Back Here Again

It's been a long time since I have really had the burning desire to sit down and write. Most of what I've written lately has been more out of guilt that I should be documenting something that's happening or it's mainly about Abigail. I really wanted to sit down though and write what was on my heart tonight.

I read a post yesterday that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. Ashley from "Written on Her Heart" wrote this post about friendships, or rather her struggle with them. It really struck home because I could COMPLETELY relate to most of it.

Part of me wants to just write this down and never show anyone, but I want to remember what I was feeling and going through during this stage of my life.  The other part of me wants people to read it and tell me that I'm not the only one who feels this way (or at least I hope so)!

Just like Ashley said, I struggle with friendships. I've actually already written about this before. Remember this post? Yes, well it looks like I'm back here again. Well soon after that, I got a lot better and actually got close to several girls in our life group. They've been awesome friends and especially when I got pregnant with Abigail, they were great ladies that I could go to for help and motherly advice. Several of them also were having babies at the same time as I was, so it was great to be going through the same thing together! However, I think life just happened. Work, babies, families, daily life...and less time for us. I realized that after I had Abigail, she was my main and complete focus. My friends were still great, but I normally would rather stay home with her and Bryan rather than go out. I'm seeing now that has become my crutch. "Abigail needs me", "Abigail doesn't feel well", "I work all the time and feel guilty about the time I miss spending with her", etc.etc. I guess I just put myself on the back burner (like all moms do) and didn't worry about me. Abigail and Bryan were the most important things to me (and still are). However, I'm not sure that that was the healthiest thing for me to do.

I am an introvert so it's hard for me to just put myself out there. I'm secretly jealous of my husband for how easily and effortless he makes friends. It's not hard for him at all. He can talk to anyone about anything and everyone loves him! I struggle with things to say and it's very hard for me to "make the first move" or talk to someone I don't know. I guess I secretly wonder if they will like me. I see women all the time that I know I would get along great with. I've tried to talk to, e-mail, text, invite to, etc but nothing ever really comes of it.

I know that I just can't sit around and wait for close friends to come along. I know that I need to get involved (even more than I am I guess), put myself out there, and just talk to people! It's just hard for me. I know that can't be my excuse though anymore. I also have the bad habit of thinking I could be friends with someone, but then "talking myself out it" because of the people they already hang out with, or things they like to do, or telling myself that they probably don't need any more friends, and they don't "need me". I second guess myself and feel like there's something wrong with me. Probably not the best thing for me to do, but I'm just being honest here! :)

I know that there are people who are really great, but you just don't click with. I know that there are people that are really great, but will only be aquaintances, or just church friends, or work friends, etc and that's completely fine! However, that's not what I want. That's not what I need right now! I need a best friend who I can call up to go shopping, get a mani/pedi with, can be my accountablity partner and go through this stage of life with me.  I do have several ladies like that in my life, but unfortunately they don't live near me. :(

I remember in high school having several best friends, and I remember in college when I was involved in my sorority, Sigma Phi Lambda. I had about 30 best friends and that was one of the best times of my life! I still miss those girls so much! I think I'm learning now that it's all about seasons of life. During high school and college, that was a season of LOTS of friends, and good girl time. Now, I think it's about having those few good close friends that can "do life" with you! :)

I know that there's a reason that I'm going through this "season" right now. I might not understand it, but I'll keep praying about it and let God be in control! :)

Letters to Me

Today while we were driving into Shreveport and turned on the road to Bryan's parent's neighborhood, I remembered something that happened when we were dating. I always think about it when we come back and if I could write a letter to me back then, this is what I would say.

Dear Chelsey,

It really doesn't matter where the family eats lunch today. I know that you already ate Mexican food last Sunday after church and you want to eat something different, but you'll survive. I know that you don't like the restaurant Posados but everyone else does, so get over it. I know that you're super picky about food, but it's not that big of a deal. Chelsey, both your family and Bryan's family are all together eating this lunch! Don't make a big scene. Getting into your first big fight over a restaurant choice is not how you want to start things off with Bryan and your's relationship. Oh, and another thing, trying to act like you're not pissed off when you really are doesn't fool anyone. They ALL can tell and you ignoring Bryan the entire time because your mad at him is VERY obvious! Seriously, how old are you 15 or 25?! 

Your little tirade will make the whole meal uncomfortable, then cause even more problems after lunch. Oh and don't think you're going to get off easy thinking you're the only one who's mad. Bryan will get very mad at your immature behavior, and well, he has every right. He has the right to yell at you and be hurt and mad and a lot of other things. Yes, he'll say some hurtful things to you, but you were the one who created this situation…over food…FOOD!!!

