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

Tea Time

To say my child is spoiled is an understatement.  What started out as an imaginary tea party for her teddy bears turned into a real tea party complete with invitations, peppermint tea, outfits and cake.

Madelynn made three costume changes before settling on her purple ball dress and a white sun hat.  Joining her with costumes were Poppa Dave and Angie.

Madelynn was all smiles, and giggles as she sat down to enjoy her after dinner tea with the family.  She even learned from her father how to stick her pinkie finger out while drinking.

I keep assuring her there are perks to being an only child, and this is one of them. There is no doubt how much this child is loved.

Teddy Bears are Gentle Ladies & Men too.

The Invitation and Spread

Ms. Scarlet Hurst

Costume Changes Abound
She settled on the outfit in the top left corner.

 

A Quick Note on Catching Up

I was going to start catching up from November and working forward, but I changed my mind. It will be easier for me to review the most recent photos and go backward from there.  The posts I am catching up on will have the label "Catching Up".  One will be able to review posts by clicking that label, and have all the posts pop up in one spot.

Thank you everyone for your patience!  I hope you enjoy getting up to date with the Hursts.