New York City

Last Saturday we spent 12 hours in the city with our friends, Andrea and Erica, from college. This was Brian's second day off in the past three months, so we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our day trip. It was Abby's first time site seeing in the city and boy did we see a lot, walked a lot too. It was also a very warm day, the first real warm day of the season. We absolutely loved it. Thanks guys for giving us an excuse to get out and have fun! We love you lot's!!!!

Riding the subway. Brian had to carry that stroller up and down every flight of stairs. It was well worth it, not having to carry a thing and Abby even napped while we strolled Central Park.
















The statue of liberty isn't that impressive unless you take the ferry across to see it up close.

Spring is here!

We are so glad the weather is finally warming up and coats are not an everyday thing anymore. It feels good to spend time outside and enjoy the fresh air. I can't believe April is almost gone and May is just around the corner. I love the month of May, full of life and new beginnings. Abby will be two next month, so hard to believe. She is growing and maturing very quickly. Everyday we are laughing because of something she says or does. We feel very blessed to have such a pleasant daughter.

The other day I had to run into the post office (something I least enjoy with a child). As we were walking in there was a greyhound dog poking it's head out of a car window. Abby pointed to it and said, "deer!" I got such a good laugh out of it.

Tonight we were heading up for bed and Abby knew it was time for her bedtime routine. She turned to me and said, "I want Jesus." (Brain responds, "don't we all.") Every night before bed we say our prayers to Jesus, sometimes sing Jesus loves me and we have a Jesus book she likes to look at. It's amazing how she has caught on and chooses to do it on her own. It doesn't take much to get into little habits like this. These are the times that I remember molded me into who I am in my relationship with God. I pray the same will happen for Abby.

Cali '09

I think Tim, Jess and I deserve medals for bringing Abigail across the country on an airplane. I'm so thankful that that was most likely her last airplane ride without having her own seat. I was "that" parent with the screaming child. Mostly due to lack of sleep and a cold which started the day we left. I must say the number one perk of traveling with a 7 month pregnant woman is that Jess got to pre-board the plane and pick the seats. Thankfully we had the very front row with extra leg room for Abby to move.
Despite the traveling and cool temperatures, we enjoyed our trip. It was great to see Esther, Rob, Ashley, "Taylor" in the womb, GG, Uncle Dave and Aunt Dorothy. We celebrated both Rob and GG's Birthday's, went to the pool, shopped with GG, visited the beach, squeezed fresh orange juice from GG's orange treees and enjoyed the beautiful greenery.

Here are the pics in no particular order. Notice Abby's friend at the playground. Like her daddy, Abby is friendly with everyone. The one below is Abby giving Ashley a hug :)

Doggie play date

Our friends Travis and Apryl brought home a new puppy last weekend. His name is Sawyer and he is a Brittany Spaniel. Oh he was soooo cute. Joey wasn't too interested in Sawyer and he definitely didn't like the puppy getting near his treat. I'm sure one day they'll be good friends. Abby realized that being nibbled on by puppy teeth isn't fun. Here's what I got before the camera battery died.

For a good read/laugh

Check out my brother's blog. I love him! http://tjblankenship.blogspot.com/

Update...

Here we were having a blast dancing at a birthday party. Abby was breaking it down!

Sorry to say we're not very interesting lately. Brian has been busy working about 55 hours a week. He does his accounting job (where he is thriving) during the week and goes to the Apple store on the weekends. He has also been playing guitar for the worship team and involved in the church's men's group. He made soup to feed 25 of them for tomorrow night.
Abby is growing like a weed. She was in 18 month clothing for the longest time and is now eating everything in sight. She eats her veggies, all kinds of fruit, yogurt/fruit smoothies, cheese, cheerios and gold fish to name a few of her favorites. The Elmo phase has not ended. She loves watching Sesame Street and learns a lot from it.
I recently visited a Nutritionist to discus some alternative treatments for my health. After some testing she concluded that my digestive system does not tolerate certain foods very well and believes if I follow a strict diet it will heal my gut. Some things I am not suppose to eat are wheat, dairy, or sugar. We'll see how this goes. I'm learning how to be creative with my food and not focus my life around it. If it gives me better quality of life I'm all for it. The hard part is when we are with friends/family because food is such a social thing. Everyone we have hung out with has been so supportive and encouraging.
Last Friday our church was showing the movie Fireproof for free. Brian and I took advantage of a free date and saw it. It was actually a good movie and worth watching if you haven't already. Abby and I are getting ready to go out to CA with Tim and Jess. We are looking forward to seeing Rob, Esther and Ashley. I'm a little down that Brian can't come with us again, but the three of us are planning a trip sometime in June after Abby's new cousin arrives. I guess that's it for now :) Thanks for checking in on us!

Art Show

Friday night we went to one of our very talented friend's art show and website launch. Check out Bryn's work at www.artbybryn.com and see his God given gift.