Maddie turns 1!!

So our little girl is now 1!!  I can hardly believe it.  She's walking all the time, getting quicker every day, babbling more "words", and showing her awesome personality all the time!  In some ways, it's hard to believe that I am the mother of a 1-year old, but I really can't imagine life without her.  In a lot of ways, it feels like she has been here for a lot longer than just a year.  I have learned so much and have loved so hard.  It brings me to tears to think of this little girl and the incredible joy that she has brought to my life in just this one quick year.  

I can't wait for all the memories that we will make together, all the laughs we'll share,  and the special bond that will be created.  I pray that the Lord will equip me with the skills and knowledge I will need for the years to come.  My deepest prayer for Madelyn is that she have a soft and tender heart that would desire a relationship with Jesus Christ.   

What a bundle of giggles this girl is becoming!  She loves to wear her sunglasses, look at Kurt and I, and just start laughing...what a ham! 

Here Maddie is at our picnic Birthday dinner, just the fam, on her actual birthdate, June 27.

No Birthday would be complete without a cupcake!

Here's Maddie all dressed and ready for her guests to arrive for a big Birthday Barbeque.

I just love her little sturdy legs in this picture :) :)

I know this is a tease of pictures.  I have so many birthday pictures I want to post, but our computer is acting slow and we leave for 2 weeks, tomorrow....sooo I thought I'd post just a couple and when I get back, I promise I'll post tons!!

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, Andrew, Liz, and I took the kids to the NJ shore to visit the Browns' shore house.  It was great weather and a fun visit.  

Here are the three little ones before our mini road-trip with their adorable coordinating outfits from Grandpa G and CC.

Poor Nate is the only one ready for the shot!

.....and Maddie's done.

"Are you awake?"

"Hellooo?"

Katelyn meeting Nate for the first time

A very mischievous look I'd say!!

Some action shots of Madelyn and Ben playing with a tiny beach ball...

I'm so glad they are so close in age :)

Down by the Bay :)

I don't think it will be any problem for Maddie to love the shore as much as her mommy does!!

Kate's Wedding Reception

 While I was over in PA visiting Andrew and Liz, my cousin, Katie, had a wedding reception down in VA.  Sooo, we thought it would be a fun idea to rent a van and drive 6 hours with three little ones and three adults to see some family.   You might think we were crazy, but it actually went great!  One stop and minor whining issues.  The trip was well worth it!  We were able to see some of my mom's family that I haven't seen since my wedding, over 3 years ago!! 

Packed in and ready to go!

At the hotel, before the reception.

Those eyes are so darn round!!

My favorite picture of Maddie at the moment!

The little man, Nate, all dressed in his wedding attire (who knew you could find a tie and loafers that tiny!)...and yes he slept through the entire event!

Maddie was horribly fussy before the wedding, due to NO nap!!  She found much solace in Aunt Diane when we arrived at the reception...

Some of the family in attendance~ Aunt Judy, Aunt Darlene, Uncle Ron, Ian, Aunt Diane, and Uncle Jim.  I wish more of my pictures had turned out...it was darker in the room than I thought.

Mother-of-the-bride, Aunt Cinty and David.

Ummm...what are you doing to poor Madelyn :)

Sister-of-the-bride and close cousin, Kim

Uncle Ron snapping a shot~ he was Ben's hero for the weekend, after Ben found out that Uncle Ron drives a car carrier...Ben's very favorite thing!  All we heard from Ben was, "Ron.....car carrier......whoa!"

Lovin' on my nephew

Ben's other hero of the weekend, our cousin Nathan.

Andrew and Liz getting in a slow dance at the reception

Aunt Diane and Ian

And finally, the bride and groom, Kate and Ricky, as Kim gives a toast

happy happy!

Congratulation!

Cousin fun :)

Yes, I know it's been well over a month since I posted last...and I apologize!  I have excuses, but I'll spare you ;)  I didn't know quite where to start because I have SO many pictures I want to post, I've just put up my favorites.  

Last month, Madelyn and I traveled east, to PA, to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews.  Maddie met her older cousin Ben when she was just over 2 months old and on this visit we got to meet Maddie's newest cousin, Nate, at just over 2 months old.

Nathaniel Joseph, born March 11, 2008

Mr. Nate!

I think Nate favors his mommy in looks more than big brother, Ben (Andrew's clone!)

I wish we could have playdates like this more often!  Booo for distance!

Madelyn, loving all the new toys to explore

Maddie just adored Andrew and Liz's big yellow lab, Barney

Gettin' to know her little cousin.

"Finally, someone smaller than me!!"

Everything is more fun when you get to do it with your cousin!

What a big girl!

Cleaning up after dinner

Just hangin' out at the house

Madelyn thought this tiny chair was pretty cool!

Warm outside fun!

"hmm...what do I choose?"

"I think I'll ride the bike"

"oh wait..."

Ben's mowing the long grass...

Checking the oil...

"If we both mow, we'll be done much faster!"

This 90 pound lovable dog really does think he's a lap dog!!

Oh Barno!

I just laugh when I see all the size differences!!