"Mad"i Scientist

Madi has asked and asked for a magnifying glass so we thought for Christmas a lab set would be a good gift.  

 She begged and begged to open it but we told her first we were going to breakfast . . .

 She loves to build things using the creamers and jellies.  We put everything back how we found it!

 Once we got home there was no use putting it off.  Out the lab set came!

 The set comes with 10 experiments to try.  First, we used the primary colors to make orange, green and purple. 

 Then we used baking soda and vinegar to make a volcano.  Madi ran from the room at the best part!

 The next day she begged and begged again so we did one more experiment.  We made a chart to record what items would sink or float.  She guessed beforehand and was right alot of the time.

 There have also been MANY MANY Uno games played by these two!

 My sister and I were crazy and took the kids to the mall with us to shop.  They wanted to stop at every fountain and throw money away, I mean, throw pennies in the water!

 After playing in the play area they still wanted to ride more rides.  But thankfully we still got quite a bit of shopping in too!

 The nice part about Christmas break is getting to play at eachother's houses.  Tucker and Maci came to our house one day so Shelle and I could shop some more and then Madi went home with Aunt Shelle today from Chickfila to play some more.

There was also a new truck purchase in our family.  I think someone is VERY happy in our family! 

We've had such a nice break so far and luckily we have five more days! 

Christmas Morning

 Christmas morning we woke up extra early so we could get the gifts from the front porch that "Santa" left per Madi's request.  She still doesn't like the idea of Santa (or anyone really) coming into our house while we sleep.  I can't say I blame her!

She got some wonderful gifts!  Grandma and Grandpa Heider sent some gifts home with us for her to open Christmas morning.  She loved adding the Brave doll to her Barbie collection and she's not too sure about the gun yet, but I'm sure in no time she'll be outside shooting away!  Santa brought her a hula-hoop and a fun playhouse that you color.  Her stocking had a harmonica, stamp markers and a crayon piggie bank to name a few.  She did ask how Santa was able to use our wrapping paper. I quickly said that I left it on the porch for him.  She then asked if I left the tape and scissors too!

 Day 31:  Fred spent Christmas morning reading the Christmas story from the bible.

 Another Christmas surprise was waking up to SNOW! 

 Madison couldn't wait to get bundled up and head outside. 

 Thank goodness her Daddy didn't mind going out with her because I froze just taking these few pictures and running back inside!

 Sadly, they weren't able to build a snowman because the snow wouldn't stay together, but they still had a lot of fun. 

 Aunt Bevie gives pjs every year for Christmas.  This year Madi's came with pjs for her doll.  She begged me to wash them right away so her new Baby Alive doll (that you feed) from Aunt Shelle could wear matching pjs with her.

 We were surprised by the size of the house from Santa!  We could all fit in there together!

 Thank goodness it's easy enough to fold up and put out of the way when needed.

We spent the majority of Christmas day coloring on her house and making it beautiful! 

The day after Christmas we were ready to get out of the house so Daddy took us to breakfast at Madi's favorite place Cracker Barrell then we did a little shopping at Market Street where Madi thinks she needs to get a cookie each time we go.  She picked a bumble bee cookie this time and it had two black stripes but we were surprised at the mess it made with only a little icing!


Christmas Eve

Day 30:  Fred wanted to be part of the Nativity scene that Madi is always talking about. 

Everyone met at our house Christmas Eve day after going out to breakfast. 

 The kids colored and we played a little dominos too.

 Maci's hair is getting longer . . .

 We made yummy tacos for lunch then opened gifts with my sister's family before they had to leave.

This fort maker was a great gift for Madison.

She's built many forts since Christmas.

 She told everyone who would ask what she wanted for Christmas "a fishing pole!"

Not sure why since we don't have any water around here but Aunt Shelle listened and now Madi has a Barbie fishing pole.

Matt taught her how to cast and said she's pretty good for a 5 year old.

 Uncle Rod bought Aunt Shelle a gun.  He thinks she needs one for times when Uncle Cody travels.

 Earmuffs!

 Madi decorated a mug with a picture of her and her Daddy and some of her drawings.

 My Dad thought we needed a shield for when I give the guys haircuts.  I guess someone (ahem! Uncle Rod) has been complaining about me not having a cape. This one was quite interesting and got many laughs!  But it does work!



Roswell Christmas

 Day 28:  Fred hid somewhere easy so we'd be sure and pack him as we headed to Roswell for Christmas.

The second Madi gets to Roswell she's in heaven.  She loves her cousins and Grandparents!

This picture sums up the chaos perfectly!

 Madison and Owen have become even closer lately.

They are two peas in a pod and Ethan plays so well with the dynamic duo!

 The cousins were so excited to open gifts this year.

Uncle Jacob knows Madi well!  She loves her Curious George.

 Henry's personality cracks us up!  He loved his new backpack.

 I love how we always try and take family pictures when we're at Matt's parents' house. It's great for documenting!

Grandpa and Grandma with Madison, Henry, Owen & Ethan

 Madi & Owen

 The original Heiders!

 Group shot of all the "kids"!

 We even had some time to throw in a little bowling!

 Day 29:  Fred tagged along and hung on the lamp in Roswell.

Sunday morning we went to church with Matt's family.  Donuts and milk are the kids' favorite after the church service.

We had a yummy brunch (had to explain what that was many times to the kids!) at Grandma & Grandpa's house before heading home.  We were blessed with such great family time! 

Cupcakes with Cousins

 Tuesday was Madi's last day of school so she brought home a bunch of Christmas goodies.

I can't keep them all so I decided to take a picture to remember them by.  The above card was my favorite.  She drew her Daddy the tallest with brown hair and herself taller than me!  Matt said it was because soon enough she'll outgrow me.  :) 

 Day 25:  Fred noticed how much Madi likes to wrap gifts so he was tricky and wrapped himself. 

 Up close . . .

Madi thought it was pretty neat that she could carry Fred around since she wasn't technically touching him.  We have our hands full if she can already think like that at age 5! 

Then she made a sleigh for him out of wrapping paper and ribbon so she could take him for a ride.

We invited over Aunt Shelle, Tucker and Maci to bake cupcakes for the first day of Christmas break.

Me with the group . . .  

 Aunt Shelle and the group . . .

 Just the kids . . .

 They were not excited at all!

 After we made cupcakes we headed to Madi's last dance class until January.  They performed a little Christmas dance so we got to go in and watch.

 Day 26:  Fred needed to work out and lift weights after all the Christmas goodies!  

 Thursday afternoon we were invited over to a friend's house for cookie baking.

 Madi had so much fun rolling out the dough and then decorating the finished cookies.

 Day 27:  Fred got into some of Madi's stickers!

Friday night was our last night in town before heading to Roswell and even though I didn't feel well we had promised to take Madi on the carriage ride so she could see the horses. 

 Seeing how happy these two were made it so fun!

More Christmas celebrations to come!