Swim Lessons

Over the past month, Abi and Brady have been taking swim lessons at the YMCA. Brady's "class" is actually just 30 minutes of playtime in order to get him acquainted and feel comfortable in the water.

Abi's class, on the other hand, is an actual lesson where she practices skills like putting her face in the water and floating on her back.

Over the past 6 weeks, Abi did have a few days with some tears (over her extreme dislike of back floats) but overall I thought that she was getting a bit better. Apparently, her teacher didn't agree because on the last day of class, we got her report card. On a scale of 0 to 2 with 0=skill not completed and 2=skill completed, Abi's report card had many 0's. In fact, every single category was a 0! After a brief review of this report card, I decided that another category needed to be added...Effort. Because despite her fear, Abi never once complained and always jumped back in the water for another try - so for that, I give her a 2!

Butterfly Release

One of Abi's favorite things right now is butterflies so for Abi's birthday, she received a butterfly pavilion and hatching kit. The kit contains a mail-in coupon for caterpillars and once they arrive, you watch them eat for several days, then form chrysalides and finally turn into butterflies (very similar to the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, minus the ice cream cones and sausages). Abi has been patiently waiting for the weather to warm up and now that summer has finally arrived, we sent away for her caterpillars. Unfortunately, we didn't document the entire process but we did capture the most exciting part which was the release of the butterflies.

Abi & Daddy releasing the butterflies

Lucky for us, one was a bit shy so Abi got to hold it before it flew away!

Summer Camp

This summer, Abi attended a week long summer camp at her preschool. The theme of the camp was bugs (one of her favorite things!) On the last day of camp, families were invited to attend a performance that the kids had been practicing throughout the week - it was very cute!

Before the song began, the kids were instructed to pick a spot on the floor and put their firefly down next to them. As the dance progressed, Abi moved closer to the teacher (and further away from her firefly). When it was time to pick up the fireflies, the little girl behind her accidentally picked up Abi's and as you will see, Abi definitely knew which one was hers.

Happy 4th of July!

Despite the rain, we celebrated 4th of July with the usuals...BBQ, spending time with family and of course, sparklers. This year, Ferryboat Grandma joined us for the day and her & Abi made ice cream - such a fun summer tradition! Abi choose chocolate as the flavor of the day and it was delicious.

(A special thanks to Aunt Peg for the cute outfits!)

-Making Ice Cream with Grandma-

If the empty bowl is any indication, it must be pretty good!

I think he liked it :)

-Our Fireworks-
Pop-Its & Sparklers

Dance Party

Princesses Rule!

I have come to the conclusion that the Disney Princesses have officially taken over at the Doehne house. From the princesses decor in Abi's bedroom to the chest full of toys, games and dress-up clothes to the Disney Princess playlist on her iPod, we are nothing but princesses around here. We are not only consumers of anything princess, but Abi also imitates their every move, mannerism and even their style. Every morning as I get her dressed, she tells me "Mom, princesses don't wear pants". I must admit that I have also shamelessly tried to use this to my advantage and was surprised the other day when I actually heard myself say, "Abi, princesses don't pick their nose and eat their boogers!"

Now that we have Brady, it has become very clear to me just how much pink girlie things we have and poor Brady does not stand a chance.

Playing Polly Pockets with the girls

This is what happens when Abi gets a few minutes alone with Brady

Even fairies have a bad day now and then.

The Drunk Baby Walk

While Brady's walking abilities have improved greatly over the past few months, he is still at times a bit unstable and wobbly - something that Josh and I commonly refer to as "The Drunk Baby Walk".