Madison is 9

It's hard for me to believe that it was really 9 years ago that this beautiful girl was born.

February 17
We had Swedish pancakes w/ coconut syrup for breakfast- Madison's choice. (No one complained though. They'd have anything breakfast-style w/ coconut syrup every morning if I'd get up and make it!!)

She couldn't wait to open up her presents. Right after eating, she opened up an art bag, markers and crayons, a jewelry box and a friendship bracelet maker.

She was just a LITTLE bit excited about her markers and crayons. She enjoys anything that has to do with art.

Austin, Mayci and I took some chocolate milk and muffins over to her class that morning. Usually they have treats in the afternoon but I was taking her out of school at lunch time so Justin and I could have a date with her. The chocolate milk was a big hit!

We've decided that we aren't big fans of birthday parties with friends. We now give our children the choice of restraunt to go out to eat with just mom and dad. It gives us more of an opportunity to spend one-on-one time with the birthday child. There's no competing with 5-10 other kids running around our house, adding to the chaos already in our house.

Madison chose to eat at Applebee's. She was glad that they didn't sing to her. They just gave her a dessert. She informed us that she doesn't like being sung to!! Silly girl!

She worked on some puzzles with dad while we waited for lunch and she couldn't stop giggling. It was fun to watch her personality that afternoon!!

She didn't like the cherry! Her dessert didn't have enough chocolate in it either. It's a good thing we had cake later that night. She asked for angel food cake with strawberries and kiwi with some vanilla pudding mixed in it!!! Kind of like a trifle.

We are lucky to have this beautiful little lady in our family!! She keeps us on our toes and helps out more than she'll ever know! She is the best big sister ever!!!