Happy Wedding!!

I realize not everyone is as excited about the big wedding day but I have been pumped!!! I think it is the little girl inside of me that always dreamt of being a princess (not acting like one as my mom so eloquently put it....) ya' know just the dream of the princess dress, marrying the prince, all the hoopla, etc. Now I wasn't so dedicated that I needed to get up at 4:00 am to watch it, I just DVR'd it! :)

I thought Cate's dress was gorgeous. I will admit, I got misty eyed when I caught my first glimpse. Yup, I am a sucker!  

I felt like the bride just beamed the entire time. Her demeanor was amazing and I was very impressed. I am not thinking I could be so cool, calm, and collected.

The one disappointment was the SHORT kiss. I mean really there is a happy medium and a peck just doesn't cut it- ha! All in all it was a very joyous event that I am glad I got to witness.

Easter 2011

Since it was JR's weekend to work that left Maddox and myself to party together. Saturday was an icky day so we hung out after the 5K and just did our thing. Unfortunately Daddy had to work the Easter holiday this year so we didn't get to spend much time with him BUT it helps knowing that he will have Christmas Eve/Day free! :)

 The Easter Bunny did make a stop on his way through. It seems that the gift that has been the biggest highlight is most definitely the new basketball hoop.


My parents came up for a nice lunch and then hung around to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather. I have quickly come to realize this summer could be pretty interesting with how fast Maddox takes off and heads off wherever he pleases.




While we were hanging outside we had a visit from who else, the Easter Bunny!



On their way back to Cherokee, Grandpa Larry and Linda made a pit stop to visit. Maddox got a kick out of Bailey allowing him to "walk" her.

We hope the Easter holiday was a good one for each of you!

Easter Egg Scramble

Today Madman and I went up to a 5k Run/Walk supporting LEEP (the non-profit I work for) and after it was over, the committee was hosting an Easter Egg Hunt. We did our best to "scramble" for the treats but we didn't come out with too many goodies (which is probably ok!).

One funny story about our experience was Maddox filling other kids' bags/baskets. He would pick up a treat and promptly place it in someone else's bag. Just made me smile!

A Few Snapshots

Just a few shots over the weekend.

This is probably top 3 of my favorite photos from this weekend.

Who, Me?!

The Cousins

Pulls at my heart strings.... They are just too cute!

Uncle Justin was working his magic. The boys loved it when he would sing to them (yes he sang!)
 and Blake would open his eyes when JR would talk to him. I think they all bonded.

Baby Blake

Blaker's Hat, just thought it was too cute to pass up.

Iowa Spring Game

If you have read my blog at all, you know we are HUGE Iowa Hawkeye Football fans. On Saturday morning JR and Aaron hit up the Hawk Shop Clearance Sale over at Kinnick and I would say that we scored pretty well. There were $1 tables full of t-shirts and there was sooooo much stuff to sift through. The guys said it was a good thing I didn't got along because it was elbow to elbow and WAY too many people there for my liking...

Though it was not part of the original plan, we did hit the Iowa Spring Game Saturday afternoon. Jamie spent some time with Blake and Aaron, JR, and I took the kids to watch the game. It was really nice to be able to go to the field but not feel bad that our kids didn't want to sit through it!

As you can see Maddox wasn't really feeling the weather... It was COLD! I was OK, but the benches were really cold and the wind was harsh. Thankfully it was at our back unless we were in the tunnel. I just love the photo below because it honestly captures our thoughts on the game at that point. ;)

The Burdorf's

Though it was cold and windy, we still had fun! Something fun that we can remember under not so fun circumstances...

Meeting the Twins

On Friday Justin, Maddox and I headed down to Iowa City to meet the newest members of the family. I, of course, couldn't wait to get my hands on them!! Uncle Aaron offered to keep Madman for us while JR and I headed to the hospital to meet Blake. (the NICU does not allow anyone under age 14, besides siblings, on the floor).

So, we dropped him off and I got my first Bowen snuggle session. YAY!  It felt soo good to hold a newborn again. He fit right in my arms and yes, it made me have the baby bug again. Such a good baby! Very patient personality.

Then we were off to the U of I Children's Hospital to meet little Blake. We both thought he looked great, such a strong little man. Very cute little booger! Can't wait to see what they both are like as they get older.

LEEP Bowl-a-thon

Sunday was the 2nd Annual LEEP Bowl-a-thon was held here in Mankato. I didn't put a team together this year but I did participate on the LEEP staff team. JR and Madman came along for the ride and did their best to support me. Let's just say it didn't really help my score at all. As you can see, Maddox wasn't overly interested in what was going on.... (I am guessing JR didn't care too much either!) We did raise a good chunk of change for a great cause though and that is all that really matters!

