Madi's 9th month

Madi is still growing strong!  She is still nursing, but loving new foods.  My mom loves taking her to the supermarket and to stores because she is stopped by other shoppers who want to comment on Madi's big brown eyes or beautiful smile.   My mom says she feels like a celebrity when she is with Madi. The girls just love her (maybe a bit too much with their bear hugs).

Dance Party

These videos never get old for me.

Pumpkin Patch 2013

We went out to the local pumpkin patch (which is a converted garden center, but fun nonetheless).  It was hot but the kids ran around and participated in every activity they could.  

 Mia and Makaela joined in for the Hokey Pokey.

 And we had a little bit of aloha with some shaved ice.  Not as good as Matsumotos, but it helped cool us down.

 Our attempt at a sisters picture...didn't work out as well as I had hoped.

 As I was taking a picture of Makaela on the monkey bars, she took a pretty bad spill- this picture is an in action shot of the fall.  Screaming ensued and we hustled ourselves out of there.

But we had to stop to pick out a pumpkin.

 Still in pain, but she tried her best to smile for the camera.

Relaxing

We were planning on doing a second day at Legoland, but we ended up in an upgraded suite at our timeshare and decided to take the day to just relax. Not only was the condo stunning, but we had a private pool area with a pool attendant and free admission to all the activities there were on site.  We took advantage of the hippo slide and had a great time. Of course, being a nervous mom, I was worried about Mia on the slide, but she is a trooper.  She climbed all the way up and didn't falter when it was her turn.  So proud of her!

Madi is a pool girl too.

We really didn't want to go home.  It was an amazing short family vacation. We really needed it.

 The Hoffmans headed to LEGOLAND once again and sure enough, it didn't disappoint.  The park was virtually empty and we got to ride the rollercoasters over and over again with no lines.  The kids had a great time and we escaped with no meltdowns.  Aunt Donna came with us so the kids had plenty of photo ops.

Madi enjoyed playing with Dad

trying to cool off in an indoor play area

Mia followed her sister's lead and enjoyed some big girl rides.

Madi was all smiles

TRex

Makaela decided to forgo her usual elaborate birthday party for a trip to Legoland, so we headed towards Orlando to spend some time at the timeshare.  Makaela's favorite restaurant there is TREX, so we headed there for a post birthday dinner.

goofing around while waiting for a table

cheese attack

Smiles all around

Makaela loves being sung to even though she acts all coy.

and Mia loves helping Makaela eat her bday dessert.

 Last time we went to TREX, my aunt bought Makaela a rock to cut. The rock was crystallized, so Makaela couldn't wait to get another one.

Mia joined in too.

 

Makaela is 6

 

 Makaela has been awaiting her 6th birthday for months.  Her birthday fell in the middle of the week so we celebrated mid week with a small family cake.  My aunt Donna came in to surprise Makaela for her birthday which was adorable because Makaela asked for me to "bring Aunt Donna back with you" after I went to NY. 

Matt, Aunt Cate and Uncle Mike bought her a bunch of "big girl" clothes- lots of sparkly clothes, jeans, and dresses that I would wear. Grammy bought Makaela her first Ipod and it is now filled with Maroon 5, LMFAO, and Lady Gaga, oh my.

Can't have cake yet, but enjoyed all the singing.

Waiting patiently for some cake.

We are all about Teen Beach Movie right now.  It's crazy how our little girl went from Little Einsteins, Octonauts and Sophia the First to Teen Beach, Jessie, and Dog with a Blog overnight (cartoons to tween shows).