Our Little Helper

There's nothing like having an eager little helper that insists on helping out with the chores. Feeding the dogs, putting out bird food, cooking, vacuuming, mowing the lawn, are just some of the things that she likes to help with. Usually we're too busy trying to make sure that she doesn't break something or harms herself to take pictures but I was able to sneak these.

Today was pajama day for her and Sarah but she decided to water mom's flowers for her:


The sidewalk got rinsed off too:

Also, as I was uploading pictures, I had to stop and close one of the windows because she decided that the house needed to be washed too. I'm going to save these pictures and remind her of what a great helper she was when she gets to be a teenager and refuses to do her chores.

One of Abby's favorite things to do is to help me mow the lawn. The problem that usually occurs is that she wants to drive. She is getting better but still doesn't drive in too straight of a line. It's more like a weave down the lawn. We have had a few close calls and almost ran over a shrub or two (and narrowly missed crashing into the workshop). Her other favorite thing to do on the lawnmower is fall asleep. If it's any time in the afternoon, about 30 minutes of riding around knocks her out. I really need to get a picture of her because one of my favorite pictures of my grandpa and I is of me sitting on his lap, fast asleep while he's mowing the lawn at my parent's house. I'm not sure why this occurs but next baby we get that doesn't fall asleep at night is getting a ride around the lawn. SORRY NEIGHBORS!

The Workshop and Crafts

Most of you have read that I enjoy spending my free time working on my motorcycles out in the workshop. You have also read that Abigail also enjoys spending time out in the workshop, which I encourage. Well, my workshop has started to exhibit signs that a little girl enjoys spending time with me out there. This weekend Sarah let Abby get her stamp and ink set out and somehow it made it way to my workshop and onto my bike table. It was funny to see her with her ear muffs on, stamping away while I was using the grinder. We also have babies, pink balloons, and other girlie items out there too.

Here's my bike table now:


Her princess cereal bowl that suddenly appeared out there:

Taking time out from stamping to work on the bike:

Who else has such a diverse workshop? (The baby is what started it all. I allowed the baby a few weeks ago and now she's moved her arts and crafts out there. I am drawing the line to having curtains, a sewing machine, or knitting in the workshop. I need to keep it on the manly side in order to keep the testosterone flowing.)

Abigail also enjoys helping her mommy in the kitchen. Here they are with their matching aprons baking up a storm:

Swimming

Abby loves going to the pool and the splash park.

Child Labor and Things

The past couple of months have been fairly busy for the Stinson family. I do apologize for not keeping the blog updated and after much heckling from the peanut gallery here are a few photos that capture a bit of what has been happening.

This past weekend I've had my head under the hood of both of our vehicles and ordered new tires for the Harley. I was lucky to have the car trouble happen over a four day weekend, although I did end up getting called back to work to "dispose" of a few items. Of course wherever I was, my little helper was right beside me. I finally decided that maybe I should put her to work and take a break myself. I let her borrow some wrenches, gave her the manual, and sat down in the chair to enjoy some lemonade. As long as I keep the freezer stocked with popsicles and a box of fruit snacks in the cupboard she's a happy worker. We got the truck finished tonight and tomorrow we'll tackle the van. She wanted to take the truck for the test drive but Sarah put a stop to that. (Mother's, always ruining a good thing.)

She wasn't happy about the bedtime tonight so hopefully she doesn't go on strike tomorrow.

Here's a picture of Abby playing some putt-putt up in Maine. She's not very good at it. We need to work on the whole hand-eye/swinging a club coordination. Sarah did say that Abigail had a lot of fun doing it.

Okay, so you might be wondering why we're lacking photos of Abigail lately. Well the cute two, almost three year old has now gotten camera shy (she likes to pretend to be to get more attention). Here's evidence:

Sometimes we have to bribe her or I have to chase her around the house to get a picture of her. Now that I'm at the end of the blog I just realize that I don't have that picture posted. Look for that one later in the week. It was a cute 4th of July outfit (yes, I realize that it is August).

Fourth of July

Abby loved the fireworks this year. Aunt Mikhaela joined in on the fun this year. We had a great day and hope you did too!

Our new pets

Abigail loves it when the cows come over for a visit! She will stand outside for hours or until they make there way home. We love living in the country!

Playground with the Brown's

We went to the playground and had an awesome time. Abby can't wait to go back again! We are soo thankful that the Brown's joined us.