Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

Sunday, August 1, 2010

My Version of Camping...

Madalynn & I just got back from a week in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with the rest of my family.  It was a great week, even with the moments of drama that are to be expected.

Driving around there seems to be a breathtaking view around every corner... unbelievable sites...

 

My Mom was upset w/ me for taking these shots while driving...Trust me I was much more focused on the road than my camera... I just held it up & clicked.

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We went to Storyland an adorable amusement park... complete with a Cinderella's castle.

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Can you tell which one is "The Wild Thing"?

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Doing "Chooo-Chooo" on the train ride...

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Having fun on the teacups!!

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On the drive back to the house from Storyland... we saw 3 bear cubs & their Mama... they were sooooo cute.  My camera was in the way back of the car, and I was NOT getting out to get it, but it was amazing to see...

Having fun at the lake... This lake had a great view of "Cathedral Ledge"... which was a straight drop off granite ledge (which I can't believe I don't have a picture of)... there were people rock climbing on it... crazy!!

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Then we drove up to Cathedral Ledge to see the view...Grandpa brought her a little too close to the edge for me... My heart was palpitating!!

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The next day we went waterfall hunting...

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Madalynn & I decided that waterfall hiking wasn't really for us, so we left everyone & went into town for some shopping...We went to an old country store with some penny candy, and then found a playground... she was a happy girl...

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Then to cap off our girly shopping, playground day... we hit the cupcake bakery!!

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Then we discovered a covered bridge on the way home...Madalynn LOVED the covered bridges...

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The next day we took the N. Conway scenic railway... Madalynn was soooo excited to take a train ride...they said "All Aboard", and the conductor said "Tickets Please", and punched them... it was such a great experience.

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She was so proud of her ticket...

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We were right behind the engine so the whistle was quite loud... Before we went on the train she asked me if she could blow the whistle...

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What's vacation without ice cream??

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My parents, Madalynn & I drove up the White Mountains to the Mt Washington Hotel & Resort...so beautiful...

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I love this sign!!  It came true for us as we drove out of the White Mountains yesterday...

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This was a baby... we kept our distance in case Mama was in the area...they can be dangerous animals.


Tomorrow is back to reality... siiighh...

 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

3 Years Old!!

Oh my goodness... HOW did that happen... I'm so not ready.... 3 is the end of babyhood... full on preschooler....While I let go of one phase of her life, I so enjoy this new one... the things she comes up with each day make me laugh... she's getting into pretend play which I just love... playing with her baby dolls, her kitchen, or pouring tea.

Yesterday we celebrated with a "Cinawrelly" party... her 2 neighbors came in their princess gowns too with jewelry, heels, and crowns... Madalynn served them lemonade, and was a mostly gracious hostess...

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The only time she had her crown on all day... she's not big on having things on her head....

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Our annual picture with Pooh bear...

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A new outdoor set from Ga-Ga & Grandpa

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A Cinawrelly cake...  I had ALWAYS wanted one of these cakes when I was little... I remember my grandmother who made cakes as a side business used to make them.  This was one of the easiest cakes I've ever made (even though Cindarella is a bit crooked)...

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I wish I had gotten more pictures, but I got so busy with everything else I kept forgetting to grab my camera...

This morning has been wonderful watching her play & discover all her new toys... the big hit were the "Toy Story" characters from her Aunty, Uncle & cousins, and particularly the Rex & Woody set her cousin Adam bought for her with his own money... I say it all the time but he is my favorite little guy...

She wanted waffles for breakfast (her favorite)... so we had waffles (had to run to Aunty & Uncle's to borrow an egg)...

Of course, this time leading up to & on her birthday her birthmom is never far from my thoughts... this morning I gave Madalynn an extra hug & kiss from her.  I just pray she knows somewhere in her heart how surrounded by love her baby girl is!!

Happy Birthday sweet Madalynn Vanesa!!!