It's a good thing that Bryan can't stay mad at you for a long time and forgives very easily. It's also a good thing that he was house sitting for that family friend and you had the chance to sit down and consider everything that happened. It's also a good thing that you realized how big of a brat you'd just been. Thinking about your behavior literally will make you cry and apologize to Bryan for how you acted. You will beg his forgiveness and thankfully he gives it to you. You are then sick to your stomach because you realize that you now have to leave and go home. You realize how much time you just wasted instead of having a pleasant afternoon with the man you think you're falling in love with. That's how you chose to spend it? By throwing a fit over the restaurant choice? Such a stupid choice. 

Chelsey, remember this day and try not to make the same mistake again in the future. I have a feeling that you'll probably still be a pain in the butt about food and super picky, but hopefully not this bad. Next time, when the family chooses to go somewhere you aren't fond of, put a smile on your face and have a good attitude! Trust me, you'll be glad you did! :)

P.S. A few years down the road, please remember it is NOT the end of the world when you go to Panda Express in Shreveport and they tell you that they do not serve salt. I know, most every normal restaurant in the world carries both salt AND pepper, but evidently some don't! I know, your own Panda Express in Rockwall carries salt for their customers, but the Shreveport one doesn't! It will all be ok. You will be able to eat the rice without salt on it. I know, it won't taste as good, but you won't die. Just start carrying around little salt packets in your purse so you'll be prepared in case this happens again in the future. Instead of making a big scene again with your husband, you won't have anything to worry about because you can just pull your own salt out of your purse and problem solved! :)

Our Weekend with Nana & Papa!

Last weekend my mom, dad, and Chalen came to visit us since we were going to spend Thanksgiving in Shreveport.

They arrived on Friday night and Abigail was so excited to see them before she went to bed. She didn't want to go to sleep, knowing that they were there, but we assured her that they would be there when she woke up!

Saturday was the best day! Bryan and I were able to deep clean/organize the atrocity that was our closet and my mom was awesome by helping to watch Abigail and help with laundry while we worked! That night my dad and mom were nice enough to watch Abigail for us while we went on a date! We don't get many date nights out, so we take advantage of them while we can. We went and ate dinner that night at Ruby Tuesday's on the Harbor and saw "Catching Fire". We were SO excited to see the second movie and it did not disappoint! It was sooooo good! When we got home, I immediately started reading the third book, because that was as close as I could get to the future third movie! ;)

Little did my parents know, but my sister Charity and her boyfriend Trey surprised my parents and drove down from New Mexico to my house early for Thanksgiving. Aunt Charity was very excited to see Abigail!

Sunday we had a nice lunch and then my parents drove back before the weather got bad and we didn't know how bad the roads were going to be. It was so great getting to see them and Abigail sure loved having all that attention! She is very loved! :)

Lately

This was obviously written a while back, but I didn't get time to publish it. Oh well! Better late than never! ;)

Well, I'm finally finding a spare minute to sit down and update the blog! It seems that those are few and far between lately!

We are beginning our third week of school and I'm happy to report that things are going pretty good! We're all pretty much into our new schedules and I think I have a pretty good class this year! We had a few moments our first two weeks, but hopefully those will be better next week!

Our back to school pictures! Someone wasn't focusing much in my picture!

Much better for Daddy!

Abigail has loved going back to Mrs. Tracy's and is doing great! Bob and Willa came to visit us last weekend because Dad had a conference in Austin to go to, so he dropped Mom off on her way. She was very nice to watch Abigail for us on Friday while we were at school. Abigail and Mom had a great time hanging out, going on walks, doing laundry, and taking naps!

Abigail got her first back to school runny nose so that wasn't fun, but thankfully it's gone now!

Bryan and I made plans this weekend to go on a date, so we called up our babysitter Danielle and went out last night! We had a great time!

Abigail by the Month! (18)

Abigail turned 18 months old on November 1, 2013! I can't believe my baby girl is already one and a half!

This is what you are currently doing:

• You are in 18 month clothes.
• You are in size 5 diapers.
• Your 18 month stats were: head 19 1/4 in (95%), height 30.5 in (20%) and weight 26.1/4 lbs (80%)
• You are still a good eater! This is what you will currently eat: any fruit we give you, some vegetables, any meat, pancakes, eggs, but your favorites are mac & cheese, squash, spaghetti, cookies & ice cream (which you don't get very much of)! 
  
