Missing My MBASA Ladies

I have been missing my MBASA friends and decided it was time to arrange a GNO with those that live in this area. I am the most out of the way so I decided to organize and plan a get together in the San Jose area. So glad I did. These women are truly amazing. I often would come home from girls' nights out disappointed or annoyed at the topic of conversation but this night was so different. These ladies uplifted me and strengthened my testimony of womanhood and motherhood. They seriously are inspirational. We had so much fun, ate so much food and laughed and laughed. It was almost an hour drive for me but so worth it. I'm already in the works of planning another because I love their company so much.

I have always loved babies and remember stealing them to hold since I was about five years old. Some things never change. I could hold them, especially ones as cute and easy as Tatum and Kate, all day, every day.

 Sharee, Jodee, Katrina, (Me), Bitsy

Not pictured, Katrina's baby due next month and Jodee's twins Kate and Tatum that were at our feet in their carseats.

Loved snuggling this sweet girl throughout dinner. I'm pretty sure this is Kate but since I am saying that I am probably wrong. I have been wrong every time I guess who is who with Jodee so next time, I am going to go with the opposite of my first guess.

Mommy Time, Forts and Tattoos

The girls went to the library with their friends and Tanner was sleeping so Abby and I got to play just the two of us. She is growing up and changing so much every day. She loves to stand up and balance while we count. She has gotten up to 30 seconds so far. She doesn't love taking steps unassisted but she loves to stand and bounce around.

Playing dress up with mommy. One of our favorite Abigail pictures.

It is almost a daily occurrence that the kids build a fort in the house. It is most fun when all of them get involved and they take over our living room and all of the furniture.

 Sadie's trophy for the winner of the fort.

The kids have so many tattoos left over from Grandma so we decided to put some of them to use. I love hearing Tanner ask, "Where is my tattoo?" When his shirt is on and then go crazy trying to lift his sleeves to see it.

The kids art has taken over their room again.

More Abby being so big and playing around.

Abigail Dana Shumway @ 1 Year Old

Check up date: 07.15.13  (Few weeks late.)

Height: 28.5 (18%)

Weight: 19 lbs 13.5 oz (46%)

Head: 18.5 cm (93%)

Sure fits the mold of our kids. Love our bouncy, energetic and social one year old. She is too much fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SADIE PIE!!

Yes, there are a LOT of pictures on this post but it is because we had a super fun filled day with our special birthday girl. Sienna did such a great job at helping make Sadie feel extra special and chose out her balloons, cupcakes and so much more. Sadie was able to choose what she wanted to do for her big day which consisted of donuts for breakfast, playing at Golden Gate Park, picnic at the beach, presents, pancakes and bacon for dinner, piñata and cupcakes. We were going to get the girls' ears pierced too but ran out of time. It might sound like a lot but we had to cancel her b-day party that we had planned since we were all sick earlier in the week and wanted her to still have an extra special day. Our new friends Mckenna and Mckayla were able to come over and surprise Sadie for her cupcakes and piñata. They are in our ward and live in our apartment complex and the girls LOVE them. Borderline obsessed. It is so nice having friends close and I love their mama so it's a great friendship to have. 

After tucking the kids in bed, I was sitting on the couch and Sadie sneaked out of her room. She saw me on the couch and came over, gave me a hug and said, "it was a great birthday, mom!" Melted my heart and made me so happy. She is such a wonderful girl and we are so grateful she is ours. I cannot believe she is five and I am in denial that she will be heading off to Kindergarten this fall. I just want to keep the girls home with me forever.

(Abby thinks it is so much fun to stand and practice balancing. If I am sitting on the floor, she crawls to me as fast as she can and then lifts herself up and balances. I started counting every time she did it so now she counts (makes a lot of really cute baby noises and says a couple numbers sometimes). She's getting better and better. Still not interested in taking steps on her own but getting closer.)