This past weekend was a busy one for Mads. It started off Saturday morning with her first mommy and me gymnastics class. The "mommy" was a combo of Derek and I seeing as I'm 6 months pregnant and we didn't think the trampoline and other activities would be the best for me :) Madelyn loved it. By the end of the 30 minute class she was exhausted. It was a great way for her to be active, interact with other kids and practice listening to directions.  She of course has a long ways to go before joining the US Olympic team:)

She also had two playdates this weekend. It is fun to watch her interact with other kids now that she is of an age where they actually play together. She also went for her second time to play in the toddler room at church this morning. Drop off wasn't near as smooth as last week. Lots of tears and Derek had to send me away because I never would have been able to leave her, but once we left she did much better. After a weekend of running and playing with all these kids she has never crashed as hard for bed as she did tonight!

Last weekend we bought Madelyn a potty to see how she would do. She had started running and saying "poop" or "pee" every time so we thought maybe we'd try it. Of course the night we bought it  she sat right on it and went to the bathroom. The potty sings when she goes and then we gave her an M&M which was SO exciting to her. The weekend was full of several more successful attempts at the potty. We should have known it was too good to be true. I think for a moment Derek and I actually thought we had a chance at having her out of diapers before we have another one in them in May. But as of Tuesday she no longer wants to use it. I guess the excitement wore off. We have backed off and aren't pushing it as we have read and been told you can't make them until they are ready. So for now we are on a potty break:)

All ready for "nastics"

Miss Hollywood on our way to the sitter

After our bath in our cute robe:)

Coloring on our new color mat from Aunt Sue

Someone was so excited to finally have a nice day to ride in her car

Christmas 2013

This year we headed to Iowa for Christmas. As always this trip was nothing near smooth. We had delayed flights, cancelled flights, lost luggage for 3 days, etc. However, it was all worth it for the perfect week with family. We packed a lot into the week; baking cookies, sledding, shopping, hitting all our favorite restaurants, Derek's birthday, catching up with good friends, you name it we most likely did it!

Madelyn loved Christmas this year. It was really fun to see her getting into it. She loved opening presents and got very excited about her gifts. We would have to take breaks and let her play with some otherwise she got overwhelmed. Some of her favorite gifts were a kitchen, little people amusement park, stroller for her baby dolls, pink toddler broom to sweep like mom, hug me Elmo, an activity suitcase, an awesome color pad, a whole new wardrobe and lots more. She was spoiled rotten thats for sure! Baby W even got some presents this year. Thanks to Aunt Sue, Krystie, Kerra and Elly he got his first outfits. It was fun for Derek and I to get blue things as we have gotten so use to pink:)

We couldn't have asked for a better week and we are so thankful for everything. It is getting harder for all the family to get together anymore that we have really grown to appreciate and cherish the time we  have with everyone! It was especially neat to see Madelyn and Beckett playing together. They are at an age that they loved playing with each other and when Beckett left Madelyn walked around the house calling for him:( Here are lots of pictures from Christmas this year!

It was a white Christmas for sure!

Someone LOVED sledding or as she called it "more slide"

B and Mads sledding :)

Derek's Birthday Party!

Baking Christmas cookies with Nana

Someone got a taste of the frosting

Cutest little aprons thanks to Nana!

Telling stories before bed

Christmas Eve morning at Grandpa and Grandmas!

Someone was pretty excited about Elmo!

Helping Grandpa play card games

Christmas Eve

Yummy strawberry Santa treats that Grandma made

Christmas Eve

Christmas morning, Santa CAME!

Madelyn opening her stocking from Santa

Some many great gifts!

Giving Nana kisses for all their fun new gifts!

Christmas Day at Aunt Sues, we couldn't get a smile but the holding hands was precious! 

Christmas Day :)

Family Picture Christmas Day

Great picture from Christmas Day

We were taking a girls pictures and Madelyn came running in, apparently not happy we left her out, haha!

Opening gifts at Aunt Sues, Madelyn was very excited about her new pans from Aunt Elly and Aunt Kerra!

 And the entertainment of the week, Nana's new ride for the grandkids! They loved riding in it and lets just say their driving skills were the best laughter we had all week!