Popcorn & Cupcakes...for dinner?

Denny was out of town, so we had what we call "Girl Night." Madeline had a tea party with a friend earlier in the day and we had a late snack. We decided we weren't that hungry, so I shocked her and suggested popcorn. She then asked if we could have cupcakes for dinner too. We did and it was so fun. We even sat at her table. She couldn't wait to have Daddy guess what we had for dinner while he was gone.

Playdate with the Pritchard's

We had a playdate with my friend Sarah and her little girls Lydia and Emily. Caroline loved seeing Emily who was more her size and just wanted to touch her all the time. Madeline and Lydia had the most fun dressing up in princess dresses and dancing around sayng "bibidi bobidi boo" with their septors. They really had a lot of fun and were fun to watch.

Caroline's Movin'

Caroline has begun to crawl. However, she would rather be on her feet. She is pulling herself up and spends much of her up in this bridge position. I can't believe she is already 8 months old. I definitely think it has gone faster the second time around. Plus, she just wants to be bigger as she watches her big sister. The smile is her ornery one. This is what she does when she is being silly.

Sledding

We have a great sledding hill in our new backyard. Madeline wanted to try out her new sled, so she took Denny out. They had lots of fun. She even sent Daddy down the hill a couple of times.

Playing House

Madeline got a dollhouse for Christmas this year. The only problem has been keeping Caroline occupied so Mommy can play too. We got the idea to give her the little people dollhouse to play next to Madeline's house. It worked! She could not have been happier. As long as she gets to do want Sissy is doing, Caroline is happy!

Madeline's Nativity

In Sunday School Madeline made a clothespin baby Jesus with felt swadding clothes. She came home and decided to create a whole nativity for him. With very little help from me, she created all the people from popsicle sticks, felt, and yarn and then added her own animals. It is so adorable. She was so proud of herself. She has decided she will use it every year to decorate her room.

Catching up

On May 18th we were blessed with our beautiful baby girl, Caroline Raye. She was the pinkest baby I have ever seen. Her whole body was rosy pink and she looked around with her eyes all the time. She started out as a very laid back baby, but she has since proven to be our challenge! She just began sleeping through the night around eight months, she lets you know whenever she does not like something with a very loud scream, and I think she already thinks she is a big kid. However, she has brought so much joy into our family. Madeline adores her and has taught her so many things already. Caroline just wants to be with and do whatever her big sister is doing. She is now moving and she can light up the room with her big toothless grin. We are so blessed!

We celebrated Madeline's 4th birthday in September. It is so hard to believe that she is so big. She wanted a princess party. She met the princesses at Disneyland in March and ever since has been a huge fan. She was Cinderella of course. My sister helped me make a huge cardboard castle and I made a castle cake. We had lots of family and friends there to celebrate. It was so fun. Madeline said it was her best birthday ever and began planning her next one. She loves birthdays! Caroline was even able to get in on some of the action! It was a great day!

We sold our house officially in October, moved to our neighbors, found our house and bought it the Friday before Thanksgiving. We now live in Kalona, which is a nice small community about 15 miles south of Iowa City. It is an Amish community and Madeline loves seeing the horse and buggies every day as they go by our house. The most exciting part of moving for Madeline was getting to ride in the big UHaul with Daddy. She was also quite relieved to see that we took all of our stuff with us. She had been worried since August that she might have to leave some things behind. She is still upset that we didn't bring the pink paint from her walls. Our move has been great. We love having more space! I'll add a pic of our house later as I don't have one!