Carousel Joy!

As a parent, I treasure these pictures that show the pure joy a child can have. What a great memory with Papa! We are so thankful to see Madeline growing in her joyfulness!!

Watching the Snow

There is something precious watching kids get excited at the window!

Giddy-Up!!

One day I heard Madeline yelling from the living room, "I'm riding my horsey! Go horsey! Go!" I looked in to see her pretending to ride horseback on the arm of the couch, wearing her 'cowgirl' hat. Weird thing is that I remember doing the same thing as a little girl, and I know I haven't taught Maddie this trick. It must something we're born with!

Wrestle Time with Daddy

Relaxation isn't quite part of the routine when Kurt comes home from work everyday, but he loves it!

I think I can....

Maddie actually mastered this tricky maneuver and stepped back to get up on to the play structure. Given her history, quite a miracle!

Fun with Friends at Allen Pond Park

Madeline & Jackson (the 1st)


Madeline & Abby

We're going to miss our friends from DC!

One of my new favorite pics

Mindy & Robyn, please teach me how to dance!

Happy Third Birthday, Madeline!

(Maddie with Talia, Aziz, Paris, and Lyric)

Well, our sweet Maddie turned the big 3 on Aug. 6!!! We are so thankful for her and her part in the family. How wonderful it has been to watch her grow, becoming more indendent and more obedient over the past year.

Here are some tidbits about Maddie:

• She can take herself potty!
• She loves music
• She can identify some numbers
  
• She does her own brew of gymnastics for us. If you're lucky, she'll share her moves with you.
• She still loves all accessories
• She loves Jack Jack
• She is a bedtime diva who knows what she wants. (we're working on the heart issues behind that)
• She is showing some understanding of the Gospel, little by little. Pray that we would be a positive reflection of the Gospel to Maddie, and that she would trust only in Jesus for her salvation!
  

Maddie's Friends

The Birthday Girl

The Birthday Cake

The Genius behind the Birthday Cake: Cathy

Would you like some playdough carrots?

My Sweet Girl

Constantly Moving

I think I'll walk this way....

No, that way....

A Picnic Dinner at the Botanic Garden

Back in June, Kurt's Mom, Sister, Nieces, and Aunt graciously drove all the way from Lima, OH to take care of Maddie and Jack while we were in Louisville, KY on church business. I don't think we could thank them enough!!! Not only did they take such good care of this kids, but I came home to a clean house! It was such a blessing to not worry about the kids, knowing they were in such good care. And Maddie and Jack were beside themselves having so much fun!

Maddie Cat at Noemi's Birthday Party

This is just a bit out of my comfort zone...

What a Blast!

Poolside Fun

Tyler, Maddie, Aussie

Maddie loves all the attention from her cousins!

Once Upon a Potty....

Tyler and Austin weren't quite comfortable with Maddie's book choice of the moment. It's "Once Upon a Potty", and the main character is 'anatomically correct'. Nothing to be ashamed of! :-)

Clean, bathed, hair done, ready for bed!

Can't you just feel the love?

"Don't even think about nasal penetration, Sister."

Ironically, they were both talking to Liz in Africa

Princess Madeline

Thank you for our Valentine's Day Gifts, Grandpa and Grandma, Grammy and Papa! We Love You, XOXOXO

More Blackmail......

Arts and Crafts are my forte!

Star Husband

I had errands to do on Sunday afternoon, and I came home to my star husband on diaper duty. Both Maddie and Jack decided to fill their pants at the same time. We've learned with Jack that once we hear an explosion to quickly pull up his clothes and let him finish his business. Apparently, he was next for a clean nappie.

When Madeline is Sick..

Madeline has been fighting that familiar old cough and cold that comes around in the winter. On this day, she was a bit lethargic and content to snuggle her Strawberry Shortcake pillow and blankets, keeping her snack close by (always)

We Love it When Daddy Comes Home!

Brandon & Kids

Madeline and Jack miss Buncle Brandon!

Brother and Sister

I'm lovin' my scarf!

They just don't make trees like this anymore....