6!!

It is hard to believe Ms. Madelynn is six years old. That little girl is such an amazing little person, and a true miracle.  As I say every year she is a testament to medical science, and the will to live. Madelynn had several close calls in the hospital including coding December of 2009.  I think that girl wanted to be here.  Whether it was a conscious thought or not we'll never know, but I believe she wanted to live.

When asked what she wanted to do for her birthday this year she animatedly insisted on skating. When asked what she wanted for her birthday it was pink skates (which two days after I purchased turned into purple skates, but I did not trade them out), and a lava lamp. 

We booked a private party at the  Classic Fun Center.  It was such a great place for a child's birthday party.  The package included tokens for the arcade; full, unlimited access to the bounce area; and skating for 90 minutes.  For the same price of what I paid for the princess bounce house last year, this was a much better deal.  Madelynn had 14 little friends show up, and all seemed to really enjoy themselves.  She even had friends come all the way from Syracuse come down.  This kid is seriously loved!

Our host, Andrew, was really good with all the kids and making sure our party's needs were taken care of.  The soda and water was always filled, the kids got ice cream, and he was generous with the amount of tickets everyone won.

Skating didn't open until 11:30 (Andrew opened the rink a half hour early for the kids), so the initial 90 minutes was spent in the bounce area and arcade.  Bella was the most daring of all the children when it came to the bounce area.  She showed no fear when going down the giant slide by herself.  After Madelynn and Matthew watched her go down, they were able to get the courage to slide themselves.

The kids received a cup of tokens as they came in to the party allowing them to play various arcade games, and ride the car or the carousel.  At one point Bella was lying across the top of the car while two of Madelynn's male friends were driving.  It was something out of a White Snake video.  I didn't get a photo in time. :(

In order to get in as much skate time as possible we did cake and presents around eleven. I had worn a cute white button-down shirt, and was handing out the ice cream as presents were being opened. The chocolate ice cream tipped and spilled all over my shirt.  I was so sad, and missed Madelynn's presents being opened as I was frantically rubbing a Tide pen all over.  It seemed to work our for the most part.  The kid got a haul from all of her generous friends' parents, and her family.  Poppa Dave came through with the lava lamp, and Mads loved the skates...she didn't even care that they weren't purple.

After presents it was finally skating time.  The rink had trainers for those who had never skated before.  As you can see in two of the photos below, Bella figured out if she hung half her body over the trainer and Aunt Crystal pushed, she wouldn't have to do any work.  The rink allowed for scooters, and most of the kids got those.  Darren even grabbed some roller blades, and skated with the kids. I was too busy pushing Bella to get too many photos of the skating.

We were supposed to be off the rink by one, but Andrew allowed us to hang out as long as we wanted.  We eventually vacated the facility around 1:30.  The day was successful, and a lot of fun. We are so grateful to have the people in our lives that we do.  Thank you to all who joined Madelynn in celebrating her 6th year!!

Kindergarten

Five months have passed since my last post.  At this point catching up would be quite the task.  As I get the time I may blog what took place over the summer, but my goal for now is attempting to write about current events.

On August 26th Madelynn started kindergarten.  It is so hard to believe our daughter is old enough to go to school.  She has been planning this day for a long time; reminding me throughout the summer she is going to need supplies, she'll learn to read, and will probably learn math.  The kid cracks me up.

Madelynn was given a test prior to receiving her teacher assignment to see where she was.  We were slightly surprised, but relieved when we were notified Madelynn will be placed in extended day kindergarten (OEK).  We were surprised because she did not meet with qualifications for early intervention preschool a year before.  Madelynn attends 'normal' kindergarten in the morning, goes to lunch, and then goes to an intervention kindergarten to reiterate what happened during the morning.   Madelynn prefers her OEK teacher, Ms. Royce, to her morning teacher, Ms. McCann, but she likes both teachers.  Fun Fact: Ms. McCann is a dear friend of Jeremy's step-aunt, Linda.

