The Pumpkin Patch

On Saturday when I was at a Tastefully Simple party and working at Gymboree, Don and his mom took the kids to the pumpkin patch. Don and I normally do this every year, but this year sickness had delayed our plans. Madison had been sick with the flu and we were all pretty tired of being in the house, so it was a nice change of pace!

Everyone got to pick out a pumpkin, even Reese got a baby pumpkin! They all had a great time with Daddy and Grandma! Now we just have to find time to carve the pumpkins!!

Uncle Eric and Aunt Tiya's Reception

Recently my brother married a wonderful girl named Tiya. She very quickly became Aunt Tiya and we (especially my girls) love her!! A couple weekends ago, they had a very nice reception in Carthage, Missouri. Madison and Lily got to be flower girls and we all had a great time. We had my cousin's wife, Annie, take some pictures and when I get those I will post some of them as well, but for now, here are a few of my snapshots of our night.

My brother, Eric and his lovely wife, Tiya cutting their wedding cake.

Here is a picture of my crazy son playing with his blanket during the reception!!

Don and his daughters. They were so excited to be flower girls and they did a great job!!!

Madison's Makeover Party!

A friend had told me about a makeover party her daughter had been invited to attend, and when I told Madison about it, she was SO excited to do that for her 7th birthday!! We had 8 girls there and they all got their hair fixed, nails painted and makeup put on. They all seemed to have a blast (I know Madison and Lily did!).

Madison really enjoyed spending time with all her friends and had so much fun getting made over with them!!

Here is a picture of Madison and Faith (her best friend from Kindergarten) getting their nails painted.

While some of the girls were waiting their turn to go to the next station, we took this picture. Here are Lily, KayLynn, Madison and Erica.

And here is the final picture of the whole bunch after they were all done. They all did so good and it was such an easy party for me!!!

Happy Birthday Madison! I hope you had a wonderful time!!

Happy Birthday Madison!!

7 years ago today at 7:00 in the morning I gave birth to a baby girl who weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces!! Madison Grace Engel, our first baby and first daughter. What a whirlwind it has been ever since! Now 7 years later, she is in first grade and learning all kinds of new things.

Tonight to celebrate, Madison chose Steak n Shake for dinner and then she got to open her presents. Here are the girls drinking their dessert after dinner...

And here are some pictures of Madison's gifts from us. The main item she really wanted (and what Daddy really wanted to get her) was a real, pink guitar!! Here she is learning to play it...

I can't believe 7 years has past already, and so quickly! I hope the next 7 slow down, but some how I doubt that! Happy Birthday Madison!!! Mommy loves you so much and is so happy to be able to call you my daughter!!!