tHaNkSgIvInG aNd HoLiDaY pReP

Uncle Jeremy came home from the Navy for Thanksgiving...I don't think Maddie left his side for 2 weeks. He is stationed in Norfolk, VA...we miss him but it is nice to know he is stationed close (closer that Hawaii or Japan). Maddie got to sit on Santa and Mrs. Claus' lap at the Henry Ford Museums tree lighting ceremony. She asked for a "robot and two chapsticks. Cherry and strawberry." I think Santa will fulfill her wish this year. We, along with Grandma, got the chance to see 101 Dalmations at the Fox Theater...she LOVED it. It helped that there were real dogs in the production!

GaP cOnTeSt

So, I am definitely the mother that I never thought I would be...I have entered my child in contests. I broke down and decided that those curly locks must be seen by te world. You never know...

HaPpY 3Rd BiRtHdAy, MaDdIe

"Madeline's Candy Shoppe and Soda Fountain"...the theme for Maddie's 3rd birthday party. Buttered popcorn, candy, decorating cupcakes, presents and family. My amazing parents drove to Chicago Friday morning and got my brother, Jeremy, to surprise Maddie for her party. They drove home Friday night and then drove Jeremy back on Sunday and turned right around to come back to Michigan same day...AMAZING. Maddie'e reaction was priceless-no hesitation when she opened the door and saw him. She ran right into his arms and didn't leave his side.

Watching Maddie and her cousins play was so great to see...they have such a great time when they get together. She LOVED all her presents! Then we got to go home and "make room" for all the new toys.

hAlLoWeEn 2oo9

We had a wonderful Halloween this year...hot cider, sloppy joes, pumpkins, candy, family and Maddie buzzing along. We went to Greenfield Village again this year...Maddie had a blast see the old-fashioned costumes and the headless horseman. Chuck's work had a Halloween party so Maddie got to go trick or treating around the halls of JP Morgan. And to top it off, Maddie's dance studio had a haunted house (which she loved!) and cookie decorating. October was a busy month but worth it! Maddie made a great bee and enjoyed buzzing around the streets of Dearborn.

fAlL iS hErE...

Fall is in full swing...apple orchard, sunflowers, college football.

fIgHt TiGeRs....

Fight Tiger, Fight for Old Mizzou...Go Fight Win, TIGERS!!! College football is off and running and we are instilling the values of the Black and Gold in Maddie. I was so proud...she pulled a Tiger she received at school out of her backpack and said, "Is this Truman?!" Future Tiger in training!!!

sTaYcAtIon 2oo9

We, like pretty much everyone else in America, enjoyed a staycation this summer. We went to the Detroit Zoo, the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum, enjoyed some good food and hung out at home. We had a wonderful and relaxing time. This staycation thing isn't so bad.