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,

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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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.

Thank God for Spring

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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