• You still have 6 oz of whole milk at breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. You drink water all day with a little squirt of the calorie free gatorade.
• You're still sleeping great from 7:00-7:30 p.m to 6:30-7 a.m. You love your sleep and get cranky when you don't get enough, just like your Mama! ;)
• We still let you have your paci, or Nannie as you randomly call it, but we're trying to limit your use for nap time/bed time or if you get really upset (which is rare). I know we'll have to start taking it away though when you turn 2!
• You are officially walking running everywhere and getting into everything! You LOVE making messes! Daddy's nickname for you is "Captain Distructo". 
  
• You still love playing peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake and when we chase you. You also love for us to read books to you now and your favorites are Where is Spot? and Skippyjon Jones Up and Down. Unfortunately, you did go through a stage when you would tear some of the books if they had pop up pages, but we're trying to quit that habit!
  
  
  
• You definitely have a little temper! You haven't had to go in time out that much, but still receive spankings pretty often for being ugly/disrespectful to Mommy or Daddy. When you get mad you normally try to hit one of us, throw something, or bang your head against something. You totally get that from your daddy by the way! :) 
  
• You are not really afraid of anything now and you love the vacuum cleaner.
• You still won't wear bows, but you are funny and you'll say "bow?" and make us put one in your hair. You immediately take it out though and then we repeat this process over and over.
• You're still taking baths in the sink if Mommy's giving you one! Daddy's more fun and lets you take a bath in the big bathtub, or in the shower with him, which you LOVE! You are such a water baby! You absolutely hate getting out though and throw a big fit every time.
• You still love going outside. You especially love going on walks and walking on your own. You love playing in the backyard with Daddy while he checks on his fish/garden. However, you've gotten into the bad habit of eating dirt every time! I just don't get that one! 
  
  
  
  
• You still do not like to have your diaper changed!
• You still love to play in the bathroom and take everything out of all Mommy's drawers. Thankfully though you stopped trying to play in the toilet all the time.
• You are still the queen of the cheesy grin and I absolutely LOVE it!
• You still love waiting for Daddy to get home from work. You also love it if he ever gets to take you to Mrs. Tracy's in the morning or pick you up. He is your hero!
• You are "talking" all the time and very vocal! These are the words you can say: mama, dada, mommy, daddy, hurry, hi, eyes, no, bye, Nana, Papa, Nay Nay, oopps, Charlie, Micky Mou (mouse), puppy, Trayee (Mrs. Tracy), mine, two, shoes, go, shishies (fish aka goldfish), Abby, Michael, and apple.
• You listen and follow directions very well.
• If we're counting and I say "one" you shout out "two!". It's so cute!
• You still love people and especially kids! You'll walk up to any kid and act like they're your best friend.
• We had to put locks on the door handles because you started opening the pantry, bathrooms, and garage door and walking out on your own.
• Your favorite songs are: "You Are My Sunshine", "You Are So Beautiful", "The Alphabet Song" and when we randomly count numbers aloud.
• When you have a cold, you ABSOLUTELY HATE to have your nose sucked out. You almost make yourself sick crying so hard. I have to hold you down on the floor and pin you down with my legs. It's almost beginning to be a two person job, which your Daddy is not happy about.
• Thankfully you've been very healthy and haven't been sick except for one little cold recently.
• You are down to one nap a day and consistantly sleep about 2-2.5 hrs a day. 
• You LOVE music! Your daddy and I think it's hilarious, but we can turn on the t.v and play the theme songs to "The Pioneer Woman" and "Gilmore Girls" and you automatically stop whatever you're doing, stare at the t.v and then start shaking your booty! Sooooo cute!
• You seem to have conquered your fear of dogs! You will pet them now and get close. You also love Mrs. Tracy's cat Milo!
• If I ask you to go get something for me, you can go get it and bring it to me most of the time.
• You are VERY fascinated with computers and normally get in trouble because you try to bang on Mommy or Daddy's laptop with is a big no no!
• You have your first t.v show that you now will sit and watch (most of) and ask for daily! What is it? Why Mickey Mouse Clubhouse of course! 
• You are very tenderhearted and get your feelings very hurt easily. However, you have like a 5 second rebound rate! ;)
• You love giving hugs and kisses to Mommy & Daddy.
• Your grandparents, Mrs. Tracy, and Charlie are your favorite people, with the exception of Mommy & Daddy!
  

