Snow! Snow! Snow!

Kenzie and Madden

We have had a couple of snows this year with enough accumulation to go sledding. The neighbors have a perfect hill for Madden. I'm sure he would prefer a bigger hill, but it means less trekking for Mom and Dad. It is enough to make Madden belly laugh. Bryan has found all sorts of ways to send him racing down the hill. Madden loves to do a spinner on his belly.

Madden is pictured on top of the snow volcano, in case you had no clue what that was. Bryan decided to shovel all the snow on the driveway into a massive pile. Little Red wanted to take the sled down the pile, but we decided that may not be the best of ideas. Kenzie, our neighbor, is in the pictures with Madden. We love them and are lucky to have such great neighbors.

The Boys

Usually, Rustin is photogenic and Madden wants nothing to do with having his picture taken. Rustin was happy while I was attempting to snap some pictures. However, he wanted no part of sitting still. Madden was all smiles. He even kept trying to hold Rustin's hand, that did make Rustin mad.

Many of you know, Madden has a naughty grin. Whenever he is in the process of doing something he KNOWS he is not supposed to be doing and gets caught, the grin comes out.

Rustin has something similar, it is the naughty crawl. If he sees something he is not supposed to get into open, (ex. dishwasher) he takes off at lightening speed as fast as he can go.

Madden Lines...

Today he told me.. Mommy, I as strong as you. But I am not strong as Daddy.

During prayer tonight he said, "I thankful my belly feel better after I go poop." Uncle Ethan and Aunt Sara watched Madden and Rustin for us this evening. While we were gone, Madden had eaten a bite of chap stick. Sara told Madden that if he ate the chap stick, it would make his tummy hurt. It was not two minutes later Madden informed Sara his belly was hurting and he needed to poop. Little did Sara know, he had a case of the runs prior to eating the chap stick.

One day this week, we were talking about our friends chicken named, Striker. Madden said, "Striker is cold outside. I take him my jacket to keep warm."

We were talking about having my brother Corde come visit. I asked Madden if he wanted Uncle Corde to come visit. He responded, "No, I like sleeping in my bed. Corde will have to sleep in Rustin crib."

In case you did not know... when it is dark outside, the sun is taking a nap in it's bed. Madden informed me of that today.

I think I am smarter, kinder, and happier with the little RED around.

5 Years...

ago today Bryan and I were married in the Louisville Kentucky Temple. He still makes me laugh just as hard today as the day I married him. I loved him five years ago and love him even more today.

Christmas in Florida!!

Back in the Summer my sister and I started talking about the possibility of going on a vacation together without KIDS. We had thought of NYC, but after looking into it decided that would not be the best choice. Then, we did not talk about it at all until the beginning of December. The dates were picked and flights were purchased. I made sure to make sure the boys were taken care of and the way I went. The day I flew out it was the first major snowstorm of the year. It took me an hour and half to get to the airport, which is usually 30 minutes. I was sure my flight would be cancelled. However, 90 percent of the things we worry about never happen. I arrived in Orlando as planned.

As most of you know, I live for fruit when I am pregnant. While, we (myself and baby helicopter) were in Florida we decided that finding fresh fruit was a requirement. These oranges were AMAZING!!

The next three pictures are of the same evening. I must have you know that Margaret is by far more athletic than myself. However, she did not bring her A game to the mini-golf course. I beat her by 10 strokes. As a result, she needed the sundae. Our hotel was directly across the street from a Friendly's. This is Bryan's favorite dessert restaurant, so we went in honor of him.

The last of the pictures are of our night walking around Downtown Disney. We watched a dance contest, street performers, awed at the Lego structures, and enjoyed our time people watching.

Margaret this picture is for you!! I know it was one of your favorites.

The first day in Florida we spent at Coco Beach. The weather was 80 degrees and sunny. I even was a little pink at the end of the day from the sun. I do not have any of the pictures from that day, I think Margaret used her camera. However, even if I did I would not post any of me in my swimsuit. HA HA.

After spending the day at the beach, our tummies were empty. We found this fun steakhouse to eat at. Just after being seated, this lady came around and ask what brought us here. We replied we were on vacation. She then stuck her mouth in her foot by saying, "Neither of you look a day over 19." Not too long after, she came around trying to sell us a picture she had taken. We did not buy it.

One of the days we were there it was rainy, so we decided to venture to the outlet mall. we returned to the car after several hours of shopping. I told Margaret, "This is not our car, because the doors will not unlock." She replied, "Yes it is. There is my pop can." Someone left the lights on, so we needed to have the car jumped. Long story short... we were able to find jumper cables and be on our way within about 20 minutes!!

