Sugar + balloons = a happy girl!!

We were part of our ward's service carnival yesterday, and it was SO MUCH FUN! THe idea was to do service to earn tickets for the carnival food and entertainment. Mike was in charge of a booth where you could write your testimony in a Book of Mormon to give away (for more information, see here.)

Maddie loved every minute. The lights, balloons, colors, candy, games, etc. made for a toddler paradise.

Starting out with popcorn and a balloon...

But then she saw the 'yummies'. That's right, doughnuts. She already knew they were delicious, even though she'd never had one.

And another balloon by the talented clown...

Then onto the jumphouse...

First snowcone (which got dumped down the front)...

A letter to a soldier...

Second snowcone... (sugar high yet???)

More jumping...

A cupcake walk... (don't worry she had one of those too)

... and another doughnut.

Look at that bowling stance! She's a natural!

Aside from the fun, our ward put together 55 school supply kits, 50 hygiene kits, 12 quilts for an orphanage, 38 pillowcases for a children's hospital, lots of letters to soldiers, and many testimonies to be given away. What a fun way to serve others!

As a side note, I told Maddie we were going to church this morning and she asked, "Balloons?"

Fall Festivities!

Now that the weather is cooling down (below 100) it feels like fall is really here. In fact today is the fall equinox, so we celebrated with a fall dinner (see zucchini ravioli recipe below... delish!) and a fall themed FHE activity. The idea came from this fun little site:

(Thanks Joanna!)

Making the branches (handprint)

The trunk in progress

Add some leaves...

The little artiste at work. Maddie had a blast!

And the finished products. Here begins the refrigerator gallery.

The pumpkin parfaits (recipe also below) were a hit! (Mike provided the festive background :)

Over the weekend we tried to go to a "Balloon Glow" where they light up hot air ballons in the dark. Unfortunately it was windy so all they did was light the torches... Thankfully Maddie didn't know she was missing anything when we bought her some regular balloons.

They actually came in handy as a leash! This girl would not hold still! There were things to do and people to see! Many times I was glad I could grab ahold of the little red balloon floating above the crowd. :)

They also had a carnival and Maddie got her first ride on a carousel. Too cute.

P.S. Do you remember the dresser I refinished in February? We have had a hard time finding the right size handles, so Mike finally took matters into his own hands. He filled the old holes and drilled new ones. What a handy guy to have around!

Houston - We Are Go-No-Go for Launch

Attention: Daddy got ahold of the blog today!

"Hey Maddie, after we read this book in such a quiet and peaceful manner do you wanted to fly, maybe experience a few more G-forces than you have to date?"

"Daddy, are you crazy?"

1.2 seconds after takeoff . . .

Reaching escape velocity of 17,000 mph . . .

Experiencing weightlessness (or not) . . .

Entering the earth's atmosphere upon re-entry . . .

Splash Down!!

"Love it Daddy!!"

P.S. She wanted about 5-6 more flights before her bedtime. Mom says we should do a better job winding down at night. Not sure what the problem is . . .

My Buddies

Maddie loves her buddies. She can't sleep without them, and she spends most of the day hanging out with them to.

Do you like my "piggies" (pig tails)?

It would be rude if I did not introduce you to my "buddies". They are Elmo, dolly, and baby.

She showers them with hugs and kisses on a regular basis. Today, she fed Elmo a cookie when she got home from church. A little later she wanted to be sure that "baby" enjoyed her iPod listening experience as well so she shared one of her headphones with this buddy. Maddie likes to request "Sing it" which is code for "Can I listen to classical music on the iPod?" Maddie loves her buddies and takes great care of them. They do a nice job of returning the favor as well, especially when she is sad. Thank you buddies!

Quiet down there!

My friend Bethany just got my mind racing (and my stomach growling) about fall food! Don't you just love when the air gets crisp and the sweet and savory recipes call your name! I have so many ideas I can't decide what I want to make first! Apple cider... pumpkin cookies... chunky soups...

The tried and true recipes on my mind:

(these are yummy in breadbowls)

White chicken chili

Northwoods wild rice soup

And some new ideas !

Turkey Spinach Toss

Vegetarian Chili *substitute beer for broth :)

Raviloi with zucchini

End the meal(s) (I am hungry enough to eat them all right now) with this beauty!

Gingersnap crumble pumpkin parfait!

I am having way too much fun with this! What are some of your favorite fall foods? Do share!!!

BLURB

Howdy friend and neighbors! I just thought I would share a little gem with you: $15 off a Blurb book! If you haven't heard of them yet, you really ought to check them out. I am using it to make a family yearbook using our blog entries and pictures. I am hoping to make an archive every year... I have also made books for each of my parents and Mike as gifts and they turn out so beautiful. Give it a go (before Sept. 30th).

NURSERY!

Before the big day, looking a little bashful.

During nursery!!! Mike took a picture with his phone from the peek window.

And after, with plenty of energy to spare.

Her leaders said Maddie was one of the best new kids of the day! (She's one of about 9 near the same age... crazy!) She told us all about the fishies and the kids, especially her friend Ashlyn. Thanks Pryor's--she couldn't be in better hands! In our case, I think the parents are having a harder time than the kid. She's such a big girl now!

Chocolate Beard

We watched the *blow out* game at a friend's house yesterday. Thanks Finlinson's for saving the day! We had so much fun! I lost track of Maddie for a few seconds... a few times... usually she was just climbing the stairs or sneaking grapes, but this time she hit the jackpot!!! Too bad I didn't get a good shot of her chocolate beard. It was very symmetrical.

On her way to dreamland last night, Maddie shared this soliliquy:

Em Idaho... Elmo kisses *smack smack smack*... peas... garbage man (repeated 12x)... baby rock... Jackson church... oh goodness... Carson hi yes... Mommy clothes on... Daddy phone...

Sleep tight little princess.

One Nation Under God

My old roommate and friend Melissa wrote a beautiful memoir about the fateful 9-11. Picture me right next to her during the story (except when she was in the shower, of course). "The true beauty and spirit of America came out of those waste places. And I was never prouder of my country."