Christmas with our old Neighbors

Madelyn and I went to a Christmas Party with our old neighbors and dear friends. It was so much fun to see the three one-year-olds playing together.

Ava, Madelyn and Natalie

Madelyn pushing Natalie

Madelyn trying to convince Natalie to push her (no luck!)

Madelyn going down the slide

The three girls! (Madelyn, Natalie, and Ava)

The whole gang!

Friend Get Togethers

We got to see a lot of our friends recently especially some we hadn't seen in a long time! Here's a recap.

In late August, our old neighbors from Legacy Fields got together for breakfast (Although now only one of us still lives in our townhome association). Jenna and her daughter Natalie moved back from Arizona to Aurora! We are so happy to have them back around. Natalie, Ava and Madelyn are within a month in age so it's fun seeing the girls grow up together.

Madelyn (13 mo), Ava (14 mo), Natalie (13 mo), and Stella (3 yrs)

Katie with Madelyn & Natalie

Madelyn petting the horse

Welcome back Jenna and Natalie!

Madelyn found a huge ball!

The whole gang! It's hard getting so many people to look at once!

Tom and Lani came back to introduce their daughter, Zoe.  They had an open house over labor day and we were so happy to be able to catch up with them and meet Zoe. Tom and Brian worked together at Life Spine.

Madelyn holding on to an airplane for her friend!

Helping fix the broken airplane (no she didn't break it!)

Tom with Zoe & Brian with Madelyn

Precious Zoe!

Our good friends Jennifer and Russ needed a date night so we offered to have Eliza over for dinner. The girls had a good time playing together and Eliza's folks were happy to get away for dinner.

Bubbles Please! Eliza & Madelyn

Swinging: Eliza and Madelyn with Katie

Picnic Time: Madelyn & Eliza

The 1st Birthday Party

I tried to not go over the top with Madelyn's first birthday. It was a successful birthday party and we are so happy to have so many friends and family come out to celebrate with us especially those who came far! Thanks!  The theme was cupcakes. Brian grilled hot dogs, brats and chicken.  We also enjoyed pasta salad, fruit salad, chips and carrots with dip.

Punch, Lemonade and fruit salad--Madelyn's favorites (Watermelon, blueberries, and grapes)

Pasta salad and chips with spinach dip

Madelyn 1-6 months

Madelyn 7-12 months

There was a helium shortage so we improvised and taped them to the mantel

Birthday girl just woke up! I was impressed by how long she kept her crown on

Cousin hugs (Madelyn and Connor)

Katie, Madelyn, Rosie and Maria

Madelyn was a a big eater that day

Missy and Maya

Swinging with Aunt Beth (Connor was occupying the baby swing)

Madelyn with her daddy

Even with all the excitement of the party, she was still interested in the water bowl

Brian's family that was able to come

Madelyn showing Maya her fun toy

I took 24 cupcakes and made them into a number 1 "cake"

Side view

Singing Happy Birthday!

Right before she accidentally stuck her foot in the cake :)

Family photo

She started off slowly but knew what to do.

Connor is an old pro at eating cupcakes

Loving it and giving us a big smile!

Even in the hair!

She loved it but she was willing to share with Daddy.

Present time

Madelyn and Gina going shopping

Going under the table with her new bike

Loving rocking on her new caterpillar

Maya loved the big wrapping paper roll

Madelyn with her friends (Missy & Maya, Katie & Madelyn, Annie & Gina)

Balloon fun with Grandma Hartsell

Breaking apart her pretend strawberry

Out to dinner at Ted's Montana Grill. Madelyn gave us a kiss through the glass.