Madi's first time...

Last night we took Madi bowling and let her bowl.  The first couple times she wasn't too sure and didn't really want anything to do with it but she eventually warmed up and got excited about her turn.

 "Look at my ball!"

 She ALWAYS picked the pink ball for her first turn and then would switch the color for the second.  She could lift the ball but not carry it so if we didn't watch close there would be a loud thud from her dropping it.

 "Yeah Madi!"  She was so cute and would clap for Derrick and I.  When the pins went down she would say "Crash!"

 She thought the ball return was pretty cool.  She would run and wait for her ball to come back up.

 Here she is clapping for herself.  She was so adorable!  She danced to the music and had a great time.  I wish I had brought our Flip so I could've videoed her.

In the kitchen with mommy...

I love that Madi is old enough to help make cookies.  (I think she loves it too.)  This is the second time we have made cookies together and it is fun to have her help.  It is something I have looked forward to for a long time.  I measure and she puts it in the bowl.  As she pours it in she says "dump" and is so proud of herself for doing each one.  The first time we made them I started rolling the dough into balls and she got so excited.  She yelled "BALL" and took it and threw it on the ground and then looked so confused when it didn't bounce.  It was too funny!

Union Station...

Chantel and I took the kiddies to Union Station Tuesday.  Here's Madi and Guire on the caboose.  They liked to see the model trains but other than that, I am not sure they totally loved the museum.

 They did like running around and when they were able to play on the train though.  This is the outside of the caboose.  What cute kids!

 We were able to tour a post office train and a hospital train.  This is the hospital train.  During the world wars they would use the hospital cars to transport injured soldiers.  This is one of the patients beds.  It was cool to see what they used back then and to learn about the post office train as well.  For security reasons, PO trains never stopped.  They would throw the mail bags out and had a hook to pick up new bags.  They also had to have armed guards on board to protect the mail from outlaws like Butch Cassidy and Jesse James.

 Waiting at Union Station.  Lucky for us there weren't a ton of people there so the kids couldn't really disrupt anyone.  That was nice to not have to worry about.

 This is what we got when we told them to give each other a hug.  They are too cute!

She did it...

Madi has worn through her first pair of jeans!  I love that she has holes in her knees.  It's so cute!

Dinosaurs...

Today Chantel and I took the kids to Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden.  I got a membership so we will be going back lots.  Included in the membership are Union Station, Tracy Aviary and Ogden's Nature Park so we are going to check those out soon!  I love having places to take Madi to that are kid friendly, outside and not super pricey!  I love having a friend to go with (thank you Chantel!!!) and I love how cute Nash and Guire are.  Madi loves them both.  When we left the park today Madi started crying and saying "Guire".  It is fun for her to have a friend. Madi was worried she was going to fall off the rock.

 We played at the playground and let them run around for awhile. 

My little lady is growing up so quick.  She usually minds really well and is a good little helper.   

 See, I told you Guire is cute.  He is a little man.  I love to watch them play together.

 Guire took a ride on Dino from the Flintstone's.

We had a fun day and are excited to check out another place tomorrow!

Baby animal days...

American West Heritage Center in Wellsville had baby animal days over the weekend.  We talked about going but were kind of hesitant since it was winter outside.  In the end we decided to bundle up, brave the cold and go see some animals.  Madi loved sitting on this saddle.  She kept petting the fur chaps that hung from it and said "horse".

 We walked back to the barn instead of taking the wagon ride because of our stroller but Madi would go nuts every time they would pass because they were being pulled by Clydesdale's.  They were so fun for her to see.  One of the funnest parts is that you get to hold and touch a lot of the baby animals.  Here is Madi lovin' on the bunny.

 I wish I could bring one home.  Madi was in heaven!

 She wanted nothing to do with the turtles though!

 In the barn they had ducks, chicks, lambs, pigs and goats.

 At the back they had the main attractions... baby bears from Yellowstone Bear World.  They were born in January.  This is what I wanted to hold and cuddle with but they weren't letting the public touch them.  I think there was a total of six.

 How cute are they?!?!  Don't you just want to snuggle with them?

 On our way back to the main gate we stopped to see some calves and a foal.  Madi wasn't to sure about touching the calves but liked to see them at a close distance.

Aside from the mud pits created by the rain and snow, it was a perfect day! 

Waiting...waiting...waiting...

