Friday (the first whole day in New York City)

Dan and I are back from our trip, and rather than writing a lot, I thought I would mainly just make a slide show. . .after all. . .a picture is worth a thousand words right??

Missin' New York Already

I am writing this post from Pennsylvania. I can't believe my trip is half over!! Here is a slide show of some of my favorite things I have done so far. I will do a more extensive update when I get home. Mom, Dan wanted to charge you money to get your hands on the pictures of your two daughters together. . .but then quickly remembered that we actually owe you big time for being an amazing grandma by watching our children (I put of few of those pictures in the slide show just for you). We miss you all, but are not ready to come back yet!!!! Megan and Garrett, we miss you already!! Thank you, Thank you, for such a wonderful time. Your hospitality was so generous, and your apartment is so cute. I'm already trying to decide when to come back again. . .do you think I could to the subways alone?? We have had an amazing time, but are grateful for a little rest here in Hershey. We have seen and tasted a lot of chocolate already!!

Surgery Update (it seems like this title is used a lot!!)

Maddie had surgery yesterday! Most of you know that when Maddie broke her arm they had to put a plate and pins in her arm to hold together the bones. Yesterday she was scheduled to have the rod taken out, but when she was undergoing surgery they were so impressed with how great her bones had fused together they decided to take out the pins as well. We won't have to go back and have any more surgery! Hooray!

Maddie was so brave. She asked the doctor if she could take the pins and the rod home. He thought that was an awesome request from a girl (he told Maddie it would make a good show and tell at school). She came home and was such a trooper. She never complained. Today she is up and about, taking short breaks when needed. Her arm is wrapped up for the next few days until the swelling goes down. She is to wear her brace for four more weeks and then she is D-O-N-E!!!! Broken bones are not fun, so Maddie has promised to be extra careful on the monkey bars.

Way to go Maddie!!!

Last Days of School

Wednesday was the last day of school for Maddie and Zach. Jackson finished up a week earlier. It is hard to believe that the school year has come and gone, but I am amazed at how much my kids have learned this past school year. Zach is reading!!! Maddie has become a speed reader! And Jackson knows his shapes, numbers, ABC's and much much more. We will miss Ms. Hammel, Mrs. Connelly, and Ms. Sabin, but look forward to popsicles, swimming pools, and lazy summer days.

A Rare Apology

Dear Dan,

Remember that day just before Christmas when I had second thoughts? I was worried that the Wii wouldn't go over well with the kids. Remember when I almost made you take it back? Well, I am sorry. You were right and I was wrong. Yes, I know, this is probably the first and last apology you will ever get from me; enjoy this while you can. Today I heard laughter. Today I saw high-fives. Today I saw two children (who usually seem to enjoy teasing one another) getting along. Today I saw two children complimenting one another on their skills. Today I saw the excitement of a home-run, and the thrill of getting a strike. Today I saw two kids smiling, enjoying each others company, and feeling like champions. So, today Dan you are a hero. Yes, I was wrong and you were right! Yes, today the Wii has "brought the family closer."

9 year old's ROCK!!

Tuesday May 12, Maddie turned 9 year's old!! This had to be (by far) the funnest birthday ever. She didn't want princesses, Hannah Montana or the Jo-Bros to theme her party. She wanted a "cute cake with stripes" and an MP3 player. She didn't want a huge girlie birthday party and instead, asked if she and two or three friends could go out to lunch on Saturday.

Maddie really has grown up. In case you didn't know:

* She and I love to sing High School Musical and Taylor Swift songs as loud as we can in the car.

* She and I both love to watch kissing on TV because we are true believers in romance!

*She is as girlie as girls can get. . .purple, pink and lots of frill.

*Maddie's favorite food is homemade chicken noodle soup, spaghetti, chicken nuggets with ranch, and anything chocolate, but she is sure to eat all of her veggies before she eats any dessert!!

*She loves to dance and sing around the house.

*She wishes she had been born a princess--because she loves castles and ball gowns.

*Her dream vacation would be to visit the Eiffel Tower, or to lounge on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii.

*She loves to taunt her father by professing her love for BSU.

*She loves third grade.

*She thinks she might like to be a model when she grows up.

*She has a kind heart and has a lot of friends-- both young and old.

Maddie, we love you and we hope you had a wonderful birthday yesterday!!

An Eventful Weekend

Our family was given five tickets to watch the Boise Burn arena football game Saturday night. (To be honest, I didn't even know we had a team!!) We had never been and thought it would be a fun family experience. The kids sat through the first half pretty well. They were more interested in posing for silly pictures than watching the game, but we still had fun. We were all a little surprised that our arena football team wears pink jerseys! . . .not the most manly color, but Maddie sure thought they looked cute. Zach said his favorite part of the whole experience was the (scantily clothed) cheerleaders. It was then I realized he was definitely a male. He cheered very loud every time they ran on the field. Jackson thought it was all a bit noisy but enjoyed the treats I brought. I think Dan just enjoyed getting out and watching football. I don't think he really cared who won.

All the kids found swimming suits for the summer. Jack, of course, found everything Mickey Mouse. . .Mickey Mouse swimming suit, Mickey Mouse matching sunglasses, and Mickey Mouse flip flops. He was in Mickey Mouse heaven.

And last but not least, we planted flowers at the kids old elementary school. We had a lot of fun in the pouring rain!!!

We had a lot of family fun this weekend. I just wish the heat would return. We are all excited for summer to start.