Dog sled races

Last night, Madelyn hosted a "dog sled race" party - we had Leah, Anne, Hatilie and Tate over for dinner, some toddler chaotic-play, and then bundled up and watched the race go right past our house. We had a great time peering into the darkness, waiting for the next team, howling for the dogs, and cheering the teams on. Madelyn also had a great time playing on the snowbanks with the "big kids," Mya and Drew.

Clips from the week

A busy weekend! Here are a few pictures and clips -

Mike and Madelyn = team shovel!


Leah's 2nd b-day party! Madelyn savored every bite of her delicious cupcake!


This is Maddie, wearing her "cool dude bra" (her words!).

The potty Panda

Grandma and Grandpa Gore sent a panda for Madelyn - thanks you two! She loved the "hugs and kisses" heart on it - she saw it more as a mandate and immediately smothered the bear with her hugs and kisses, and.... then quickly showed Panda the ropes, ie: how to go potty:) Maddie may resent this picture later in life, but I just couldn't help myself!

Madelyn has done the last 3 days in BIG GIRL UNDIES! So exciting! As long as we're regular about reminding her every 30 minutes, we're good to go! Exciting!

Holiday Party

Yes, you read that correctly... tonight we went to MK's office holiday party - his office has gotten so big that it was easier to just do the party in January than to coordinate every body's commitments in December. Madelyn was in her party "best," and got over the lack of balloons when she saw the lemonade:) It was fun to see her running around with the kid-pack this year... the first year we went, I was 6 months pregnant, last year Madelyn was crawling around on the floor, and here we are, a fully functioning party goer! Amazing!




We all got out and about today - MK hit the pool for some laps (yes, again, you read that correctly!), and I did a quick thrift store circuit. I came home to find MK and Maddie out at the playground - some solid sunny-weather snow play! She made fast friends with a little boy who just moved to JH, and dragged him over to the "pavilion" where she reminisced about summertime parties with balloons, cake, etc. What a memory on that kid!

Maddie, the budding violinist!

Madelyn has taken such an interest in my violin that I ordered her a little toy off of e-bay - it's a hit! Now we can play together:)

Sledding/playground adventures

We hit the Jackson Elementary playground today with Jean, Jason, Grady, and Owen... decent "little person" sledding hill, and finally, we have a fresh dusting of snow to cover up most of the dirt clods! I think Owen had the most fun out of anybody - he hit the sledding hill, set a few records, and then was loving the array of slides that were really fast due to cold weather! Also so funny to see Madelyn appear trippled in size with her full attire of snow clothes on!

Ringing in the New Year

Here's a clip of Maddie doing some New Year's yoga... AND sporting big-girl undies! We've had great success with no diapers in the last few weeks, and so far so good with the undies this morning! What a way to start the year!:)


And, here are two cute pictures of Madelyn and Lucas eating some delicious rice porridge that Cindy brought over a few days ago... the kids couldn't get enough!