VAcaTiOn!!

We're back from vacation and what a fun time we had. We left Thursday after work on July 9th and headed to Marquette to Brian's parent's house for the night. Sandy and Dave were so gracious to watch Madeline for the weekend while Brian and I headed to Solon Springs, Wisconsin for the annual Hellman's softball tourn. to be joined by them Sunday for the week after. The softball tourn was so much fun. The boys lost every game but didn't lack in the beer drinking and karaoke singing areas :) Sunday Dave and Sandy arrived to Solon with Maddy in tow and so did the rest of the family. I think there was about 20 or 30 of us total. Madeline had a blast and so did lily. here is a link to some pictures sandy took of the week. http://sandyswebsite.shutterfly.com/441

We left Solon on Friday the 17th and went back to Marquette for the weekend where Brian and Scott and i competed in a bag toss tourn on Saturday. Well, i should say Brian and Scott competed. i didn't do well at all but still had fun. Our good friends the Smiths brought Gavin and Carson to the field to play with Madeline and her and Gavin were so cute. They were hanging on to hands and i know if we lived closer they would be such great friends.

Maddy and Gavin

Aren't they just precious

We arrived back home on Sunday night and then had to be back to work Monday morning. It was kinda rough readjusting back to work mode from vacation mode but now were getting back into the groove.

Madeline has been into the movie Annie since the vacation she has been singing along with the opening credits. This makes me so happy as this is my ALL TIME favorite movie and am so happy to be able to share this with her. I cannot wait until i can take her to see the real play. Here is a little video of her singing along with the movie.

Fourth of July

A belated Happy Fourth of July to everyone! This past weekend we travelled up to Saginaw to spend the long weekend with my mom and sister.

Thursday night Madeline and I headed up to Saginaw and us along with my mom went to the Loons game. Madeline had a blast. Our good friends Judge and Sarah joined us and with Sarah came Joye, Beth, Tom and Amelia. Amelia is going to be 4 in September and Madeline had so much fun with her. They got to get their picture taken with the Loons mascot and play on the giant play structure they have. Madeline also got a ball from one of the young pitchers. It was a really fun night.

Madeline and Amelia with the Loon

Friday Madeline, Nana and I went to the Saginaw zoo and then met Megan, Broc and April at Panda House, yum yum, for lunch :) We were happily surprised for Bri to join us there as well. He got out of work early:) Then that night we went to Sarah and Drew's house for a get together. SO MUCH FUN was had:) Bri and i were of course the last ones to leave and it was so nice to be able to meet Joye and get to know her. we wish you lived closer Joye :( Here are some adorable pictures Joye took of the girls. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30699398@N02/sets/72157620886508101/

Madeline and her new friend Amelia

Madeline and Amelia discovering the birdbath.....

.... and after the birdbath becomes empty

Saturday was spent laying by the pool, or jumping into the pool if you are Madeline, and relaxing till fireworks time. Judge was awesome enough to get us tickets for the Island and we had GREAT seats. We got there around 7 and so we had a little over an hour to sit and wait for the festivities to begin but Madeline did excellent. we allowed her to have her wa wa (pacifier) and brought along her portable DVD player and those things along with some snacks worked out great. She was pleasant and cooperative and even tried to go to sleep on my lap before the fireworks started. Once they did begin though she LOVED them. She kept saying "cool" every time one went off.

Madeline with Mommy getting ready for fireworks to begin

Watching the fireworks

It got a little chilly waiting

Sunday both Great Grandma Joyce and Marilyn joined us at the park in Hemlock along with cousin Bobbie and Aunt Jean and then we even got to see the Apsey's there as well. Madeline had a great time playing at the playground and was a tired out little girl when we finally decided it was time to head back home.

All in all it was such a GREAT weekend and nice to have some family time and GREAT to spend time with AWESOME friends. Thanks everyone!

Yesterday Madeline got some new kicks. she was fortunate enough to be spoiled rotten and got a new pair of Croc's, her favorite, and some new tennis shoes that are super fast. She even tried them out in the store and was running all over. She of course wanted me to time her running (which means me counting out loud) and boy where they fast. I think we might have a little track star developing. i wonder where she gets that from :)

New running shoes :)

New Croc's with Lilo and Dorry figures

This week we leave for vacation Thursday night after work. We can't wait.