Happy Birthday Madison

Saturday, March 8

Maddy's birthday started yesterday with treats to her classroom, 

a couple of friends over after school (9 little kids here), 

and a dinner-date with mom and dad to a restaurant of her choosing

(Cafe Ali Baba - Mediterranean food), 

then shopping to spend some birthday money, 

and ending with hot-cocoa at Starbucks. 

Today, we all awoke early at 6:15

  (thanks Christian - he was excited to see what the Birthday Fairy did to Maddy's room)

Madison, Brooke and I went for a nice morning run up Rabbit Hill and at the track at the park, then home for breakfast blinztes and presents . . .

What could be behind the doors?

A new bike!  Yeah!  She really needed a bike, and wanted a beach cruiser. 

It is so darling!

We all went outside for a little ride in the neighborhood, 

then off to piano lessons.

Then . . .

Horseback Riding!

look closely above . . . those little dots are us on the horses. 

What a gloriously beautiful Spring day!

Fatimah (Maddy's school friend), Brooke and Madison getting ready to saddle-up.

Tally-Ho!

Gid'yup!

We went for an hour-long trail ride while John took Ashlyn and Christian on a horse in the coral.  They loved it.  It was a fun birthday activity that Madison chose.  We are so lucky to have such beauty and resources nearly walking-distance from our home. 

Happy Birthday Maddy!

Here's to Nine Years!

Can you seriously get any cuter?  What a beautiful baby girl!

Madison is grateful to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is learning the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and the sacrament.

First day of kindergarten . . . and still loves school.  Hopefully it continues for at least 13 more years.

Pictures are totally out of order (love Blogger)

Enjoys playing the piano and is learning so much!

Madison loves, loves, loves the beach.

She enjoys gymnastics, but is now taking a break to do track . . . and is loving track!

Likes shooting hoops out front, or at the park.