On This Day in 1789

On April 30, 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States.

On This Day in 1913

On April 29, 1913, Gideon Sundback patented an all-purpose zipper.

On This Day in 1947

On April 28, 1947, Thor Heyerdahl set sail for Peru on his balsa woodcraft, the Kon-Tiki, to prove Peruvian Indians could have settled in Polynesia.

On This Day in 1981

On April 27, 1981, the computer mouse was introduced.

Abe

Brooke had asked Noah about his vacuum cleaner and Abe was happy to show his aunt the vacuum and all the parts!

Abe was a Jedi Warrior for a bit...

 Abe loves grocery shopping because the store offers all kinds of healthy snacks for the children.

A special request from Abe...

Beet salad!

~Blessed childhood~

A Wonderful Visit

 My sister, Missy, her husband Scott, and daughter Elsa visited the farm over the weekend.

Elsa is doing a mini documentary for one of her classes at school and wanted to do it on Hittyville!  I was very honored...

 We spent a lot of time in Hittyville Village which is based on my childhood.

It was fun for Elsa because she spent many years visiting all the places I have recreated.

 I pointed out my Missy doll and Elsa got a kick out of that...

 It was such fun showing Elsa all my favorite childhood memories in miniature form.

 I have to admit, I did tear up when reminiscing with my sweet niece.

 Elsa has a real knack for interviewing and getting to the heart of the "story".

I love this girl...

 Joe was also interviewed.  He has made Hittyville a reality, after all!

After some time on the farm, we headed over to Brooke and Scott's house.

 Happy talk!

And then...

 We all walked over to Brooke and Scott's school....It's that close!

Brooke's classroom got rave reviews.

We then journeyed to Jake's for a great dinner...Thank you, Shafer Family!

~It was the best of visits~

Finally April

 Goodbye March...

Hello April...

Better late than never!

Brooke and Scott's House

 We are all getting the house ready for the big move in!

 Scott and Joe needed to make some adjustments on the dehumidifier.

 Brooke loves her new lamps.

 I have a feeling there are going to be lots of owls in their home.

Joe measured all the kitchen cabinets and I cut out the liners.

And we mustn't forget Brooke and Scott's brand new tool kit!

 The dining area needs to be painted...

 So does Brooke's studio.

 Spackling time...

 A lesson in cutting in...

 Helpful hints on rolling paint...

A demonstration from a master painter...

Brooke has it down!

The entire time we were at the house, these two doves sat on the back deck.

I thought it was very fitting with Brooke and Scott moving in...

~More to come~

On This Day in 1892

On April 26, 1892, Sarah Boone patented the ironing board.

On This Day in 1901

On April 25, 1901, New York became the first state to require automobile license plates.

On This Day in 2005

On April 24. 2005, Snuppy became the world's first cloned dog.

On This Day in 1635

On April 23, 1635, the first public school in the United States, Boston Latin School, was founded.

On This Day in 1970

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated.

On This Day in 1952

On April 21, 1952, Secretary's Day...now known as Administrative Professionals' Day...was first celebrated.

A Conversation With Abe

Amy and Abe took a walk to their little neighborhood park and enjoyed a bit of a conversation...

Stand WAY back, Mommy.  I am going to throw you this ball! 

I picked ALL the flowers, Mommy.

Mommy, don't "falloo" me!

~Loving Mr. Independent Abe~

Our Family Dinner

 I love our Family Dinners.  I thank Noah from the bottom of my heart for starting this wonderful tradition.  I got to choose the menu in honor of our anniversary and I looked forward to marinated grilled chicken, twice baked potatoes, roasted green beans and tomatoes...and watermelon!

The weather was just perfect and Abe was busy playing in his little house.

 A small pile of fall leaves was intentionally left per Abe's request during raking season.

He uses them to cook in his house.  Of course he does...

 We brought up some patio furniture I had in my Pixie Cottage for Noah and Amy to use in their Cabana Room.  I am changing the theme of the inside of the cottage from Seaside Vacation to Critter's Forest.

Joe is going to remove the ancient hot tub and Abe wanted to help with the planning.

 Amy loved the sunshine and spending some precious time with her car playing son.

 Chef Noah!

You are the best...

 Dinner is served...and it was delicious!!!

Thank you, Noah and Amy!

 I just completed Volume 8 of Abe's Stories and Brooke and Abe looked at every single picture!  Abe loves looking at himself...and his family.

~It was the best of Family Times~