Maddie Turns 3

This was the first year that Maddie had her own birthday party. Ellie opted to have a friend party--so this one was all about Maddie. There is always so much work that goes into a party for both Bob and I (more for him than me). The entire garage must be cleaned and mopped. This is something that takes so long to complete, but so worth seeing the garage so clean and spacious. We love having the opportunity to catch up with all of our family. 

                                                

Some pre-party cuddles

                                               

Maddie wanted a minion cake like her big sis.

Maddie has a baby doll that she really took up sometime this year. The doll is old. It was something that Ellie got, never really played with, and landed in the bottom of a toy box. Maddie found it and pulled it out, named it Poor Baby, and now carries it everywhere. A few months ago she started asking for a Poor Baby brother. That really was the only thing she had asked for for her birthday. If you have ever looked for a baby boy doll, you would know how hard that they are to find. Tricia bought her a doll like poor baby and tried to doctor it up and play it off as a boy. That did not work and was much wiser than we thought. So we continue our search for Poor Baby's brother. 

Every time she would open up a present that had clothes in it, she would say "it's clooothesss" is a mono voice. It was so funny. She does not like being the center of attention, and each time she would say that everyone would laugh. She would become bashful.

The Browns and Nanny

Gina, Mom, and Annette

Memaw, Papaw, Tyler, and Nick

The Gorbandts

Jeanne and Jerry

Grandma and Papaw

Matt and Meg

She was so tired, but so love our little family

Maddie Moo

* You are so independent but yet so willing to let Mommy and Daddy help.

* You are starting to get a little more picky with what you eat, but still love your vegetables.

* You are strong willed and it is your way or no way (or so you attempt).

* Your hair is so curly and you hate having it pulled up (but we negotiate suckers for ponytails).

* You are a sleeper. You can sleep anywhere and anytime in which you are tired. We can move you from the car, into house and pjs and into bed without you ever waking up.

* You love to drink (milk, water, juice)--we have to limit your drinking when it is dinner time.

* You get "scared" easily with things on TV, you "hide" but always have your eyes peeking out continuing to watch.

* You love to play outside (especially in the garage with Daddy).

* You have just recently started to play really well with Ellie. What used to only last a few minutes before fighting began, now play time can go on for an hour or longer. 

* You love playing with little peoples, Barbie, Doc McStuffins, and your favorite babies.

* Your smile is contagious, but your tempter is frustrating. You can go from lovable to hateful in seconds, but we love each mood and temper. 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is always so crazy. We started at my Nanny's and then we headed on to Bob and Janet's.

If my eyes were open more this would be a great picture

I gave my Nanny my old Ipad and now she is a Candy Crush addict.

Love watching her learn technology

The girls spent the night with Mom and Dad, as each Thanksgiving evening of past. I know there has been a lot issue with stores opening Thanksgiving night, but for me I like it better. Bob and I came home after dinners and rested for a bit. Meg came over about 8:00 and we heading to Clarksville about 8:30. We started at the mall, then went on to Target. Target was not as crowded as it was last year, but the line was still crazy long. After Target we made a few more stops before going to Steak and Shake for a snack. Then before heading back home we stopped by Kohl's. I was really surprised how few people were in the store--yes it was about 2:00 am, but still. Last year when we went past at 1:00 the line to check out was wrapped around the store. 

Painting Fun

Ellie wanted to have a friend party this year now that she is in kindergarten. I knew that we would be having Maddie's party at the end of the month at the house and we did not want to have another one at the house. So I went on the search of somewhere easy, but fun. Ellie loves crafts and making things, so Earth and Fire was a great fit. It was a little pricey, but not to bad considering all we had to do was show up when it started and leave when it was over--they did everything else. We were kinda limited to how many we could have and Ellie have several circle of friends that she wanted to invite from. She ended up with eleven friends who came. I am thankful that many of the moms stayed to help with the painting and bathroom breaks.

Even Maddie had fun painting her kitty cat

Loved the Minion cupcakes

Lila, Eme, Ellie, Abby, Katie, Lilly, Christian, Cooper, Lilly, and Kimberlyn 

Love these cute little crazy faces.

While Daddy's Away...

Some pictures from the week.

Parent Visit in Ellie's dance class

Birthday card from JJ

Birthday gifts from Aunt Donna and Uncle Mel--makeup. 

We had to try it out, and of course do it by ourselves. 

Polar Express

Last year I did some research on the Polar Express at French Link. I found that if you want tickets you have to order them months in advance. I knew that I wanted to take the girls the following year. This summer I was playing around on the internet and just happened to look at French Lick (thought about taking a trip up there, but opted out). That is when I came across the Polar Express. I immediately looked at ticket availability and found that they were selling out fast. Many of the Saturday nights were booked or really close. Sundays are normally busy days for us and plus we have school/work in the morning, but tonight was perfect because there was no school tomorrow for Veteran's Day.   

I had woken up this morning with an awful stiff neck and I had pretty much had heat or ice on it all day. I really was not feeling that well, but the girls were pretty excited. We arrived into French Link a few hours early to have dinner. We ate at the Winery. The pizza here was awesome. The girls really enjoyed it (even though they were both pretty tired).

They already had their Christmas decor up!

Hot Choc-co-late/Cheers

Ellie had so much fun dancing with the Elfs.

I really hope to take the girls back in the future, before the Christmas magic fads with age.

Happy Birthday Ellie

Ellie's birthday this year falls in the middle of the week, and also Bob leaves that day to go out of town for the week. So we had a birthday dinner with the family tonight at Ellie's favorite restaurant--O'Charley's. She loved her gifts and enjoyed spending time with everyone. I hope 6 is a great age for my sweet girl. 

Love pictures of my girls with my Nanny

Ellie Grace

* You still have the biggest heart. You want to see nothing suffer (except maybe your sister when she annoys you).

* You are starting to get a Kindergarten attitude.

* You are still quite polite with your please and thank yous.

* You like to play Barbies and with your American Girl Dolls.

* You love movie time and snuggling with Mommy.

* You request cuddle time each night, but more for security, because you normally our out before you head hits the pillow.

* You still are a very picky eater and it frustrates Mommy, because I want you to be healthy.

* You are doing really well with all of your site words (have all 45 Kindergarten words and are moving on). Your reading skills are increasing each day.

* You are constantly discussing Math and trying to work through problem (2+2=4, and so on).

* You love your little sister, and now are playing with her more than fighting with her.

Family Time

This week Ellie's school had their literacy family night. Ellie had a good time measuring, adding, and earning prizes. I was kinda surprised that it was not more crowded. There were a plenty of people there, but not like other things we have been to in the past. 

Love this leaf picture of Maddie

Ellie is really doing good with her reading. She brings home books each week from school and can read them pretty easily.

Here Papaw Jenkins made her a hat, she was excited to wear it to school. She was so cute when I picked her up from school. 

I love Uptown Art, I might even be addicted :-). Tonight I took Shelby there to paint for her birthday. This was my fourth painting, but Shelby's first. I was a bit intimidated, because the painting she chose was one of the hardest looking ones I have done. But it actually was not too bad, and we had a great time. This is such a great night out, and I cannot wait until I get to paint to upcoming paintings that are on my calendar.