Dear Santa,

Mommy said we could only ask for three things each this year because our new playroom is already full. That makes it a really, really tough decision. If you want to bring four things, Santa, that would be okay with us. I would like clothes for my American Girl doll (Lucy), some jewelry, and roller blades. Ella would like an American Girl doll, but mommy and daddy said she has to be 4. So she would like clothes for bitty baby, jewelry, and something Dora. Thank you, Santa, and please bring Uncle Brian something on the other side of the world.

Love, Madeline
age 6

This video was taken back in August, but I had to post it now that I know how to upload video to the blog. After dinner one night, Mads and Ella started making up songs about how much they love each other. Of course, there was some classic bossing of little sis' involved. I think the video captures these two completely and how they act around the house. This one's for you, Uncle Brian & Aunt Megan!

Thanks for the Halloween shirts, GiGi!

The girls love 'accessorizing' their Halloween shirts from GiGi (Great Grandma Ebert). Check out the homemade Halloween necklace, glitter belt, and purple Tshirt underneath. We are stylin'!

And Whoooo went the wind on Halloween night!

We went to the Ahern's for a pre-trick or treat Halloween party in our neighborhood. The girls had so much fun at the party that they only wanted to trick or treat for a little while! Fine with Mom (and Papa Doc) given we have enough candy to last two years! Daddy set up the Halloween Castle for the trick or treaters to go through on our sidewalk. He is very proud of the addition of a 'fog machine' to Halloween night (hence the blurry picture).

St. Joseph's Fall Festival

St. Joseph's school has a wonderful Fall Festival every year. Daddy the Cowboy set up his Haunted Halloween Castle for the Kindergarten room. They have a chili supper, cake walk, and every classroom is decorated for Halloween to host kids' games. Hannah Montana and Cinderella had a blast! The best part was a pony ride in our Halloween costume.

Go Tigers!

We had the best time with the Willmeth family in Springfield! It took less than 5 minutes for the kids to act like they had known each other their entire lives. Tanya and Eric have a beautiful family and a beautiful home; the best part was that it felt like old times! We also enjoyed going to Tanya and Eric's church on Sunday, and the girls went to Sunday School with Braden and Aubrey. We can't wait to get together again soon!

Happy Birthday...Cha Cha Cha

Halloween Birthday Party!

Costumes, games, haybales, pumpkins and presents...What could be more fun?! Especially when you add about 16 little girls! Madeline had a great turnout for her 6th birthday party. The kids went all out with their costumes, but Grams wins the prize. The girls were so excited when Grams the Clown appeared! Daddy (AKA the cowboy) also used a fog machine that was a big hit with the little princesses and witches. Our Madeline was Hannah Montana (for the 2nd year in a row). But, of course we had to get a new costume!

Mommy, Daddy and Ella bought Madeline a horse for Lucy, Madeline's American Girl doll. She also received a VTech computer from Grams that she loves. She has spent hours filling out her first 'Journal' (Hannah Montana, of course), and Hannah Montana shampoo and body wash makes bath time extra special!

Look who's 6!

This picture was taken on Madeline's birthday 10-10-08. My baby's growing up too fast! When I tell her this, she says 'Mama, I'll always be your baby...even when I'm big and grown up like Aunt Megan, I will still be your baby and live with you!' I hope she doesn't forget this!

Nana's Special Visit in September

Nana came to Fayetteville for a nice visit between Ella & Maddie's birthdays. She saw one of Madeline's soccer games, and Mads (of course) had several goals since her Nana was watching! The girls loved their presents of pajamas and Magneatos!

Pray for Uncle Brian

Brian is now a 1st Lieutenant in the US Air Force, and he will deploy to Afghanistan in late September. He flies the C130 Gunship, Special Forces. We are so proud of him, and we ask for all of our friends to pray that God will watch over him and keep him safe! These pictures were from Brian's pilot winging ceremony in February 2007 in Corpus Christie, TX. He is now stationed in Destin, FL, but will spend at least 3 months overseas. Our Madeline says she wants to be a pilot when she grows up, just like Uncle Brian.

Nana's Girls

I found this great picture of 'the girls' from Nana and Megan's trip to town earlier this summer. Meg had just completed her Junior year at LMU, and we had a great time showing them around Fayetteville! This was taken right before we took the girls to a special brunch at Soul, one of our favorite restaurants in town.

Soccer Game #1!

Meet the Dynamo Team (Fayetteville U-6) and Coach Mark! The girls played a great game on Saturday morning, and every single one of them had a goal! Our little Madeline had 4 goals, 2 assists, and some awesome defensive moves! She absolutely loves soccer, and of course loves having her Daddy coach! What a coincidence that she's been number '3' for the past 4 seasons of soccer...of course we had to keep her Dad's lucky number in the family!

San Antonio

We spent Labor Day Weekend with Pa Pa Doc and family in San Antonio. Uncle Brian flew in from Florida, and Aunt Megan flew in from LA. It is a great town, and we enjoyed visiting the Riverwalk, the Alamo, and Sea World. We had a Dora birthday cake for Ella, and of course she is a proud 3 year old! Another highlight was trying the kids' Guitar Hero! We all enjoyed getting to know Madison, Davis, and Riley; they are good kids.

Visit with Jay's Family and Branson

7 am before heading out - are we there yet?

These are a few snapshots of our fun summer visit with Jay, Tracy, Caden, Colin & Carmen Wilburn in early August. The kids always enjoy spending time with their cousins! We celebrated the 3rd birthdays, too! Carmen's birthday was July 27th and Ella's is August 28th. You can see that everyone had fun with the Diego art kit!

We enjoyed 3 days in Branson, MO and Silver Dollar City. Our resort was on Table Rock Lake, just a few minutes from all of the attractions. Check out the 'statues' posing above. Madeline, Aunt Chrissy, Aunt Tracy & Colin enjoyed riding the Thunderation roller coaster. Uncle Mark convinced Caden to go down a speed racer waterslide. Ella and Carmen loved the tall swings. Uncle Jay enjoyed winning the race to the top of the tower (even though Uncle Mark thinks he won!). The best part was the 'family time'!

Singing in the Rain

Dora the Explorer chairs, new princess umbrellas, and singing in the rain. Life is good.

First week of School! Kindergarten & Pre-K 3's

St. Joseph's School, here we come! As of August 18th, Madeline is in Mrs. Neumeier's Kindergarten class, and Ella goes to Mrs. Ashley's 3 year old class on Tuesday and Thursday. The school had a very nice picnic for new families on Sunday after church, which gave the girls a chance to meet friends before school started.

Miss Madeline doesn't like her mom and dad to walk her into class (she knows how to get there, mom and dad!). She's already learning a lot, but she doesn't understand why they haven't taught her how to read yet (in week 1). On Thursday, we had to hurry to school because she had a 'plan' with her friend Kirsten to meet at the front door and walk in together.

Ella came home doing the sign of the cross. She loves 'dipping into the Angel'. She is also amazed that boys can stand up when they go to the bathroom!