Fall Creek Falls

We decided to take a quick trip to Fall Creek Falls on Saturday. We drove up Saturday morning and spent the night. The kids did really well on the car ride there, just kept asking that notorious question: "Are we there, yet?" Once we got there, we checked into our room and then went to look at the falls. The water levels for the two falls we saw were extremely low. I thought the levels would have been around normal due to the rain we have had this summer.

We decided to hike down to the bottom of the fall. Maddie did great climbing up and over rocks and up and down hills. We were very proud of her. Nathan did great too. He was a little nervous, so I had to hold his hand. Sometimes, I found myself kinda "dragging" him, but overall he did awesome for his little legs. Tucker and I did have to carry him for the last 100 yards or so on the way back up. :)

Nathan kept looking for bears around this cave.
Maddie at the bottom of the falls. She wasn't too impressed. She was ready to climb back up to top!

Nathan really enjoyed the bottom of the falls. He kept saying, "I like it!" He did not want to leave and started to cry a little when we told him it was time to go. I think he knew what was ahead of him on the long hike back UP!

Nathan is totally obsessed with motorcycles. Every time he sees one, he stops what he is doing and stares. So, when we got back up to the parking lot, we saw this nice gentleman with a motorcycle. We told him about Nathan's obsession and asked him if Nathan could sit on his bike for a minute. The man was very kind and obliged us. Well, Nathan would not get on the bike until Maddie did. I guess he wasn't too sure of the whole thing!

The Cascades Fall and the swinging bridge.

Tucker and Maddie going ahead of me and Nathan on the bridge. Maddie was a little nervous, but liked it.

Nathan going across the bridge. He was not scared at all and said "FUN!"

Maddie holding on for dear life!

Nathan was more scared to sit on this fence than he was of the swinging bridge. Go figure!

Dancing in the parking lot and burning up some energy!

We had a great time and definitely need to take more quick family weekend retreats!

Maddie's Birthday Party

Maddie had a great birthday party on Sunday. I was worried all week that it was going to rain, but thank goodness it was beautiful day! I am very grateful to our friends Ronnie and Andrea Holt for opening up their home and their beautiful pool to us for Maddie's party. Since Maddie started swimming this summer and it is always so HOT in August, I thought why not do a swimming party. It was very nice to jump in and cool off! I think all of the guest young and old had a great time. However, Maddie told her Daddy that night while he was tucking her in bed that she wanted her party here at home next year....so I guess we'll see! Here are some pictures from the party! HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY, MADDIE!!!

The Birthday Girl

Nathan being silly!!
Nathan swimming and having a good time.
Maddie with her attempt to dive. She thought she was as big as everybody else. Too cute! Looks like she has good form, though!
Maddie and Audrey playing chicken.

Another Webkinz to add to the collection. She really does well on the computer with them and it is a good learning experience for her as well.

Oooops, we missed her blowing out the candles.

Nathan playing football with the "men." He just might be my future quarterback!

Thanks again Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Andrea for hosting Maddie's party. We had a great time!

Happy Birthday, Maddie!!

Today is my little girl's birthday. I can't believe it has been 5 years since God blessed me with a wonderful daughter. We are having a swimming party today at a friend of Tucker's house. Maddie wanted a Bolt birthday theme and we are very excited! I decided to put together a picture montage of her from birth to present. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to some pictures from the party!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Maddie's First Day of Kindergarten

Well, the day I have been dreading finally arrived today - Maddie's first day of school. The child was up on her own at 6:30 this morning ready to go. Tucker went into work late this morning so he could go with us to drop her off. We had breakfast as a family and then off we went. Starting on Monday morning, Maddie will go over to the daycare, eat breakfast, and then ride the school bus over to the school. (On the days I am off, I will be taking her to school.) So, this morning, she found her room all by herself. I was very proud of her. After a few pictures and hugs, Tucker, Nathan, and I left our little girl to explore her new world of learning. She was so excited and did very well. Neither Maddie or I cried this morning!!! YAY!!

Tucker went on to work, while Nathan and I went to run errands. We later met up with Tucker for lunch. Then, home for Nathan to take a nap and I did laundry. Then, Nathan and I went to pick Maddie up at 2:40. While waiting in the car rider line, I got a little teary-eyed. I was so excited to see her and her sweet smiling face! She was very excited and could not stop talking about her day. She went to gym and played outside on the playground, which I think were the highlights of her day!

I am very pleased that her first day of school went so well. I hope the rest of the year goes as smooth. She likes her teacher and that's good thing thus far!

Maddie and her backpack - it's bigger than she is!

Maddie and Cooper. He was in her class at the preschool. Always helps to have a familiar face around!

This is what she was doing when we left. She never looked up......The decorated wall outside of her classroom.