Madison's 2nd Birthday Party

Last weekend was Madison's 2nd birthday party. We all had a great time. Thank goodness the weather was beautiful! We were able to open the back door and let everyone run in and out all day. We were very blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family celebrate with us.

Since Madison loves Elmo, we of course, decided to have an Elmo themed party. But I wanted a girlie birthday cake for her instead of just a red cake. So I ordered a pink cake with red and white polka dots. It turned out beautiful!!

Joe and his little girl, Ella

My partner in crime in almost everything I do, Amanda

My brother Brian and our sweet little nephew, Austin

Madison loves to take care of her little cousin. We know the second he starts walking, he's going to be following her around wherever she goes. Those two will be getting into all sorts of trouble.

Sesame Street Live

Last weekend, we took Madison to see Sesame Street Live since she loves Elmo. I think she had a lot of fun. My parents bought her a little toy and she seemed pretty interested in the show. We left after about an hour and a half because by that point, Madison had lost interest. But it was fun to see how excited she was to see Elmo and friends. Plus, she gets excited to see other little kids so she had fun flirting with the boy in front of us. :)

Madison's First Haircut

So we finally did it. Her hair was about down to the middle of her back and so we finally took her for her first haircut. We went to a children's place and it was so cute. Madison did great. She didn't cry, she just seemed like she was wondering what the heck we were doing to her. But it went very fast - only took a few minutes to get almost 2 inches trimmed off. They gave us some of her hair in a little bag, a certificate for her first haircut with the date and a picture of her. Super cute!

Here's the before shot:

New Year's Eve

I hope everyone had a fun New Year's Eve! Madison spent the night with my parents (and slept in till 9:00 am....how do they get her to do that???). Brad and I went with a group of friends to dinner at 1492 (mexican restaurant). We also went to McNellie's Pub for a few drinks. Finally, we ended up at Darma and Zane's house for more drinks, fun and even dancing. We had a great time with friends and hope that 2009 will be just as wonderful as 2008.

Emily, Kristen and Chad

Katie, me and Brad

Me and Brad

Me and Chad

Me and Emily


Chad, Jimmy, Ben, Jason and Zane


Ben (dancing, maybe?)

Kristen and Brad

Darma, Lucy and Brad

Me and Ben

Merry Christmas!!

We had a wonderful Christmas! On Christmas Eve, Madison, Brad and I went to church with my dad (mom had to work). It was a beautiful candlelight service and Madison even had a great time in the nursery playing with the other kids (the nursery helper turned out to be my old college roommate...small world!). When we got home, we read Madison "The Polar Express" and "The Night Before Christmas". Not sure if she understood, but at least we enjoyed it.

On Christmas morning, Mel came over about the time Madison woke up. When I took her out to see what Santa brought, I think she was a little shy on what was going on. But once she saw her new kitchen, she wouldn't stop playing with it! We had to drag out the other presents so she would open them up and leave the kitchen alone for a few minutes. :) She got a dollhouse, a truck and some golf clubs from mommy and daddy. Later that morning, my parents showed up and they got her a carnival ball pit and some other toys. She LOVES the ball pit. Unfortunately, mommy and daddy spend way too much time picking up balls, but it is worth it when we hear her laughter and watch her jumping around in the balls having so much fun!

That afternoon, we went over to Brian and Jackie's. Austin also had a great Christmas and he's still at the stage where he is happy playing with the wrapping paper and boxes. :) Jackie and my mom made a wonderful Christmas dinner and by that night, we were all worn out. But we had a wonderful Christmas Day spent with our family!!

The next day, Deidre (my friend since middle school) came over with her daughter Lili. Since she lives in Mississippi, we don't get to see each other very often. But we had a great time catching up and we enjoyed watching our daughters play together. Madison is only one month older than Lili. Who knew we would have girls so close in age when we were just little girls ourselves??

Christmas with Mel (Brad's dad)

After our drive home from Wichita, Kansas, we went over to Mel's house to have Christmas with him (and Chad and Kristen of course). By this time, Madison has definitely figured out that presents are for opening. She received some puzzles and an Elmo Live from Grandpa Mel. We had a great Christmas dinner and enjoyed spending a lazy Sunday over at Mel's new house.

Madison helping Grandpa bring in some firewood. There were some small pieces just her size.