Abby's Birthday Festivities

I just had to add these cute pictures of the girls before I get to Abby's birthday. They love sitting by each other in the car and holding hands. 

 For Abby's birthday dinner we went to Red Robin. Abby wore her crown and loved being the center of attention.

 Katie, on the other hand, was sassy all night. We had fun eating and talking but John and I were ready to go as soon as we were done eating. Those girls are a handful!

For Abby's birthday party, we went ice skating! She was so excited! At first she hated it and I was so worried. She went around twice then came off the ice crying that she didn't like ice skating. So I got her a hot chocolate and we snuggled. I convinced her to go back on and she decided she loved it! Abby didn't want to leave when it was time to go. 

 The rink had buckets that the kids can use to hold on and skate around by themselves. Abby thought it was the best thing ever. She held on and went around and around.

 Abby's friend, Lily and her family, came with us. They had so much fun holding hands and skating together.

 Our neighbors, Ethan and his parents, came with us as well.

 Abby loved all her presents from her friends.

 The cupcakes were a hit but messy!

 On another note, John made a delicious dinner one night. This is Beef Wellington which is Filet cooked with mushrooms, onions and pastry covering it. It was so yummy!

 These two girls love kissing!



We had a family dinner to help celebrate Abby's birthday. Abby once again loved being the center of attention.

 She got lots of presents but as soon as she opened Brave we had to put it in to watch.

 We got Katie a few things so she didn't feel left out and wouldn't take Abby's toys.

 She got her own crown too.

 These are the presents from us that Abby opened right before we went to Red Robin.

 More ice skating pictures

 John carried Katie around on the ice but she didn't like it at all.

We had fun celebrating Abby's birthday and didn't want the fun to end!

Our Texas Trip

We were in Texas the first week of February visiting our wonderful friends. We went to our old neighborhood and played on the playground. The girls loved being able to be outside all day in dresses most of the days. I actually teared up being in our old neighborhood because I love all our neighbors and it made me miss Texas.

 

 They had so much fun together and cried when they had to leave the park. I got together with some friends from our old ward. Leilani, Esther, Kellie, Heidi, Alyssa and Shekendra were able to make a girls dinner one night. We went to my favorite Texas Mexican restaurant, Chuys! It was so fun to chat and catch up with all these lovely ladies. It made me miss Texas so much!

 We stayed at the Bryson's house the entire time we were there. They got a dog since we've moved to New York so the girls took a while getting used to Ella. They ended up loving her and chasing her around the house. Katie, who never talks, ran around yelling, ELLA!

 We went shopping to our favorite outlets and Abby was able to get a princess dress for an early birthday present.

 The girls loved our long walks and jumping on the trampoline. Abby wanted to walk Ella every day.

We went and hung out with our old neighbors one morning. Laurie, Eli, Sandi, Richie and Jane were all available to talk and have fun with us. Katie snuggled right in with Laurie. We miss them!

 While we were there I also stopped by my old work, Hellas, and saw all my old co-workers. I went to lunch and dinner with some and it made me wish I worked part-time with them again. It was a fantastic trip and I miss my late night talks with Kellie! Thank you Kellie for letting us stay at your house!

January

January was a cold month for us. The girls just wanted to snuggle and bundle up in bed. Abby and Katie love jumping on my bed and tackling each other. They have so much fun!

 

 Abby is still loving preschool but I am NOT liking the temperatures. It was -2 degrees while driving to school for about a week. It's too cold to go anywhere!

 I love how they lounge on the couch while watching the TV!

 Abby always wants the fire on and they love to stand nearby.

 One day we went to Subway to meet Daddy for lunch. Unfortunately, Daddy didn't end up making it so we had a fun time by ourselves!

 Abby danced to the music and put a show on for all the people waiting in line. She loves being the center of attention!

 This picture was too cute not to add! She is so happy and smiley most of the time! She also got a few more teeth this month. I can't believe how quickly she is growing up!

 Katie insists upon wearing her headbands across her forehead. If you try to fix it she throws a fit and puts it back on how she likes it.

 I just had to include a sweet sleeping picture. I love this girl!

 Abby loves taking movie naps. It's her new thing instead of actually going in her bed. She falls asleep about half the time.