More Madeleine's Birthday

Instead of a big party, my sweet girl decided that she'd rather do something extra special with her best friend from school this year. I'm so thankful for the sweet group of friends that Madeleine has chosen at school. They are so good to each other. Madeleine has chosen her friends well and that makes me one proud momma!

Our first stop of the day was the girlie nail salon for mani/pedis for the girls. They had such fun choosing their colors and patterns -- purple with flowers for Madeleine and purple/pink zebra stripe for Nina. 

 Then we scooted over to the theater to see Brave. Neither girl had seen it and they were soooo excited! It did not disappoint! They loved it!

 Then we ended our fun afternoon with yogurt at Cherry Berry where they sampled everything. It was such a cool afternoon that we actually sat outside and enjoyed it!

It was a great way for Madeleine to celebrate her special day!

Celebrating Madeleine ~ 8 Years Old!

We had a BIG weekend in early July celebrating Madeleine's big birthday! This year we partied all weekend long. :) I was so excited and thankful that almost all of our families could be here to share this special time with her -- and Madeleine enjoyed every moment of being the center of attention!

We celebrated Friday night by grilling out burgers/hot dogs at our house with everyone. Madeleine picked out most of the menu and it was so so yummy! After dinner, she got to open her presents. Our families completely spoiled her! 

 Then it was time for cake. I had quite a time trying to find somewhere to buy a cake this year. Every bakery in NWA is closed the entire week of July 4th! We settled on a cake from Harps and she was quite happy with it.

 After cake and more fun, everyone but Grandad went to spend the night at a nearby hotel. The kids had a blast getting some early morning loves from Grandad the next morning -- and getting to go get some donuts with him in their jammmies. Everyone came back over that morning for breakfast. I love having our home filled with our families. It always reminds me that I am so very blessed.  I have wonderful parents, but I also have wonderful in-laws that I am close to -- so I am blessed with 2 families that I am a part of.

 The rest of Saturday was pretty low key. We went to the pool and got ready for church the next morning. Sunday was Madeleine's actual birthday and we let her open 2 gifts on Saturday, the night before. She got to open her gifts from Harrison & Charlotte. They were as excited to give them to her as she was to open them! I love that!

 Sunday we got up and headed to church. We came home and I fixed brunch -- biscuits, bacon, and our traditional birthday cinnamon muffins. It just isn't a celebration without them! Then she opened her gifts. It was such fun shopping for her this year! She got some clip earrings, books, princess toys, barbie toys, legos...

 Madeleine's one request for her birthday was to go bowling. So that's what we did.

 Madeleine & Harrison had a great time bowling & Charlotte spent most of the time "cleaning" the bowling alley and using up all the wipes.

 Matt helped Harrison and he did great!

 Our first game. I, obviously, am not a great bowler. :) But, the 4 of us had a blast! We bowled a second game before heading to Red Robin for dinner.

 After dinner, it was home for (more) cake. Madeleine had asked for a barbie cake and I was so relieved to find somewhere that would make one since, again, the bakeries were still closed. I think it looked great!

 And, it was filled with lots of pink icing! We all had pink mouths/teeth afterwards! Ha!

 She ended the day playing with her toys until it was time for bed. I think she had a great day!

 ** This is the Lego Cafe we got her that she put together all by herself. How adorable is it??!! She has played with it for weeks and I've found Charlotte in there many many times playing with it too. SO cute!

Harrison's New Room

Our home makeover started with Harrison's room. Isn't that how it always is? One small thing brings the big change? I'd been looking for awhile for some new furniture for Harrison to have his own big-boy room. Madeleine and Harrison have been sharing a room for the past couple of years. We'd tried a couple of times to move them apart, but the just slept better sharing a room and they liked being able to have a playroom. However, we knew it was time for Madeleine to have her own space and decided to get them each into their own rooms over the summer. That would give us some transition time before school started and we needed to be in a good bedtime/sleep routine.

So, we moved Harrison to the nursery, Charlotte to the playroom and Madeleine stayed in the room they'd been sharing. Harrison's is the only room that is completely finished. I'm still putting the final touches on Madeleine & Charlotte's rooms, but hopefully they will be done soon.

It was hard getting rid of the nursery. That's been Charlotte's room for the past 2 1/2 years and I loved it.

Pictures of the nursery before....



 And, pictures of Harrison's new room...

 I absolutely love how it turned out! To me it's the perfect little boy room. I love the bedding from PBK. It's something I think he can grow into the next few years.

 I found these buckets at IKEA. They are great for holding onto all those little toys he has.

Another One Bites the Dust

Madeleine finally lost another tooth on the top -- and Harrison pulled it! We were getting ready for church a couple of weeks ago and they were goofing off, playing with a caprisun straw. Madeleine had it in her mouth and Harrison grabbed it and -- pop! -- out came her tooth. Funny thing, it wasn't even the tooth that was the most ready to come out. A big thanks to Harrison for getting that one out so easy!