Roller Coaster Ride?

Uncertain exactly how this game came about. But going to downtown Peoria on the freeway there are multiple overpasses. Here's a clip of how they play

(excuse the poor lighting in the car)

Trucks!

No doubt Benjamin is in love with trucks, tractors, buses, motorcycles...anything with wheels - especially if it's big! So naturally the Touch-A-Truck event was screaming for his attention. Hosted by the local shcool district for pre-school kids, it was a way to inform parents on what to expect and let the kids have at the "trucks." Abie had her fill of fun too. There were lots of little games to play and prizes & treats in the booths and then all the vehicles to climb in and out of and push lots of buttons....including horns! While they liked being the ones to push them, they weren't so thrilled when someone else did - mostly scared. But it was fun!

Abie's 3!

Abie is officially a 3 year old now! The day was filled with excitement as she repeatedly reminded everyone it was her birthday and that she had presents and a care bear birthday cake.


Festivities began with blowing up balloons with daddy, then a dinner of pizza followed by birthday cake and opening presents. Jacqie was amazed how easy it was to have her cooperation the entire day....just say, do you want your birthday cake? YES!
She has quickly become quite aware of all the birthday to do's. Like singing happy birthday and getting to blow out the candles. She even opened each card to a gift before the gift - no propmting! Needless to say she enjoyed every minute of the day.

Sing, Sing a Song!

Abie loves to sing! Not sure where she gets it, mom or dad? Currently her favorite song to sing at the piano is "I a chid a God" = I am a Child of God. Another favorite at the piano is I Love to See the Temple. And in the car it's anything from Enchanted, Anastasia, Trashin' the Camp (Tarzan), Surfin USA, to Curious George. Otherwise you can often hear her singing Twinkle, Twinkle, or her ABC's by herself. Jacqie and Taylor are often told, "no sceneen!" = No singing! In other words, it's her turn, not theirs.

Park Time!

Some perfectly pleasant weather has finally arrived! What better way to celebrate than at a park? Abie & Benjamin definitely got their fill of fun time in the sunshine. The huge sand pit at the park was cherished as well as the slides and whatever they call those things (see below). Benjamin was even braving the slide by himself from the start - and they were pretty steep! Abie braved the "rock wall" before she was even spotted by Jacqie. Luckily she managed it pretty well.



And even the doggies were well loved...by both Abie & Benjamin! Yes, Benjamin is totally fascinated with doggies. He was seen several times just following around one of them at the park today saying "doggie" over and over. And when it would turn around he burst into giggles. Then Abie the child who is always scared of them unless there's a barrier of say the window showed some real progress today. As she approached the play place with the dog and Benjamin started screaming doggie with excitement, Abie in fear said, "look it's a doggie!" I simply told her he was on a lease and not to worry. Later she was seen frolicking with another dog. Even daring to reach out and "pet" it then immediately jump back. Granted it was a mini doxen that's only 3 months old, but it still counts as progress for Abie! Due to the unexpected scene, it was not caught on camera, so you'll just have to believe.

Want Some Orange Juice?

This is the picture that was presented to Jacqie this evening as she came home from a church meeting and a few errands.......I guess they just wanted some orange juice and thought they could do it by themselves? Luckily Taylor had everything (including the children) cleaned up when she got home.

Pee-Zah!

Abie's favorite food: pizza! Actually she doesn't seem to care much for the Pizza Hut version, but loves the home-made and even the Aldi's special - Taylor & Jacqie aren't complaining. However when pee-zah is not on the menu it can sometimes take some serious work to talk her into what is on the menu that night. Until then she'll "tell" them she wants "pee-zah" repeatedly which each time getting louder and more affirmative.

Autograph Please?

Abie has taken to leaving her autograph all over the place. Thankfully not on the walls....yet. No it appears she likes using her magnadoodle and random paper found on Jacqie's desk. But then she's added her hands and the car steering wheel to her autograph history. While the hand one has been washed away, the car steering wheel (permanent marker of course) has yet to be attempted to clean. Abie did start with the "A" of her name and then wrote her full name several times also. However just like any other feat a young child learns, she seems to have forgotten the full name skill for the moment. Maybe it's because Jacqie keeps asking her to write her full name so she stops at "A" just to spite her. Yes, Abie just turned 2 and the full name skill was aquired before she turned 2, but the news from the Lewis household has been slow in getting out. Here's a sample of Abie's autograph history to date:

How Old Are You?

You may have seen Abie's video telling you she was "2" while holding up one finger....well she still still has the same answer and she's still right! Here are some highlights of her big day!

She got to open great-grandma Warren's gift before going to church - coloring books

After her church came all the others....and cards

tricycle from Grandma & Grandpa Powell & Aunt Jennie

She was a good sharer and even let Benjamin have a turn, he was pretty excited

yard tools & gloves from mom & dad

including hand tools - they might be sorry later when the yard is all tore up

Birthday cake! Yummy!

Well Trained

Abie never was a good sleeper as an infant. Maybe by 9 months did she actually take a nap during the day. But every time she did sleep she had to get a good few cries out to let you know she didn't like the idea. It's not certain when that ended, even at 17 months when she got her big girl bed she still put up her front. However she usually goes down without a fuss now. In fact, nap time rarely is a fight. The mention of "snuggle" and she's off to her bed. Today was even more impressive. Jacqie & Abie had just finished lunch a little early than usual. After getting her hands washed, Abie disappeared while Jacqie wiped the table down. Then noticing the curious quiteness (Benjamin was still napping) Jacqie went in search to find her. Much to her surprise Abie had gone to bed herself! All snuggled in with her little snuggly! What a well trained daughter! If only she could be so good with everything else! Maybe making dinner will be the next routine to work on......

