Alright, I apologize, it has definitely been too long since my last post! SORRY!!! We've been having fun and enjoying one of the most mild Iowan summers in a long time. Our days are filled with trips to the park, playing in her pool, or just roaming around the neighborhood. Maddy is a crazy walking fool and hates to hold your hand. Which drives me nuts because she just runs off in stores and into the street. Oh, and apparently saying no to her is hilarious. She has gotten so big, she can go down slides on her own, tries to jump, and is trying to climb on things.

It is amazing how much she does learn... I'm shocked at times. Out of no where today she was tired and kept saying, "Sleep, sleep" so I brought her to her room and put her down for her nap. That was a nice heads up! Her favorite word now is probably star, any time she sees one she has to point it out. She's learning new words every day, I don't even know how many words she can say. Here are some highlights.







Here's another Maddy video. She got her first doll, this is her first reaction to it. No worries, she is nicer to the baby now. She likes pointing to the baby's different parts, especially her eyes, and clapping the baby's hands.



Since the last post Zach we celebrated the 4th of July and the home coming of Ethan's brother Zach from his mission in Colorado. Here we are at a Kernels baseball game and Maddy in her wagon (which she loves) waiting for fireworks. At first she was scared of the fireworks, but when Ethan held her and clapped and ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the fireworks she started really enjoying it.



So I had heard of this little "museum" that had animals and kid appropriate displays, so of course we had to go... It wasn't as fabulous as promoted. It had about 3 rooms that Maddy had no interest in. She did like the stuffed animals, she really liked an owl that we had to fight away from her. However I think her favorite part was sitting on Daddy's shoulders and ripping out his hair!!!



Maddy in the past few months has made a friend, Alexa Carney. She always gets excited when she sees her, and even at times gives her hugs and kisses! They are pretty funny together. They fight over toys, steal sippy cups and pacifiers from each other, and mimic each other. They are just too cute. Lex is really good at splashing, which Maddy finds hilarious, so pool time and bath time is very fun and very wet!



More recently I took Maddy to a play place with bounce houses, obstacle course, etc. She was totally over whelmed. I tried to take her into the inflatables, but she just cried. She did however enjoy running around and playing with her new favorite toys... balls!



I know Maddy is the star, but if you're interested, Ethan and I are doing well!

He has finally received his license and is seeing patients like crazy. Eth's dad is even going out of town and he is going to run the office for a couple days!!! He is doing a great job and enjoying it. He often comes home with funny stories, mostly about people accidentally farting when he adjusts them. Man, all that schooling and officially a doctor, all to have people pass gas in your face!

As for me I'm trying to keep up with the 10 week fitness program I have enrolled in. 6 days a week I diet and get my butt kicked at the gym. I still have 4 weeks left, but so far I've lost about 10 lbs, 12 3/4 inches off my whole body, and shaved almost 2 min off my very slow mile!!! I'm fitting into some of my old clothes, so that's encouraging, but I still have a long way to go. Also, I just fixed up some old hand-me-down furniture and trying to clean up a little plastic desk for Maddy.

On Friday Maddy and I head to Colorado to visit Melissa and some of my college friends. I'm really excited. So hopefully next week you'll see a new posting!

Hope you're having a fabulous summer. Love you guys!