05.22.11 - Scenes from Emerson's birthday party

The highlight for Maddie at Emerson's birthday party today were the chickens in the backyard. She had a great time chasing them and enjoyed it even more when Uncle Brent helped her hold one. She tried to show her Mommy but she wasn't interested!

04.24.11 - "I find 'em!"

Maddie was super excited that the Easter bunny was coming today! After church, we headed over to Gramma Karen and Grampy Keith's house for brunch and an egg hunt. She knew there'd be an egg hunt and on the way, while giggling somewhat sinisterly, said "I find 'em!"


And she did! We think she had more than anyone else. We're pretty sure she'll beat up her brothers in the coming years if they find more than her.


What's in this one? Chocolate? Jelly beans? A quarter?


There's the Egg Hunters for the day! From left: Nate, Taylor, Keiton, Emerson, Savannah and Maddie.

12.24.10 - Maddie's 2nd birthday

Maddie turned 2 on Christmas Eve. Despite the extra work involved, I kinda liked that there was a Christmas tree in the background of this photo. Given that Christmas is her Mommy's favorite holiday, I hope that Maddie grows up to like it as much, too, even if it coincides with her birthday. And if not? Well, sorry kid. It wasn't our fault! As for the bagels? That's been a family tradition for as long as Daddy can remember. We used to celebrate with doughnuts but they aren't as healthy and good eating habits form early, right? She was able to blow out both candles so we're excited for her birthday party next weekend.


We asked Maddie is she wanted rice or pizza for lunch. Both are her favorites. She emphatically said, "Pee-tuh!" so we went to Pizza Hut. She gets plenty of healthier items off the salad bar, too.


She was actin' all sorts of silly while Mommy was away in the restroom.


Hey, Maddie! Let me see that 'big smile' one more time!


That night, we gathered at Nan and Pop's for Christmas Eve. She shared a chair with her cousin Emerson ... for awhile. This is close to her birthday minute. I wish it were, though. You'll see why in a second.


One of her birthday gifts was this cool "I'm 2" t-shirt. Yes, she's definitely 2. You'll see why next.


This is the photo from the minute she turned exactly 2. What is she saying? "NO!" as we sing Happy Birthday. Yup, she's 2 alright.

05.23.10 - Runnin' the bases

Maddie runs around the infield that I drew on the back patio while we played with some sidewalk chalk that she got for a prize at cousin Emerson's birthday party yesterday.

12.20.09 - Great Grandma Betty

Today we traveled to St. Paul, Kan., to celebrate Christmas with Angie's dad's family. Here Maddie sits on Great Grandma Betty's lap with her cousin, Emerson, as they prepare for a photo with all of the other great-grandchildren. Maddie also played peek-a-boo with Aunt Joanie, her godmother, got carried around a lot by Grandpa Greg and received a baby doll as a gift from Santa, who looked an awful lot like Uncle Dennis.

11.20.09 - Happy Birthday, Nan!

We celebrated Nan's 77th birthday tonight. Cousin Emerson was there and did she give him some strange looks in the beginning! While she warmed up to him by the end of the night, Maddie better get used to the idea of having another baby around - only 11 weeks to go!

06.17.09 - Baby sittin'

Maddie baby sits Cousin Emerson at day care today. I really do hope they grow up to be best friends.

05.26.09 - Cousin!

After unpacking the car and resting up a bit, we went over to Brent and Tori's house tonight to meet their new son, Emerson Kenneth. He was born last Thursday, about the time we were heading north on the Kansas Turnpike. We can't believe how big Maddie has gotten in five months! We can hardly remember her being so tiny.