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!!

First Mother's Day!

This weekend, I celebrated my first Mother's Day.  What an incredible honor and privilege to be Madelyn's Mommy.  I feel so blessed by the Lord to have Maddie as my daughter.  Though she didn't know what day it was, I am very aware of this new role that I have taken on.  There are challenges, frustrations, steep learning curves, and even anger...but when Madelyn looks at me with those big round eyes and her mouth curves into a wide smile, everything melts and I can't believe how much I can completely LOVE this little girl to pieces. 

 My mother and I always had a very special and close bond.  I miss her dearly and wish that I could celebrate her today as my mother, but I see another way that God is so good.  He has given me a daughter of my own to create that close and special bond that is so awesome between a mother and a daughter.  Happy Mother's Day to my mother who loved me with an unconditional love for over 20 years. I love you.  I now understand that unconditional love as I look at my precious little girl. 

 I love you Madelyn Grace!   

Look at those upper teeth coming in!!

Papa and Mimi came down for a special visit...

What a wonderful way to remember my first Mother's Day; we dedicated Madelyn at our church on Sunday.  Dedicating her to the Lord with friends and family surrounding us, it was very important for us to declare this publicly, we need all the prayer and support we can get as we go through life's challenges of raising a little girl :)

A little washed out, but happy about the day after church and a great brunch, our little fam :)

FriDAy FUn!!!

Over the last few months, Madelyn and I have been going to a Friday morning play-group.  My friend Lindsey invited some young mothers over with their little ones and it has been great fun talking with other new moms about the different excitements and challenges we are all facing. 

 It has been a huge blessing for me to be able to turn to Godly women who are learning what it truly means to die to yourself everyday and surrender to the Lord, having a little one brings you a little closer to understanding the love that our Father has for us!

   

The little kiddos range from 3-months to 3-years old.  With the weather getting nicer here in Seattle, we walked to a nearby park this past Friday morning.

I love the Cherry Blossoms all over Seattle in the spring! 

(that's one good thing about all the rain, right?!!)

Moms ~ Melissa, Justyn, Steph, Me (missing-Lindsey, Ashley, Gretchen)

Kiddies ~ Logan, Finley, Mia, Micah (missing-Ella, Camden, Olive, and Madelyn)

Justyn with her little Finley (3 months-the youngest of the group!)

Logan (14 months) enjoying the slide!!

Mia (14 months) with her bucket! (she loves the dirt :))

Micah (20 months) loving that ball!

Who's missing out on all this fun??

Maddie snoozing away!!

And...she's awake!

What a cool swing!!

I don't know if I've ever seen a little one so disgusted with sand!  Don't all kids love to eat it??? Hah...not our little girl :)

pigtails!!

Madelyn's hair is getting longer and more crazy every day.  I recently tried pigtails in her hair and couldn't resist posting a few shots ~ what a big girl she looks like!

"Yaaay for me!" 

"Ummm, who put me in this stuff...gross!"

"I love pulling everything out of my drawers... and then not putting anything back :) "