Abby girl, I love every day with you. I love seeing your little personality shine and shine it does. You bring light and laughter into a boring, ordinary world. Everyone loves you! I love how stubborn you are but also how sensitve you can be. Every day with you is a gift and I wouldn't change a single thing about you! I love you to the moon and back again!

A Great Loss

On Tuesday, September 17th, we got word that my Grandpa had fallen and was too weak to get up. My Grandma called the ambulance and they took him to the hospital. They found that he had low blood sugar and fluid on his lungs and in his chest. The specialist came and said he had pneumonia, fluid around his heart, his kidneys were failing and he was not eating. They basically told the family that they had done all they could for him and he probably had less than two weeks to live. My Daddy and all of his siblings gathered that Thursday in Brady to say their last goodbyes. Because they were not treating my grandfather for a specific "illness" in the hospital he could not stay there anymore. My grandma was not physically able to care for him, so the only option was to put him into a nursing home where hospice would care for him 3 times a week. All of my uncles and aunt got Grandpa moved into the nursing home that Thursday. I know that it was hard for my Grandma because she just wanted to take him home. Grandpa told her, "Well, you can't take care of me so that's what we'll do!" I can just see him saying that! Daddy got to spend a lot of time with Grandpa that day and they had a sweet time making some last memories together!

Another thing my Mama told me that also made me cry when I heard about it, was what my Daddy's football boys did. Wednesday, at the end of football practice Daddy told his players that he wouldn't be at school on Thursday and why. On Friday before the football game, they surrounded my dad and told him that they were dedicating the game to my Grandpa. One boy in particular Daddy said, "played his brains out". After the game, Daddy told this boy that Grandpa would have been proud. When they were leaving the field house the boy told him, "Coach, it was an honor."I still get chills reading that!

Saturday night, September 21st, my Grandma called and told my Daddy that the end was near for Grandpa. He ended up passing away a little after 11:00 that night. We drove down for his funeral Thursday, September 26th. It was really good to see all of my extended family, but wish that we could have done it under better circumstances! His funeral was very nice and a sweet remembrance of him. Here is his obituary. This is a small excerpt.

"E.I. “Buddy” Snodgrass, age 92, of Brady, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2013 in, Brady, Texas. He was born March 31, 1921 in Roby, Texas to Audy Calvin Snodgrass and Bernice (Chance) Snodgrass. He married Mary Imogene Smith on January 26, 1947 in Brady, Texas. He was a Baptist and a dairyman his entire working life. He was involved with 4-H, FFA and sports activities of his children. He was a WW II U.S. Army veteran and a lifelong resident of the area."

The funeral home also did a beautiful video tribute in his honor. The video won't be posted for long, but I wanted to put it up here at least for a little while!

I think we all did a pretty good job of holding it together until the end when it was just the family left to say our goodbyes to Grandpa. We all lost it when my Daddy had to help Grandma walk up to the casket to say goodbye to her husband of 66 years. I will also never forget the sight of my Daddy leaning over Grandpa's casket and giving him the sweetest kiss on the forehead when he said goodbye. Tears stream down my face right now just remembering it!

My grandparents were married for 66 years! What an amazing legacy that it! When they moved my Grandpa into the nursing home, my Grandma went back to their house. She didn't stay the night there though because Grandpa called and said he missed her and he was scared, so she went back and spent the night with him in the nursing home. She didn't leave his side until he left this earth. That's what true love is my friends. "In sickness and in health, till death do us part."

God gave my Grandpa a long, healthy life, and he was with us for 92 years! I know that seems like a long time, but it's never long enough when you lose someone you love. My Grandpa was a man of few words, but his actions spoke louder than his words. He was an honest, hardworking, man who loved his family and wife more than anything. I am so proud to be his granddaughter!

We will never forget you Grandpa and I look forward to the day when we will see each other again in Heaven!

Grandpa & Daddy

Grandpa feeding me ice cream & cake on my 1st birthday!

Thanksgiving 2010



Thanksgiving 2012, meeting Abigail for the 1st time!

Abigail's 1st Big Boo Boo!

Well, it finally happened! We were at my parent's last weekend and Bryan was taking Abigail upstairs to change her diaper. Abigail is obsessed with stairs and LOVES climbing up and down them (with supervision of course). She doesn't get to do this at our house, but since we were at my parents we let her a few times. She started to go upstairs and accidentally slipped and fell. She bit her lip and hit it on the stairs. She immediately started crying and so Bryan picked her up. It was then that we saw the blood. It was EVERYWHERE! We raced to the kitchen to clean her up and assess the damage. Thankfully, once we got her cleaned up we could see that she didn't do any serious damage. She just had a big, fat, lip! Poor baby! Bryan raced to the grocery store to buy her some popsicles and she had about 4 of them that day! Don't worry, they were sugar free! ;) She was a really good sport though. Mommy and Daddy were definitely more scared than she was. Seeing tons of blood coming from your child will certainly scare the pants off you though!

