Just goofing around

Madison loves a camera! She was playing outside last night when she asked me to take pictures of her while she was running towards me. This is what I got!

What a ham!

It's all about drama!

Look Mom, I'm a star!

Lawn Mowing 101

Bruce has been telling Madison that she's going to work with him this summer. Her answer is always, "No way!" Well, she doesn't realize that she does not have a choice! He told her that she'll work with him only one day a week. It still didn't change her mind when she heard she'll get paid.

Bruce explained to her that the only thing she'll be doing is driving one of the mowers. He planned on teaching her how to operarte it and give her plenty of time to practive before summer arrives. Still, she kept saying, "No". Let me repeat, Bruce told her that she doesn't have a choice.

Well, last night we were outside with Emmalene and Madison when I handed Emmalene over to Bruce while he was driving one of his mowers. Emmalene didn't cry! We were shocked. Madison was terrified of Bruce's mower when she was young. So, we just assumed Emmalene would be too.

Madison watched Emmalene ride on Bruce's lap for at least 15 minutes and then decided she wanted to drive one of the mowers. I was surprised!

Bruce unloaded another mower from his trailor and began giving basic driving instructions. We have an empty lot in front of our house that was perfect for practice. After a pep talk, he sent her off. She did great! She was giggling and laughing so hard that I could hear her over the sound of both of the mowers! She had a blast!

Lawn Mowing Skills 101

Madison ended up driving for at least 20 minutes. It started getting dark fast and we needed to head inside. Before he put the mowers up, Bruce was following beside Madison and I snapped a few pictures. Unfortunately, it was a little dark so the photos aren't great, but I'm sure I'll have an opportunity to get more - she's hooked!

Madison driving all by herself!

This one is pretty hard to see, but Bruce is riding

beside Madison.

Bruce, Emmalene and Madison

Emmalene playing with the mower controls.

Emmalene's Booster Seat

Emmalene has been sitting in her high chair for a while now. She has gotten to the point where she tries to turn around constantly! It's a fight to get her to sit still. So, something had to be done!

One of her baby shower gifts was this booster seat. We tried it a few months ago, but she was a little unstable in it then. We decided to try it once again last week. What a difference! She loves it! She can now sit up at the table with us and view things outside and inside. She's growing so fast!

Cute cheesy smiles!

How did we spend our New Years Eve?

A few years ago, we started our own tradition. Instead of getting out on the roads, we decided staying in would be a lot safer and kid friendly. So, we decided New Year's Eve is our official "Ice Cream Sundae Night!"

The day before New Year's Eve, we go shopping for ice cream and all the toppings. We go all out! Sure, we eat ice cream during the rest of the year, but this is the time that we buy all kinds of stuff like chocolate syrup, caramel, nuts, cherries, whipped cream, etc.

Mark was with us this year. He enjoyed it just as much as we did. We had a great time playing the Wii and just visiting with each other.

Emmalene wanted to sit on the couch with Madison.

She was waving when I took this photo.

Bruce playing the Wii.

Emmalene, Mark and Madison

Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa's

We went to Grandma and Grandpa Delaney's for Christmas the day after Christmas. We had a yummy dinner and opened presents then visited. Mark and Beth were there with Markie (Mark is here with me while I'm typing this and he told me to type that instead of Mark the III). Anyway, it's always fun to get together and watch the kids play with one another.

This photo was taken shortly after opening presents.

Madison is laying on Emmalene's pillow pet.

This is the best picture of Mark.

I snapped it right before present opening began.

Madison smiling for the camera!

Madison wearing her Santa hat given by Grandma.

Mark put his Santa hat on Emmalene.

She loves playing with him!

Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree.

I'm feeding Emmalene at the dinner table. Grandma decorated everything beautifully! We ate on Christmas china with really cute table decorations.

Grandma and Grandpa posing for a photo in their kitchen.

We had lots of fun and ate lots of yummy food. Granny Osteen came down at the end to visit for a little while and see the kids. Another Christmas full of memories. That's the way to end every year!

Sweet smiles

On my new camera, I can snap pictures continuously and I did this the other night while Emmalene was in the tub. She had the cutest expression on her face and I just kept snapping photos. Sweet smiles!!

Oh my!

Madison was playing with Emmalene the other day and taught her to put her hands on her face when she says "Oh my!" Well, Emmalene picked that up pretty quick. Now Madison loves to watch her do this and says proudly, "I taught her to do that!"

I captured these photos while Emmalene was taking a bath and Madison was doing the "Oh my" game.