Sunday, October 5, 2008

Orlando Vacation

We had the opportunity to take a family vacation to Orlando for a week in September. We stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Villages which was a very nice resort. We ended up with two, one-bedroom units that were hooked together so Madelyn had her very own unit (what a lucky kid). We loved Orlando and look forward to going back when Madelyn and her younger sibling are a little older.
Melinda and Madelyn swinging at our resort. On the afternoon of the first day in Orlando we drove to Canaveral Beach and played in the water and sand for a couple hours. Madelyn loved jumping waves, playing in the sand, and rubbing sand on Mommy and Daddy's backs. Feeling the water and wet sand on our toes.
Madelyn and Mommy having fun in the water Madelyn was pointing to all the waves coming in A day at the beach will tire a poor girl out. She fell asleep on the way back to Orlando, mid-snacking as seen by the cracker still in hand.
The first ride in Orlando for Madelyn was the carousel at SeaWorld. She loved it so much that she cried when the ride stopped and we had to get off. She hasn't been using sign language since she took off talking a few months ago, but when the ride would stop she would sign "more" and "please". Madelyn and Michael on the Swishy Fishies. Melinda and Madelyn on the Jazzie Jellies. The Marks family at the Makahiki Luau at SeaWorld. We all enjoyed the show and Madelyn loved the fire dancers. Madelyn and Michael riding the Walt Disney World Railroad.
Madelyn loved riding the horses on Cinderella's Golden Carousel. Luckily it didn't have a line so we were able to ride it multiple times. Madelyn holding hands with her new friend. Madelyn generally sleeps only in her crib or in her car seat, but she was so exhausted that she actually fell asleep in her stroller and took a 1.5 hour nap while we walked around the park. Taking a picture with Dumbo (we didn't actually ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant because it always had a long line and no fast pass option). Madelyn and Mommy kicking back on the Liberty Belle Riverboat.
Pooh was the only character we met. While standing in line, Madelyn was very excited and said she was going to say "hi" to him and give him a "hug", but when we actually got up to him she wanted to see him, but only from the comfort of mom's arms. Watching the Spectromagic parade from Daddy's shoulders. Playing in the water at our resort. Madelyn loved the sharks at Sea World! Madelyn next to a tiger at Rafiki's Planet Watch at Animal Kingdom.
Vacationing is so much fun and I'm such a ham! Madelyn checking out the hippo along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Melinda and Madelyn on the TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Madelyn loved the TriceraTop Spin so much that she got to go again, but this time with Daddy. Melinda and Madelyn spinning in the teacups at the Mad Tea Party.
Thanks to Grandma Freidenberger, Madelyn loves suckers. She got to have one the second day at the Magic Kingdom. She was covered with blue and pink from ear to ear by the time we took it away from her so we could ride on a ride. Next to the Lego people in Downtown Disney. Madelyn loved the chocolate mousse cheesecake at the House of Blues Restaurant in Downtown Disney. Madelyn hanging out at home with Mickey and Minnie in her Minnie Mouse ears personalized with her name on the back. Back at home and all wearing our new Mickey shirts.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Trip to Raton and La Junta

We took our annual trip to Raton, NM to go the the NRA Whittington Center Aug. 29-Sept. 1. We spent 2 nights in Raton and then spent a night at Grandpa and Grandma's in La Junta.
Adriana won't always smile so you have to tell her "show me your teeth" and both girls did just that. Riding a tricycle at Grandpa and Grandma's. Her feet wouldn't even touch the pedals, but Madelyn loved getting pushed. Madelyn standing by the buffalo at the new museum at the NRA Whittington Center. Uncle Michael and his buddy Adriana Checking out a cricket

Annual Freidenberger Camping Trip

We took the annual Freidenberger camping trip Aug. 22-24, 2008. This year we went to Taylor Reservoir. It was beautiful and much cooler than Blue Mesa Reservoir last year. Madelyn loved being outdoors and sleeping in the tent.
The favorite activity of the weekend? Playing in the DIRT! Adriana and Madelyn playing Playing in the dirt will make a kid DIRTY!!! This was probably the dirtiest Madelyn has ever been!
The girls were all ready to go down to the reservoir and try to fish off the bank. Playing the the tent with my egg lantern Mommy didn't think about packing mittens and it was very cold in the morning so a pair of socks worked to keep Madelyn's hands worm. My favorite--corn on the cob (it's especially good when cooked on the fire).
Madelyn liked playing with the tray cover for her booster seat. She kept doing the pig nose until we got out the camera so Daddy had to help. Grandpa and Daddy fishing out of the boat. Uncle Ryan checking out the weather. Luckily the guys got off the reservoir before the storm hit. Camping will wear you out!

Misc. summer pictures

Riding rides at Bananas Fun Park Down for a little nap.
Licking a piece of candy after dinner (this was the only way she knew candy and suckers until Grandma gave her a sucker of her own during Labor Day weekend) Madelyn stole Melinda's ear of corn at the Mesa County Fair. We had a little dinner before we went the the Demolition Derby (which Madelyn loved). Looking so cute to go to church. Her hair curled up so nicely under her hat.