Thursday, May 29, 2008

Madeline & Mommy Fun Day

Hello all. Madeline and I had a "date" yesterday just the two of us. First we went to the doctor for her 3 year check-up. (she loves our doctor so she was very excited to go). She is 40 inches tall (in the 95th percentile) and 34.5 pounds (90th percentile) and growing like a weed.

Then we headed to Thorpe Park in Forest City for a program called Pond Puddlers. It's for 3-5 year old kids who get to learn about ponds/lakes and what creatures live in and rely on the pond.

We had a great time! The Globe Gazette (Mason City newspaper) was there doing a story on the program. Madeline is in the story so you'll have to check it out. We're also in the video if you get a chance to check it out. We're in the last 1:14.

It was fun to spend time with just Madeline although we both missed Zella! When we got home Zella and Madeline hung on to hands and sat beside each other on the couch while Madeline told Zella about our adventure.

Here are some pics from the park:






More later,

Mother's Day

Our family on Mother's Day. Check out Zella's cheesy grin!



Madeline loves flowers as you can tell.


I'm a little late posting this, but better late than never. We had a great Mother's Day! Papa and the girls surprised me with flowers, a balloon and homemade cards shaped like butterflys. We went to church and then headed over to mom and dad's house for lunch. My older sister Karen, twin sister Lisa and their families were there too. We had a great time.

The Solien Family:


Lisa and her twins:



Travis and the boys hung out in our back yard and used the chipper on some branches. (we are doing major work in our backyard...I'll have to elaborate on that later) The boys only had church clothes so Travis got two pair of his shorts and hung them around Christian and Joel's neck. It was pretty funny. Here they are posing very respectfully:



And now for the crazy shot:



The best part of the day was Zella telling me "I'm happy." She just started talking really clearly and it was fun to hear her say that.

More later,

Thursday, May 22, 2008

It's a Girl!












My little sister Bonnie and her husband Jay welcomed a baby girl into their family on Tuesday, May 20th (also their wedding anniversary)


Claire Kathleen Hiscocks

9 lbs. 10 1/2 oz. (!!!)
22 inches long
born at 6:45 p.m.

She is adorable! Congrats Bonnie and Jay!
There are more pictures in the photo album link at the right hand side of the blog.




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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Whispers and Wishes

Madeline and I were snuggling on the couch today and I was holding her. She loves to whisper so I thought I'd tell her a couple "secrets".

Here's what happened:

Me: (whispering in her ear) You're my special girl!

Her: Sounds good.

Me: (whispering in her ear) I love you so much!

Her: I have a wish.

Me: Oh? What is it?

Her: (whispering in MY ear) I wish you'd stop whispering in my ear so I can read my book in peace and quiet.

She was so serious when she said it I couldn't help but laugh.

Karen's Drum Solo



My favorite older sister treated us all to a drum solo at Madeline's birthday party. Maddie got the drum for her birthday but Karen couldn't resist checking it out. Note Gracie and Zella in their diapers dancing along. Karen is going to be thrilled that I shared this!



**Edited to add: I'm not sure why the video is sideways...it wasn't when I uploaded it.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Thank God for Spring


Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Pictures from the Circus










Pics from Madeline's 3rd Birthday

Madeline loves dress up clothes and was happy to open several new outfits on her birthday. Papa got her an art easel and she loves it. She loves to paint and draw. It's hard to believe our little girl is 3!

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Endings and Beginnings

Hello all. It has been a crazy couple weeks for us and I have neglected the blog. So I'll play catch up and fill ya in on what's been going on.

Madeline had a fun birthday and ended up having 3 small birthday parties. One with just us on her birthday, one with my family who lives in Britt and a party last weekend with Trav's family in Milo. She did not get sick of us singing Happy Birthday and opening presents. I promise I will post pics soon.

My grandpa, Lester Gabrielson, passed away at the age of 90. He led a long, happy life but it was still sad to say goodbye. My dad and aunts and uncle are very sad and my thoughts and prayers are with them still.

The blessing of a funeral is being able to see family who live far away. We enjoyed the time spent catching up.

Last weekend we went to see Trav's family and go to the Shiners Circus. Madeline and my niece Katelyn rode the elephants. All of the girls liked the clowns, especially Zella. She also loved the tigers and kept growling at them.

We had a great time!

The most exciting news I have to share is that Travis got a promotion at work and will now be the Director of Marketing. He has worked so hard and I am so proud of him!!! He will do marketing for all 20 Co-ops and both feed mills that 5 Star owns. We are really excited for this new job. He will get to do something he loves for a company he respects. I'm excited that he'll get a company car...especially now that gas is so high.

I will end this long, rambling post with a quote from Madeline...

We were playing circus and she growled really loud at Zella. She turned to me and said, "What was that growl all about?". Such a goofball.

More later,