Kids Will Be Kids

Madeline ran into the kitchen and said, "Mommy, look!" My first reaction, "Madeline, why did you do that?" Then, I began to laugh. These are things that all kids must do to, well, grow into the mature grown ups that they think we are. What makes them do things like this? What would she think if I said, "Madeline, look!" after I painted my entire foot with fingernail polish? I would be the crazy one. She called herself a cheetah, and then asked if she could put speckley little purple dots all over her legs...I hate to go see if she got that far!

Caraway Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

I saw this on one of my friend's blogs and thought that it would be fun to do! I think that I pretty much agree with the results.

My Little Artist

I just wanted to share a picture that Madeline drew and colored last night. She was so proud of it. I thought that it was pretty good, too. She has recently begun putting colors where they should be on pictures as opposed to coloring Cinderella all one color. I love to watch these skills develop...it's so interesting!

Which Comes First...the Bow or the Outfit?

I have often heard of women buying shoes first and then a matching outfit, but never a bow. Yesterday I purchased this bow, and then realized that Madeline had absolutely nothing to wear with it so I purchased the outfit.

I do think that I am guilty of buying an outfit to go with a pair of shoes on a couple of occasions, but since tennis shoes are my preference and a work requirement I don't find myself in this predicament too often.

I think she was proud of her new Sponge Bob bow. She had to show it to KC this morning.

I really think KC liked it, don't you?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE YANKEE DOODLE DANDY!

This is my cute little nephew, Seamus. He was born on the Fourth of July last year. Now what are the odds of that happening? I can remember my sister-in-law, Lesley, coming down last year on July 3rd to get a changing table, and, boom, she went into labor that night. I swear it was the awful condition of I-55 that bounced that little baby right out!

Seamus was bright-eyed during his whole party. He really enjoyed the grilled hamburgers that his dad had spent the whole morning cooking. They were very enjoyable, especially since they were handcrafted!

Just a little too small to hit the pinata, but the other kids, including Cousin Madeline enjoyed the treats.

Are all of these gifts mine?

Mama I Just Wanna Play!

One of the best things that happened today was that this guy started messing with Seamus's little plastic balloons from his birthday cake that someone had set on his highchair. Seamus got ticked off, turned around with his cake-filled hands, and swiped the guy, rubbing a handful of cake all over his shirt.

Happy Birthday Little Guy!

Daddy Dance

The Daddy Dance was so cute. Jason and Madeline were fabulous. Jason was worried following the practices because he said that Madeline didn't really pay attention. However, during the actual recitals, she did a great job. They looked so happy together! To our surprise, Jason and the other daddys had a solo after the fathers and daughters danced. They performed to "Soul Man" and did a Blues Brothers-type routine. Some of the dads were doing backflips and splits. It was amazing. I never knew that Jason could dance like that. What a special event that I will always remember.

Jason and Madeline are second from left

Jason after the men's solo

Puppy Cuties

Madeline's first routine was "Puppy Cuties." She was dressed as a poodle, as you can see, with white ruffles everywhere. When she came out on Friday night to perform in the first recital, she was a bit overwhelmed by the size of the audience. She had her hands over her eyes, shielding the bright lights, as she scanned the audience for Jason and me. She finally saw me, I waved, and from then on out, she danced. I could see her lips moving to the song, and I could tell that she was having a great time. The next two nights I got to see her from backstage. She was very comfortable. Here are some pictures on stage and off.

Waiting in Line to Go On Stage

Madeline Looking Toward Doghouse

Madeline Looking at Me

Waiting Backstage in the Window

Backstage Entertainment