The First Day 2012

Today was the first day back to school! Madison and Zachary were so excited that they had a hard time going to sleep, and Zach was up before we were! 

Madison started 3rd grade in the advanced placement class. She is a little nervous but we think she will do fine. She is excited to do more projects, and make new friends. 

Madison in front of her classroom door. Her teacher is slightly obsessed with Dr. Seuss!

Zachary is starting 1st grade. He is worried about math and most excited about eating lunch at school.

Zachary with his new teacher Mrs. Tomlinson

The traditional "ready to go" picture! Zach wanted to wear a hat to school!

Ryleigh wanted to be part of the morning action! She even got to go with us up to the school!

Ryleigh is a little sad that Zach won't be here! She gave him a hug before we left the school! It was really cute!

Ready to go! They wanted to ride the bus, but I insisted that I take them! They can ride tomorrow!

Outside of the school and ready to start the day!

It will be just me and the three little girls all day! Ryleigh 3, Brynn 19 months and Bailey 16 months! Here's to a great 2012-2013 school year! I'm sure they will do just fine if not better than last year!

Madison's Baptism 8/4/12

Since Madison turned 8 on the 27th, her baptism date was scheduled for August 4th. We decided to have it meet up with the McDowell Family Reunion that we hosted. That way Grandpa and Grandma McDowell could be here for it, as well as all of her cousins and aunts and uncles. 

In our Church when you reach the ripe old age of 8, you have reached the age of accountability. And you can make the decision to be baptized and become a member of the Church. Madison chose Travis to baptize her and Grandpa McDowell to confirm her and give her the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

Here are Madison and Travis before they got changed into their jump suits!

Madison was so excited!

All ready to go! 

We then went into the Chapel (or sanctuary) for the opening song and talk on Baptism given by Brother Ricks. 

Sorry that there are no pictures, but we are not allowed to take pictures in the Chapel. 

Since there were 3 kids being baptized that day, there were a lot of friends and family for each of the kids. Madison's friend Meisha went first, then Madison then Ryland. 

Sorry that this is not a picture of Madison and Travis. But again we are not allowed to take pictures of this ordinance. But the Church has these staged pictures so you get the idea. 

We believe that Jesus Christ was and is the ultimate example to follow. He was baptized by John the Baptist. He didn't have to be, but chose to be. This is one of Madison's favorite pictures. 

This was such a special day for Madison and we are glad that she chose to make this Covenant with her Father in Heaven.

Madison asked Grandpa to be part of her big day. 

Congrats Madison on your big day, and thank you to all our friends and family that came to support her.

Madison turns 8!

I feel really bad about this late posting for Madison's 8th birthday!

But better late than never!

So here's how the day went.

This year 7/27 fell on a Friday, and Madison's best friend Kate was here for the day! There is nothing better than 2, 8 year old best friends sharing this day together. 

We started off with breakfast.

8 cinnamon rolls for the birthday girl!

Then Kate gave her a gift!

Matching outfits!! Madison was so excited!! Their shirts say "I Love My BFF!"
Sadly Kate has moved and will go to another school. The girls are pretty sad, but they were lucky to be able to spend their summer together!

Then on to some fun at the pool! 

I didn't take my camera into the pool area, so I took some before shots! They all were pretty excited!

Then off to dinner. This year we decided not to do the big joint party for the kids. We have been doing them since the kids were 3 and 1. So we told Madison that Kate could go to dinner with us at Red Robin! 

Waiting for dinner!

Madison willingly told the waiter that it was her birthday! They were out of helium, so they didn't tie balloons on her ears. She was still pretty embarrassed!
Then she enjoyed a free ice cream sundae!

It was such a fun day! I am glad that Madison is my first born. She is becoming such a smart and wonderful kid! She will be in the ALPS (advanced learning placement) class this year for 3rd grade. She is a little nervous, but I am sure she will be fine! 

Happy Birthday Madison!
We love you!