Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

We've often joked that there's something in the water here because it seems like everyone we know has baby girls! Well it works out nicely for us because Maddie has wonderful little playmates. We're all looking forward to the day when we can sit back and have some wine while the girls play together. For now though, we are enjoying being right there playing too! Here are some highlights of the fun things we've done recently with "the girls."

THE NATIONAL ZOO

We spent a gorgeous day at the zoo with the Marcoulliers. The animals were a bit lazy, but we had a lot of fun anyway. Afterwards we had dinner at their house and took the girls out back to the pond to feed the ducks. Marissa knew just what to do, but Maddie and Kaitlyn just ate the bread themselves! Maddie is getting so tall that's she's almost as tall as Kaitlyn who is 6 months older!

THE COOLEST PARK EVER
There is a park here that is so neat. It was designed to be accessible to all children, including those with disabilities. I have heard of it from my patients at work and was told I had to take Madeline there because it's perfect for toddlers. The whole playground surface is this rubbery track material, everything is very low to the ground and it's very clean. When Lisa and I were deciding what to do for our latest get together with Brooke and Maddie, we chose this park. The girls had a blast and we'll go back for sure! It's fun to see them walking around together!

PLAYING WITH "THE LIVSTER"
We spent an afternoon hanging out with Michelle and Livia. She is so cute and is already crawling! She started at 6 months! They really enjoyed each other and before we know it, Livi will be walking around with the older girls too!

"Livi, check me out....aren't I cool?"

End of Summer Fun!

Even though summer doesn't officially end until later this month, I always think of Labor Day weekend as the end of summer. Well it was a beautiful weekend here and we spent most of it outside. Saturday, we finally took Maddie down to Chris's parents' lake property where they have a new boat dock and sun deck. She had a blast playing in her pool and going on her first boat ride. The weather was perfect and we had a great day!

On the deck, hamming it up - showing her new 2 front teeth!

First boat ride

Chillin' out

Maddie had a hard time moving with her vest on!

First driving lesson (she didn't really drive, we weren't moving in this picture)!

These pictures are from last weekend. Chris took them when he was playing with Maddie in her pool on the deck. My favorites are the last two of her footprints. He took a picture of both of their footprints so you can see how tiny hers is next to his.

Geordie and Mary Got Hitched!!!

The long awaited big day has come and gone! Geordie and Mary got married on Saturday, August 18th. It was the PERFECT day. Sunny, clear skies, low humidity, high around 80! The weekend was so much fun starting on Thursday night at my parents' house; then Friday was the wonderful rehearsal dinner and pizza party at the hotel; Saturday was the wedding; and finally Sunday we had my whole family here at our house. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Moskal, Aunt Kim, my Aunt Joanne and cousins Katie and Meghan, Maddie never missed a nap the whole weekend!

All the details of the weekend came together so nicely. It was wonderful to finally meet Mary's siblings, nieces, and nephew and they're all great. And having both sides of my family here was awesome. Mary looked beautiful and Geordie looked very handsome. The flowers were gorgeous, the setting was amazing and we had a blast at the reception. Geordie and Mary are so happy and the day was magical!

I have to say I did not do a great job getting lots of pictures because we were so busy. But let me tell you that I will never forget seeing Maddie walk down the aisle. She made it all the way down, holding hands with Mary's two sweet nieces Emily and Alice. We weren't sure if she would make it and when the girls came out I didn't see her at first. But then Chris said, "Oh she's with them." As we stood up in front watching her walk, our hearts just swelled! Grandma Mary was the perfect caregiver; she got her to go down the aisle with the girls and then kept her happy and quiet during the ceremony.


Here are some pictures of the beautiful wedding from our camera and my Aunt Joanne's camera. I'll be sure to share more photos as we get them.

So even though we'll never forget it, I had to recreate it for those of you who weren't there. Here is a video of Maddie walking in the dress at home. Sorry I don't have the real thing!



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

I took some more pictures of Maddie in her dress at home.


The newlyweds are now on their honeymoon in Maui! We are especially jealous because they are staying at the same hotel that we stayed at for our honeymoon (6 years ago today we arrived there!) We know first hand what an amazing time they are having. So in the spirit of Hawaii, we had to put Maddie in this when she played in the pool the other day.....

"I miss you Uncle Geordie and Aunt Mary!"

KISSES!

Maddie's latest skill is one that we LOVE! She has learned to give kisses and hugs. Watch out though, they're wet kisses! We can't get enough of them :)

Wedding in Omaha

Chris's cousin Justin got married in Omaha! His bride Lea was beautiful and it was a lovely ceremony (so I hear....I was outside with the now mobile, yet not quite balanced Madeline)! It was great to see all the Cronin's (Mary's side). We stayed with Chris's uncle Terry and his family again and Maddie had a great time playing with Cece. They are expecting their second on the 30th! We can't thank them enough for their hospitality (especially being 9 months pregnant in 100 degree weather)! Here are some pictures from our trip.

Hangin' with Great Grandma Evelyn

The Bride and Groom: Lea and Justin

Maddie was pretty worn out from all the festivities and every time we put her in the truck, she went into a trance or fell asleep. It was her first time riding forward facing and we were just cracking up at the look on her face and then the position she fell asleep in.

Playing with Cece - Thanks for letting Maddie play with all your toys :)