^^the beaver dams. those who believe idaho is ugly- i'mma punch in the face.^^

Memorial Day weekend this year was spent in the Beaver Dams (near grace, idaho) where Dustin's family has a small cabin. It is literally Dustin's heaven on Earth. But, really, can you blame him? D. grew up in the Beaver Dams with his grandpa Smith. Needless to say, he's determined for Lady to love it the same. And she does. Despite my lack of love for camping (really, who wants to sleep in the cold, on the ground?) we spent the weekend there (not spending the night) and I too loved it. 

As much as we hate that this was the last hurrah there for a little while, it sure was a good one. Girlfriend is the perfect age to roll in the dirt, beg for rides on the four wheeler, and play with her cousins. So many games were played, plenty of Diet Coke flowed freely, and so, so many laughs. Perfect start to an uncertain summer (and we even topped of the weekend with a snowcone monday night - made by uncle kendon. tigers blood with cream, doesn't get much better than this, folks).

Weekends like this sure don't make it any easier to leave. 

^^wearing the an adult helmet. it's not huge. so, there's that. but, when she couldn't hold up her head we took it off. sue us.^^

^^by the end of the weekend she could start this on her own. no joke. and, when anyone would leave without her she would chase them yelling, "waaaaiiiit!"^^

^^dustin's favorite play gym as a child. totally safe, i'm sure.^^

^^the "cabin." grandma was determined to spot the boys on their hike. love it.^^

^^horseshoes. grandma is a champ. for real.^^

^^dirty from head to toe. and she was in heaven.^^

^^made lovingly (years ago) by the one and only d-money.^^

^^mornings around the fire. looks like he won her over, eh?^^

^^diet and brown, that's all i require. sitting in the sun, with the best company is an awesome bonus.^^

^^jumping on grandmas bed in the van.^^

^^filthy face and not a care in the world.^^

Kendon: a future missionary (going to the california fresno mission! speaking spanish!), and now Preston High graduate. This is the kid who can annoy  me to my core on minute then have me rolling in laughter the next. Girlfriend is his biggest fan (quite the feat, since there are so many girls who are his fan), and he is hers. We love this boy. 

Anyway, his graduation (last weekend) landed smack in the middle of last minute moving chaos. But, Abby and I make the quick trip to P-Town for the graduation. Sitting there, I could't help but realize I was there seven years ago (seven! seven?!)! What in the world? Running into my high school (and college) best friend only increased the nostalgia by a million times. Who'dathought seven years later I'd have a husband, a kid, about to be moving cross country - and the really crazy part - wanting to stay close to home? 

^^k. got to speak at graduation and introduce the theme for their class: "the world will be watching" from the hunger games. thus, this picture at the end of his bit (you know, katniss' symbol...get it? i thought it was mighty clever.).^^

^^because, when you're two, you get groupies. duh.^^

Guys, The Abbsters is two. Things just got real around these parts. We celebrated the day of her birthday with family and friends (who are like family!) with a little pizza party and store-bought cupcakes. Because, that's the stage we're at right now. She didn't seem to mind, though she obviously enjoyed being the center of attention, she really just wanted to run free outside. Go for it, Girlfriend. 

Somehow, I failed to get pictures of family there (actually, i didn't get nearly enough pictures. it bums me out, but also proves we were all enjoying ourselves far too much, right?). But, they were there, traveled far, and sure loved on our Miss Independent. Our friends around these parts really are like family to us, and really, one of the hardest parts of the upcoming move. They treat Abby like one of their own, and she adores them right back (as do we!). 

Happiest birthday to our little terror. We sure do adore her, and her crazy antics. She gets next to no attention (ha! some serious sarcasm here.) and keeps us on our toes. To think how much our lives have changed in two short years, by our little (huge) surprise, is incredible. And, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

^^"kenny!"^^

^^the red face? i'm sure she'd run at least three miles at this point. and, eaten a bag of cheetos herself, as evidenced in her hands.^^

^^obviously she totally hated the attention she was getting from everyone. this one never shows off. ever. (haha! yeah.right.)^^

^^the bubbles were a hit. best $1.50 we've ever spent.^^ 

^^lily. she's one of us, really. abby loooooves "iiiiieeeey!"^^

^^after she opened a gift, she was told who it was from. then, with a mumbled "thank you" she would promptly return the gift to the giver.^^

She was spoiled, we were spoiled. And now, we are refreshed and engergized - ready to take on the terrible twos. 

(not.)

^^"kenny's" birthday celebration.^^

^^girlfriend took the pizza buffet very seriously.^^

^^our graduate.^^

^^why can't we live closer? really, though.^^

^^apparently girlfriend needs to be included in the coaching at the meet. she does give good advice.^^

^^double ear infection + a nasty virus.^^

^^aunt morgan came to visit. after girlfriend was sick for four days, refusing to eat, we grabbed a $5 pizza. maybe not mother of the year, but she gobbled it down. i'll call it a win.^^

^^we tackled a giant project (very unlike me), and refinished our table. bigger project than we anticipated. but, satisfying. though, next time i think i'll pay to have it done. lazy? maybe.^^

^^easter sunday selfie.^^

^^watermelon back in our lives again. also, don't you remember wearing your dad's tshirts? my favorite.^^

^^a blurry picture of the finished product.^^

^^selling cupcake with lilly.^^

^^grandma and abby in their respective rocking chairs.^^

^^who's more excited for the egg hunt, grandma patty or abby?^^

^^grainy picture of luis and abby. they were instantly best friends. so, super, duper proud of this one! love him like a brother (and we look alike, don't we?).^^

^^life has come full circle. abby got the sand-dollar fhe object lesson from grandpa harrison (who never seems to run out of sand dollars).^^