Book Worm

Abi has always love to read and been quite good at it but I was completely surprised yesterday; when after we got home from a trip to the library, she started reading some of the library books to Brady. And to think after all this time, I just thought that she had memorized the books from hearing each one read to her about 100 times! :)

Tangled

Yesterday was an exciting day in the Doehne household - Tangled was released on DVD! Despite the fact that Abi saw it twice in the movie theater, this day could not come soon enough for her. We waited all day for the UPS man and of course, he didn't drop off our package until about 7 p.m. Abi was on the verge of tears with the thought that she would have to wait another night but then the doorbell rang...

"Look Mom!"

B was excited too! :)

Abi couldn't wait a minute longer so she helped Brady get into his pajamas so we could start the movie!

Warning: Do not try this at home!

I wonder if this is what the makers of the Butterfly Net had in mind when they wrote the warning tag: "Not suitable for children under the age of 3".

Nap Time

Today I sneaked in Brady's room during what was supposed to be his nap time and this is what I found:

Apparently he is working on perfecting the headstand!

I only wish I had the video camera a few seconds earlier because when I initially opened his bedroom door, he was busy piling up all of his stuffed animals and blankets onto one side of the crib. Then he ran from the opposite side and did a head-first dive into the pile. He is definitely a boy!

Fashion Bug

This picture was taken on the morning of Abi's birthday celebration at school. She was line leader for the day, which is a big deal in the preschool world! For each of her birthday celebrations this year, she carefully selected a different birthday outfit and this one was hand-picked just for her school party!

FIVE!

After months of countdown, Abi's 5th birthday finally arrived. Apparently this is a big one as far as kids birthdays go. For weeks leading up to the big day, she talked non-stop about her birthday and her party. Unbeknownst to me, she extended invitations to her entire preschool class and even some of the kids she met in the daycare at the YMCA. Needless to say, we had to cut down the guest list since we had a limited number that could attend the gymnastics class. In addition to talking about her party, we also had multiple conversations (often at great length) about what it means to turn 5 years old. For Abi, it's simple - being 5 means being able to go to Kindergarten and more importantly, taking the school bus.

For me, 5 represents so much more. This year, more than any other, I am struggling with the realization that my sweet baby has turned into a little girl. Perhaps this is life's way of reminding me to live in the moment and truly enjoy and appreciate each and every day. In what seems like a blink of an eye, Abi has become an independent, smart, friendly and inquisitive little girl. Five years ago, I could not have imagined how much she would change our world.

At 5, Abi loves to color and sing to the princess songs and nursery rhymes on her iPod. She is always willing to try anything at least once. Her favorite meal is orange chicken and her favorite dessert is anything chocolate. She hates eggs, getting shots and having her hair combed. She enjoys school, likes playing with her friends and making her little brother laugh. She is a great big sister and a wonderful daughter. Josh and I could not be prouder of our sweet little angel.

On Abi's birthday, she decided that she wanted to go to the zoo so we spent the day with the animals.

Arizona Grandma, Abi and Brady

Trying to stand like flamingos

One of Abi's favorite things about going to the zoo is reading all the information/facts about the animals.

In all my visits to the zoo, I don't think I have ever seen the lions awake and active.

After the zoo and some quiet time, we opened presents and enjoyed some orange chicken for dinner.

The Rapunzel wig and tower was a big hit!

We ended the night with the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars".

Finally, a big thank you to Arizona Grandma who flew into town to celebrate Abi's 5th birthday. Thanks Mom!

Pretty Toes

As a birthday treat, Abi, my Mom and I spent our Sunday afternoon getting pedicures. Needless to say, Abi had a great time and I have a feeling this is just one in a series of many more in her future!

Soaking her feet in her own little pink and purple chair

Abi walked in the door, walked over to the wall of colors and immediately selected the perfect purple color (glad to see that she hasn't inherited her Mom's indecisiveness!)

Apparently getting a pedicure can be exhausting!