Maddie starts College...

Well, it has finally happened! I joked that I would maybe have time and get around to updating the blog once Maddie started college, little did I know how true that statement would be!!! Today, not only is Madeline 9 months old (doesn't seem possible), she taught her first full day of classes at Shepherd University!

She quickly claimed my big office chair...

took her headband off and started giving orders and running the show!

We have a brief break from classes now and await our first department meeting...this ought to be interesting as Maddie has been setting the workday agenda for most of the staff, all day long!!!

Happy Easter

Thank you Recruit Class 34

Thank you Recruits...

Daddy's Fire and Rescue Recruits gave him a pink, camouflage blanket for Madeline!

Madeline in her new cradle

Ruth and Buck Yarnell gave Maddie this beautiful, handmade (by Buck) cradle. Maddie decided to try it out. She is actually a little smaller than the baby doll that was in it!

"I think, if I reach out, I may be able to grab that bear!"

Relaxin...

Ok Mom, enough...
As usual, Braxton comes to the rescue, making sure his Maddie is ok!

Maddie's Tree

Madeline's tree made a wonderful Christmas tree and it is now time to take off the decorations and get the tree ready to plant outside so that we can enjoy it for years to come. It will be fun to watch it and Maddie grow. Thank you Madeline for letting us borrow your tree!!!

Cousins Kristen and Brian came in for a visit and offer to help Daddy get Maddie's tree outside...it sure is heavy!

Here it is...How beautiful!

Coming out of the house...Cousin Brian helps Daddy...

Time to put it into the big hole that Daddy dug...

Now what...? No worries, Braxton is on the job!

Daddy makes sure the tree is in PERFECTLY!!!

Finishing the job...Looks GREAT!!!

Presents, Presents and More Presents

Daddy and Pop Pop anxiously await getting to open all of the presents!

Mi Mi and Christina are ready to dive in!

Maw Maw, Grandma Mary and Uncle Mark wait patiently!


Uncle Mark sneeks in a quick cuddle with his niece!!!

Uncle Mark and Christina come for a visit

Uncle Mark is showing Maddie the pony that her Granddad Cliff bought for her! She can't understand why she can't get on and go for a ride now!!! I don't think it will be long before she does just that!

Uncle Mark and Maddie enjoying some together time. They bonded quickly...Uncle Mark is a natural! We can't wait for his next visit.

"Look Mom, I got another one wrapped around my cute little finger!!!"

Madeline sure does love her Uncle Mark...as you can see here! I don't know who was more captivated by who? Aunt Christina looks on...you can't tell who the center of most ALL attention in our house is!

We were so excited that Uncle Mark and Christina got to celebrate Christmas with us. Madeline sure did love their visit.