The Greatest Show on Earth!!!

Derrick got tickets from his work for the circus.  I was super excited because I had never been to the circus before and our seats were on the 16th row.   Madi was in awe the entire time.  I thought she might be a little scared with the lights out but she was just awe struck by all of it.  She got a "princess wand" and thought it was great!

Her favorite part was the zebras.  Even a week and a half later she still will tell you without hesitation that they were her fave.  She has never seen zebras in real life before since our zoo closed that exhibit when they began construction on the Rocky Shore exhibit.  She kept saying she wanted to ride one.  :D 

The pictures aren't great because it was dark and I had my point and shoot camera but that's ok.  You still get the idea.  These two guys have two massive logs and four girls on swings and a guy on top.  They spun them around.  They said they eat something like 7,000 calories a day each!   

My favorite parts were the tigers and the elephants.  I love to watch the elephants.  It is amazing what they train them to do.  Someday I would love to ride an elephant.  Maybe when we are retired and traveling the world... 

Aren't they so cute? 

I loved the circus!  Easton slept through the majority and Madi just sat, amazed at all there was going on.  We will definitely be going back someday.  Thanks babe for getting us the tickets! 

Solids...

I feel like such a bad mom for not getting pics of Easton eating his first solids, but I didn't, so his first biter biscuit with have to do.  He thought it was great until it slipped out of his fingers which caused him to cry big alligator tears until we helped him grasp it again at which point the routine repeated itself.  He loves solid foods but not the Gerber kind.  I have been giving him real fruits and veggies and I think it must be the texture and the better flavor of the real stuff because he cries now if I give him Gerber.  :D

He has been sitting by himself for a month now and really likes to play on his tummy or be in his jumpy jump.  He LOVES to clap.  He thinks it is hysterical.  I love his laugh.  Madi would squeal until she was one or so.  It is fun that he actually has a laugh and he seems to do it a good amount of the day.  He adores Madi.  He watches her every move and gets so excited when she pays attention to him.  (She is usually really sweet with him , however, doesn't like to get too close because he "spit up" on her.  It's really just drool.:D)  He still sleeps great and is an absolute joy to be around.  Such a sweet boy!!

When did I get old???

Okay, so 30 really isn't that old, but I'm pretty sure last week I couldn't even imagine being  in my 20's and now I am in my 30's!  CRAZY!!!  I didn't have any break downs or hide under the covers or cry because I was old.  Thanks to the world's most amazing man, I had the best birthday EVER!  See all those post-it notes on the fridge.  For the 30 days before my birthday I got a note along with a gift the coincided.  Each note started "I love you because..." and then finished with something he loved about me.  I got totally spoiled.  Among some of the things I got... popsicles (Pace's, the best kind), toothpaste, Mt. Dew, a small camera (for the diaper bag), several books, Rio, 17 Miracles, Excedrin, a few games, a marble Christus statue, Sugar Baby's, Lagoon ticket, craft things and a bunch more I can't think of.  It was so fun to wake up each morning and see what he had given me that day.

The best present he gave me though was him.  He surprised me and when he left for work Monday morning, he really ran to the store to get stuff to make my cake and my breakfast.  He returned home with sausage and stuff for french toast, complete with strawberries and whipped cream on top.  Then Madi and Derrick made me a pumpkin struessel cheesecake bar for my cake.  It was AMAZING and I am pretty sure he will be making it next year too! :D  He spent the day shopping with me and then we came home for some yummy enchiladas and my cake.  It was a perfect day. 

A birthday weekend...

Derrick's parents take us to lunch for our birthday's every year.  I love how special they make us feel and the little things they do to show us how much they love us.  Since it opened, I have gone to the Cheesecake Factory for my birthday.  I love that place!  It is always so yummy.  We met them there on Saturday (the 10th) for lunch.  I enjoy spending time with them and watching them with our kids.  They are such wonderful grandparents and I am glad they are so close to us.  Here is Madi and Grandma.

After lunch we walked around Fashion Place and stopped at the Wood Connection to pick up a few crafts.  Then it was off the the state fair.  Each year we get tickets from Derrick's work and it seems like it is always on my birthday weekend.  It's fun to go and see all the people and new things.  I especially love the photography exhibit.  Easton enjoyed being out in the sun (and rain) and watching everything that was going on.  He is always so happy.     

