05.28.12 - A run through the sprinkler

We got the sprinkler out tonight for the first time this summer. Maddie loved it. The boys didn't want to go near it.

05.13.12 - Happy Mothers' Day!

03.25.12 - "I'm the king of the castle!"

Maddie stands atop the sandbox lid tonight and proclaims, "I'm the king of the castle!"

King? Well, there's this book called "Always" that I like to read her at bedtime. It's about a puppy who protects the castle where his little girl lives. One page in particular reminds me of Harley. It's clearly one of my favorites. Tonight, in fact, at bedtime, Maddie picked out two books she wanted me to read and then said, "After that you can read Always because it's your favorite."

No, Maddie. You're my favorite. Don't tell your brothers. :)

07.10.11 - Pouting

This photograph is dedicated to all the grandparents who think Little Miss Maddie is always a ray of sunshine. And speaking of sunshine, this photo was made this morning before the temperature reached eleventy billion* degrees.

*Actually, today's record high was 111.

06.02.11 - "It's raining!"

That's what Maddie kept saying as she chased Nate with the garden hose. To his credit, Nate didn't mind a bit. He actually thought it was quite funny, which is good because Maddie wasn't about to share it.

04.09.11 - In your face, Daddy!

I can't wait to show this photo to Maddie tomorrow. (As soon as I open the laptop, she'll say, "Find me, Daddy!" at which point I'll have to show her a photo of herself.) She was getting a push on the swing by Gramma Karen as I was shooting photos of Nate with Grampy in the sandbox. I was intentionally shooting with my fisheye lens, which means I had to be super-close to the pinnacle of her swing to make this photo. On my first attempt, I got too close and Maddie kicked me. She thought that was funny and I spent a few minutes "pretending" to be kicked so that she'd give me a good laugh.

03.30.11 - Dress yourself!

Today Maddie picked out all her clothes for the first time. Two t-shirts, tights, shorts and boots. Then she decided she wanted to go "out yi-yide." We told her she needed a coat, thinking she'd get one of her lined hoodies from her room. Nope, she came back wearing her heavy winter coat and a stocking hat. She even insisted on wearing the attached mittens, which is something she didn't do all winter. Regardless, still pretty stinkin' cute!

03.20.11 - Pockets

Maddie discovered the pockets on her shorts while taking a stroll through the backyard on this wonderful summer-like day on the first day of spring.

02.19.11 - Daddy's lttle helper

I finally got the chance to get out in the backyard and take care of the fallen leaves. I raked some, bagged some and mulched the rest. Maddie helped, too. Sort of.

11.02.10 - Keep away

Maddie tries to keep her Rice Krispy treat out of Harley's reach by running in circles around the back patio. Maddie kept running long after Harley lost interest.

06.29.10 - Who needs a swimming pool?

06.15.10 - Sprinkler fun

We took the kids out to the backyard tonight after dinner. Maddie wasn't so sure about her sprinkler mat at first.


Hey, this isn't so bad!


I'm thirsty!


I think water went up her nose!

05.28.10 - Little Mermaid

Maddie struck this adorable pose for her Mommy after playing in the sprinklers for the first time this summer.

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.

05.05.10 - In the sandbox

Maddie enjoys playing outside while we make dinner. She spends her time swinging or digging in the sand. So far, she doesn't mind getting a little dirty!

04.25.10 - Maddie's Easter dress

Maddie is fascinated with buttons lately especially those on her Easter outfit.