Fun at the Carousel

Abigail had her birthday party at the historic Hartford Carousel. It's the perfect setting for a 5 year old birthday party. Just pure joy.



I'll have to admit... I didn't get the pictures that I really wanted to. But it sure is hard being the birthday girls mommy, host to the guests, serving food and trying to soak in Abigail at her party. I knew I would blink and it would be gone. So just some (too many) snapshots of her birthday party.



Two hours of as many rides on the carousel as she could do. She would get off and get right back on so that she didn't miss one ride.



She sure had some fun with her Grandpa holding hands. Delightful.



Abigail loved how their horses were going up and down next to each other so holding hands was so silly to her!



My talented sister in law made the cake all allergy safe for her. Amazing and filled with love!



Cindy worked so hard on that unicorn cake for Abigail. And she just loved it!



Check out Anna's face in these pictures as she notices the candles have colored flames!



Another year older




Abigail's face was priceless when she noticed her Auntie Cindy's 'surprise' inside the cake... rainbow!





We decided to have 'just family'. I figure there is a whole life of having friends at birthday parties. I just wanted those closest to her to be there! There was so much love for Abigail that day. I got pictures of almost everyone.




They make me smile.










When it was time for presents we moved out onto the grass. It was perfect.



When she opened this and saw the Bitty Baby box she squealed, "this is just what I always wanted."





Abigail was sure spoiled that afternoon.



It sure was a special day. Happy Birthday sweet girl. You are loved!

Birthday Girl

Abigail's 5th birthday celebration began back here with just our little family and a few presents. This weekend we had our family party (pictures to come soon) and it was a blast! But I really wanted to take Abigail out for her own little 5 year old photo shoot.



And I'm so glad I did!



We had a blast with the five balloons!



Until...

All five popped all at once when they got too close to the barn

I immediately ran to hold her because it was so loud. I was sure she was going to cry from either the noise or that her balloons were too quickly gone.

But she turned to me and said, "that's okay, I can still take more pictures." And she flashed me this pose.



And that was it. She never mentioned them again. She just ran ahead to the gardens and started exploring.



She found more joy in the gardens then she did in those shiny pink balloons that I just had to get.





Both of my girls teach me over and over to just enjoy life. That there is beauty all around us and sometimes less is more





Abigail, I'm so excited about what will unfold for you this year. I love that you're still oh so small but you're growing each day. I'd keep you "just five" forever if I could. Sigh, but as you say to me, "mommy, I have to grow up." I'll let you sweetheart. Please just always stay sweet, loving, silly, and happy. Then I know I'll be okay.



No matter how much you grow, you'll always be my baby. I'm so proud of you, and I love you with all my heart.

Keeping Up

My calendar is so full. Events are every day it seems. I'm being pulled in a million different directions. But I'm home and I'm loving it because it's all about my little family. We are for sure in the thick of 'end of the year hoopla'. And with Abigail's birthday party this weekend I'm determined to keep up all on the little pictures along the way.

Just a few quick snapshots of Anna at her school. Her little 'readers theatre' group did such a great job. And Anna LOVED performing in front of her class. I know it's because she got to hide behind the book. She said it's because she didn't have to sing. She was super excited and I was super proud of her.

Here she is with her teacher; amazing one!



And with one of her best school friends!

Favortie Photo Friday ~ Teeny Tiny Field Day

Teeny Tiny for sure but great big fun! Yesterday was Abigail's Preschool Field Day/Family Picnic!

Boy was she ever excited. She must have said 1,000 times "mommy, it's not about winning and it's not about loosing; it's about having FUN!"

I picked up Anna for the event. (the more events that are about "family" that we can take her to the better for her... still trying to cement in her that we are a family forever)

There was the jumpy ball. She had that thing going!





Then there was the 'walk on stilts' and the egg drop. She was slow as molasses on these; the teachers kept telling her to take bigger steps. She did NOT want to drop that plastic egg!





Adorable during the crab walk



Love her expression on the right. Really getting into it!



And her ponytail was flying during the sack race



but my favorite photo was this one... muscles (finally in size 4t as a new 5 year old) pulling that rope during tug of war. She was mighty and strong; and oh so cute!



Just a few more from the tug of war



Receiving her medal with her other "jumping green frogs" team



So proud



But her favorite part of all was having her whole family there to see her!



Mrs. Giddings announced to the parents at the end that her favorite part of field day was "watching Anna, Abigail's big sister, cheer and clap for her." Love that!

And then a picnic. A fun morning for sure, and another memory to tuck away and save. I have oh so many that will bring a smile to my face for years and years to come.



For more photos by my favorite teacher and friends visit