CHRISTMAS 2016

For Christmas we were fortunate to have Brandon, AJ and Max in Utah. Katie, Bryce and Josie were going to travel to Utah from Idaho but weather permitted that from happening. We were also lucky to have Grandpa Dutch join us. And of course Ed and Karri joined us. We received snow on Christmas morning which made the day that more magical for the kids. Jude received an Amazon Kindle. Both Abbey and Penny received a Critters doll house set. And of course, they were all spoiled rotten. We did a Christmas Even Party where we had a photo booth set up. Below are the pictures from that.   

I also put together a little Christmas video

Brandon and AJ

Brandon, AJ and Max

Abbey

Jude

Grandpa Ed and Grandma Karri

Grandma Karri with her Grandkids

Grandpa Dutch

Shauna and Ren

Ren and Sampson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBEY!

Last week (April 10) was Abbey's birthday. She turned seven years old. Since we did a joint party the previous week for Jude and Abbey's birthday we had a simple celebration on Saturday (April 9) since her birthday fell on a Sunday. We had Marisa, Maliya, Grandpa and Grandma come over for pizza, cake and ice cream and presents. It was nice to have everyone over to celebrate Abbey. She got all kinds of gifts. Some included Calico Critters, Littlest Pet Shop, books, a wind chime making kit, Zootopia stuffed animal and many other things. The present that was the biggest hit was the hula hoop! Both kids haven't stopped hula hooping since they got it.  

Being a typical middle child Abbey brings peace and calmness to our family. She is extremely sweet and shy. Over the past year it's been fun to see her gain more confidence. I think having a best friend in Maliya and getting her hearing at 100% has made a huge difference for Abbey. When we visited her first grade teach for Parent Teacher Conferences a few weeks ago she mentioned that Abbey continually gets 100% on her math tests (one of only three kids in the class). She loves to read, play with her Critters and stuffed animals and of course play with her BFF. We are so grateful for Abbey, she brings us so much joy. 

Thank you to all of Abbey's friends and family who helped make Abbey's birthday a special day. 

Abbey with her birthday cake. Grandma photo-bombing.

Abbey showing off her Calico Critter set. Also notice that Abbey and Maliya are wearing matching shirts. It was Maliya's gift to Abbey. The shirt says "My BFF makes every day awesome"

Jude trying to Hula Hoop

Fail. Don't worry both Jude and Abbey have hula hooping down now. They are pros. 

NOTES

Abbey's Saturday to-do list she made with her friend Maliya.

Jude's art from school. His Aunt AJ loved this one so much she bought it from him. 

One of my favorite notes. We received this from Jude's teacher, here is what she said about it: "The prompt was 'March 15th is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. Write an award for a kid you know who has been incredible and describe why they deserve that award.' He chose to write the award for Abbey and I thought it was too cute not to share! Also note his neat penmanship and complete sentences (the things we've been working on)!" 

SUNDAY WALK

This past Sunday (3/20/16) we went on a walk at Bridal Veil Falls. Over the past several years this has been one of our favorite places to go when we want to get outdoors. It's up Provo Canyon, has a nice walking trail and a beautiful waterfall(s). When we started our walk the sun hadn't completely made it over the mountain. We walked in the shade and the kids were struggling to stay warm. By the time we made it to the waterfall the sun was on our backs and we started to warm up. Of course by that time the kids were hungry and needed to use the bathroom. 

Snack time.

The kids had never used a porta potty so they thought it was funny. After using the it Abbey said "I got to pee on a juicy poo." 

ABBEY'S EAR PROCEDURE

On Monday (March 14) Abbey had her adenoids removed and tubes put in her ears. This is the second time she's had tubes put in her ears. I remember when Abbey received her first set of tubes. She was 4, in preschool and struggling with her speech. Once the tubes were put in she blossomed! Ever since then we've seen Abbey just flourish with her confidence, speech and education. Over the last few months she's struggled with ear infections so we took her to a new ENT doctor. He noticed her ears had closed up again. He suggested the adenoids be removed and tubes put in her ears again. 

We checked in at the hospital at 8am. She was taken back a little after 9am and after an hour she was back with us. She did fantastic and all the nurses were impressed with how alert and calm she was pre and post procedure. The entire hospital staff was awesome. By 11:45 we were leaving the hospital. My Dad was kind enough to take work off and watch over Penny and make sure Jude got to school. We are grateful for family, good doctors and excellent health insurance. 

Of course Abbey was showered with gifts. The hospital gave Abbey a St. Patricks Day pillow case, a blanket, dolly and teddy bear! Her BFF Maliya gave her a coloring book and other goodies. Grandma Doerfler sent her a singing teddy bear. And of course her Mother spoiled her with a Critter set. Needless to say Abbey is very loved by family and friends. 

Abbey pre-procedure. That's the pillow case and blanket the hospital gave her. 

Post-procedure. Abbey jumped right into her element. Slushy, iPad and Teddy Bear. 

Mommy's gift to Abbey. Penny was happy her sister was home so she could play with her gift. 

ABBEY AND MALIYA

Abbey has one of the best friends a little girl could ask for in Maliya. These two are inseparable! Maliya lives around the corner and is the same age as Abbey. Maliya's family situation is very similar to ours. She doesn't have any cousins her age and not a lot of family in the area. This allows for the two to be together a lot. Maliya is quick to bring Abbey a note if she's sick, they attend a dance class together and are also in the same first grade class. Today they got to spend some time together in the park. Maliya also had dinner with us. While my kids were refusing to eat the dinner we prepared (and eating PopTarts instead) Maliya enjoyed meat and potatoes. What a gal! We are so grateful for Maliya and the happiness she brings into Abbey's life.