** Disclaimer: There are TONS of pictures in this post, cuteness overload (and a lot of scrolling)
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I love the holiday season. As the leaves start to change and the weather gets cooler, my thoughts go to the wonderfulness of what's to come. Thanksgiving, Christmas and a fresh start with the New Year... so much to be thankful for!
Wedding Celebration!
We had a busy end of October and start to November. Our first big event was Aunt Judy's wedding! It was a great time spent with family, many of whom we haven't seen in a few years, so it was fun to get the kids dressed up, meet new relatives, and celebrate!
Mady and Auntie Elizabeth!
I love the dress I got Mady. I was debating whether I should go all out and get one of those cute, frilly, puffy dresses for her, but decided instead to channel her inner Jackie O... and she kept the bow in her hair for the majority of the evening! I thought she looked so adorbs!
Mady and Auntie Julliann... Mady loves taking pictures!
Mady's "cheesy" smile... makes me laugh every time!
My kids clean up nicely, don't they?
Mommy's Birthday
Just one pic to bring in my 35th year!
... and yes, my cake does say "Happy Birthday, Rabbit"... short version? It's my brother's nickname for me... so you can guess who ordered the cake. I'm sure the bakers got a kick out of it.
Christmas Decorations Already?!
Since we had such a crazy month planned, Vic and I decided to put up our Christmas decorations early... like November 9th early. As the kids get older, it's so fun to let them help decorate the tree. Aiden's favorite ornament this year is the firetruck; Mady... she likes them all... especially as she is pulling them off the tree.
The only downside of putting the trees up early is having poor Aiden ask every night "is Santa coming tonight?".
FLORIDA for THANKSGIVING!
The most anticipated event for November was heading to Florida for Thanksgiving! My parents have had a house there for over 5 years now and I have no idea why it took so long for us to figure out we should spend the holiday there. We had an AMAZING time!!
I was a little weary about the flight down for a couple reasons: 1. Mady's peanut allergy and 2. How Mady would do on the plane
We took an early flight out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and, despite our best efforts, we BARELY made it onto our flight. Traveling with 2 kids, 2 car seats, a stroller, 2 bags of luggage, an over stuffed baby bag and 2 small backpacks for the kids filled with new toys and books was a lot of work! There was a lot of running around by the gate scrambling to the potty and to grab drinks for the kids.
Mady excited for her first flight!
The interesting thing about flying with someone with a peanut/nut allergy is that some airlines (Southwest for example, which is what we took) treat it like a disability. So families are allowed to pre-board, for the purpose of having time to wipe down seats and tray tables before other passengers board, and an announcement is made stating that there is a passenger on the plane with an allergy so no nuts will be served and others are asked to refrain from eating any. We had a bit of an "issue" during our flight down to Florida- long story which involves a frantic mother raising a bit of a stink- but Southwest came through with some great customer service when we landed in Tampa... and our Mady was reaction free.
Aiden ready for take off!
We weren't too concerned about Aiden on the flight, we knew he would do fine, he's flown a few times before and never had a problem (actually, we were often complimented on how "well behaved" he was on flights). Just as we expected, Aiden was an old pro.
Our first selfie with Grandpa Gordon and Uncle Brian in Florida!!
One of the best things about being in Florida in November is the weather!! Obviously a no-brainer, but it was so nice to get away from the Maryland cold (and snow!) and be able to jump into the pool as soon as we got settled. It wasn't hot when we arrived, it was mild in the mid 70s, but Grandpa Gordon had spent the previous week warming the pool to a warm 85 degrees so the kids could enjoy it... and that they did!!
Aiden and Mady loved splashing in the pool and jumping into Daddy's arms. The only bad thing about having such an amazing pool in the backyard is that it was always in plain view! So there was a lot of huffing and puffing about going swimming from the kids. But they were good sports and loved every minute in the water. I definitely think we have a pair of water babies!
Aiden and Mady loved curling up in Grandpa Gordon's chair to watch morning cartoons or play on their iPads.
Aiden spending time with "Grandpa" Ray.