Welcome Twins!!

On Friday, JR's older sister and family, welcomed a set of twins boys into our family! Blake and Bowen were born on Friday in Des Moines and both weighed in just over 7lbs. You can read more about them here. Our family is very excited to meet little Blake and Bowen next weekend.

Unfortunately, little Blake is having some struggles and is in the hospital in Iowa City. We are hoping and praying for the best but would appreciate prayers sent to the Burdorf Family. I can't imagine what they are going through as parents because even from an aunts perspective, it is tough! Aaron said he will continue to update their family blog as he can so feel free to keep checking back on their page for more information in the days to come.

Daycare Vacation

Last night our daycare provider called to let us know she was going to be closed today. Unfortunately she came down with the dreaded flu BUT that did give Maddox and me an excuse to have fun. We stopped in to my office for a bit, went to a park with a petting zoo, played on a jungle gym, and then played some more. I loved it!

Maddox is growing and changing so much these days. Sometimes I can't believe the things that come out of his mouth. He is learning to talk and say so many more words it's crazy! I swear that kid would find any ball hidden within a hundred mile radius. I am not sure how exactly, he became so obsessed but he now wants a ball with him at all time. We were on a walk a few weeks ago and he basically ran away from me, pointing at a basketball hoop, yelling "ball, ball, ball!"

Maddox is a ham to a T (except if you want him to be!). He loves to give hugs, kisses, jump, climb, dance, laugh, and play hide and seek. He wants music on all the time and just loves it. We are constantly on the move trying to make sure he is safe because he is definitely a dare devil.

Our days have gotten much more exciting and I love every minute of watching Maddox grow and learn. I will probably say this till he is a teen but right now, in this moment, he is at my favorite stage. I just love him to pieces!!!!

Weekend Fun

It was Daddy's weekend to work so it was Maddox and Mommy's weekend of fun. We had our shares of ups and downs..... case in point, the laundry basket below. Maddox found it necessary to empty it out and then play in the once full of neatly folded clothes.

but then again, he was very good at just "hanging out"

Before we called it a night, we decided to take in a movie. I had been telling Maddox how awesome it would be to watch  "Tangled" and finally he agreed. I think he even liked it. ;)

Today we decided to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather! First thing this morning we hung out in the back yard. As I have said before, Madman is quite the outdoorsman. He would live outside if he could. I am guessing summer will get a little interesting considering he just wanders... Man we need to get him some outdoor toys!

This afternoon we headed to the neighborhood park. Maddox enjoyed the wide open space and of course the slide!

Hi Mommy!

Getting ready to get on the slide

 Thanks for checking in on us, hope you had as much fun as we did this weekend!

Another Milestone

We have officially gone away from the pacifier!! Since Maddox turned one I have been saying I wanted to get rid of it but "it wasn't the right time". Since we moved Maddox to a "big boy bed" so quickly, I figured taking away another safety net would be a little too much for him to handle.

We realized it was time for it to go when he could find them ANYWHERE. It was more of a want than a need, so we were tired of the fits if he didn't have one.

So last Sunday night, we decided it was time. JR was home all week so he could enforce it at nap time as well and that worked out rather nicely. Bed time wasn't too difficult. The first night was about 10 minutes of crying but by Wednesday  night it was less than 2 minutes and he was out (or at least playing quietly). Yay Maddox, you are a big boy!

Surprise!

Last night Maddox and I had the pleasure of being the "ploy" to get April's BF to his suprise birthday party! She totally pulled it off and did a great job.

This cake really wasn't what I had in mind, I mean really where is the BLACK and gold?

Happy 23rd Birthday Cody! Hope you had a great time at the party!

Maddox was "patiently" waiting for Cody to show up

SUCCESS! He was surprised!

Outdoors Fun- finally!

With Justin off last week, it was the perfect opportunity to hang out outside.
 Maddox liked swinging last summer but I think he will love it even more this year.

We've been spending time cutting away at the snow pile Papa made but we still have a ways to go. Bear still has a great time running up and down it.

After swinging, Mommy spent most of her time chasing Maddox out of the neighbors yards. Every ball was a distraction. Summer could be pretty interesting. :)

He loves "Baaaawls" so every where we go, he is carrying one. Right now baseballs are a favorite.

Apparently eating muddy snow sounds like a good idea when you are 1. There was nothing Mommy could do, it was too addicting!