Madi LOVED the animals.  We let her go on a pony ride which thrilled her.  She was completely smitten with the bunnies and wanted to bring one home with us.  Since then she has told us several times that she wants a bunny.  So, if you know of anyone close to us that has a rabbit hutch they aren't using and wants to get rid of, we are looking for one. :D  

People would stop to play with Easton while we were looking at things.  He has the most captivating blue eyes.  We don't go anywhere without someone saying how beautiful they are.  I have to agree.

One of the things on our list to do at the fair was the Little Hands exhibit.  Madi really liked it last year and we knew this year would be more fun since she was older.  Here she is milking a cow.  She talked about this for days too.  She liked the cow and the sheep and talked about getting an egg from the chickens.  So fun! 

While we were looking at the bunnies it started to rain, not a lite rain, a down pour.  Got to love what the rain does to my hair... :P  

We bought Madi 10 tickets.  She rode a train and a hot air balloon ride and wanted to use the rest in the bounce house.  She went in that four different times!  The last time the guy said since there wasn't a line he would let her stay as long as she wanted.  She had a blast and it took some real convincing (or maybe bribery) to get her out. 

Our little guy was happy all day, wet or dry, he enjoyed being outside and seeing all there is to see at the fair.  I can't get enough of his grins and laughs.  He is such a good baby and so easy for me.  I love this kid! 

Easton's first time...

We have been taking advantage of the gorgeous weather outside and have been to the park a few times in the last couple weeks.  On Sept. 8th, we decided to let Easton get out and play too.  I put him in the swing and he LOVED it!  He didn't stop laughing the whole time.  It was adorable!

Labor Day...

On Labor Day we went to Union Station to check out the trains.  Madi LOVES them and will walk around saying "choo choo, all aboard" so Derrick wanted to go see the trains with us.  There were more open then when we went before.  Madi was able to climb up inside a lot of them and touch things.  They were a little intimidating to her once she saw what was inside.

That didn't stop her though.  She wanted to climb into every one of them.  You can't really tell from the pictures but she was loving it!

"all aboard!" 

Easton and I hung out and took pictures.  I went in a couple of the trains but thought I would let Derrick see them since I can go back easier then he can.

Madi picked a flower that was growing by one of the old trains.  It looked like it had caught on fire or something.  It was rusted and black inside and totally gutted.

Derrick liked this one a lot.  It is the train car used to bring the Olympic Torch into Salt Lake for the 2002 games.  

We walked through the museum which was actually pretty busy.  Madi liked to climb on things and see the model trains.  This is on a caboose.

The horses were still up from the parade of horses.  Madi thought they were cool and wanted to ride them.

I love when we have a three day weekend with Derrick.  It is always fun to take the kids places with him and see and learn new things.  We had a great day and were excited for the weekend since we had lots planned already!

Wowzers!!!

Madi is such a good sharer.  She has shared her fruit snacks, goldfish and suckers, among other things, with her little brother.  Easton's favorite was by far the sucker! :D  

I need help...

I need advice and suggestions.  Madi is mean.  If she isn't getting 100% of undivided attention or if she doesn't get her way she will hit, step on, lay on or anything else she can think of to make Easton cry.  She does it to her friends too.  I have tried time outs, buckling her in a chair and facing it to the wall, talking to her, sending her to her room, nose in the corner, taking away privileges and nothing works.  Any suggestions on things to try?  I am getting so frustrated with her being so mean.  She gets tons of attention from both Derrick and I, individual and with Easton.  I don't know what else to do.

Ever have a day like that???

Yesterday was one of those days.  You know, the kind that you just want to go back to bed and pull the covers over your head.  I am not sure why but I woke up and felt like I was in a rut.  My floor was half mopped and I had no motivation to finish it or clean anything else for that matter.  Easton is teething and is whiny.  Every time I started to clean, Madi followed me around making a bigger mess.  When I asked her to do something or help or NOT do something she would yell "ROCK ON" and go about her business, ignoring my request.  By noon I was sitting in our rocking chair with my two babies, bawling, while I read them I'll Love You Forever.  I decided I had to get up and do something to get out of whatever funk I was in.  Nothing helps me relax and stay sane better Derrick and crafting.  Since Derrick wasn't an option I went straight to the craft room.

