Sunny summer days

We have been enjoying our days in Wildwood. I am so blessed to have the chance to spend time with other moms who are on project. There are 10 little ones total. Abby has had lots of time to watch the older kids play and they all love to play with her. It is fun to watch her interact with them.




Once a week, we have a women's staff lunch. This week, Abby got to spend time with Faith while I ate my sandwich!

After a long and hot morning, Abby took a nap on Mommy and Daddy's bed.

We have spent the last few afternoons enjoying this fun little pool. Abby did lots of watching, but yesterday I dipped her feet in and she loved it. I will have to get in myself and sit with her. She loves to splash in her tub, so I think she would love to splash in the pool. We'll see...(I promise to take pictures if that happens!)

Some of the kiddos enjoying the pool.

Yum! (or as Rachael Ray would say...Yum-o!)

Yesterday, Abby had her very first taste of rice cereal! She loved every minute of it. Of course for such a special occasion, we had to make sure she wore a very special bib. Go Cuse!

what's that, mom?

Ooo is that for me?

(Look at her take the spoon from me!)

When she took the spoon and started guiding it into her mouth, I had the confirmation that she was definitely ready for the introduction of cereal into her life. She is getting so big. (Do I say that in almost every entry? I can't get over it!)

Once she got the hang of it, she got excited and kept reaching for me. I couldn't get it to her fast enough.

...and for your additional viewing entertainment...mine and Joe's narration. :)

Almost time to roll.

My little girl is getting so strong. It is only a matter of time before she rolls over completely. She makes her way around whenever she is playing on the floor or bed!

Abby's first trip to the zoo

Yesterday, we had a staff fun day and took a trip together to the Cape May zoo. It was Abby's first trip to the zoo! After we walked around and enjoyed the animals, we had a picnic lunch in the park. It was a nice time for our staff team and a really sweet time for Joe, Abby and I. I love my little family!

watching the giraffes with Linsey.

the wallabies were hugging. too cute!

Abby brought her elephant to the zoo. :)

Later that afternoon, I went over to Megan's to work on some apple crisps for our staff team dessert. While we baked, Abby and Will hung out on a blanket. At one point when we looked over at them, they were holding hands! (we did nothing to make this happen...they did it all by themselves.)

little best friends!

Welcome to Wildwood!

We're here and continuing to get settled in. We've been in lots of meetings and spending time getting to know our summer staff team. They are great! It's going to be a great summer.

I haven't taken many pictures yet, but I do have one to share.

Yesterday, at our women's time:

Abby & Will

Moorestown visit

We had a great week in Moorestown. We started the week with Tommy's graduation. We spent lots of time with Grammy, Granddaddy, Uncle Tommy and Tori, Uncle Bradley and Alex and Aunt Cyncy. We had some delicious meals, took walks enjoying some beautiful weather and did some shopping.

family dinner

Abby loved Greeley! She wasn't afraid of him at all. Greeley LOVED Abby. When he would come over to her (which was often), she would watch him and reach out to touch him. When Abby cried over the monitor, Greeley would run over to it and tilt his head. The best was when Abby started talking to Greeley and he talked back!

Abby and Greeley talking to each other

Greeley LOVES Abby.

Can I please play with her?

getting really excited in the Bumbo...and possibly trying to fly? :)

with Grammy

some quality time with Uncle Tommy


Abby missed her Daddy. She was very excited to see him and relax with him when he got home from the Phillies game.




Playing with Grammy

meeting Aunt Cyncy

Future lawyer? Studying for the LSATs with Tori!

Abby had her first real belly laugh while we were in Moorestown. I was getting her ready for her bath and kissing her belly and neck and she cracked up! I love it and can't wait for her to do it consistently. It has to be one of the best sounds in the world.

kissing mommy

Look at my foot! (Abby plays with her feet now too.)


laughing! (just wait until we get this on video...)

so sweet!

Uncle Tommy's Graduation

Congratulations Uncle Tommy!

On Monday, Abby's Uncle Tommy (my brother-in-law) graduated from UPenn. We loved having the opportunity to be in town for the ceremony and to celebrate with the family. It was a big day! Not only did Tommy graduate, but his dad (and professor) was the one who presented him with his diploma. It was such a special moment!

Joe and his dad.

Brothers

The Cassel Men!

Abby with her Uncle Brad and Uncle Tommy

(She loved Tommy's honors cords!)