Happy Birthday Madeline!

Madeline's birthday was quickly approaching when preparations for Aunt Theresa and Grandma & PaPa Brown were underway. Madeline was so excited they were all coming to see her, she helped make beds and clean up her playroom for Aunt Theresa. The next day started early with Grandma & PaPa Brown arriving in Detroit and the preparations for the festivities began.

Madeline celebrated Year 3 on Saturday. I do believe she had a grand time. About 30 of her friends and family came to help her celebrate and even a few from Kentucky made the trip! There was a Halloween bookmark project and a Zingo game for the kids, and a lot of great food for all. The bees tried to put a damper on things, but they were not successful.

Madeline greeted all of her guests like the perfect little hostess. Then she created a beautiful bookmark, played on the playstructure, ate a great lunch with all of her friends, played a round of Zingo where everyone won! When the time came for the cake, she waited patiently as we lit the candles in the wind, and tried like ever to blow out those candles all by herself. She made the first cut with a wish and delighted in the frosting thereafter. When it was time for everyone to leave, she gave them a kiss and a hug, and "bye, thank you for coming to my party". Like I said, the perfect little hostess and all of a big girl 3. We were all very proud.

The festivities with friends was over, but the family fun was just beginning. We all went down to the pond where some fished, and some played. Madeline had a high time showing off her casting abilities, then made some great plays with Peter & Jason in football. Man, she's fast! Some fish were caught, a lot of bait was stolen, but boy a lot of fun was had. Daddy managed to catch the biggest fish in the pond the minute before we set to leave, everyone cheered! That line wasn't snagged on the bottom, that Bass didn't stand a chance. "Want to see the pictures? It was huge! Probably close to 5 pounds!" (not really) Way to go Daddy!

The only way to get Madeline away from the park was to entice her with present opening at home. This was quite the task. The first few went by pretty fast, then she started wanting to play with them. It was a little difficult to keep her on task, but she did and she was glad she did. In the end, she ended up with a beautiful jewelry box (complete with a twirling ballerina), Dora stickers books and games, even a life size Dora plush doll!, train set & Thomas train cars, Little People castle, and AntArctic Diego complete with sled, dog and penguin (which is not Pingu by the way). Madeline now has her own MP3 player which we're all figuring out, since none of us have one of our own. Madeline also has her very own very Large Mouth Bass (Trouty).

Madeline had her second birthday cake, where she participated in the birthday song to herself with many more wishes included this time. She is still not much of a cake eater, but she made good work of that ice cream!

I think Madeline really enjoyed her birthday. Having so many of her family here was truly a blessing for her. She was never at a loss for someone to share her new treasures with, or to share a laugh with, or just to show off the outfit she picked out for the day. Our little girl is growing up to be a very polite, very well mannered, brave and extremely energetic big girl. She is always willing to show off how happy she can be, and how happy she can make you just by smiling or singing you a song. Her laugh is enough to make you laugh, and she knows it, so that just makes it that much better.

Thank you to everyone who made it in person. Thank you to all of you who sent all of the best energy her way this weekend. It came in loud and clear! And, thank you to everyone for all of the wonderful gifts you offered to Madeline. She accepts them graciously and whole-heartedly. I believe she truly appreciates every last one of you.

When the birthday festivities concluded, the fun was still going on with Grandma & Papa Brown for a couple days. Madeline loves to climb and play so everyone was pretty excited when we went to Jungle Java (indoor playground basically). Madeline showed off her climbing skills and sat down just long enough to get in a few pictures. She got to show off again at her gymnastics class where she walked like a pro on the balance beam and did some awesome tumbling. Madeline was a little tired after her funfilled weekend, so she was a bit confused when we dropped Grandma & Papa Brown at the airport. She had a hard time understanding that they wouldn't be there for dinner that night.