Derrick has been spoiling me daily as my birthday nears.  Since I am turning the big 30 he is counting down to the day with an I love you because... and a gift to match for each of the 30 days before my birthday.  One of those sweet notes read "I love you because... you have many talents and you add 'a little something' to our house to make it a home."  With it came the August ornament collection from the Wood Connection.  I had a brilliant idea to make some ants out of seed beads and went to work finishing my craft.

Here is my sunflower...

and my crow...

and my watermelon...

and my favorite... my picnic basket.

I spent the most time on this one.  I wanted it to LOOK like a basket.  I braided raffia around wire for the handles and tried to make my ants just right.  The seed beads didn't work.  They kept falling apart.  I think the surface was too smooth and they were too small.  In the end I had to get creative and I made them out of a black hot glue stick I had in the closet.  They aren't perfect but I love them! 

It was the perfect thing to help me cheer up a little.  Got the floor mopped, cushions, pillows, slip covers and swing liner washed, dried and put back on. Madi's room cleaned, dusted and vacuumed. Bedding washed in our room, dishwasher loaded and a few other things I had been needing to take care of.  I love crafts and love that my sweet hubby supports my habit!

Stats...

Took the kids in for their two year and four month check-ups today.  Here are their stats...

MADI

Height: 32" - 11th percentile

Weight: 26 lbs. 4 oz. - 48th percentile

Head: 18.5"

Doctor said she is doing great and looks perfect!

EASTON

Height: 23.5" - 15th percentile

Weight: 15 lbs. 15 oz. - 65th percentile

Head: 16 1/8"

He is doing great too!  They aren't concerned about his head and think it will round itself out since he is starting to sit and roll and will be on his back less.  He has started solids and seems to really enjoy fruits.   

Mr. Bear...

How cute is this giant bear?  Madi and Easton both loved it!  My brother got it for his wife who fell in love with it when they saw it at Costco.  It is so soft and cuddly.  Thanks, Annie, for letting my kids attack your new bear!

On a side note, Easton is sitting up.  He started about a week ago and is now sitting all on his own.  Good job little man! :D

Drool bug...

Easton is our little drool bug!  He soaks through at least two outfits a day before I strip him down to his diaper and give up on the clothes.  I can see the buds on his bottom gums so probably within the next month he will be sporting some teeth!

Summer fun...

This is Madi's friend Kaitlyn.  I tend her once a week and Madi loves when she comes to play. 

 Easton loves being outside as much as Madi does.  I am glad they enjoy being outdoors.  I just wish it would cool down about ten degrees. :D

Is that buy one get one free???

Unfortunately not.  On July 22nd, Madi and Easton both got tubes in their ears.  This is Madi's second set so they also took her adenoids out.  It was much less of a wait this time since Easton was that youngest of the surgeries, they got to go first.  That made it a lot easier for us!  (Last time we waited HOURS because our doctor got held up in the surgery before us).

Here are the two of them all ready to go into surgery.  They were both little troopers and did great! 

I had to get a picture in the wagon of each of them.  Easton did NOT love this. :D 

 Madi didn't mind though.

More from Yellowstone...

These were on my phone so I am just barely getting around to adding these pictures of our cute kiddos in Yellowstone.  Madi loved playing in the dirt and being outside.

 Our little Easton boy with Uncle Chris at Subway on the way home.

Madison...

Miss Madi turned two on July 30th.  How did that happen???  It sure seems like these last two years have gone by way too quick.  Here she is with her new bubble mower.

Some of Madi's favorites at two:

Foods: Noodles, chocolate and Lucky Charms

Colors: Pink and purple

Characters: Tinkerbell and Disney Princesses (although she still picks Tink over the other ladies)

Movies: Signing Time, Marry Poppins, Little Rascals, The Santa Clause and Elf

Things to do: play in water, be outside and anything with animals

Best friends: Guire and Kaitlyn

Favorite people: Grandma, Grandpa and Chani

Obsessions: animals and music

Word: NO

(Her stats will be coming but not until Aug. 25th.)

