Finally, there was a break from the rain and cold. Since Madison is apparently a lover of the outdoors, she was super excited. Jeremy went on a long bike ride this morning, so Madison and I headed out to Innis Woods to enjoy the cool breeze and sunshine. I walked with her in the stroller for awhile. Then, I would park the stroller and let her explore. It was fun to watch her follow the path and see where she would go. Here are a few pictures of the day:
Yes, I realize it is not even close to Mother’s Day at this point, but I still wanted to post a few pics and tell about the weekend. We went home on Saturday to my family’s gathering. It was a Mother’s Day/May Birthday celebration. It was nice to get there early and ease into the day. Madison loves pushing this little pooh bear they have there and swinging. Mostly, she loves to be outside. Luke’s family and Nate’s family came around 2ish. Many of them had brought their bikes. So, while Madison napped, we took them to the cul-de-sac to ride. Jen and I went to the bulk food store as well for some cheap cheese, snacks, and meat. When Ben arrived the guys started a marathon basketball game. And the rest of us watched the kids run, run, run. Thank goodness that it was a nice day! For supper, we had bbq beef sandwiches, shredded chicken sandwiches, a delicious salad, baked corn, chips, fruit pizza, and peanut butter cup cheesecake. It was delicious!!!! We started a fire after supper and just hung out before many started heading home. It was a wonderful time.
On Sunday, we went to Salem for church, and then headed to Jeremy’s parents to celebrate with his mom. His dad barbequed hamburgers and chicken breasts for lunch; we also had relishes, another good salad, chips, and desserts. Jeremy’s grandpa, David and Marianne, and my parents also ate with us. We enjoyed some adult conversation during Madison’s nap. When she woke up, she played a little bit more with toys and blocks before we loaded her up in the car for the journey home. Here are some more pictures from the weekend:
So, it has been a long time. Last time I blogged was April, and it is now May. Honestly, I am not sure for my lack of posting - maybe because we haven't taken many pictures. We did go on Saturday to the zoo. Madison was more interested in the animals than last time, but I think she still enjoys people watching better than animal watching. I will post the picture of her facing a gorilla later. Other things:
That's all the updates. I heard a quote the other day on my teen flick (One Tree Hill) that I thought was so amazing. (Hard to believe much substance comes from that show, but it did.) It was : "Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of us." I don't know where it is from, or who to give credit for it. I just think that is an awesome way to think of children. If God was completely discouraged with us as a human race, He has the ability to close the wombs of all women. And yet, He continues to bless us with children to raise up to worship and glorify Him. Amazing!
I'll work to add that picture (and any others I may have) tonight, and I will hopefully blog more frequently in the week to come. Have a great Wednesday!
We headed to home on Saturday. We were with my parents on Saturday until after her nap. My mom has “rented” a bunny from some local people for a good number of years at Easter time. Although she was a little unsure, she would occasionally venture over to peer through the cage by herself once and awhile. She is getting really good at taking apart the velcro vegetables as well. She also loved pushing this little Pooh Bear all around the driveway. She couldn’t bear taking her eyes of that bear spinning circles in front of her.
We headed to Jeremy’s parents at that point. They graciously offered some grandparent time, so that we could go out for my birthday (late). We went to Rockne’s in Massillon and then to see The King’s Speech. That was at a theatre where we paid a total of $4.50 for BOTH tickets – awesome! :)
Sunday, we woke up for breakfast with Maynard and Gloria – omelets, sausage, and donuts. Madison went back down for her little morning nap. Then, we headed to Salem Mennonite for church. She was dressed in an outfit that coordinated with her cousins that she got for Christmas. The kids were super cute:
The Easter egg hunt for the little ones went well. She had been in training with the sitter last week, so she knew exactly what to do. Also, Landen is only 11-1/2 months old; so she had a few months on her competition:
After a super long nap (exhausted from the day’s activities) we headed to the Bricker gathering. She was loved on – being the only baby has its advantages! Grandma and Grandpa Yoh had an Easter basket all ready for her. And a singing bunny – it sings “who put the hop in the hoppity-hoppity-hop” and claps its ears together. Madison loved it – and we left the camera in the car :( On the long drive home (stupid traffic), she learned how to turn the bunny on and off. So funny … and a little annoying :) It was a great gift. It was good to reconnect with everyone there. Madison touched Great-Grandpa Bricker’s hand and said “nice” It was precious.
Well, that’s it. I am back at school; Jeremy is back at work; and Madison is back at the sitter’s. She learned how to climb up the little plastic slide today, and how to go down stairs this weekend. Yea! Have a great week.
It has a been a drought on my blog, but I am finally posting. Two weekends ago, my family got together at Skyview Ranch in Holmes County. It had been since Christmas since I had seen everyone. Madison went with a little fever that didn’t go away until Monday just before we headed home. Poor girl! I think it is because she is getting more teeth, but who knows. Madison always takes a little time to adjust to the volume of these gatherings, and when she is alone in the house, she can’t stop talking. There were some goats that roamed the area; the little ones had a ball watching them and petting them. There was lots of land – with lots of hills – to trek around, a little mini-golf course, tether ball (my mom kicked my butt.. twice!), basketball courts, and swings. Here are some pictures.
Then, the week went on. On Tuesday, Jeremy and I split a day at home with Madison who had a little fever again when she woke up. She was fever-free in mid-morning, but slept like a hibernating bear that day! So, there was just a lot of down time to relax for us! This past Saturday, we headed back to Holmes County to surprise Jeremy’s dad who was getting an award from Ruritans. During the late afternoon, my friend (Sandy) came to meet us for some Amish tourist activities – mainly, eating samples of cheese and bread – and dinner at Der Dutchman. We made it to the the award banquet just in time for the award. Here are some pictures of that time.
Madison thought the little chef was a real man, I think!
Our associate pastor spoke at the banquet. Maynard is seated after receiving the award.
All dolled up!
swimming!
new bathing suit
I promised some pictures this time, and thankfully, Jeremy took some. Jeremy had some long work days, so he had accrued 40 hours by Thursday. Since they won’t let people work overtime, he had today off – and daddy time with Madison! The other night, he made a mohawk with her shampoo.
Today, he caught her playing dress up with some of his things :)
Some close photos:
Bible Time… this small Bible happened to be her favorite thing this afternoon; she even took it on our little walk with us. She also is learning to fold her hands and pray at meals, too.
Hope everyone has a great weekend
