December Catch-Up

Madeline decorating her little Christmas tree! 

Everyone who reads this more than likely would normally get a Christmas card from us. Because of the transition and craziness that has been happening for the past few weeks, I will not be sending out any cards this year. :( I apologize and thank you for understanding.

After Madeline's 2nd birthday party, Will and I packed up our house every free moment we had. Since the military didn't move us this go-around, Will and I tried to save money by boxing our stuff up. We did pretty well. The move was very smooth and Madeline did well among the chaos. After our stuff was packed and moved into storage we moved into a hotel for the remaining four days. Madeline did ok, but that was about the best we could ask for. Will and I were pretty much numb towards the end and we just wanted it started. He left on a Thursday and Madeline, Wendi, and I started the drive to VA the very next day. I could not believe how amazing Madeline was on the way up. It took us about 12 hours to get to VA, but we all did it while we maintained our sanity. 

Madeline's room got set up pretty quick and my room followed. Madeline and I were so happy to see Moose and Silas. I will have to post pictures of Silas next blog entry. It is crazy how big and fluffy he is. 

Madeline is still very much a happy toddler and Will is doing well. He's already sick of the breakfast and continues to mention how dusty and muddy it is there. He has taken pictures and as soon as he sends them to me, I will post them. Will will officially take over full time starting Christmas day. He does not have internet in his room yet because he needed a router. I have sent him one and hopefully he'll receive it within the week. From sending the first package, it seems as though it's only taking 6 days to get there. Which is awesome! Will's room is right next to the mailroom and the jet way. He said that's taking a little bit to get used to, but I do believe he has fully recovered from jet lag at this point. Before I forget, Will has been told that January 8th is when he will find out if he will be promoted to Major.

Madeline will also be starting pre-school January 3rd. She will be going twice a week from 9-1 p.m. There is an option for her to go four times a week, but I couldn't handle that emotionally right now. Over the next handful of weeks, we are really going to work on potty training. She is so very close so I'm hoping it won't be that difficult. Fingers crossed.

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!

Playing with two week old confetti from her birthday party

We went to the local garden that had a walking tour of lights. It was absolutely perfect for Madeline. 

Sucking on a piece of candy cane while watching the Christmas parade. 

Will got a little left over peppermint on his shirt. 

Trying to suck on the wipe instead of letting her Dada wipe her mouth. 

Madeline managed to suck on three different lollipops. Never once finishing one. 

New point of view, different lolli.

A woman volunteered to take our picture. After I told the woman that Madeline will smile when you fake sneeze, the woman did it. It was awesome. She did a very mean fake sneeze and while Will and I were amazed this woman obliged, Madeline looked quite confused. 

Wearing her Eagles jersey. Eagles didn't win that game. :/

At the Christmas tree farm in VA getting a tree.

Finding a lot of good lookin' Christmas trees!

Chillin'

Gingerbread House time! 

What was so funny? The fact that my brother-in-law and nephew wanted to make this a competition! Where's the Christmas spirit?!?

If we have to play, I do believe Madeline and I won! ;)

ADDRESSES

Will's address for the next 8+ months is:

Will Obringer

HHC, 3SB, Building 519C 

Kandahar Airfield 

APO, AE 09355

*Please do NOT include Will's rank.

*Do NOT send anything until December 10th.

Madeline and my address (beginning December 2, 2012) for the next 8+ months:

130 Hockman Court

Winchester, VA 22602

Madeline's Birthday Extravaganza

Before I show the enormous amount of pictures of Madeline's 2nd Birthday party, I want to explain a few things.

Many people have been hearing for weeks now the amount of effort I have put forth for this birthday.  I began to get more involved after I found out Will would be here for her birthday.

After all the things I made went up, it didn't look as crazy as I had thought it would. Also, most of the items came from the dollar store. Time was the culprit in the planning of this party.

When you saw the look of her face as well as the people who came through the door, it was well worth every minute!

So far there have been three Minnie Mouse cards given to Madeline and three of which were the same exact card. Hee hee. :)

Don't say I didn't warn you about the pictures.

DECORATIONS:

Told ya you were invited. 

REACTION:

ACTIVITES:

Madeline absolutely loves balloons still.

Josh humored us. 

Ornament time. 

I made ears for the kids. 

First time she blew her own bubbles. Awww. 

Josh loved Madeline giving him bubble wand taps. 

Minnie pinata made by me. 

Madeline's huge swing (tap) at Minnie.

Our friend, Chantal, helped Madeline while mommy was taking pictures. 

Josh was the last and he finished smacking it open. 

Will couldn't stop laughing because the sticks were a wee bit too large for the kids and honestly, put everyone around in danger. 

Kids decorated Minnie bow cookies. 

Our friend, Sara, helped Madeline with hers. 

Perfection.

THE CUPCAKES:

Yum Yum!

I am thankful I warned everyone how Madeline would most likely cry when we began to sing. I think we stopped at the first, "to youuuu."

Trying to focus on the sweets!

Completely focused. 

Not too bad for a baby girl who was sick during the entire party.

PRESENT TIME:

Her birthday kitchen was a huge success!

It cracks me up how the name of the game was how close can you get to Madeline opening presents.

Ha ha, do you see Tori getting super close behind her? :)

I had a different kid in my lap almost every other gift.

A special thank you goes to my sister, Wendi, who willingly agreed to take pictures throughout the party! :) 

Next on the agenda...celebrating Madeline's real birthday on Thanksgiving with just the three of us, Madeline's 24 month wellness baby checkup, and the dreaded deployment. :(