Big Girl Bed!

We converted Madelyn's crib to a toddler bed.  We have been talking about it for a few weeks.  Madelyn has grown up a lot in the last month and it felt like she was ready.

So far it's gone well!  She has only fallen out a couple times.  One morning Ryan went in to get her and she was laying across the room by the dresser.  She must have been asleep when she got there otherwise she usually yells for us when she wakes up and is out of the her bed.  I think she gets scared and is still learning that she can get back into bed herself.   

Ryan asked her the other day, Madelyn did you fall out of bed last night?  She said "no".  Ryan said "did you get out and lay on the floor" and Madelyn just smiled :)  Of course this was at 2 am and then Ryan laid on the floor in her room (for over an hour) as she was having a hard time falling back asleep.  The things we do for our children!

Madelyn helping Daddy convert her bed

Such a big girl

Testing out her big girl bed!

Madelyn & Mommy

Hanging out with Bishop & Nora

Today we met Auntie, Bishop and Nora at the Maple Grove Community Center for a play date.  We had so much fun.....like we always do!

The kids played on the park equipment and Ryan drove around with Jack as he fell asleep on the way to the park.  It's fun that Madelyn is at the age where she can maneuver around most of the equipment and I don't have to worry about her.

There was another girl - around 7-8 years old - and she was the "teacher" and Bishop, Madelyn and Nora were the kids.  She told them when they could go down the slide, what order they could go down, what activity they were doing next.  It was cute and the kids had a blast!

We went to Potbelly's for lunch and then the kids played by the fountain in the mall area.  It was a fun summer morning with family!  Doesn't get much better than that!

Lining up to go down the slide

Giggles and laughs

So fun!

Even Jack got in on the action

Auntie & Jack

The Cousins with their "teacher"
This was the best picture we got all day but too bad Bishop's eyes are closed

Bishop

Nora

Madelyn

Jack

Playing at the waterfall

End of a fun Saturday summer morning!

My Little Loves!

Madelyn helped me make Special K bars, "k bars" as she calls them.  She is learning the benefits to baking with mommy......you get to lick the spatulas when you're done!

Jack is growing up so fast.  He is sitting up on his own and now is able to ride in the shopping cart.  He loves his new view of the world!

And before you know it, he will be driving!  Well, not quite that fast but it sure looks like it in this picture!

Laughing!!

The other day when we were out doing errands Madelyn was making Jack laugh.  You can't help but smile or laugh when you hear pure happiness like this!

SCFF 2013

Last Saturday we went to Owatonna for the Steele County Free Fair.  We had such a fun time!  Madelyn loved all the animals.  She wasn't interested in much of the food - just wanted to keep seeing the animals!  Although her favorite part might have been riding on Papa's shoulders!  Papa was a trooper as Madelyn has to get heavy riding up there!  Jack had a great time looking around too.  He slept for part of the time in the Baby Bjorn and then couldn't get enough of all the action.  He loved his Papa & Nana time and his highlight was eating mini donuts with Nana! :)

Bunny Rabbits!

Getting ready to feed the horse

Here she goes!

That tickled (but it was so fun!)!!

Riding with Papa!
Lucky little girl, she had the best view!

Happy Jack!
I feel like there are so many "Happy Jack" captions but it's true as he is such a happy little guy!

The geese were dressed up in costumes!
Madelyn loved them!

Riding the pony!

Madelyn even rode without Ryan holding onto her!

Mini donuts are so good!

Madelyn loves shaved ice, just like her mommy!

Weeeeeee!!!!

When Cousin Bishop was over the last time he came up with a new, fun activity......to ride down the driveway in the play car!  He had a blast doing it!  You could tell Madelyn wanted to like it but she was a little scared and nervous.  Well, I guess it was only for that one time because now Madelyn loves this game and wants us to keep going "higher" on the driveway so she gets to ride down longer!  And the last time we did it she even put her hands in the air as if she was on a roller coaster!  The smile on her face is priceless!  Summertime is so much fun!

Jack always has fun watching his sister!

90th Birthday & 68th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

My mom threw a party for my grandparents in Owatonna on Sunday.  My Grandpa turned 90 on August 6th and my grandparents celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on Sunday, August 11th.  It was a great afternoon with family & friends!  So many people came out to see & celebrate with my grandparents.  The kids had a blast running around and playing together!  The big surprise of the afternoon was that Kenny & Emily came!  When Madelyn saw them she went running to give them a big hug!  It was a fun afternoon and I know my Grandpa was touched by all the people that came!

Still so happy and in love when they see each other after 68 years!

Madelyn & Nora......or is it Shelly & Carla from 30+ years ago??