Buddies

Both of the big kids have LOVED adding Madeline to our family. They both love to hold her, play with her and feed her. And they are both very kind and gentle with her as well.

However, it seems that at this point, Andrew and Madeline are tight. He spends a lot of time with her and she is mesmerized by his presence. He can make her giggle and smile just about all the time. It's wonderful to see Andrew in this new role (of big brother). He's always been a follower of his big sister (which he still enjoys immensely as well) but seeing him as a big brother has been really fun.

They sure are buddies.....

She's lucky to have that boy as her big brother.

Tubby Time

Madeline loves her tubs. Ever since she had her first bath - she has always loved it. She is still in the infant/toddler tub that goes into the sink. But not for long, since she is getting so big and tall.

She has always loved taking a bath. Now she will kick and splash on command. Andrew will stand next to us and help us entertain her - not that it's really needed. But she loves her big brother and will do as he directs. He'll say "KICK!" and she will. Then they both laugh, that kind of huge belly laugh. And then they repeat it over and over and over and over......

It's awesome.....

Halloween 2011

The kids were really excited about Halloween this year. The weather was fantastic (for Minnesota standards...) and the kids were ready to go trick-or-treating as soon as they got home.

Cailin was going to be a cowgirl again (I think she figured out how easy it was to wear that costume...)

Andrew was going to be a Transformer named Optimus Prime. Apparently he's a good guy. We found the costume at Target on the FIRST DAY they put costumes out in September. Andrew carried the mask around for weeks, wanting to 'try it on' repeatedly.

And Madeline, although not going trick or treating, was dressed up as a Ladybug.

The kids had a party at daycare during the day where they got to dress up in their costumes and 'trick-or-treat' at daycare with each other handing out treat bags. Then in the evening, the biggins got to go trick-or-treating with our neighbors and great friends, the Frasers. The four biggins had fun with the moms going to every house in the neighborhood.

Madeline helped hand out candy with Dad at home.

It was wonderful, you looked down the block and all you could see and hear were happy, laughing children running around from house to house with their friends. It was one of those wonderful evenings that you wish wouldn't end.

But alas, the kids did the usual sorting of the candy at home. Cailin was proud to announce that she had collected 67 pieces of candy, three juice boxes and 15 miscellaneous snacks. Not that she was keeping track or anything....