Here

Abie was rocking away in her rocking chair as Jacqie sat with Benjamin who was happily playing with his toys. Then out of the blue, Abie drags her chair over to Benjamin and looking at Jacqie says, "hea."

Translation for those that don't speak Abie-ese: she wanted Benjamin to sit in her chair, here. So Jacqie put him in. He loved it!

Abie even helped him get some "wee's" meaning she gently rocked him, making it all the more enjoyable for him. When he was done Jacqie took him out and Abie went back to her rocking. What a good sharer! It's hoped that this trait will last through the years....

Pigtails!

Abie is now 21 months old, almost 2 (see her video on the family page). And she's just been able to wear pigtails! Don't look for the big bushy ones, hers are the fine thin ones that practically stand straight up. Jacqie was doubtful that Abie even had enough hair yet. But after being told by several others that Abie did, Jacqie went out to prove them wrong. She bought the smallest hair elastics she could find. Then went to work. She's realized that doing a toddler's hair is a feat in it's self. They don't hold still, but anxiously await to see their hair done. Abie was so excited! She didn't even pull them out! Truth is, they came out as soon as something brushed up against them. Why? Recall the small amount of hair comment? The elastics don't really "hold" her hair in place. They merely guide or direct the hair upward and away from her head. As soon as something brushes against her head, they're coming out. So far Abie has been very good about realizing the loss of the elastic, finds it and brings it back to Jacqie for another go.
In conclusion Jacqie has now admitted Abie CAN have pigtails. She also realizes it's a novelty to not have to do anything with Abie's hair. So will Abie sport the new look everyday? Not yet!

When Daddy Comes Home

Please note, this was originally to be posted near Halloween time. Abie is now quite excited and happy when daddy comes home. Technical difficulties were experienced.

You might remember the primary song, "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home." Key word being GLAD. Unfortunately Abie has taken to whining and crying when Daddy comes home. It starts when she hears the door, or he appears (in case the door sound was missed). Sometimes it will end once he's come to her, other times it continues until she's able to engage him in some play. Maybe someday she'll be happy to see him. For now she likes to lead one to believe her Mother beats and tortures her all day and Daddy has finally come to save her from her misery.

How Old Are You?

Abie now responds to the question, "How old are you?" See the video to find out her answer...maybe she's just a quick counter...

Gift Idea?

Scrambling for that last gift for Christmas? Ever consider a step stool? You know, the ones that you buy for toddlers to help them reach the bathroom sink or toilet? Abie Lewis thinks it's the best toy ever! She uses it for anything she possibly can. Here are some shots of her numerous uses. Not pictured are "stepping up" then down onto Jacqie's lap for family prayer, mounting her horse, Taylor, and filling her cup with water at the fridge dispenser. Had Taylor & Jacqie realized how great this "toy" would be they would have waited to give it to her!

The speaker-table

Playing with Benjamin

Sing along with Frosty & Rudolph to Benjamin

Climbing into her booster

(note Abie's bear is being fed at the time of this picture)

New Hat & Glasses

Yesterday was a big day for Abie, actually the entire Lewis family. It was Abie's 18 month birthday. Yep, time to venture off to nursery at church! Since Taylor teaches Primary and Jacqie's RS 1st Counselor there simply aren't enough hands and eyes to watch both Benjamin & Abie! The parents walked her down to the nursery room and she quickly let go of Jacqie's hand and ran in. That was it! It was rumored by several ward members that Taylor was seen peeking in on her a few times. They inquired of Jacqie if there was concern about how she'd handle it. She replied, "No, Taylor just wants to see how much fun she's having." Then one member said in response, "Oh, he said it was to see how much she was beating up on the other kids." Yes, Taylor would think that would be funny. Luckily she fits right in. After church she was proudly parading around with her new hat (crown).

And later she found some sunglasses that she sported also. Too cute to not include.

(For those of you that have asked or are wondering - Abie and Benjamin are 17 months apart)

Shopping

In case there was any question if Abie "acts" like a girl..... here she is all ready to go shopping. Even having the keys in hand as well as her purse, a bag & the puppy doll. Her hat tops it off, but she has yet to master putting her shoes on.

Abie's New Room

So it's official. Abie has a new room in the Lewis Home. It's now complete and she's even spent the night in her new bed. Don't think she can get up? Or worried she'll fall off? Watch her demonstrate how she accomplishes these feats.

While we know she can get down by herself it hasn't eliminated the concern that she may still fall off.

Uh-oh! Where is it?

It's been quite some time since the last posting on Lewis Times and you may find yourself wondering what's been going on? In reality it just means the camera hasn't been downloaded in a couple of weeks. No worries, there will be numerous new articles shortly.

(It may look a little odd in the picture, but this is Abie's "don't know" gesture)

She's a Maniac

Dancing maniac that is. She loves to dance to any music and can break out at any moment into dancing mode. Watch as she busts some moves. When she really gets going she just goes in little circles until she falls down from dizziness. There's no stopping her!