Abby's Preschool Nature Walk

Today (can you believe I'm posting pictures that I actually took today?) Abby's preschool class went on a nature walk at Jones Family Farm, a local farm that grows Christmas trees, strawberries, blueberries, & apples. Just a little plug for her school: We are big fans of her teacher...she's excellent. And the group of kids in her class are so fun and cute. Abby's whole year at preschool has been nothing short of perfect. There is such a great mix of play, music, crafts, and most of all, making friends. We are very much impressed with every aspect of it. So for any local yokels reading this...I highly recommend Susanna Wesley Preschool in Huntington.

Abby's Artwork

A little bragging time here. :) We got a letter from Abby's preschool saying her artwork had been chosen to be part of the school's artshow display at our local library. Her proud mama had to go take a picture of this high honor.

Everyday Pictures at the Chiodo Home

Explanation: There is a Curious George episode where George uses various boxes and gadgets around the house to make a robot suit for himself. This was Abby's version of it. :) She's inside this contraption in case you couldn't tell.


Explanation: Abby hasn't asked to give Ben a bottle since he was an infant. But out of the blue one day she wanted to. He didn't care who fed him...he just wanted the bottle.

Name This Picture

I love this picture....it speaks volumes of Abby's personality. But I can't think of a clever title for it. So....I'm curious to see what creative name you would give it. :) She's making "Rocket Soup" (a Little Einstein thing) in my soapy dishwater while "helping" Mommy wash the dishes.

Ben: 9 Months Old (Can You Believe It?!?)

It's amazing how fast they grow and change. One minute he can't sit up steadily and the next minute he's pulling himself up to stand. I do feel like Ben went from being a small infant to suddenly a 9 month old tornado. It's going by way too fast.
Our sweet boy weighed 20 lbs. 8 oz. at his 9 month appointment. He's 28 inches long. 6-9 month clothes are long gone and he's wearing 12-18 months sizes nicely. Ben now has 7 teeth...4 on top, 3 on bottom. So our days are full of drool and everything going in the mouth. Abby has had many a complaint that she'll pick up a toy only to discover it is soaking wet from Ben's drool. Lots of explaining that everything dries and she did the same thing when she was his age. I'm also adding in a couple of pictures of him eating a strawberry for the first time. The facial expressions were quite funny.

Easter Pictures

I had my two little dumplings all dressed up and I didn't get one good picture of them together. Easter was chilly and very windy. But it definitely didn't stop Abigail and Anabel from going on a their Easter egg hunt in Papadoo's and Grandma's backyard. Next year, Jason and I are going to have to go to the next level on hiding those eggs. The two of them found them way too easily...and they definitely enjoyed the little treat inside each one. We missed Ole, Dawn, Miriam, & Sylvia who were in Germany visiting Ole's family.

O-O-O-O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A!

We took a spur of the moment, last minute trip to Oklahoma at the beginning of April. I found tickets on Priceline through the "Name Your Own Price" thing that they have...super cheap. Loved it. Had a great time being with my mom and stepdad. Also got a special treat of seeing our dear friend Mary (Balla) Adkisson and her family, Justin and sweet little Bella. And I got to see my beautiful new niece, Ava Grace Boston. When the plane was landing in the Tulsa airport, I sang the Oklahoma state song to Abby who immediately loved it. Now at random times she will ask me to break into song and sing it to her.