Yes, we are still here

Well, we have been having a super-fun summer, and here are a few pictures as proof. I'm trying to backtrack to get pictures from our trip to Disney, and from Tanner's 2nd birthday. So, I'll start with just a few recent pictures.

Ok, these next two need some explanation. On June 16, I got a phone call from our sitter that Tanner had an accident and I might want to come and get him a little early. She assured me that he was fine, but had really hurt his arm or shoulder. I was about 30 minutes from leaving work, so I was trying to wrap up my loose ends and get out. About 5 minutes after that call, she called back and asked me to come and get hime because he was really hurt and she was very concerned. I was out the door! As soon as I saw him (and heard the story) I just knew he had a broken collarbone. I was really hoping it was maybe the arm-since they can put a cast on that. Anyhow, I took him to an urgent care clinic and I was right. (hey-I know arms!) He had a broken left collarbone. It was the first time one of my children had a broken bone. I felt so very sad for him! He was so still! As sad as it was, it also meant a lot of cuddle time for Tanner and Mommy over the next week. Here is Maddie reading him a book. She was so good to get him whatever he wanted, or what she thought he would like. She was so caring and gentle with him.

Well, I'm sure you are wondering: How did Tanner break his collarbone? Apparently, it was a game of dog and cat, combined with some illegal couch-jumping, gone bad. Maddie said that Tanner was being 'the perfect cat', and she was a dog. She was on the couch and jumped off onto...Tanner! He was apparently laying on the floor on his back where Maddie proceeded to land squarely on his chest with both feet. OUCH! My poor sitter, she was absolutely distraught. I am so thankful for her, she takes such wonderful care of my babies when I have to be gone. I have actually thought many times how I am surprised that one of my kids hasn't had any serious injuries from when they get all 'wound-up'. It was bound to happen eventually. Poor Maddie, she felt so bad. I can honestly say that I have not seen her jump from any furniture since. Tanner is fully healed, and as tough as tough can be. within a few days he was back to playing on his own and running around the house. He favored the arm for about a week and half. After that you couldn't even tell.

We love our story times around here!

The things they say...

I can't keep up with the hilarious things the kids are saying to me these days. Here are just a few:

Tanner: calls every little girl 'Sissy', and every man is 'Daddy'. We are sitting in a restaurant, and Tanner is waving at a guy in the next table saying 'Hi Dad-dee, Hi Dad-dee', in the grocery store-same story. Funny and embarrassing.

Maddie: is in love with Sound of Music lately, so she asks me 'Mommy, can we go to Austria? It's soooo beautiful there, and I really want to meet Maria-because she loves children. Mommy, when can we go to Austria?'

She also wishes on a star every night (please remember that my child needs no exaggerations-she's got that covered all on her own), her wish is always the same-to go to Disneyworld. Then one night she tells me, 'I know that sometimes it takes a long time for wishes to come true, so is it ok if I just keep wishing the same thing?' How sweet is that? *note-she also asks God if she can please go to Disneyworld*

Every day for about a month now, she goes into the backyard and swings-and sings at the top of her lungs, all the songs from sound of music!

And lately, we've been hearing a lot of laughing after bedtime from the kids rooms. It seems that Miss Maddie has been going into Tanner's room and playing games with him. We go in there to put them back to bed and Maddie is in Tanner's crib and they are both just cracking up. She tells me that he woke her up, and she was just tucking him back in. I couldn't keep from laughing out loud!

Needless to say, we are having a lot of fun these days. Here are some recent pictures--enjoy!

Maddie and Tanner jumping on Sissy's bed

Maddie reading a story to Tanner before bed

Watching Pinnocchio with Daddy!

Maddie's Birthday & Christmas

This was from Maddie's first 'Girls' Night Out' with Mommy, her best friend Hailey, and her best friends Mommy. We went to a Chrismas play, then out to eat at Frisco Square where we watched all the 'dancing' lights (as Maddie Grace calls them)

Maddie & Mommy by the giant tree.

Next, was Maddie's Birthday-the big 4! I still can't believe it. And, in what has become a tradition, yes I cried on her birthday. I just can't get over how grown up she is getting and I'm just so proud of her.

Anyhow, our whole family went to the Galleria to try our hand at ice skating, then it was on to the American Girl Store for dessert in their cafe.

Amy & Maddie

Maddie Grace LOVED ice skating! She was going solo after 1/2-way through the first lap. She didn't want to get off the ice, and she has continued to ask me when she can go again. I was blown away at how much she loved it!

Maddie and her 'Baby Madeline' at the American Girl Cafe. Another experience that was beyond words. If she didn't feel special on this day, then something was really wrong. As we walked into the store, and were surrounded by hundreds of dolls, she said (and the drama princess needs no exaggeration) " Oh Mommy, it's wonderful, just wonderful!"

Tanner trying to hang in there amidst all the pink. Tanner and Rocky really were troopers throughout everything. Don't worry buddy, the favor will be repaid in June!

Now onto Christmas! It has gotten more fun for us every year with these two little ones. This year, on Christmas eve, we sprinkled Reindeer food on the front lawn. While we were outside, Rocky looked up and showed Maddie and Tanner-it was Rudolph's nose! Heading straight for our house! Maddie has never gotten to bed so fast, and she even prayed that night that Santa would not pass her house since she was still awake. Well, no worries there.

Maddie got a 'Sleeping Beauty Vanity', "it's just what I've been wanting! Santa remembered!"

Tanner got an Elmo Live

This is a cross that Maddie picked out for Mommy all by herself

Daddy got Rock Band from Santa! (with help from an awesome wife) :)

Well, this was the best picture I could get of the two of them in their Christmas jammies. Tanner's was an old fashioned one-piece, and Maddie's says 'Santa's Best Gift'-very appropriate.

All in all, we had a wonderful Christmas. It was so nice to be with our families, and we were really able to relax and enjoy the season of Christ's birth.