When we got home, I took a picture of her boo boo. Bryan saw me and said, "You're going to blog about this aren't you?" I told him yes! I had to document it on the blog! ;) I'm glad that she didn't do any more damage and I certainly don't want to see blood on my baby anytime in the near future! Here's to staying boo boo free!

 

It's that time again!

Well, sadly but surely, summer is coming to an end! This summer Bryan worked summer school, so we didn't really make any big vacation plans. I was fine with that though and had a great time with my sweet girl. It was so wonderful to spend so much quality time with her and seeing her change and grow. She sure got into plenty of messes, but she has learned so much! The past week or so we've been spending time up in my classroom trying to get things ready for school. We officially start back to school on Monday, but I try and get as much done before then so I'm not super stressed the week of inservice! As you can see, I work hard, and Abigail works hard at making messes! Haha! I don't mind though. I love having her explore and investigate new things. It means she's learning! ;)

This summer we've mostly been traveling to see the grandparents and also had the chance to go visit our best friends Chris & Morgan McMullen. It was so good to see everyone and of course Abigail loved seeing them. I think she gets bored with Mommy & Daddy sometimes, so she loved all the attention!

 

Bryan and I were talking today about the way that we feel about the beginning of school this year vs the beginning of school last year. When I think about how I felt last year and how I feel now, it's different but yet the same. I am WAY more at peace with the situation. Yes, I would love to be able to stay at home with Abigail, but I know that's not what God has planned for me right now. I know that He still wants me to teach this year and so I am excited about my new school year. I can't wait to meet my new Kindergarten friends and get this year started! I'm also excited for Abigail to be able to go back to Mrs. Tracy's house and hang out with all of her friends. Mrs. Tracy has been such an answer to prayer! I know it will still be hard to be away from Abigail, but I know that God has a plan and purpose for all of this! He has not let us down yet nor will He ever!

 

Here's to another great school year! :)

Abigail by the Month! (15)

Abigail, today you turned 15 months old on August 1, 2013!

This is what you are currently doing:

• You are still in some 12 month and 18 month clothes.
• You are still in size 4 diapers.
• Your 15 month stats were: head 19 in (thank goodness you were not OTC this time!) (95%), length 30.25 in (45%) and weight 24.4 lbs (75%)
• You are such a good eater! This is what you will currently eat: any fruit we give you, some vegetables, any meat, but your favorites are mac & cheese, squash and spaghetti! 
• You have 6-7 oz of whole milk at breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. You drink water all day with a little squirt of the calorie free gatorade.
• You're still sleeping great from 7:00-7:30 p.m to 7:30-8 a.m. I take you to say goodnight to Daddy and then you just roll over in your bed and go to sleep! I'm so thankful for that!
• You still like your paci but only use it when you fall asleep or get really upset (which is rare).
• You are officially walking everywhere and getting into everything! You LOVE making messes!
• You love playing peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake and when we chase you. You're funny when playing pat-a-cake because you grab whatever adult that is playing with you's hands, and then YOU have to hold them and clap. You are the one in charge and that's how it works!
• You are still unfortunately throwing fits when things don't go your way, or we don't let you do what you want, but it's getting better. You definitely know what a spanking means and are doing better with making good choices! We've had to work with you on hitting in the face.
• You are doing better with being afraid of the vacuum cleaner. At least now you will sit in the same room and not cry, but you normally stare at it and then crawl away. Do you know what you're also afraid of we recently found out? Firecrackers and balloons. It's the popping noise. :(
• Bows in your hair? What bows?
• You still love going outside. Since it's been summer time, Mommy and Daddy have time to take you on walks in your stroller and you love this!
   
  
  
• You still do not like to have your diaper changed! 
• Your favorite thing is to play in the bathroom and take everything out of all Mommy's drawers. You also have unfortunately learned to play in the toilet and unroll all the toilet paper. Gross! Mommy & Daddy have to make sure and close the bathroom doors every time! This week Daddy accidentally left the bathroom door open and you dropped one of his old phones in there. Thank goodness it was an old one!
  
