SeaWorld San Antonio

 

September 27, 2008 Mackenzie had been asking to go forever, and since we had season passes and had only used them once, we decided it was time to take a trip to SeaWorld. San Antonio is only 90 miles away from Austin, so we drove down that morning and back that night. The weather was beautiful and we had fun seeing the dolphins and sharks and riding the little Shamu roller coaster. Of course, the girl's (especially Mackenzie) favorite part is getting a stuffed Shamu to add to her/their collections. We love SeaWorld!!!

Mackenzie's First Bike

 

So, we realized that Mackenzie is closing in on 6 years of age and has never ridden a bike. This is mostly because we have a super steep driveway and live on a busy section of our subdivision. But because no child should grow up without knowing how to ride a bike (I mean, how would she ever understand the phrase, 'It's just like riding a bike, you never forget.'?) and it was a beautiful Saturday in September (the 20th to be exact), we decided it was time for a trip to Wal-Mart. Mackenzie tried out several different bikes before falling in love with this one. She rode it all around the store and was so proud of herself. Later that same day, Dave walked as Mackenzie rode her bike to her friend's birthday party. She was so excited to ride the whole way! Now, we need to build up her confidence and get rid of the training wheels. Oh well, one thing at a time.

Camille and baby Madden come to visit!

 

 

 

 

We had been in Dallas twice since baby Madden was born but kept missing each other. The second time Mackenzie and I were up in Dallas by ourselves and Kenzie said, "Mom, we have to try HARD to see Camille - not like last time." She was referring to the first time we missed them when we were speeding through town trying to get home after our July vacation. So when Camille called me up out of the blue and said she was coming down because Dean had a business meeting, I was so excited. It was a short visit but we went and had lunch at Mackenzie's school so she wouldn't miss meeting baby Madden. I knew if she had missed Camille that day she would have been terribly sad. She was so excited to see Camille and the baby. He looks a lot like his Daddy. We are so glad he is finally here and happy and healthy. Love you Camille, Dean, and Madden!

Madison the Drama Queen/Fashionista

 

You may be wondering, what is Madison doing while Mackenzie is conquering her first month at school? Well, Madison is coming into her own. She's talking more clearly, and a lot more, everyday. She loves to wear her clip-clomps (which is what she calls her little dress up shoes) or mommy's shoes. She likes jewelery and will currently only wear dresses. She has an opinion EVERYDAY on what she will and will not wear. She thinks she's growing out of naps but mom still sneaks one in most days. She is a total drama queen and could give Scarlett a run for her money. I don't know where she gets it all, but she is definitely a girly-girly-girl. She is also so dang cute these days her parents can barely stand it. A week after Mackenzie started school, Madison started her mother's-day-out program 3 days a week. She loves going to school and mommy loves it, too! We love her and are so glad she's part of our family.

Riding the Bus

 

 

After taking Mackenzie to school the first week, it was time for her to conquer riding the bus. She got to sit with her friend Meredith and said it was fun. She looked so little walking down the steps to get dropped off. I had treats for after school that day. She loves chocolate covered doughnuts. Honestly, who doesn't?

Mackenzie's First Day of Kindergarten

August 25, 2008 It was a zoo at Mackenzie's school this morning (Cypress Creek Elementary). Every parent taking each of their children to their first day for the school year. Hopefully it will calm down in the future. We left our house with 25 minutes to belltime and the school is 1 mile away. We were late! We had to park almost a mile away and of course, Madison is not the fastest walker these days. Finally Dave carried her and we raced to Kenzie's class. She had met her teacher, Ms. May, twice before and been to the classroom so she was excited for it all. She also has her best friend, Meredith Lannan, in her class. I'm not sure yet if that's going to get her in trouble or if it will be a good thing. Either way, she said she everything went great at the end of the day. She didn't even seem tired or cranky. Perhaps we'll skip the kindergarten adjustment period and go right into the year seamlessly. She is such a happy-go-lucky child!!!

Our First Visit to the Circus!

August 23, 2008 Saturday - We heard the Barnum & Bailey circus was in town and decided the girls would love it. So, Dave got tickets and off we went. We were right about Mackenzie loving it. A little premature on Madison. Not that Madison didn't like it. No, it's just she wanted to use Dave as a swing and be IN the circus herself (along with dancing, chair climbing and stair stepping as her main events). She is only 2 and a half, but I thought she would have been slightly more captivated by it all. Maybe in 3 more years she could appreciate it. Nontheless, we had a good time and the girls got to try their first Dippin Dots (those tiny, frozen balls of ice cream) and both picked out white stuffed tigers to take home. They LOVED that part. I remember the first time I went to the circus (I think I was about 5) with my Dad and Wade. I thought it was amazing. Luckily, I still do. Hooray for the circus!