Hi. My name is Andrew. I'm the Erwins' pet garden spider. I'm technically called an orb weaver, though I'm more frequently known as a Saint Andrew's spider, due to the X-cross shape of my body, which is in fact similar to St. Andrew's Cross (as seen on many national flags with links to the United Kingdom). I know I'm scary looking, but I'm actually almost entirely harmless. Plus, I eat the bugs. Mmmm... bugs... 

This is the new mural in Baby Boy Erwin's nursery. The frog's name is Manny, and, to clarify, he's doing a cartwheel. Abby just wanted to get in on then scene. What's new. 

Abby got this great t-shirt set from Aunt Kim. She's thrilled to pieces about wearing it, and about being a big sister any day now... 

... although that doesn't stop her from looking a little goofy while wearing it. 

Visits to Watkins Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Abby's favorite park is Watkins Park. It's got a little train you ride on through the woods, and there are trees with faces on them. There's a beautiful carousel, an animal farm with animals you can pet, and of course a fantastic playground. Little heaven. We've made two trips in the last three weeks.

The carousel is really neat, but if you ride it enough times, even a three year-old can get a little jaded. 

Abby walked this whole balance beam, then finished with a flourish by jumping off while waving her arms. No, seriously. 

The aforementioned train... 

I just think this cow is pretty. 

They've got sheep and emus. But, they get shy around cameras. 

The ducks and geese get real cranky, if you don't feed them. 

Just so you know I'm not lying about the farm... 

There's a big ol' cut-down tree at Watkins Park. Abby sat on it. 

The train engineer let Abby sit on top of the engine car. Huzzah! 

Trip to Ocean City, Maryland

In mid-July, we took a tirp to visit Grammy and Grandpop, and to spend the day at Ocean City, enjoying the sun and the water. We ended up doing just that. Plus, I got some good pictures out of the deal.

Getting buried in the sand... fun... 

Grammy and Abby enjoyed watching the waves roll in. 

Our trip to Disneyworld!

Over the last week, Kim, Abby and I went to Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, where we were hosted by our gracious siblings, David and Richelle Linde and their three children, Daniel, Karissa and Jacob. We had a FABULOUS time -- lots of fun, lots of good food, lots of bridge (sorry about Monday night, David and Richelle!). Abby especially was so excited to spend time with her cousins, and to get to see all her favorite princesses. All in all, we are very blessed to have had this opportunity, and we hope to go back again someday soon.

Our first two nights in Florida, we got to stay in a really nice Hilton hotel, where Abby got all brave in the pool. 

While at Animal Kingdom, Abby got totally freaked out by a lady prentending to be a tree. Here she is. 

Animal Kingdom was great -- we especially enjoyed the safari! 

Abby spent a good deal of her vacation being wheeled around with her cousin Karissa. Yee-HAH! 

Ahhh... the pause that refreshes... 

We did get a little sleepy on Saturday night. We're very small.

We spent a good deal of time on buses, going to and fro -- very convenient! 

One of Abby's favorite moments was the "Cinderellabration" at Magic Kingdom. 

Taking a breather outside of Minnie's House... 

Abby got to have a special dinner with her favorite princess -- Cinderella!