Aside from the warm weather and splashing in the pool, what we loved most was being able to hang out with Grandpa Gordon and Ray and Carrie, two of my mom and Gordon's best friends. They are the reason they bought that house in Florida, which is just a few houses down from Ray and Carrie's, and the two of them proved to be absolutely extraordinary friends to my mom. During the last year of my mom's life, she and Gordon would fly down to Florida between her chemo treatments for some rest and relaxation. To be honest, this was much to my dismay since I wasn't too keen on the idea of her traveling on a germ- infested plane and being so far away from her oncology doctors. But this all changed when Vic and I went down for a visit and I was able to see what amazing care, gentleness, and thoughtfulness Ray and Carrie showed my mom every second of every day. Carrie was more on top of my mom's medications than Gordon! Not only did they love and adore my mom, but us as well. Ever since my mom and Gordon got married, and even more so after my mom passed away, Ray and Carrie have treated me, Vic and my brother like their own children. What a wonderful treat to spend Thanksgiving with them!
Breakfast mimosas courtesy of Uncle Brian!
Family selfie before bedtime!
I think this a good time to introduce the newest member of our family, Panda. Mady set her eyes on this panda bear one day while we were at Target (of course Panda was at the perfect eye level for her). Panda is unique in that she "talks", walks, eats, sleeps, gets the hiccups, and has sensors in her eyes which trigger her to make sounds if someone waves their hand in front of it. She makes this initially cute (now slightly annoying) "mohw, mohw" sound, which Mady repeats incessantly leading me to believe she might think that it's an actual word. Anyways, Panda was ridiculously expensive but she was so in love with it at the store that I begged Vic to buy it for her... more so because Aiden has SO many toys we refuse to buy her anything. Vic finally caved and, thankfully it was on sale, so Panda officially joined our family. All I can say is, BEST MONEY EVER SPENT! Mady absolutely loves Panda. She drags her around everywhere, covers it with her blanket so Panda can sleep, cuddles with it and gives it kisses. She's so obsessed with it that Daddy went out and bought a second one just in case this one breaks!
While in Florida, Panda was a bit under the weather... we had to call Dr. Aiden for a checkup (no worries, it was nothing serious, apparently there was a "frog in her ear").
Aiden giving her sister a goodnight kiss.
Finally Thanksgiving arrived and we were all busy in the kitchen cooking up our feast. Aiden loves to cook, so it was fun to get him involved as well!
Aiden helping Uncle Brian bake a blueberry pie. Aiden is an excellent mixer.
Aiden also helped Mommy make cranberry sauce! No one pours sugar better than him!
DINNER!! YUUUUUMMMM!
Quick picture before dinner.
We were all definitely missing my mom, but it made me smile to know that she would have been so happy knowing that we were in Florida celebrating with Ray and Carrie. We have so much to be thankful for!
Florida: LegoLand!
Vic and I thought about taking the kids to Disney during our trip, but we just didn't think we could do it justice in 1-2 days. So we opted for LegoLand! It was an excellent alternative and only about an hour drive from my parent's house. We left early Saturday morning and spent a fun filled day!
Our first ride was the "Island in the Sky". It's a 150 foot rotating platform that gives a 360 view of LegoLand. I thought the kids would be scared on it, but we all really enjoyed it! Aiden loved pointing out all the things he could see and it was a nice opportunity to have a little snack!
On the way up!
Vic's attempt at a family selfie.
Daddy and Aiden!
I have to admit, Legoland was pretty amazing. As you would expect, everything is made of Legos... but really... EVERYTHING!! I can't imagine how long some of the stuff took to make...
Here we are posing in front of a dragon made out of Legos....
... and here we are being sprayed with water from the Lego dragon across from us.
Family picture in front of a Lego Christmas Tree!
Playing in the Lego Duplo Barn
Here are some pics of the Lego Mini City... AMMMAAZZING!!! All the major cities were represented, from New York City to San Francisco! It was the perfect place to let the kids run wild!
Mady and I visiting Lego Vegas!
