Our Latest Trip to the Children's Museum

We took the kiddos to the Museum on 1/23. Ever since, all Marin has talked about is "dinosaurs and Barbies". Every time we left the house, she would ask, "Dinosaurs and Barbies?". I would sadly say no, we actually had to go to Walmart or the like. So we finally took them back this past Sunday. It wasn't nearly as crowded as last time, so M&M got their time on the Barbie Runway, basking in the warm glow of the spotlights. Marin has on a lovely costume, but you have to look closely at Maddox to notice his sparkly belt, which "matched his outfit" he said.

Bob the Builder is back, after 3 years. We have a picture of Maddox with Bob when he was about 6 months younger than Marin is now. It is so amazing that he's grown up so fast!

We're currently working on where we're sending Maddox to kindergarten next year. We've seen several schools and are currently trying to decide between St. Michael's and Weston. It has been a very difficult task and I'm looking forward to getting it done!

My Fairy Princesses!

Santa....

On Saturday, we took the kids ro see Santa at the Children's Museum. Here's what happened!

Disney On Ice

My mom and I took the kids to see Disney On Ice last week. I haven't been to anything like that since I was pretty young, so I had no expectations. Maddox wasn't too excited about going. He thought it would be all about princesses and such. When Marin saw the commercial on TV, would squeal with delight!

So...we go to Conseco. We get there and we have pretty excellent seats. We were on the lower level and were close enough to see all of the characters faces with clarity. As soon as the show started, Marin instantly clamped my hands over her eyes! She had a death grip on my hands and would not let me move. I was trying to talk her through it, pointing out her favorite characters. I eventually got my hands down, but she then put her own hands over eyes. I passed her to Mom, didn't help for a good 20 minutes. I told Mom to hold her arms down so they wouldn't cramp after being held up for the hour and a half show. That didn't work, but shortly after is when the princesses came out!!! She turned into a different child. My mom was shocked that she knew all of their names, even though she hasn't seen the less popular movies and the ones we don't have.

Maddox got into it during the villains part. He loved Jack Skellington!! He was entertained, but not mesmerized. As expected.

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!