Madison Part III

The next morning we went to a local conservatory to pretend, just for an hour or so, that winter wasn't still digging in it's claws. Oh, the moist, moist air!! The GREEN!! The flowers!! The birds!!

Grandma Cheryl and her boys sure had fun.

Madison Part II

One day Cheryl had most of the extended family over for one big visit. It worked out perfectly. We got to see everyone even though we had such limited time. Here are Melissa (N's cousin), Brad (N's cousin Jen's husband), and Kristin (another cousin who drove all the way from Minneapolis for the day!!)

A very pregnant Jen and Cheryl's two sisters Dawn and Linda.

Riley wanted to help. He says, "Here is Dwight and Riley. We are flicking paper footballs. Dwight made good footballs. It was crazy good!" Riley specifically requested I put this on the blog. I think Dwight was a personal favorite!

Kristin and Jen getting in on the football action.

Don (Dawn's husband) reading to grandaughter Payton (Jen and Brad's child).

Another beautiful baby belly on Nathan's cousin Sara, whose husband is Dwight.

Madison Part I.

Riley was an amazing traveller, just soaking up the big world and the whole flying experience.

Davey, however, required the extreme attention and energy any normal 18 month old would under such circumstances.

Early morning at Grandma Cheryl's.

A Mad Dash to Wisconsin 2

Well, last week actually a few weeks ago now, sandwiched between two snowstorms, we journeyed to Madison, Wisconsin to see our much missed and loved family there. I swear I actually tried to post this two weeks ago now, but ran into many issues (too many pictures, freaky computer code glitches, etc.) which prevented me. So, now I am trying again after a cooling off period away from my blog and computer. Hope for the best...

Madison
in IV parts

Happy Valentine's Day!!

In lieu of an actual hold-it-in-your-hand valentine, we are sending our love via the internet! I'd like to say it's because it's more environmentally friendly, or something noble like that, but the truth is I just didn't get my s**t together in time. Riley's school valentines were hard enough. But my laziness doesn't mean I don't love you! We all love you very much!! Happy Valentine's Day.

"Share the Love Potluck"

Last night 2 families put on their annual Valentine's potluck at the Dummerston Grange. One of the families includes one of Riley's best friends from school, Ben. Riley was all revved up to go, so we braved the snow outside (which made it that much more exciting) and headed out. When we got there Riley immediately found Ben and ran off...where is that clingy little boy I' ve always known?!? We all had such a blast. Everyone (and there were alot of people there) brought a dish to share, and drinks were provided. Let me tell you that older children dancing is the most entertaining thing I've seen in a long time! It was a true party for families, which seems to be so rare. Kids had the run of the place, and parents got to wrangle the littlest ones and hang out with eachother. We're already looking forward to next year! The couple pictures below with no flash show the atmosphere much better than the others, but with so much movement going on the flash was mostly necessary.Juggling.
Ben and Riley actually eating something before diving into the cupcakes. (I saw Ben eat 3 in 10 minutes!!)
Making Valentines downstairs.

As the night wore on Davey's spunk wore off. He could barely dance and run for the door anyomre!
Waiting in line for the balloon man.
The water cooler was a main attraction for Davey.
Ben and Riley waiting for still more balloon swords...

"Roller Skating" and "Cooking"

Today Riley has been fulfilling his lifelong dream of learning to rollerskate! He kept at it for almost an hour!



Meanwhile, Davey whipped up some home cookin' to sustain us...