  

And I can promise you that I was also on this family trip, even though there isn't one picture of me. 

The girls enjoyed the water park. 

Ella enjoyed spraying an unsuspecting Abby with water. 

Grammy enjoyed spending time with Ella (and Abby). 

Abby loved playing in the sand. 

She just looks like a beach volleyball player. 

Ella couldn't get enough of the pool.  

I am confident she will be an independent swimmer during our next visit. 

Mini golf pro!  She scored a hole in one!

Independent. 

Little big fish. 

Daddy and his girls. 

Beach babe. 

Just a littler different than the Oregon Coast. 

Cheeeeese!

Till next time!

My (Abby) Adventure to the Pumpkin Patch

Hi Everyone, 

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to go on a big adventure without Ella.  It meant that I got Pa and Momma all to myself.  It also meant I didn't have to share my pumpkin donuts with sister either.  Double bonus. 

This is Pa and me by the John Deere tractor.  

Here I am riding a horse for the first time.  Last year I wanted NOTHING to do with it and wouldn't even allow momma to stand close to the fence.  I was petrified, but now I am a big girl.   

In fact, I think I would like to pursue horseback riding.  What do you think, dad? I am a natural, don't you think? 

For old times sake, this was my picture last year at the pumpkin patch.  

It wasn't much of an adventure for me then because I was too young to go down the big slide.  Ella seemed to enjoy it though. 

But, I sure did look cute sitting on all the pumpkins. 

xoxox, 

Abs