Birthdays!

This year we decided to keep the birthdays low key. Wednesday, Maddox's birthday, we decided to take the kids to the Children's Museum as part of their celebration. That night, we met Kellie at a Texas Roadhouse and had dinner. We then had cake and Maddox opened presents at Granny and Hampy's house. His birthday surprises included Bionicles and Transformers.

On Friday, we celebrated Marin's birthday a day early. She had her own party theme and opened her presents. I really didn't capture the excitement emanating from her on my camera, but it was definitely felt in the room. She's crazy about Tink, so the tent was an excellent choice by her dad and I. Marin also got a Cinderella barbie and a PINK doctor's kit, among other things.

They enjoyed their days and we enjoyed watching them!

A Crisp Autumn Day

I finally had a day off from running MadrinDesigns and could go outside with the kids and enjoy the day. Maddox dressed himself for the "weather". Marin decided to take her stroller out with no baby in it. I captured their quirkiness on camera this time. Next time you think your child is weird, just take a look at this picture of Maddox. :) And yes, those are his Monday underpants and socks on his hands.

Aunt Carol and Uncle John's House 8/24/09

The whole fam got together at my aunt and uncle's in Valparaiso in August. Luke and I went to see Pearl Jam on Sunday at the United Center, while the kids stayed and played with their cousin, Bryalyn. On Monday, they had a great time on the beach. Maddox was kicking sand with cousin Lauren while Marin was in the water with Aunt Carol and cousin Lesley. Occasionally, Daddy went by on skis or in the tube behind Uncle John's boat. I managed to get burned/red because of my crazy light sensitivity, but it went away about 2 weeks later. All in all, a great time had by all!

Hampy's B-Day

We went out for dinner for our Hampy's birthday! It was fun and they brought him a HUGE piece of chocolate cake a la mode! We all shared. I got more than Marin!

-Maddox

Painting Pictures for Mama

While I was gone doing an art show, it was arts and crafts day at home. It still hasn't been explained how paint ended up in the mouth, but she's still alive and kicking, so no worries! Marin began to sing and dance months ago, but has a favorite song now: The SpongeBob SquarePants theme song.

Maddox is completely self-sufficient in reading now. It is unfortunate for me though. I used to be able to trick him or spell words I didn't want him to hear, but no more! He is currently quite obsessed with Transformers. He's saving his money to try and accumulate all of the action figures! He has 8 or 10, but that barely scratched the surface of Transformers merchandise. My cousin Josh was kind enough to send an old VCR tape of the original, animated Transformers movie. Luckily, I saved a VCR after replacing with DVD players.

Having Fun In The Pool!!

We went swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's last Saturday and Sunday. The kids had a blast. Marin is already kicking her legs and trying to swim. Maddox had a scare going under water a few times, so now he wants like 5 flotation devices. Before that happened, he was swimming very well. We'll get there again.

They both have a blast with their Auntie Kellie. She lets them get away with everything!

Last Thursday and Friday, Luke and I made a trip to Nashville, TN. We saw Eddie Vedder solo at the famous Ryman Auditorium. The best part was that we were in the FRONT ROW!! We didn't know until we got there. It was a fabulous surprise! We couldn't have any cameras or cell phones out during the show, so no pics. We had a great time and enjoyed walking around downtown Nashville. We did take photos at the only replica of the Parthenon.