Summer Months

Although our sunny days have been few and far between, we have made the best of it and spent our summer days at the zoo, having playdates with friends and just hanging out at home. Sometimes it is nice to have some days free from routines and schedules!

-Woodland Park Zoo-

Mr. Orangutan checking out the kids passing by the window

Grizzly Bears!

-Best Friends-
Chase & Brady

-Dance Party-

Some of Brady's signature dance moves
(of course the diaper and dark blue socks help make his performance just that much better!)

-Birthday Parties-
We have also attended several birthday celebrations including one for Abi's friend Regen that included a visit from the Reptile Man.
This CAN NOT be my daughter!!!

The rides on the tortoise were a big hit with the kids!

During the party, the boys found ways to keep themselves busy!

Happy Birthday Regen!

Ballet Performance

Abi has been taking ballet lessons at the YMCA over the past few months. Last week was her last day of class so family members were invited into the dance studio for a special performance. Needless to say, it was adorable! Abi's favorite part was admiring herself in the big mirror :)

Abi & her ballet instructor, Ms. Jackie

The class ended with each student doing a bow and a curtsey, including Abi's own unique version!

The World According To Abi

Word of the Day:

plump (pluhmp) 

–noun

1. a ship with a basket underneath.

Confused? Maybe this will help....

"The Goodyear Plump"

Late Night Conversations

Now that the days are a bit longer and the sun is still out when the kids are headed to bed, Abi has been staying up later and later. Generally, she is confined to her room but has become quite the Master in finding excuses to come out of her room and yell down the stairs to Josh and I. She likes to tell us what is keeping her awake, asks random questions or just has something very important to tell us that can't wait til morning. Tonight I decided to document a few of our late night conversations:

9:35 p.m.
Abi: "Hey Mom"
Me: "Yes?"
Abi: "I just wished on a star"
Me: "Oh good. Now Abi, it is time to go to bed"
Abi: "I wished that my animals were alive"

10:06 p.m.
Abi: "Mom, I need my water bottle filled up"
Me: "OK, I will be right up but then it is right to bed"
Abi: "When you come up, say 'honk'. Honk really loud"
(A few seconds pass while I smile and wonder where in the world this comment came from)
Abi: "OK? OK, Mom?"
Me: "Sure Abi, I'll be right up"

Happy Father's Day!

We started the day off with breakfast in bed and presents (what could be better?!)

We spent our evening at Arizona Grandma & Grandpa's house, where we had a BBQ with the Drevniaks & Ferryboat Grandma. I took the opportunity to take some family pictures!

All the kiddos (Paige, Colby, Abi & Brady)

The Little Ones

The Dads & Kids

3 Generations of Drevniaks

Happy Father's Day to our 3 Wonderful Dads!

And finally, a few pictures of Brady and Daddy before bedtime...

Brady is obsessed with Josh's "soul patch". Here are a few pictures of Brady and Daddy discussing the topic.

Brady: "Patch? I no have it"

"Daddy....patch"

Preschool Graduation

Yesterday we celebrated Abi's graduation from preschool. Who knew that preschool graduations could be so emotional? I can't imagine how I am going to feel when she graduates from high school. It's hard to believe my little girl is finished with preschool and will be starting kindergarten next year. I am so proud of her!

Best Beginnings Preschool Class of 2011

So Excited!


A video of Abi trying to sign her ABCs!

Receiving her Diploma


As Abi received her diploma, her teacher read comments about her as quoted by her preschool friends. (And yes, that is someone's phone ringing right in the middle of the ceremony!)

I think she is about done...

Abi & her wonderful teachers

Abi with Arizona Grandma and Grandpa

After graduation, we received a folder containing some of Abi's art projects throughout the year.
It was fun to see the progression of her self portrait!

A self portrait in September 2010

...and then again in June of 2011.

If you are wondering what those purple circles are in the middle of the horse, I was informed that this is a "fruit pony" and those are grapes!

Flashcards

Yesterday we picked up some new flashcards for Abi. One of her favorite things to do before bed is review her flashcards with Daddy. So last night, they opened the brand new pack of traffic signs flashcards and got started. All I can say is that it is a good thing that they don't let 5 year olds drive!

"This means no sleeping in a bed in the street"

"This means that you can eat in the car"

"This is where you can park if you need to run in to use the toilet"

Randomness

A few fun pictures from the last several weeks...

No wonder he hasn't learned to read yet...and to think that all this time I thought he was actually looking at the books while I was driving! :)

Abi (with her 3-D glasses) waiting for Rio to start