And the stockings were hung...

Near and dear to us:
Smokey the Bear
(This up close encounter turned Maddy in to a stalker. She was so excited, she wouldn't leave the poor man alone!)

Wow, Christmas is fast approaching and I'm never on here! That is how time goes. Hopefully, I can learn to skip the "I'll get to it laters" and just do it! My brain doesn't work well with putting things off - unless of course I jot it down somewhere, Thank you iphone :)

My THREE year-old!

Madelyn continues to crack me up often. She is so smart, truly smart. I know I'm her mom but man, this girl has got it! She is wonderfully impressing her teachers at her new "school". She attends a Mothers Day Out program 3 days a week at our local church. They are constantly telling me how impressed they are (and she is not the oldest in this class as she was at her past daycare). Most recently it was her coloring that they highlighted. This girl is serious about staying in the lines, taking her time, matching colors...LOVES it!

She is also soooo imaginative. I see Madelyn play with other kids her age and wow, she comes up with some really great dialogue. She plays daily with her doll house, doesn't matter who lives in it (animals, dolls, squinkies, cars) but they all are a family and play house. I love spying on her to here what they are up to and what happens next in this saga :) Oh, and the snails. I despise the snails. We have small little creatures of wonder in our backyard. Maddy cannot leave them alone. On days that it is "too cold" (yes, that happens here once in a while) to be out with them she simply "checks on them real quick" to make sure "they are ok" and get "to eat". To highlight her imagination, often they are napping when other important things are going on and Maddy can't be with them! the other day, after opening a carton of orange juice, she took the insert from her dad because it was a new trampoline for the snails and she went out to show them how to jump on it so they would "be safe". As much fun as she has with them, I keep hoping the chill will eliminate these little buggers for the season but they live on!

So excited at Papa's shop!
(Mommy made me wear a helmet every time I actually rode though!)

Have I mentioned Maddy is growing like a weed? Check-up coming up, but guessing she is still in the 90's for height percentile. We are buying clothes based on length versus width always. She is mix of 3 and mostly 4T right now. Delaney is also impressing us with the growth. She too is outgrowing the length on things. We are in 6 month outfits on several things. A few are a little too big, but I can see them fitting nicely in the next few weeks. I am excited as I watch her change, but saddened as I put away our "too small" items. It is a weird feeling when you are not sure that you'll ever do the 'baby' thing again. I keep waiting for the magic of older children to hit me so that I don't question giving up these all too precious little people moments. Granted, the tantrums I can do without so I'm sure once Delaney hits the "fighting" stage I'll be more ready to "let go" :)

Pajama babies.

Delaney is easily keeping her head up, standing tall (assisted), trying to roll over, grabbing toys, putting everything in her mouth (including her entire fist!), and possibly teething as the drooling is out of control. She continues to be a very happy, easy going baby. She gets a little feisty when tired, but easily cured with a cuddle and a nap. Delaney is also keeping her brown hair. By now, Maddy was losing hair and getting so light with new hair it was evident she was to be a dirty blond. While Maddy has her Daddy's eyes, Delaney is appearing to stay blue. Not as light as mine, but blue nonetheless. Also seeing some curls when her hair is wet. Maybe she'll get that sought after curl that I've been waiting for!

2 Months

3 Months

Delaney size ride at Papa's shop :)

Shaye is doing great at work. He is in a new job which he seems to enjoy. He is learning all about the programs behind his job and is working toward even more of a leadership position once he puts on that next stripe that we are excitedly waiting for. He's already been granted it but has to wait for that timeline to hit so he is able to wear it. Unfortunately, He has been having some increasing in his pain level with his back. This is disappointing but we are looking in to possible further problems or the need to wait it out a bit longer. He follows up with his doctor in a couple weeks, but time may be our only answer right now.

5 years of Wedded bliss!

I have taken on work 2 days a week and am quite happy with that. Delaney is spending those days with a really good family friend and they seem to enjoy each other a lot. Nikki is truly a blessing to us! She even takes Madelyn those days when school is out for holidays. I am so much happier leaving Delaney with a friend during this awful cold/ flu season, especially being so young.

Let's compare:

Madelyn @ 2 Months

Delaney @ 2 Months

Madelyn with Nana & Papa (~8 weeks)

Delaney with Nana & Papa (~10 weeks)

Now we sit and wait in great anticipation for Christmas. Madelyn is a little annoyed that she keeps putting stuff on "a list" but is excited to go shopping for Delaney's Christmas gift. She is also obsessed with learning about Baby Jesus and the Nativity Scene. Even better that her "school" is at our church. They mix academics with good morals and teaching the kids Bible stories/ lessons. Win- Win!

Other happenings:

Halloween;

My adorable girls! (Thanks Auntie)

Pumpkin Patch!

My Lioness.

My Candy Corn.

Trick or Treating with Caileigh.... impatient toddlers or peeping toms?

And after every house... "What did I get?"

Grandmas, Grandpa, Nana, Papa... (those that I actually got pictures of)

Grandpa Mike

Grandma Regina.

Great-Grandma Olstad

Great-Grandma Mc

Nana & Papa et. al. :)

We love you all! x
Shaye, Jody, Madelyn, Delaney, and of course, Daisy

PS. Maddy and I thank everyone for helping us celebrate our birthdays and your generosity with gifts!!!