Visiting the Dentist

Sometime in December, we made it to the dentist for the first time. Mads did great and had a clean check up.

Keep up the good work!

Christmas in April

Continued at Nonnie and Poppi's. 

Nonnie & Poppi with their girls

"Poppi, me no eat all this."

Christmas in April

In college, I participated in a philanthropic project called 'Christmas in April'. I'll pretend I'm remembering that.

We've been a little busy.

Soon, our blog readers will find out why. Or since it's probably just our moms, you already know.

BOY, do we have news.

Until then… Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve At Nana's. 

Matching jammies! 

Maddy enjoys leading her big girl cousins around. And they follow. 

Cookies for Sanka. Thanks for the help, H!

It's a very Elmo Christmas. 

Christmas Buddies!

Someone was not happy about her holiday garb. 

Sledding Kansas style

Attemping to throw a snowball at mom. 

Baking with Nonnie

In December, our nanny went on vacation. Nonnie stepped up to take her place. 

Lots of baking was done. 

And then it was eaten.

Yum! 

Sanka, Sanka, Wave me!

I'm starting to resign myself that there are some things I like here in Michigan. 

One of them is the ND club. 

Breakfast with Santa. In an Irish pub. 

Who needs more, really?

Mass in a pub. Clearly, as the Apostles would have wanted it. 

Maddy meets the man in red for the first time.
Can I just say this was so much more than the mall?! 

All the children received an age appropriate gift. 

She's completely mesmerized.
Followed him around during breakfast and would shout "Sanka! Sanka! Wave me, Sanka!"

Thanksgiving in Iowa

One of my favorite memories and events has always been Thanksgiving/Christmas in Iowa. My grandparents celebrated both holidays on Thanksgiving weekend so they could see their children, grandchildren and later, great-grandchildren all at once. There's nothing like sharing the holiday with 75 or so relatives.  All different stages and walks of life, one big family in one big farmhouse. 

This year, I was able to watch Maddy experience this gift.  She met great-aunts and uncles, older cousins, baby cousins, second cousins, and everything in between, at my aunt and uncle's farm.  I watched her play ring around the rosy with little ones her age.  She found older cousins to look up to, just like I did.She even fed cows! While my Grandma and Grandpa were not physically with us this year, they were very much present in each joke, giggle and stolen cheese curd.  And I remembered them best not by material reminders I saw but the joy of seeing my daughter among the family they built. 

*A special thank you to my Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Gerald for hosting Thanksgiving at their home this year. 

Heading out to feed the cows

Uncle Gerald had lots of help!

Nonnie was there to help out.

Ring around the rosy.  It takes special older cousins to be so kind to the little ones. 

Aunt Rosie's piano had some serious action. 

Ten of the great-grandchildren- I've lost track of how many there are!
The best part is the oldest and youngest are sisters!

Nonnie with her sisters

Washington Christmas Parade with Nonnie & Poppi

We found Badger Tree Farm on the way home. Horse rides, hot chocolate and a Christmas tree!
What more can one ask for to start the holidays?

Not sure what she thinks of Clydesdales...

While this looks like the same far off look as last year, she was actually just tired this time. 

Trick Or Treat!

Last year, Halloween was just 10 days after we arrived home from China.  We did not do trick or treating.  Maddy was scared enough of her new world,  we didn't need a day that focused on that.

However, this year was a different story. Trick or treating happened not 1 but 3 times! Mama's work, Playgroup and Halloween in our neighborhood. As our girl loves animals, I let her choose from her top three animals for a costume. She chose the bear. Appropriate since she's our Baby Bear.  For the weeks leading up to Halloween, growls were practiced and the costume was worn in dry runs.

She had a great time and figured out real quick that "Trick or treat" meant chocolate. Even now, in February, she's trying to use that one.

Mama's department Trick or Treat event.

Stopping for a bite mid- event

Playgroup party

Grrrr!!!

Bear paws

Bears aren't slowed down by rain, especially when they have cute umbrellas

Heading out with Dada.
Being the littlest on the block- the neighbors were waiting. 

And… she's done.