Abby's Big Adventure

For several weeks now, April, Nick, Pappa and I had planted in Abby's head the idea of her sleeping over at Nanny and Pappa's house. Although I am not sure that she completely understood the concept, she agreed that she would like to do that. Each and every time I saw her, I mentioned it to her in some way and at many a opportunity, April and Nick spoke to her about it too.

Last Saturday was designated as the appointed time~the wheels were set in motion.

Library books were borrowed from our local library for bedtime reading pleasure, food that we knew was tried and true was purchased, and the toys and puzzles she liked were set out and waiting for her arrival. Right on queue, the big day came. Ready or not, this was it!

I have to say I wasn't nervous about the visit, but I was nervous for Abby's sake, for all of the ways she would need to adapt to being away from her parents, her bed, her toys, her home, her comfort level. Let me tell you all of the preparation ahead of time worked. She was ready. We read, we coloured, we ate, we snacked, we did puzzles, we fed the newly named Nancy and Natalie their baby bottles (remember those dolly bottles, that when you tip them over, the fluid disappears and makes bubbles?) we bathed, we read some more, and when it came time for lights out, Abby slept in our big bed and didn't wake up for 12 hours. Her very first every sleepover anywhere but at home was a huge, resounding success. She is our big girl!

She is such a joy to be around, she loves to sing, to make up rhyming words, like twirly whirly, (too bad nanny can't spell them!!), she is playful and has the most awesome memory and eye for detail. It was so much fun to see Abby and Pappa bonding, colouring, laughing, feeding the dollys. It brought back so many memories of the Daddy our little girls knew, know and loved. For that reason alone, priceless and wonderful.

Peeking through the window from kitchen to my office, and the steaming kettle steam, Abby and Pappa creating the first of many masterpieces!


I love this shot of Abby looking at her Pappa! What do you think Abby, do you believe him?




Abby feeding Natalie the first of many bottles. This is Cathy's old dolly sans hat!



Abby with a puzzle we purchased for her mommy when she was about this age.




Abby said she liked my bathroom! So cute.

The Saturday night aftermath of play!




On Sunday morning we got up, ate breakfast and took Abby to church. She loved watching the pianist and organist play, she put her little hands up and received Communion and she charmed the bejeepers out of all of the older members of the congregation who hadn't even realized that such a little charmer was in their midst. She was that quiet.

Breakfast dining before we dashed off to church

After church we took her out for fast food and returned her home safe and sound to her eagerly awaiting Mommy and Daddy. The mommy and daddy who have done such an awesome job raising her. This well and truly loved little girl is a joy and a delight and this Nanny and Pappa look forward to more of these visits in the months to come.

I am struck by the similiarities of my neice Riki and Abby in this picture. It's uncanny.

Getting latched in for the return trip home, all cozy under her blanket.

Abby and the infamous Chewy who loves and delights in all of the attention my grandchildren lavish on him!



Abby, Nanny is so proud of you. You had a lot of new things to challenge you in such a short time span and you did it!


We know it was a success because on the way home to her house, she asked if she could come back to our house, today! We love you Abby.