New York!

Madison was able to go on a 5 day trip to New York with her band, and she had the time of her life!  They performed at the Lincoln Center (and got a standing ovation they were so good)!  They went to a dinner cruise, Yankees game, Phantom of the Opera, 9/11 Museum and Memorial, fun restaurants like Planet Hollywood, and lots of sightseeing!  She even rode the subway, which she had some funny stories about.  She got much closer to her current friends, made new friends, and had an absolute blast.  She said it was "her favorite trip ever"!  So thankful she was able to experience this, but so glad to have her back home safe and sound.

There she is, on the subway, the only one that has a panicked look on her face!  Haha!

Max...

Dogs can be a lot of work (and take a lot of time), but he sure is cute.  And Nathan really loves being a prankster with him!  He took all of his toys and loaded them on his back, and Max never even flinched!

Balloons!

Since Madison had a friend spend the night on her birthday, we never did our annual balloon tradition!  So, here they are...better late than never.

Nana's birthday!

Chance came to church with us this morning (matching boys!), and then we met Nana and Papa at Mi Cocina for Nana's birthday!  Afterwards, we went home for some cake.  It was a special day because this past two and a half months have been rough, and her chemo starts next week, so we enjoyed today!  Lots of prayers for Nana and HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes!

We did it again...meet Max!

Well, the kids have been talking about getting a second chance with another dog for YEARS now, and this one seemed to just fall in our lap.  We found out about him Tuesday afternoon, and within a few hours, we were his new owners!  They told us he's a Yorkie mixed with poodle, but we're thinking Yorkie mixed with Silky.  Either way, he's a cutie!  He's a little fluff ball!  The kids are so excited and already love Max.  He's 1.5 years, obedient, potty trained, crate trained, and very playful.

We gave him his first bath, and he did amazing.  Just stood there and let Michael bathe him!

He LOVES car rides!

And here's a newly groomed Max!  He looks so different now.  He can actually see now without all that hair around his eyes!

He LOVES going for walks!  He already runs up to the front door when he thinks he's going.

He seems a little iffy around the kids, but he is cuddling with them and playing a little.  I'm praying he comes around and that the kids will adore him and become best buds!  I can't believe we did this again...

15 years...

Why do they keep growing so fast, even when I tell them to stop?  How was she ever this tiny?

It feels like a lifetime ago.  I can hardly remember our lives when she was this tiny.  It happens so fast...one day you have a baby, and the next you have a grown up young lady who's ready to get her driver's permit!

Madison loves mexican food (she has to, to be in our family), seafood, and anything with sugar!  She LOVES whistling.  If she's not talking, she's whistling.  She is really enjoying band, and absolutely loved marching band.  She's come so far with her clarinet and has improved so much!  She also spends a lot of her time playing the piano/keyboard and teaching herself new songs.  She'll hear something at church and within a few days, she's playing most of it!  Madison has always loved music and I think she has a special talent!

She and Nathan have gotten closer lately, and I love it.  They are so silly together, and hearing their laughter melts my heart.  Of course, they still argue a little, but nothing like before!  She is still someone who Nathan looks up to, and I love that.

Madison loves church and the new friends she's made this past year.  Switching churches was a huge change (and a bit scary), but it's proved to us that it was the best decision for our family!  She has definitely grown in her faith and her relationship with God this past year.  She looks forward to going to church, every devo, and every outing with the youth group!  She's silly and loves being social with her friends.  She's so responsible and smart, handling her freshman year with A/P classes and band like a pro.  Madison is growing more and more independent each year, which I know is a good thing!  It's just a little crazy to see just how much she's grown in every area.  It's sad to see them grow up so fast, but it's also so wonderful to see your kids turn into amazing little adults!

Madison,

I hope you always keep your sense of humor, and enjoy life!  Don't take life too seriously, and always find joy in your days.  I pray that you keep God first.  Keep your kind heart and never stop doing for others!  I love you, and I hope you know just how much!  You make me laugh, and I love having a daughter to share special things with.  Happy 15th birthday, sweetie!

Birthday fun...part 3!

Madison chose Mi Cocina for her birthday dinner.  It's always more fun sitting outside on the patio by the pond and ducks, so we braved the cold wind!  It was colder than we thought, and were pretty chilly, but we had a good time!

It was a busy, but fun day!  I think our girl had an awesome 15th birthday.

Birthday fun...part 2!

Madison started off her "official" party by eating pizza and opening gifts!

Then we loaded 8 girls and Nathan into two cars and headed to the Galleria!  Before shopping, they had a scavenger hunt to complete.  They were pretty fast though, and finished in 45 minutes!

Yep, one item was "everyone in one bathroom stall".  This brought a few weird looks!

We left the girls and did the scavenger hunt with Nathan!

Starbucks time...

Then off to shop, try on funny clothes, and be goofy.

To end the party, we headed home for cookie cake afterwards!

She had such a great day with a lot of sweet friends to celebrate with her!