Easter!

This year we spent Easter in Parkersburg, WV. We were supposed to have everyone up to State College for the weekend, but unfortunately Brad's grandma passed away. So we packed up the car and headed home for the services. Grandma Violet was buried on Good Friday, which would have made her happy. It was nice to be back in Parkersburg and support Great Papaw Bill, as he and Violet had been together for 40+ years. It must be so difficult.

Since that same weekend was Easter, well of course we had to dye some eggs, and help the Easter Bunny hide his eggs and baskets, yes more than one...spoiled little girl!

Grandma and Madeline dyeing eggs...it went by very quickly, about 10-15 minutes tops!

Such concentration, I think after this one Madeline decided it was best to just use her hands to dig the eggs out of the dye. Awesome.

Mamaw, Great Papaw Bill, and Madeline.

Our eggs, yes I think all of them are cracked, but it was fun!

Madeline is doing so well in a big-girl bed, she even slept in one at Mamaw and Papaws! We could not be more proud of our big girl!

Finding the eggs on Easter Morning, and stopping to open each one along the way!

The Easter Bunny hid a lot of eggs!

Nothing makes this gal more happy than chocolate, and I'm not kidding.

Finding Mamaw and Papaw's Easter Basket for Madeline!

And finally finding the one from mommy and daddy.

Munchin' on some bunny!

Columbus Zoo!

While we were in Parkersburg, we decided to take a day trip to the Columbus, Ohio Zoo! It's only a 2 hr. drive and with all of the rain we have had lately we were eager to get outside. Even though it wasn't the nicest of days. Madeline had a blast! Her first Zoo experience was a success! We saw Bison, Bears, Foxes, Monkeys, Elephants, Lion "Kings" (as Madeline would call them), and so much more! We cannot wait to find another zoo to explore!

We saw so many animals and took so many pictures that I had to pair them down a bit...so here are just a few!

The Zoo even had rides! And at only $1 per person, how could you say no? Madeline loved the "Choo-Choo!"

Daddy and Madeline checking out the black bear.

Ridin' a Polar Bear!

Polar Bear! We were lucky they were up for a swim, as we learned they usually aren't in the water!

View of the polar bear in the underground tunnel!

HUGE Brown Bear.

Fun with Uncle Justin on the Carousel, it was so much fun, that Daddy got to go on for round two!

Madeline got up-close and personal with this Orangutan! It was hilarious! They were nose-to-nose through the glass at one point!

Let Her Dance

This song has been brought to you my Madeline. It's the closing song at the end of the movie "The Talented Mr. Fox," and she LOVES it! We listen to it at least 10 times a day usually back to back. We dance, Madeline and Miss. Fox dance...it's a great time. So I thought I would share it with you all, so that YOU can all dance. Get on those dancin' shoes!

Easter Egg Hunt!

This past weekend we got all of the kiddos together for an Easter Egg Hunt! Annie, Dave and Zach were kind enough to host the party, and their back yard was perfect! While the mommy's got all of the kids full with pizza, the Easter Bunny (Dads) were busy hiding the eggs! They were so excited and they had a blast! Hopefully this will be an annual tradition!

To see all of the photos click here.

All of the kids ready to fill their baskets! they were truly adorable. They all stood at the door and said cheese for several minutes! Ha.

Madeline and all of her eggs!

Mommy and Madeline. :)

Big Girl Bed

Yesterday we finally got Madeline into her big-girl bed! She we so excited when we showed it to her she didn't want to get out! She immediately covered herself up and said "nigh nigh." Who knew? I went over with Madeline how Big Girls stay in their beds and they don't get out, and there is no jumping in a big-girl bed either. I think I repeated this about 20 times. "Do you understand Madeline?" She kind of nodded yes, so we read our book and it was time for our nap.

To my surprise she did great! She got out of bed once, and then 10 minutes later was asleep! After nap she got her special surprise (a new night light that's a lady bug. Her shell displays the stars and the moon in three different colors and turns off after 45 minutes). She loved it. And I was so proud of her. Madeline was apparently very proud of herself too, b/c I got several hugs throughout the afternoon and an "I love you momma." So sweet.

Then bedtime rolled around. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Bath, books and in bed by 8:15 p.m. She didn't get out of bed once. She played for about an hour and fell asleep! I was so amazed!

And where we are today. Nap time. She got out of bed 2 times, the second time I walked in she was sitting in her chair reading books and greeted me with a "Hi Momma!" I scooped her up, put her back in bed and closed the door. Fifteen minutes later-Silence. She passed out at the foot of her bed, hugging her ladybug night light. Too cute. I covered her up and closed the door.

All in all, it's not going any where near as bad as I thought it would! YAY! Let's knock on wood, cross all fingers and toes that it keeps going this smoothly. I know it takes up to 3 weeks for something to become a habit, so let's keep those good vibes going for a few weeks! :)

Really bad photo, my camera died, so we had to use the camera phone. Better pictures to come later. Besides her room isn't 100% complete yet.
She's saying "cheese!"

Playing with her new nightlight!

Thanks Grandma

Madeline wanted to send out a special thank you to Grandma Ayres for her awesome package she received in the mail the other day. Coloring book, crayons, lot's of stickers and chap stick (that mommy has hidden from her at the moment). She loves it all!

Cupcake

While I was away for a girls weekend in Wilmington, NC Brad sent me this cute video of Madeline eating a cup cake. Madeline Looooooves cupcakes, there is nothing she won't do for a cup cake ;)