My Dad flew in and joined us for a few days.  It was great to see him and share our little world with him.  I think he had a GREAT time and we did too!

Dad in the great outdoors.  It was a little cold at the top, but he didn't mind.  He loved the views.

We took Dad butterfly catching in the Westfork :)

Helping our Little Lady along.  What gentlemen!

What a hottie!

Downtown 4th of July Parade

Watching the Festivities... (it was a long parade)

Movie Night!

A Grandpa and a Princess

We were able to head to the Midwest this year and visit Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  What an amazing place. 

Fun in Chicagoland.  This is a place to spend LOTS of time.  Our little whirlwind didn't do it justice.  Next trip the Field Museum!

A tiny bird we found that had crashed and was out of it enough to let the boys hold her.  Sory was enamored... he told me "I always wanted to hold a baby bird my whole life!"

More of God's creatures.  Dylan said Grandma Bonnie's is the best place ever for catchin' stuff.

Swimming!  This girl loves the water.

Warming up...

Lightning bugs... only in the Midwest!

We love Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Bob!  Their house is a kid's paradise.  Toys, animals, tractors, yummy treats!  The kids had a blast.

This girl loves men.  I know, not sure what to think of that ;)  She's had no trouble warming right up to her Papas.

High Flying!  Sory loves to rough house like no other.  This is how we first got him to laugh as a baby and he still loves the thrill.

The gang.  Doesn't a lazy day on a swing seem so Midwestern?  I love it!

You couldn't ask for two more giving and gracious souls.

Happy Birthday Dear Daddy

Almost exactly one year ago, the man of my dreams and his three little birds
and yesterday the Hubs turned the big 4-5!

And what a day it was:

Wake up! Today we leave for vacation...

Pack up kids, clean house, make snacks, feed baby, water plants, feed fish, get lunch...

Confirm flight (oh, i'm sure it's fine)

We're off to the big city and then off to an even bigger city- yippee!!

It's 110 degrees in the big city. How do people actually survive?

Ah, nice cool air-conditioned airport. I love you.

Excuse me, m'am? Are you all flying to Chicago?

Why Yes!

I'm sorry all flights have been cancelled.

Jaws drop

Come again?

Bad storms in the windy city

Well, when can we leave?

Let's take a look... oh, how does Friday afternoon sound?

The hubs begins using profanities like I've never seen, not like him and highly embarrassing. He is the most serene man on earth 'till you get him in 100+ degree weather or an airport.

Baby exits the airport. Friendly stranger returns her.

Hubs gives me the look of death

Schlep everyone back to the car

Cancel hotel and car reservations

OK, let's just all relax and go and have a nice dinner before we make the journey back home

We're here! Yay! I'll get the baby

GASP.... there is poop ALL OVER MY ARM and it's melting in the heat

Well, at least we have extra clothes right? Change baby. Give sponge bath with hot wipes.

Food and cold beverage here we come!

Beverage in the lap, down the leg, pooling in the chair

Amazing waiters... Tommy Bahama's is the BEST

Survive dinner. Hey, let's let the kiddies play at the fountains!

Daddy, I have to go potty

Uh, just go in the water honey... it's ok. (really?? they need specific directions at all times. tell to leave his pants on and just go!)

My darling little boy pulls down his pants and publicly urinates all over poshy Kierland Commons.

Lots of looks of disgust... a few chuckles.

Time to go

11pm- home sweet home.

Happy Birthday Honey! I promise to make it up to you on your 46th.

We love you!!!!

We're Outta Here!

The day has finally come.  We are leaving behind this monster of a house and downsizing to a darling little single-level home.  And I absolutely love it.  We have learned so many lessons these past few years.
Here are a few...
Less is More
Big houses really are just more to to clean
The greatest joy in life is just being together
Stairs and babies do not mix
Steep driveways and bikes do not mix
Me and mopping acres of flooring do not mix
It is time to simplify
Time to be grateful
Time to give
Time to purge and realize we still have SO much
Time to save and be conservative in our spending
Time to teach our children these lessons
When the going gets tough, the tough get going!
The Madskaggs are one tough bunch
In the past 8 years we have moved 7 times, had 3 babies, changed careers, lost loved ones, had numerous ER visits, faced financial ruin and wondered if we could hold it all together.  There are days I've wanted to run away from it all, but we stayed.
What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger
Today we are stronger and happier than ever
We are so thankful for our dear friends and family and all of their wisdom!

Big move ahead... can't wait to enjoy the new digs.
xoxo