We received Madelynn's kindergarten portrait the other day.  Who knows how long it has been in her backpack.  Her hair was really cute before she left, but by the time the photo was taken it was all over the place.  Good thing Madelynn is so photogenic.

Part of the first few weeks of school include lunch with your child.  I was really, really ill the week of the lunch and Jeremy was unable to get the time off; queue Poppa for the rescue.  My father went to the school to meet Mads for lunch.  She was quite delighted by the surprise.

The next school item coming up will be her parent-teacher conferences this week.  It's hard to believe she's been in school for five weeks now.

Elyssa and Darren

A quick note for those interested in what my sibling is up to, his wife writes a blog and Cuddles and Coconuts.  Just click this link: http://cuddlesandcoconuts.blogspot.com/

Madelynn Videos

Madelynn was drawing and watching Into the Woods. I caught her singing and dancing.  I couldn't help but share them.

Coming Soon

It is with great excitement I get to post Darren & Elly are expecting another baby!  I cannot wait for this chunky bundle of joy to get here in September.  Darren and Elly know they gender, but have yet to clue me in.  For now I am just an excited aunt-to-be for the third time.

Easter 2015

On April 5th, we all gathered in our backyard to do a BBQ, Easter Egg Hunt & dye Easter Eggs.  Unfortunately Mom was sick so she and John stayed home.  Angela did come to visit, and it was quite the pleasant day.

It is such a joy to watch the children interact with one another.  Elly watches Madelynn for us, but I rarely get the opportunity to see all of them together.  They fight of course, but for the most part they are so kind to one another.  I am relieved by how close they are since Madelynn is an only child.  Matthew and Bella act as pseudo siblings, and give her that connection she may not have otherwise had.

Family Portraits

For Christmas the Bowden clan all got together for family portraits.  When I was growing up we had one portrait done with I was five.  I will attempt to do better, but no promises.  

Madelynn Moments

So far in 2015 we haven't done anything note worthy.  We've most enjoyed each others company, and watching Madelynn go from a preschooler to a soon to be kindergartner.  

Top Row: Madelynn is getting ready for Rupaul's Drag Race to Begin.  Mads is Trying On Angie's Wedding Dress.  The First Bike Ride of the Year.

Bottom Row:  Madelynn Showing Off Her Hair Do.  Mads After Registering for School.  Daddy Playing Maddie Crush.  Madelynn Playing Shy.

 It has been really nice this week. We decided to get some outside time today.  Jeremy played basketball, I jumped around with Madelynn's Frozen rope, and  Mads blew bubbles.  It was a nice change to play while dinner cooked instead of being cooped up in the house.

Bella's 3rd Birthday

Bella and her belly turned three on January 17th.  We love this nugget so much.  Uncle Jeremy is admittedly her favorite Hurst as she often tells him she misses him so much, and is so glad he comes back to her house.  Unfortunately Jeremy was unable to attend,but his absence went unnoticed as Bella was the belle of the ball.  She was so adorable, as were all of her guests.  Madelynn and I were glad for the invite, and had so much fun celebrating the birthday of 'baby' Bella!

Bella and Guests

Bella's 3rd Birthday Party Montage by Elly

 Since it is my blog, here is my adorable daughter.  I wanted a cute photo of her in her pink party dress, but the kid was all over with place with her face.  No matter the expression, this kid crack me up.

Spending Time with Poppa

Madelynn is a very loving child.  She loves hugs, and piggy back rides.  I love yous and games.
Madelynn's maternal grandfather doles all of the foregoing to Madelynn on a daily basis, and as a result Poppa Dave is one of her favorite people.

Every day when she gets home Madelynn has to run downstairs to greet Poppa and ask if he will play a game, read to her or spend time with her.  It doesn't matter the activity as long as Poppa Dave is around.

Madelynn and Poppa Looking Through Poppa's Photo Album

Playing Aggravation on a Board That Has Seen 4 Generations of Bowdens

Saturday Swimming with Poppa and Pooh Bear

Madelynn Learning All About Vinyl and Turntables