Mindy is 36 weeks and 1 day.  While for some they aren't even thinking about labor yet, I find myself checking my phone 50 times a day!  I can't help myself!  Madi's bag is ready for grandma and grandpa's, our bag is ready for the hospital, his room is ready, his car seat's ready and my arms are ready!  I will continue waiting for the call and continue praying for a healthy Easton and comfort for Mindy.

Cereal...

Madi likes cold cereal.  She eats it almost every morning.  One of her faves is fruity pebbles.  She had three bowls yesterday for breakfast.  Then we showered and got ready for the day.  While I was finishing up, I heard Madi pour cereal.  I came out to see and Madi said "Mess."  Yep, it was a mess.  She dumped the whole box!  Guess I won't leave the cereal box on the table again.

 She ate a lot of it for her snack.

 I love her hair!  It turned out great Bekka!  Thanks again!

Madi's first hair cut...

Madi's mullet had to go!  Since my sister came for conference I let her cute it.  Madi thought it was pretty cool to sit up in the chair and see herself in the mirror.

 Look at that grin!!!

 But, it didn't last.  As soon as Bekka put the cape on her the tears started.  Not just little ones either, big crocodile tears!

I wasn't sure if she was going to make it through! 

 Madi eventually overcame the sadness and relaxed a little.

 Bekka did a great job and although it is short, the mullet is gone! :D

 Since she LOVES to be pampered, Holly did some gel toes on her.  Madi knew exactly what color they should be... PINK!

Thank you Bekka and Holly!  It was great to see you guys and Andrew.  We'll miss ya!

Ducks...

There is an awesome park close to our house that we fell in love with last summer.  It's called Jensen Nature Park.  We have been so excited to take Madi back to feed the ducks since she is older this year and plan to take her fishing there as well.  Since the weather has been beautiful the last few days we took her Thursday night.  She spilled juice on her pants she had worn earlier so I asked her what she wanted to wear and pulled out some khaki shorts.  She shook her head no and without hesitation, pulled out her polka dotted shorts.  I have a feeling I will be washing them daily this summer.  I am going to have to buy some solid tees because she has nothing to match them.  The closest thing is her Down East undershirt that accentuates her little Buddha Belly. :D

"peek-a-boo mom" 

 Could you please just give mom a little smile???

 She is growing up so fast!  In less than four months we will be celebrating her second birthday.  Where did the time go?

 Madi is 150% girl!  She has developed a recent love for purses.  She will get mine down and put it on her shoulder and say "purse" over and over while she struts around.  She loves to try on shoes and doesn't care if they are dad's or mom's.  She has started saying "I'm cute" but it comes out "I'm tute!" which makes it even cuter!!!  (Do ya think she hears it all day from her mommy and daddy? :D)  She LOVES makeup and thinks she needs it every time she sees me putting some on.  (Thank goodness for lip gloss!)  She loves her pretties (earrings and bracelets) and asks to look in the mirror whenever she gets new ones on (and when she gets her hair done, nails painted, "makeup" on, new clothes or anything of that nature).  Her favorite color is pink and purple comes in as a close second.  She LOVES Tink still and has began a new obsession with the Disney Prince's (princesses, but she can't quite get the last part out) and will now say

"I need it"

to anything she sees with one of them on.  It is so fun to have a little girly girl. 

 So, back to the park...  We went and fed the ducks and had so much fun we decided to go back yesterday with Chantel, her boys and Kyah.

 The kids enjoyed throwing the bread at the ducks and just being outside.  We always have such a great time with Chantel and her boys.  Madi loves Guire and of course, "baby" (Nash).  I enjoy the grown up conversation and friendship Chani and I have.

 This girl could go all day!  She loved the ducks but was thrilled when she saw a couple of horses on the trail in the distances.  She ran right for them and wanted to get as close as possible!

 Guire liked the truck... He was checkin' out the rims and everything!  He's such a boy... so cute!

Little monkeys...

My friend, Chantel, and her boys, Guire and Nash, are our new zoo buddies.  We went a couple weeks ago and I am just now posting pics.  Guire was so much fun to watch!  He LOVED the animals. 

 Guire makes an AWESOME monkey!!! 

"OoooOOOoo"

I tried so hard to get Madi to cooperate for a few cute pictures since it has been awhile since she actually posed for a picture.  She was not having it!  Here she is blowing kisses... 

 ...and checking out the construction workers... 

 ...and squinting in the sun...

 ...and praying mom will stop taking pictures...

Isn't she just the cutest?