Madi is a pretty good helper and for the most part she minds really well.  There are times though that she will ask to sit on her bed or go to the corner instead of doing what I asked her to.  Where does she come up with that??? :D  She is a good sister to Easton and is very concerned if he cries.  She will bursts into tears and tell us "he's sad, he's sad".  She has such a tender heart. 

We are grateful to have her in our family.  She adds so much joy and laughter to our home.  Such a sweet little girl.  She is totally a daddy's girl but still likes to cuddle with me a bit.  She likes to help cook and always wants to see what we are doing.  Her favorite saying right now is "carry ya" (meaning 'carry me').  She has started opening doors by herself and likes to go potty in the toilet.  (We aren't in full blown potty training mode yet but we will be starting soon)  She had her adenoids removed and tubes put in her ears again so hopefully this will help her this time.  Even when she doesn't feel good she is still pretty happy.  We love our little lady and are so blessed that she is ours!

Easton...

Our little Easton boy is getting big too fast!  I swear that we just brought him home from the hospital last week.  None the less, he continues to grow and reach new milestones with each new day. 

Easton started sleeping through the night the day he turned 3 months old.  It was a very nice, very welcome gift to his mama.  He has also blossomed into this happy little guy that makes us grin from ear to ear.  He loves to laugh, long and loud and clear! (Okay, are you singing the song?  I think Madi watches Mary Poppins at least twice a week.  She LOVES that movie so I couldn't resist!)  The other night I had finished feeding him and he was asleep while I held him in the rocking chair.  He started laughing so hard he woke himself up.  It made me laugh.

He loves to play pat-a-cake and have us sing to him.  He has the biggest grin and has been so much more vocal since he had his tubes put in. 

He absolutely adores his sister and giggles when she plays with him.  He will follow her with his eyes as she moves around the room.  Madi has gotten a lot sweeter with him too.

Easton is starting to build his upper body muscles and likes to sit and see everything going on.  Since I never bought a Bumbo, we brought Madi's jumpy jump upstairs for him to try.  It was a hit with him. not so much with Madi (she still likes to play in it).

Now I need to take it apart and give it a good scrubbin' so it isn't so yucky for our boy.

Just the other day Easton rolled from his tummy to his back.  He has done it two other times and has tried really hard to do it a few other times.  He also scoots himself around a little with his toes.  He has really started drooling a TON lately.  I change him several times a day and then I usually give up in the afternoon and just strip him down to his diaper because it doesn't stop coming.  I remember Madi started drooling about this age and I thought it was from her teeth coming in.  Looking back through her baby book I saw she actually was a month and a half older when she cut her first tooth.  I guess we will see if Easton takes that long or not. 

Easton really is a joy to have in our family and we are so thankful to be his parents.  We love our little Easton boy!

Our princess is two!!!

Madi had a little princess party with us and Grandma and Grandpa Hawkins.

It was fun to set it all up and have her actually know a little about what was going on.

Here is our little princess, complete with tiara, and her family...

Madi has started taking an interest in money the last few months so we got her a piggy bank to keep her coins in.

She LOVED opening her presents.  Since her birthday she has told me multiple times a day "Two. Presents."  I love how excited she gets!  She is such a sweetheart!

She got a little Cinderella doll and the movie Little Rascals.  (We rented it from Blockbuster and she immediately fell in love with it.)

Madi, Grandma, Grandpa and Cinderella...

Next she went for her big presents.  She got a doll stroller...

a bubble lawn mower...

and a piano!  Madi LOVES music and she goes straight to the pianos after church.

I found some pink Whoppers to scatter on the table and they sure made our little princess excited.

Madi's piano came with a mike.  She hasn't quite figured it out.  She puts her ear up to it to hear...

I must have totally freaked her out when I talked to her about the candle and not touching the flame while we sang to her because she didn't even want to look at it and I had to blow it out for her.  The poor girl will be traumatized forever!

It was a great day and we had so much fun watching her with all her presents.  I can't believe that my little girl is two already.  She is such a sweetheart!  I love you Mads!!!