Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

"Play in the snow" is always on Madison's annual bucket list.  Well...this year the snow was certainly close enough to enjoy.

9 years ago today...

I began the story today as I have the past 8 years.  As we have breakfast, as we drive to school, as I pick her up, as I kiss her good night...I tell the story.  The details are just as vibrant in my head today. She's reaching the point of filling in gaps and recounting the story just as well.  Today the story was about the start.  The getting up early, the heaving heavy luggage into the car after counting money and checking documents, the first time of many exchanging money, seeing a taste of China in San Francisco's airport, the plane ride reading a Harry Potter book and eating noodles instead of peanuts.  The wonder, the nerves, the surreal, the images in my head.  As I remember the not yet having her, she is here beside me...her hand on my leg...asleep.

Maddie venturing forth to her 1st Halloween Party of the Season.  Interesting choice for our tomboy - decided to go 50's style with a poodle skirt and pink lipstick...and (be still my heart) curled hair. 

 

 

April was a fun and full month.  Spending time with one of our best buddies and favorite author Kathy Stelmach (author of Who's in That Shell - http://www.crabitatcolony.com/).  So proud of my friend and love her girls.  We always love going to Dad's for their Community Easter Egg Hunt where Madison visits with other friends/grandchildren.  Taekwondo continues at a frenzied pace - but she LOVES it still.  Madison did some "modeling" for our agency in our new play therapy room.  She didn't want to leave!

March, 2012

 

 
 
 

Lovely March - Renaissance Festival alive and well.  We enjoyed seeing Twig the Fairy, jousting...but especially the stockades where Maddie was doused twice with water for being "naughty" (never).  She was all giggles - such a great sense of humor that one.

We also bid farewell to buddy Brandon who is off to Singapore with his family.  A great time had by all at Chuck E Cheese with her TKD peeps.