Terrible Twos

I think we have hit those dreaded "terrible twos". Though I have always heard of this concept, being such a proud (and probably somewhat naive) Mom, I didn't think my little girl would ever turn into a little terror (you know, those kids you see at the grocery store who are running around, tearing all the groceries off the shelf, screaming and not listening, as their parents yell at them from down the aisle). I've had a bit of a reality check as we had a few of these moments this week....

At any given moment during the day, Abi decides it's not necessary to listen to Mom & Dad anymore. Actually, in most cases, she tries to do the opposite of what we ask and loves to say the word 'no' at any chance she gets (while often stomping her feet and throwing a tantrum). Apparently this is normal two-year old behavior or at least that's what people tell me.

Oh, and did I mention that we are also started potty training? Lord help me...

In an effort to keep Abi out of trouble (not to mention save my sanity), I try to make it out of the house for at least one activity per day with Abi. This could be as simple as a trip to Target (Abi shares my love!) or a walk around the neighborhood (which would be Sadie's vote). Here are some pictures of our recent activities:

-Mighty Mites Gymnastics Class-

Abi Loves Ice Cream (Especially Milkshakes) - She Definitely Inherited Mom's Sweet-Tooth!

Abi & Colby Dancing at a Sing-Along

My Favorite (& only) Nephew... SO CUTE!

Abi & Colby Examining a Caterpiller


Abi's Love For Elmo...This is a video of Abi watching Sesame Street. Abi is singing and trying to play the piano with Elmo.

-Farm Tots Program at the South 47 Farm-

Creating a "Worm Purse" with Grandma
Picking Bok Choy Look What I Got Mom!

-Celebrating Abi's Friend, Regen's 4th Birthday Party at Farrel McWhirter Park-



Getting Ready for Pony Rides...


Abi's First Time Riding Horses...She had a great time (maybe horseback riding will be in her future???). When Abi saw that Penny (the horse) had pooped, she announced to everyone waiting in line, "Here Comes the Poop!"

Our Trip to California

Last weekend, we headed to California to celebrate Abi's Great-Grandpa's 75th birthday. We had a great time visiting and catching up with family and friends (a special thanks to Aunt Lori and Uncle Dale for your hospitality!)

For Josh and I, it was almost surreal to be back in Southern California. We headed to some of our old stompin' grounds and it is amazing how quickly all those memories come rushing back - hard to believe that we lived there for 5 years but then again, we have almost been back in Washington for the same amount of time. In some respects, our life in California seems like a lifetime ago yet in other respects, it feels like it was just yesterday.

For Abi, this trip was the first time she has met some of our family and friends. She took full advantage of the opportunity by being the center of attention and LOVED it!

Here are some pictures from our trip. Unfortunately (and ironically enough), I have no pictures of Great-Grandpa or his birthday party - our main purpose for the trip. Oops...

Abi and I Before Our Flight to California

Keeping Busy Making a Hand Puppet Out of a Barf Bag on the Airplane

Just a Cute Picture...

Trying to Keep Cool While Playing in a Fountain

Helping Grandma Make Salad

Abi Feeding the Billy Goat at a Local Dairy (...a dairy with the BEST chocolate milk - Abi is still asking to have chocolate milk with every meal!)

After Great-Grandpa's Birthday Party, Abi got the honor of letting the balloons fly away into the sky...such fun for a 2 year old!

Checking Out the Birds With Cousin Mickey

Abi Loves All of Aunt Peg's Dogs

-Fun in the Pool-

Watching Music Videos While Waiting for our Delayed Plane...Again, thank goodness for portable DVD players!