Christmas Evening

After the festivities of the morning, we decided it would be best for the boys to take naps in their own beds before heading over to Bryan's parents home for Christmas there. These are the boys just before hopping in the car, notice how happy they are!! Rustin wanted the milk and Madden wanted no part of sharing it.

The overalls were a present from Uncle Andy and Aunt Beth back in October. Madden wanted to wear them on Christmas and I decided it was not worth the battle.

Madden was eager to open presents from the time we walked in the door. He sat patiently in the chair while waiting until Santa (Grandpa Steve) started handing out the gifts.

The presents were scattered all over the floor, but luckily none of them were broken. Rustin could care less about the new presents. He was perfectly content to play with the old toys. He even liked the bow in his hair, thanks to Aunt Sara.

The white elephant gift exchange is always a treat at the Waldmann house. You never know what you will find wrapped up. Bryan has been talking up his Superman Snuggie, since he found it in October. Luckily, he forgot about it or I am sure everyone would have known what it was before Christmas. Grandma Sharon is the one who ended up with it, but Uncle Andy decided to break it in. Madden wanted to follow in his foot steps. After Madden was done posing for pictures, he snuggled up with it on the couch.

Christmas Morning

Some of the things I want to remember about this Christmas Season. Madden really was intrigued by the Baby Jesus. Every time we would go upstairs or he would pass the manger he would have to say "hi" to Jesus. We read the story of His birth several times during the month of December. He loved the song, "JINGLE BELLS." (We still sing it numerous times a day.) One night we decided to go Christmas light looking. Madden's favorite is the ones that flash. He could care less about any other kind. An apple does not fall far from the tree, the best part of the night for Madden was enjoying ice cream after the lights.

Madden still did not grasp the whole Santa thing this year. He did sit on Santa's lap a few times, but we really did not talk a whole lot about Santa coming to visit. Once he woke up Christmas morning, we talked about how Santa had came while he was sleeping and brought him presents. From then on, he talked about Santa coming while he was sleeping and leaving him presents. We were reminded several times that day about how funny that was.

Notice the pink sippy cup? I have no idea how many sippy cups we have purchased. The boy colored cups always disappear within a few weeks. We have had the pink ones for a LONG time. They keep managing to hang around.

Oh Rustin, he really could have cared less about Christmas this year. He loved pulling the ornaments off the tree whenever he has a chance. The sound of the wrapping paper for both his birthday and Christmas made him cry. Madden did not mind doing the honor of opening all of Rustin's gifts. Rustin did enjoy playing with his new toys.

Update on the boys...

I cannot believe how fast our little boys are growing up. I often text different people the funny things that Madden will say or Rustin will do, but I need to start recording them on the blog. It is amazing to see how their little minds can process the things going on around them.

Madden, the red hair, says it all!! He is full of energy all hours of the day, but will take the time to sit and read a book with anyone. Everything is his favorite. He talks about his favorite movie, favorite blanket, favorite store (home depot), favorite friend, etc. He loves to read the scriptures at night. His favorite scripture story is Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty.

*He is in a stage right now where he wants to be talked to in the car. If I am talking to Bryan he will say, "Mommy stop talking to Daddy. Talk to Madden!"

*Madden as a general rule is a pretty kind kid. He is not one to take toys from someone or hit them. However, he is a sneaky little thing. Red will chuckle EVERY TIME he turns the lights off. He thinks that is the funniest thing, ever. Climbing is something he has done for a long time, even before he could walk. He will help himself to something in the cupboard or fridge without missing a beat.

*Madden's biggest accomplishment has been the taking away of the pacifier!! I know a two and a half year old should not have one, but every time we tried before he sucked a finger. A week ago, it was nap time and I told him not to lock me out of his room (something else he finds hilarious). The rule was if he did, his paci was going in the trash. Madden tested the limits on that one. Two hours later, he decided to go to sleep. He did bite his fingers hard enough to draw blood, but realized that hurt.

Rustin, Rustin, Rustin.... we love this cute little fellow. He is going to be walking any day, I think. Then, I have been thinking that for the last month or so. Some of the tricks from one child or the next are the same, some are different. Rustin LOVES the dog water bowl. He will start laughing 20 feet from it and then race me hoping he wins. Eating is something he does not enjoy, he simply swallows everything whole!! Rustin will then yell for the next bite to be shoveled in (he always uses one of his hands to push the food that may have landed on his lip or chin back in his mouth.)

He is learning to hold his own with Madden and let him know there might be a new sheriff in town. The other day Madden had one of his toys, Rustin simply started hollering "No, No, NO,NO, NO!" He grabbed Madden's leg. I was rather shocked, considering Madden is not that way with Rustin. He loves to climb that stairs and sit at the top waving with a big smile on his face.

Rustin LOVES to play ball. He will play catch with you for quite a while before he is tired of it. There is hope that maybe we will have a baseball player at our house.