Maddix's 3rd Birthday...

Maddix turned 3 years old on Saturday, the 24th. He had a Shrek party with all his 'girlfriends' and family. It was the first party where we invited his little friends, which the vast majority happens to be girls. In fact his boy buddies were missing in action on this one, so Maddix had all the little ladies to himself. He wasn't complaining. The kids played Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Swamp Hop (a Shrek rendition of musical chairs). All the kids were three except for Dakota who is in first grade. Needless to say the little ones were new to these games and Dakota was the champ for both. Maddix made out well in the gift department. He got a big remote control Ford truck, a train track set, The Jungle Book movie, some books and misc vehicles, dinosaurs, a sweeper vacuum (yes, he's always wanted a toy one so grandma Pam and grandpa Larry got him a real push sweeper/vacuum so he can really help and can sort of clean up his own messes too!!), and of course some more Play-Doh. He had a 'Shrektacular' time and got spoiled by everyone!

Christmas '08

We had a nice Christmas this year, as every year. We are very blessed and lucky to have great family, friends, and each other. It was especially fun this year because Maddix could understand the concept of baby Jesus being born and Santa Clause. We enjoyed watching Christmas movies this holiday season. We especailly love 'The Grinch' with Jim Carrey and watched it several times. Maddix was able to visit with Santa at our ward party. He was a little shy and didn't really talk. He was mostly interested in getting the candy cane, which has been one of his very favorite treats since last Christmas. We made lots of treats and probably gained a few unwanted pounds too. Maddix enjoyed opening his presents and everyone else's as well. From Santa he received a V-Tech educational video game system, a parking garage, Play Dough set, and some miscellaneous items like Curious George band-aids. He got a lot more toys from grandmas and grandpas. He was very spoiled. Carter got a few infant toys too which he is starting to enjoy now that he's trying to sit up. Maddix and Carter weren't the only ones who got spoiled...Ben and I did as well. We got a nice Canon Rebel camera to take better pictures with and also Rock Band. Rock Band was a lot of fun to play on Christmas day with all the relatives. We stayed in Roosevelt this year and celebrated with Ben's family. However, Nana Connie came out and stayed with us as well. Then a few days later, we went and saw my Dad and brother's and their families. We had a fun time with all our family and enjoyed a wonderful holiday season.

Sleddin' Tradition...

Last year Maddix and I started the Christmas Eve Day tradition of going sledding at the park by our house. Last year, Maddix was a little apprehensive about going down the hills. But this year he kept wanted to go again and again. We enlisted Dad this year who was a good sport to come even though he was having some serious back pain. It was a lot of fun and it's now our yearly activity to pass the hours more quickly until Santa comes. Plus it helps to tucker the kids out, always a plus!

Halloween

This was Carter's first Halloween and Maddix's first time he really went trick-or-treating! We had a fun time. Maddix dressed up as Batman or "datman" as he calls him. Carter just chilled in a little teddy bear jogging suit. Maddix went to see his grandmas, grandpas, uncle and aunt. We also had our friends come over for dinner, The Clayburns. Then Maddix went out trick-or-treating with Dad, his friends Dakota and Courtney, and their dad Ryan to the neighbors. The kids were all hyped up because of the sugar and out of control! They had a good time. It was a memorable Halloween. We're already looking forward to next year when Carter can dress up...we're thinking a baby Yoda!?!