Around the city there were buttons that activated something within that particular scene. Aiden loved running around, finding each button, and figuring out what it did. I think his favorite was activating a firetruck hose in New York!
LegoLand also had some pretty fun rides for the kids. Our cautious Aiden was initially pretty hesitant, but after the first one, there was no stopping him!
Mommy and Aiden riding a Lego Tractor
Tractor selfie...
... with my handsome tractor driver
Aiden and Daddy on the Lego Train
It's hard to see, but Daddy and Aiden went on a Lego safari. All the animals were life size and made out of Legos!!
Safari Aiden!
The great thing about the rides at LegoLand is that Aiden AND Mady could ride the majority of the kiddie ones... but....
... Mady passed out. But she had a blast when she finally woke up!
Outside the Lego Driving School in front of a Ford Explorer made of Legos!
We'll have to make another trip back here next year. There was still so much more to do! Vic is really eager for Aiden to take part in the Lego Driving School, which actually lets kids (separated into age groups) learn to legitimately drive around a controlled track. Looked so fun!
LegoLand was a blast! And close enough that we were home in time for a delicious dinner at Ray and Carrie's!
A few more pics of us hanging out at the Florida house:
Oh, and here Mady is holding Baby Chick... another recent addition purchased at LegoLand. Luckily, it makes no sounds.
Emergency procedure being done... Panda ran out of batteries. Daddy had to come to the rescue!
We spent a fulfilled week in Florida and were so sad to come home!!
Mady toting her own backpack through Tampa's airport.
Mady after walking through security.
The kids loved watching all the planes as we waited for our flight.
Until next time, Florida!
Aiden
My handsome boy with a smile that melts my heart each time. He showing more and more what a wonderful big brother he is to his baby sister by giving her lots of hugs and kisses, checking on where she is, and always making sure that Mommy and Daddy "don't leave Mady" behind.
My Aiden has the most vivid imagination and tells the funniest stories. He has an amazing memory (which sometimes gets me in trouble), has mastered the art of negotiation, and always wants to lend a helping hand.
Aiden loves music, singing, cooking, running, building forts, and playing grocery store with the neat cash register Uncle Brian got him. He's a whiz at using the iPad and still loves cars, trucks, and trains. He has also recently developed a liking towards transformers. He's still super shy at school, but his carefree and fun nature comes out during music class.
It's hard to believe my little man will be turning 4 in just a couple of months. Where does the time go!?
Madelyn
My beautiful baby girl is 19 months now and a gorgeous spark of personality. She loves to dance and pouts when you don't dance with her (she apparently loves this kid's song "U" by One Direction- teeny bopper in training?). She has a giggle that is infectious and a seriously amazing head of hair! She loves Minnie Mouse, stuffed animals, coloring, beaded necklaces, and has the cutest gallop you have ever seen! She already has a great imagination and ability to play make believe. She can climb like a monkey and is fearless! I have a feeling she'll be getting herself (and her brother) into a lot of trouble!
Mady has a sweet tooth, like her Mommy, especially for gummy bears and chocolate. She's a pretty good eater and loves chicken, chips, dried mangos, strawberries, bananas, cheese, and roast beef! She's willing to try new things at least once and likes to exercise her independence whenever she can. She also is becoming a whiz at the iPad and loves to watch videos starring... herself!
Mady has a mouth full of teeth now, we went to Florida with 4 and returned with at least 8! She loves to be held and loves holding your hand. She's a Daddy's girl for sure, but says "Mommee" in the most angelic voice.
Pringle obsessed
Oh dear... I asked Mady to take a picture and this is what she did... girls gone wild?
Trying on Mommy's heels!
Mady will be 2 before we know it, and I just can't believe how fast time has flown by. Although it makes me SO sad that she's not a baby anymore, I absolutely love watching this little spark of life grow. I can't wait to see what she does next!
Aiden and Mady are truly the great loves of my life... I mean, look at them!!
Christmas Time is Here!!!
Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we're getting ready for Christmas! I can't wait to take the kids to see Santa, spend lots of time with family and friends, enjoy the holiday season, and remind ourselves how blessed we are to live this amazing life.
More to come!
