Ezra Craig!!!

Just wanted to update the blog to include our newest little man:

Ezra Craig Abbott
Born at 5:10am on Friday, Nov. 26th
Weighing in at: 8 pounds and 11 ounces
20 and ½ inches long

... and counting

Well, at this point, I am a big lady. Almost every day the kids ask me how many days till our baby is going to get here. It is fun and funny how aware we all our of how many days we have left. Today we are at 19. Esther pointed out that it seems like a long time to her, but maybe not for mommy. I usually have to remind the kids that what seems like a long time to them is not really that long. However, for once, I feel like we are in the same boat when it comes to a day being a really long time.

Two Lady Bugs and a White Ninja

In case we didn't trick or treat you...

field trip day

Josiah's kindergarten class walked to the park (right past our house) for a field trip the other day. We came out to wave and were invited to come along. It was wonderful. Truly a fun little outing on a perfect day. And, as a mom of my first kindergartner, it was really fun to see him interact with the other kids on his turf. What a big boy. He is in the back with the red vest. And that little girl in the front on the far right, you'll recognize as Esther. She wanted to be in the picture, of course!

Working Out With Esti

I really shouldn't be making fun. I know that I couldn't do any better right now... But, really? She is stinking hillarious.

I'm Happy

Josiah asked me this morning for a piece of paper. He said he had something really important to write down. This is what he wrote. It took a few tries to get it just right. But the concept was there from the beginning. He said he was going to take it to school so he would remember to have a good day. I know that I will.

Ninja Baby Strikes Again

Kindergarten Logic: The Second Name

Almost daily, Josiah comes home from school and tells me about Ronald from school. Ron sits at his table, he just turned 6 and brought snacks, he lives on a farm and is an all around cool guy, apparently. So, of course, I can't wait to find out more about his new friend.

Well, yesterday, Josiah was talking about Ron and he told me, "Hey mom, I know what Ron's second name is (i.e. his last name)." O really? I'd love to know. I mean, we live in a small enough town that I could know who his parents are. After all, he lives somewhat close by.

So, Josiah says, "His second name is Old."

I say, "What?"

"You know, Old. Like, Ron Old."

At this point, I am unsuccessfully trying not to laugh. "Honey, I don't think his name is Ron Old. It's Ronald. And, then he has a last name that is something else. Just like we sometimes call you Jo or Josiah. But your first name is Josiah and your last name is Abbott."

"Oh."

I love how his mind works. What a great illustration of how we can be logical in our assumptions, but still come to incorrect conclusions. I know I do it all of the time.

Sad Day for Tiger Fans

Tonight was the BBQ at Memorial Park for Tiger Fans. However, due to rain, the Abbott Clan was unable to attend as in years past. Please do note that we were prepared to go, and dissapointed that we missed the chearleaders and Truman this year.

Plincess Estew

Here is just a quick video of Esther in her new uniform. She is a princess bride, or as she says, "plincess blide Estew."

First Day of School!!!

Is it even possible? Is he old enough? Well, he certainly thinks so! Josiah couldn't have been more excited to go to school this morning. Jason walked him over and said he was ready to go immediately. He got right into the line for his class, walked over and found his desk and was just plain ecstatic.

I am maybe not so ready. Would I ever be though? There must be something at the core of a mom that makes us need to be needed... something that loves the dependency of our kidos, even while it can be tiresome at times. I know this is just a step in the direction of his independence. And it is good and right for him to go. I am glad that it is easy for him, even if it is a little hard for me.

A Few Vacation Highlights

Yellowstone National Park

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Ian, Mindy, Jacob, Ella, and Isaac Noyes - Victor, Idaho

Jenny Lake - Grand Teton National Park

Amazing Dinosaur exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

Mini Golf in Estes Park, Colorado

The kids are now Junior Park Rangers - Rocky Mountain National Park

Well, Here are some favorite pics from our vacation. In an effort to just get it done, I am skipping many of the things we saw and did. Needless to say, it was amazing. We spent time in Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho. We camped, stayed with friends, and even had a house all to ourselves. It was fun, and restful and a true adventure for us all. The kids loved camping... thankfully. Josiah even asked when we were returning home if "maybe we could just live camping from now on." We visited three national parks: Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone. We saw most every animal one might hope to see. We saw the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play. We were amazed by the natural beauty of the mountains, lakes, geisersVisiting our friends Ian and Mindy and their three children was also a serious highlight for us. They are such wonderful people and it was truly a refreshing time to connect with them and see how God is at work in and through them. Our lowest point was a tire blowout near Laramie Wyoming. But, for anyone familiar with Wyoming, we were fortunate to be so close to any city whatsoever. Overall, it was a trip to remember fondly for our lifetime. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity.

VACATION!!!!

We just got back from a 3 week whirlwind. Here is a pic from the GRAND Tetons! We had such a blast. I will post more as I have energy.

Sleepy Miriam

This is from one of our last trips anywhere as a family in our little Honda Civic. Being so crowded in makes it hard for anyone to take a nap... especially when everybody is laughing at you.

KCMO - YIPPEE!!!

"Why Jason, is that a shuttlecock coming out of your head?"

"Why yes, yes it is. I hear all of the cool people are into the shuttlecock. It is the new fohawk... the new black."

We had the chance (with many thanks to our parents!!!) to visit Kansas City last week - WITHOUT KIDS. It was awesome to say the least. We did what we wanted when we wanted, we slept late (well, 7:30), went to museums, saw a King Richard III, watched a lot of world cup soccer in fun places, and when all was said and done we really missed our kids. Ain't it the truth. Oh, but it was a breath of fresh air.

Swagger Wagon

Well the Abbotts have finally gone and done it. Yes, in expectation of our 4th child, we have purchased our very own Swagger Wagon. For those who have not seen the video for the Toyota Sienna, you should take 3 minutes and enjoy. Any family with kids will relate to this hilarious video about what it is like to be parents with a minivan. Here is the link. Enjoy!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

Cousins

I know there might have been better pictures taken of this pose that day, but this one is really a winner in my mind. Esther and Henry seem to have a little joke going on, and maybe Josiah is in on it... When all of the Neuenswander cousins are together, they are a blast and truly a force to be reckoned with.

Our first gap smile

Josiah lost his first tooth today!!! He said that the tooth fairy will probably bring him 8 cents. Can you believe it? Love it.

Sledding!!!

SNOW DAYS! O the joys of sledding! We have recently been taking advantage of the snow. Friday we went sledding as a family to the church down the street. Then, Saturday we built two snowmen at Dita's house and went sledding with the neighbor gals in Dita's back yard. It has been a blast just being outside. Even Miriam loved the sledding. You will note that she did so in a laundry basket, not a bad innovation for the average household laundry tool... Here is a short clip of the action. I wonder if that was a purposeful clip of Josiah at the end.