Smith Family: August 2009

Maddie's 2nd birthday party was on August 8th. On August 9th, Maddie turned 2 years old! We cannot believe how fast the time has gone. Maddie's 2nd birthday party theme was Dora the Explorer. We designed and made Maddie's birthday cake. The cake featured Map and a journey for Dora and Boots (like on the show). This journey was through the butterfly garden, across the duck pond by boat, and finally Maddie's birthday party (see the cake picture). We had a Dora pinata which is always popular with the kids. The kids also got treat bags full of goodies which they really liked. Maddie got a lot of really neat toys. Her favorites so far are her table & chair set, potty doll, doll stroller, and Minnie Mouse doll. She is really into baby dolls and Minnie mouse right now. She started liking Minnie AFTER we started planning her Dora party or we would have done a Minnie Mouse theme. She still likes Dora though, and the party turned out well.

This year, we celebrated with Great-Grandma Betty, Grandma & Grandpa Smith, the Smiths (Joey, Lori, Allison, & Alex), and the Scholls (John, Meg, Caitlyn, and Aiden). We had a great time with everyone and thank them all for coming to Maddie's party. We also thank everyone for all of her gifts. She loves everything she received. There is not one thing she hasn't played with.

Maddie's birthday cake that we made this year.

This is how most of our pictures of Maddie turn out. You have no idea how many we have to take to get one of her NOT moving!

I took this one fast. She may not be looking, but at least she is still. Notice the Dora Jewelry. Maddie definitely loves the bling.

Maddie eating lunch and looking cool.

The Dora pinata.

Grandpa Smith and Great-Grandma Betty helping the kids collect candy.

Meg helping collect candy.

Kris and Maddie opening up a present.

Maddie sitting at her new table from Grandma and Grandpa Smith.

All of the kids helping Maddie open her presents.

Maddie and Aiden playing with the Elmo laptop from Great-Grandma Betty.

Maddie hugging her Minnie doll and plush Minnie. She is really into Minnie Mouse these days.

Yum! Yum! Birthday cake and ice cream!

Maddie pushing her new potty doll around in her stroller.

Maddie giving her baby doll a kiss.

Caitlyn and Maddie playing together.

Maddie and Caitlyn getting into the book drawer. These two always have a great time together!

Happy Birthday Maddie! We love you!

Maddie playing in her new Dora sprinkler on her birthday.

Maddie and Caitlyn playing in the sprinkler.

Maddie having a cookie party on her new table with Minnie and her new baby dolls.

Getting ready to go out on her birthday.

Maddie having a blast with her new toys.

Maddie in her new Minnie Mouse nightgown.

The weekend of August 1st, we traveled to Farmington Hills, Michigan for our niece Caitlyn's 4th birthday party. The party was a Spongebob Squarepants theme. Caitlyn got a new jungle gym for her birthday. With the jungle gym, bouncer, kiddie pool, and Spongebob sprinkler, there was a mini kid playland in the backyard! Maddie had a GREAT time. She loved to jump in the pool and run through the sprinkler. She also loved the bouncer. She got on a swing for the first time. She was hesitant at first, but she really enjoyed it once she got going. We had a great time. Happy Birthday Caitlyn!

Opening presents.