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.