Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Oh No Mr. Christmas Bill!
Well, times they are a changin' and in all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I forgot to pick up the cherries. I thought stawberry jam would make a good substitute, being red and all. I also decided I wanted to try to bake the chocolate chips into the pancakes instead of adding them at the end to save time. This is the result. Do you think he got a look at our Credit Card bill?
These are my kids with my nephews. The older ones are so helpful with the younger ones.
We got the little guy at the top a TMX Elmo for Christmas. If you haven't seen one work yet you are missing out. I think the adults liked it as much as the kids.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Christmas Program
She's got a great right hook...I think the boy in the green striped shirt is afraid of her. |
Friday, December 15, 2006
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Meeting the Guy in Red
"Santa, here's my list..."
We get a picture of her in this every year...just as cute as ever.
She's only going to be 5 in January...
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Madi's First Pulled Tooth
Friday, November 17, 2006
School Book Fair
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Daisy the Rat
I caught Madelin "cleaning" her room the other day. When asked, "why," she grinned and said, "I want a pet." Well that goes back to a conversation we had a while back when I told the girls that we wouldn't even consider a new pet in the house until they started picking up after themselves. I guess they do listen.
Below, I'm doing my best Tom Green impression.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Halloween
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Peoria Spooktacular Day 2
She took first in her heat during the 100 IM. She also took 3 seconds off her time for a final time of 1:47.07 which was 9th over-all.
She took second in 25 fly with a time of 24 sec and 13th overall.
She took third in 25 free with a time fo 19.45sec. We don't know her overall standing for this event.
Now its back to the practice pool. The next meet is in Olympia at the end of November.
For the video of Hannah's Backstroke and IM, go to Google and select the video tab. Search "Madis Dad"
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Peoria Spooktacular Day 1
She took 2nd in her heat in the 50 free and 10th overall (42.95 sec.)(out of about 60 kids)
She took 1st in her heat in backstroke and 8th overall. (22.22 seconds)
She was only 2 seconds off a USA Swimming Division "A" time in this stroke.
She was 3rd in her heat for Breaststroke (29.00 sec). We haven't heard the final standings for this event.
Tommorow we have 25 free, 25 fly and 100 IM.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Look who's birthday it is!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Perfect Hug
I was drawn to how she has become quite tall for her age but still fits in the crook of my arm. It still feels as if I could envelop her delicate bones twice around. But, even as I hug her, I know the stealthy undercurrent of change is coming. In its shocking yet comforting way, it will come like a thief in the night and transform her.
It was a long hug: a tight, brilliant and warm show of affection, completely unguarded. Although I get several a day, it was special, as each is special. Finally, she pulled away. I do not pull away first, anymore. But, everyone has a schedule to keep and today, it was time to play hopscotch.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Weekend Trip
It was a quick weekend trip up to visit the Grandparents at their cabin on the lake. We came upon this location in the middle of nowhere and then we went to the highest point in the State of Wisconsin. It was about 2000'. Yes we hiked up. We started at 1800'. It was a quick hike.
Madi and Hannah each got a turn driving the boat. Yes they have several years before we start in a car. Gen is disappointed she didn't get a turn.
How perfect is this sign. In fact, you can tell the one on the right is being a BRAT.
For the video of the girls at the water park and the river, go to Google and select the video tab. Search "Madis Dad"
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Pumpkins
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Wildhorse Saloon
The Wildhorse Saloon is one of the stops you go to when you are in Nashville. It's a hugh 3-level bar with a big dance floor and a stage for the occasional concert. Big burgers.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Johnny Rockets
While "working" in Nashville at the annual CPCU conferment, we took a break to shop and have lunch at the mall. Apparently one of the requirements to work at Johnny Rockets is the ability to dance when a Janet Jackson song comes on. Big burgers.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Meeting An Astronaut
Do you remember the astronaut that stayed on the Russian Spacestation for 5 months. Here's a clip from Amazon about him:
Dr. Jerry Linenger's 132 days aboard the decaying Russian space station Mir were beset by power outages that left the crew in total darkness and tumbling out of control, poisonous chemical leaks, and near collisions with space debris. Most terrifying of all was a raging fire that, in a matter of minutes, nearly destroyed the station and all on board.
It was an inspiring speech. I may go out and buy his book. I will certainly be better about keeping a journal of my thoughts for the girls.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Gaylord Hotels Atrium
This is a scene from one of the many walkways in the atrium-covered gardens covering 9 acres.
Waterfall at the hotel.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
It was a beautiful day for a parade...and unlike the Memorial Day Parade, this one's got candy. Lots of candy. Actually, I think the candy purchase is subsidized by the local dentist association. I think we have finally figured it out. We were able to arrive in the middle of the route just before the flags came by and we stayed almost up to the end. It was long enough since both girls had bags full enough to choke a horse.
"Mom...chomp, chomp...can I have another piece of candy?"