• You are still the queen of the cheesy grin and I absolutely LOVE it!
• You are so cute when Daddy gets home from work. You can't wait to see him! You cry when he leaves though! :(
• You are "talking" all the time, nonstop! These are the words you can say: mama, dada, mommy, daddy, hurry (only said once), hi (only said about 2-3 times), eyes, and no.
• You listen and follow directions very well.
• You will smile and wave at strangers, or really anyone, like it's your job!
• You got hand, foot, and mouth this summer unfortunately! :( 
  
  
  
  
• You started walking at 13 months and haven't stopped since!
• You love opening all the cabinets and taking everything out and you love the dishwasher!
• Your favorite songs are: "You Are My Sunshine", "You Are So Beautiful", "The Alphabet Song" and when we randomly count numbers aloud.
• You have a baby doll that you carry around a lot and you love her! I see you often giving her her bottle and hugging/patting her sweetly.
• We found out that you're allergic to peanuts/peanut butter. Very scary!
• You will sometimes take two naps, but are pretty much down to one nap a day. Normally it's not too bad because you're pretty happy all the time! 
• You LOVE music! Your daddy and I think it's hilarious, but we can turn on the t.v and play the theme songs to "The Pioneer Woman" and "Gilmore Girls" and you automatically stop whatever you're doing, stare at the t.v and then start shaking your booty! Sooooo cute!
• You're not a big fan of dogs after you had one bark in your face, but you don't start crying when you see one anymore. :)
• You love to "help" Mommy with the laundry! 
  
• You love the pool! We got you a pool floatie but only used that once or twice and then refused to use it any more! You think you can swim and want to be independent!

Baby girl, it is such a joy to watch you growing up! You are getting so big that sometimes Mommy can't stand it! I know that I can't stop time, but sometimes I wish I could. You are so precious and I know that God has great things planned for you sweet girl. Every stage with you gets better and better! I love you Abigail Morgan!

1st Trip to the Zoo!

We went to visit Nana & Papa last week and Nana decided to take us to the zoo! This would be Abigail's 1st trip to the zoo so we were really excited! We got up early because we knew it was going to be very hot and wanted to go before it got too hot. We had to go during baby girl's nap time, but she was a trooper for most of it! :) We went to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. I have never been there before but it was nice and small. We were very impressed with everything they had and we'll definitely be back! Abigail had a lot of fun and got to see lots of animals. She got a little fussy at the end, but had a blast!

 All ready to go!

 This seemed to be a common theme at the zoo! Everyone was taking a snooze!

 I love that face she's making! It looks like she saw something absolutely terrifying! However, I'm pretty sure it was just a little fish. Haha!

 I'm not sure who had more fun..Bryan or Abigail! ;)

 Of course we had to get a shot of Abigail and the leopards! ;) Go Lorena!

 Cobra snake anyone?!

 Looking at the giraffes with Daddy!

 So pretty!

 My whole world!

I didn't know this, but my mom told me that this was a sycamore tree. She said we had to take a picture of Abigail sitting under the tree so when she grew up and heard the Bible story of Zacchaeus she would know what a sycamore tree looked like! We had a great time at the zoo. Thanks for taking us Nana! 

4th of July 2013!

We celebrated the 4th of July with our friends the Jones family! We went over to Amanda's mom's house around lunch and had burgers and swam in their pool. Abigail loved it! She's such a water baby!

 She also had her first "hamburger" and ate a whole beef patty, along with lots of other stuff! I couldn't believe it! We went home that afternoon and took a nap and rested before going back over to Amanda's house. We played outside on the swing and had yummy pulled pork for dinner. Abigail had fun just crawling on the grass and investigating everything!

It was getting dark and time for fireworks so we got everything ready.

We sat outside and Amanda's neighbors had already starting shooting off some roman candles. Abigail really isn't afraid of much, but unfortunately, we found out that she's definitely afraid of fireworks! :( Anytime she heard one go off, she grabbed me and started crying. We didn't know if she was really afraid of them or if it was a combination of her not having her normal naps that day and it being way past her bed time! We decided to stick it out and she got a little better. Abigail fell asleep on me for a while and then woke up later when we decided to go home. Poor baby..she was a trooper though! Overall, we had a really great time. Abigail definitely had fun because she slept in the next morning until almost 10:00! Bryan and I couldn't believe it! Hopefully next year she'll enjoy the fireworks a little bit more! ;) Here's a picture of last 4th of July and this year. How things have changed! Can't wait until next year! :)