1.08.2009

Post Christmas Fun

DISCLAIMER *** I finally had time to get caught up on my posting... so keep reading until you get bored or fall asleep, whichever comes first! ***

When we got back from Colorado my sister-in-law Kortney came to visit from San Diego with my three adorable nephews (Kade 5, Nolan 3, and Luke 1). We had so much fun with them, especially Madi. She was so excited to have some kids her own age around.
We spent New Year's Eve with Rockband, Fireworks, and food.




Dad pretending he is too big to play with fireworks...


The next day on the 1st we went sledding at Rock Canyon Park.








The kids had so much fun that they went sledding the next day in our front yard on a three foot hill of bushes covered in snow... Hey it worked!



Luke wishing he could go sled with the bigger kids, but it was nap time!

Christmas 2008

We had a great Christmas and New Year's. We were lucky enough to spend time with my parents and James parents and see most of our siblings and some of our extended family.

The best part of Christmas this year was waking up at our own house and opening presents. It is the first year that James and I have been home on Christmas. We went up to the Widdison family Christmas Eve party and had so much fun. We had dinner, a cousin gift exchange and a white elephant gift exchange for the adults. My 2 Great Grandmas were there also and it was nice to spend time with them. After the party my parents and my little sister, Nicki, followed us home and spent the night at our house. Erin and Stacey live with us already (in the basement), so we all opened presents together in the morning and then had brunch.

Madi with all of her presents



Madison played all day long...





On Friday we drove to Colorado to spend time with James family: Roger & Dolly, Matt & Charlotte, Jared, and Blue. We had a lot of fun eating, playing games, watching movies, and eating some more. It was fun and relaxing as always. We also got to celebrate my sister-in-law Charlotte's birthday. It was nice to spend time with her and get to know her better. I didn't take any pictures over the couple of days while we were there, so sorry.

This picture is actually from Thanksgiving when we cut down our tree in Colorado.

1.06.2009

Madison's Sesame Street Birthday Party

Well I am a month late on this post, but I'm sure you all don't care because most of you have been too busy to read my blog anyways.

I was so excited for Madi's birthday this year, because she actually understood presents, candles, and singing. In fact I think I might have been just a little more excited than she was.

I had made some life-sized Sesame Street characters and decorated 'til Elmo was everywhere. While Madison was taking her nap we got everything out so she would be surprised when she woke up.

Needless to say, she was...



This was her face as she came down the hall and caught her first glimpse of Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird. James' goal was to give her a heart attack or make her little brain burst with pleasure... it didn't happen, but we came close!

I made some really fun (and super easy) Cookie Monster cupcakes and an Elmo cake. I can't take credit for the cake though because I ran out of time to frost and my sister decorated the whole thing for me. Thank you Erin.







It was a wonderful party filled with lots of friends and family. Thank you everyone who came to celebrate and make Madi's day so special.