Trunk or Treat/Halloween Party/Halloween Night

This year Madison has really enjoyed Halloween. She was finally able to wear her Tulip Fairy costume that I ordered for her last year. Last Friday night (I know I am terrible about blogging on a regular basis) we went to the Arlington Ward Fall Festival. It has always been a nice activity but it is much more fun when you have a little one. We had chili and then the kids did a costume parade across the stage. The children were absolutely adorable, of course I thought the Tulip Fairy took 1st place for the cutest:) After that they did trunk or treat and Maddie had such a good time. She didn't know why she got to walk to different cars and get candy, but she didn't question it either.

Daddy eating cotton candy!
Madison playing games with grandma Susu

The next night we went to Ryan's birthday/Halloween party. That was a good time for the whole family. Madison wanted to spend the whole night in the bounce house, which meant mommy had to spend time in the bounce house:( Since Madison was the smallest there someone had to get in there with her to make sure the big kids didn't trample her. She got lots of goodies that night too. Last night was Halloween and we went trick or treating with Caleb and Hayden. That was so much fun. With three toddlers it was slow moving but they all had a good time and were so excited about all the candy they got. This was a really fun week!!!

Madison and Hayden

The Cutest Tulip Fairy EVER

Little Lady

I know that it is just a ponytail, but it makes her look so much older. Mom (Grandma Linda) decided to pull her hair back into a ponytail before we went out to the Town Center. It turned out so cute that we had to take a picture.

Grandma Susu

Monday we went and spent the day in Gainesville with Chad's mom and grandma. It was a nice day that I think Madison really enjoyed. Grandma Susu (that is Chad's mom) hung up a swing in the living room from hooks in the ceiling that she used when Chad was a baby. I think Madison spend most of the day in that swing, and when she wasn't in it she was saying "wing wing". We also went to see Chad's Nanny and her new little puppy. That was the cutest little dog I have ever seen, he could have fit in Chad's hand. Madison had such a good time chasing him around and having him jump all over her. Thank you to all of the fam in Gainesville for making it a fun day.

How Cute Are They?

I know it has been to long since my last post but the cuteness of this one should make up for it. Madison is finally starting to say more words and is becoming more and more independent. Things have been pretty much same ol' same ol' around here. This week I wanted to post pictures of Maddie in the cutest little tutu ever but I can't seem to get her to keep it on long enough for a picture. Although I can't get it on Madison long enough for me to get a picture I have been able to get Hayden too. How precious is that!! Madison did get a gift from her good friend Robin (Thanks Robin) that she loves to wear. She now has the entire princess outfit, the gloves, crown, jewelry, and boa. I am so glad that I had a girl!! I love to be Madison's mom!!

A Day At The Circus

Grandma and Grandpa took all of us to the circus on Saturday. It was the first time for Madison and Caleb and I think they had a great time. It was much bigger than we thought it would be. For about the first 20 minutes Madison was mesmerized by all that was going on. She enjoyed the full experience of the circus, cotton candy, nachos, pizza, a loud flashy toy, and the clowns. When it was time for intermission I wanted to get her picture with one of the clowns, she was not going to have it. We learned that day that clowns are on a short list of things she is scared of. Also added to the list that day was ponies. We paid $7 and stood in line for 20 minutes for her to not ride the pony and mommy to walk around trying to not step in pony poop. Overall it was a very fun day. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!!!

If it quacks like a duck

First of all sorry for not posting in awhile, nothing really exciting has been going on. Today Maddie and I went to Toddler Power Hour at the library with Hayden and Rebecca. I think the kids had a pretty good time. First we decorated a set of wings for the little ones to pretend they were ducks. Hayden was much more cooperative in putting on his than Madison. After that we went to story time and again Hayden was much more interested in sitting still on the square. Madison wanted to get up on the stage with the guy trying to tell the stories. All in all it was a good time. Thanks Hayden and Rebecca for a fun day at the library.

How cute are they with their Ducky wings?
Madison got more marker on her arms than on her picture.

All is well

Yesterday was Chad's surgery for his pinky finger. Although they ended up having to put him completely out the doc said that everything went great. Right now he seems to be a quite a bit of pain but that is why they give you pain meds. Thank you to everyone who called to check on him and to Grandma Susu for taking care of Little Bit while I took care of Daddy. And Gentry, thank you for babysitting tonight. I have a super great pic of Chad laying in his hospital bed with a hair net but I can't get it off my phone, I will post it as soon as I can. Anyways thanks for all of your support these past few days. We love you all!

Our Trip To HugueNOT Park

What a day today was! I am sure that you will find a similar story on The Richards blog but this is my version in all its glory. Rebecca and I had planned to take the kiddies to the beach, one last fun trip before I have to go back to work. So I picked her up since Mike's car is broken and we were on our way to the beach. It was when we were going over the Dames Point Bridge that we noticed it was somewhat cloudy. On the way there Hayden was having a cow for some reason. So we get there and you have to pay to get on the beach, and I get almost all of my change back in coins. When we finally get to the beach the water is so high I can't even get on it. What are the chances?!?! So we decided not to take our chances and head on back towards town. So to recap so far, we drove out about 25 minutes with two toddlers to pay someone a dollar to change out my money for coins. When we decided to go to the pool instead the sky decided to turn even darker. We ended up right were we started, at my house and the kids played in the froggy pool and had a picnic lunch in the driveway. Although our plans completely changed we still had a good day. Hayden was much happier after he ate and sandwich and Madison was just happy to be out of the car. Rebecca and Hayden, thank you for an eventful day that will not soon be forgotten.

We finally did it!!

Yesterday we got Madison's ears pierced. It was completely spur of the moment, although I have been thinking about it for some time. I just stopped to ask how much it would be and the more we thought about it the more we decided now was just as good a time as any. The woman who did it was very reassuring that it would not be as bad for Madison as it would be for me. Chad had to hold her while she did it. She did cry but was quickly over it when she heard the word "cookie". The lady was right about the fact that it was defiantly worse for me than for her. She was a brave little girl and she looks soooo adorable.

When will it stop!!!

So we are soooo tired of being in the house. Chad luckily had today off anyway so he did not have to drive an hour in the rain but we were planning on going to the beach today. Needless to say that didn't happen:( Madison is tired of being couped up in the house too. We let her go out and play in the driveway for a little while after the rain stopped for a few minutes. Anyways we are sorry for all of you who do not have power. We are praying for sunshine tomorrow:)

And So It Begins...

So I have been thinking about doing my own blog for awhile now but just have been to lazy to do it. I always enjoy reading about the goings on in other peoples lives, but part of me thinks who will really care about what goes on within my little fam. Well if you guys can put a smile on my face, maybe some of the comical things that happen to us will have the same effect on you. Right now things are alittle tough for the Hope family. I am currently trying to get a job or 2 or 3:) But other than that I am LOVING being a mommy to my little bit. Madison spent the morning with Hayden, one of her favorite people in the world, and although I do not have a picture of them today, here are a few of them in precious moments. Thank you Rebecca and Michael for watching her today:)