It's Light Outside, It's Morning Time

6:16 a.m - We hear Marlee talking on the monitor.

6:20 a.m - We hear a door open and close, then another door open and close. Madison has escaped. We lay there thinking maybe she came out, didn't see any lights on and went back in her room and hopped back into bed (yeah right).

6:22 a.m. - We hear the mobile in Marlee's bed turn on. Marlee does not turn on the mobile in her bed. We then proceed to hear both Madison and Marlee laughing. Anthony gets up to go get them. I told him to leave them, nobody was crying.

6:40 a.m. - We get up to see what exactly was going on. Just as soon as we opened Marlee's door Madison pipes up and says, "It's Light Outside, It's Morning Time!!" All full of smiles and excitement.

P.S. It's not light outside at 6:40 let alone 6:20!

Father and Daughter

She Loves Her Daddy!!!

Happy Birthday Madison

Madison, I can't believe you are two years old. Where does the time go? You have been such a blessing and joy in our lives and we love you so much. A stranger described you best when she called you a high-spirited toddler, and that you are. You do everything to the extreme and we love you for that, you keep us on our toes. I am amazed at the love and kindness you have for Marlee. Since the day we brought her home you just wanted to love her. And now, six months later, every morning you want her to lay on the floor in the playroom with you; you get her basket of toys, then sit down and read your books to her. You are a wonderful big sister! Always remember how much love you.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy


Mariah, one of the little girls next door, and Madison.

Mariah, Gracie (our good friends youngest) and Madison.

We had a dual Swimming Pool party planned for Madison and Carmen, but had to cancel it because of Hurricane Ike (I find myself blaming a lot of things on Hurricane Ike). So after we got back from Dallas, we had cake and ice cream with some friends and neighbors. And though it wasn't what we originally planned, she still had a wonderful day!

Hurricane Ike

In a nut shell, Hurricane Ike left us, and everyone we know, amazed at the damage a hurricane can do so far inland. Our house is about 100 miles from the coast but the damage and destruction was far reaching. The number of trees that were down was unbelievable. I'm sure where we are located had something to do with that, since we are completely surrounded by trees, but it was amazing none the less. But despite all of that we were very fortunate. Nobody was hurt and we still have our house.

Since the possibility of being without power for 2-4 weeks didn't interest me; after the storm, I took the girls and headed to our friends house in Plano (near Dallas). Scott and Amy, we can't thank you enough for your hospitality and friendship.

Yes, this is our living room. We decided to all "sleep" downstairs due to Hurricane Ike. Madison and Marlee were in pack-n-plays and we pulled the mattress off our guest bed for Anthony and I. It was a good plan, however not much sleeping was going on. Sticks and pine cones hitting the windows at 60-80 mph does not sound like sticks and pine cones . . .

After the wind died down enough to go outside, we were all surprised to see this tree on our house. As bad as it may look, we were fortunate. We saw several houses with trees through them.

The Clean-Up Crew. After the storm had blown through the next task was to clean up. Madison stayed interested for a few minutes, and I'm sure you can imagine it took much longer than that to finish.

Case Family Reunion - 2008

We had such a fun time at the annual Case Family Reunion this year. We floated the river, rode horses, played on the swings, fed Dot the cow, and most importantly, just visited. There are too many pictures to post, so below are two of the most valuable. Can't wait to see everyone next year (or before, of course)!


Jordyn and Great Grandma Wankier

Marlee and Great Grandpa Wankier

Fun In The Pool

Swimming with Daddy!!

Madison and one of her best friends, Carmen, never could get enough of the water this summer.

By default, Marlee too will love the water!

Summary

So for those of you who have been anxiously awaiting this blog, I hope this satisifies you for the time being. It at least gives you an idea of what we have been doing since Marlee has been here and I promise to do my best in keeping it up to date.

A Big Squeeze

It has been so fun to watch how much Madison loves Marlee. I don't know what she would do with out her and I hope it is always this way between the two of them!!

Grandma & Grandpa Case & Kinley Visit

This summer was full of visitors and we were so happy to have everyone come. We know it's quite a trip to make and we always appreciate it when people are able to come.

Grandma and Grandpa Case and Kinley came this summer too. What fun it was to have Kinley here and to watch her with the girls. I clearly remember when she was Madison's age and I was living across the parking lot. Whenever she wanted to come over Mindy would open the sliding glass door and yell my name . . . who needs phones?!?!

Grandma Price & Grandpa George Visit

We were so happy when Anthony's parents were both well enough to make the trip down to come and visit us. Everyone had a great time and we can't wait to see them again!

Off To Catch the Big One

Madison has become our little water girl. She loves the ocean, pool, and what ever other water she can get into!!

Fun On The Beach

Lex and Erin came down for a visit and we went to our beach house in Surfside. Cyrus was a little unsure the first day but settled right in and had a great time! Thank you guys for coming to visit. We had a great time!

Dressed For A Party

Here is Marlee at 2 months all ready for her first birthday party. It was actually one of Madison's little friends, but where we go, Marlee does too.

Madison always makes sure we remember to get Marlee with. One day we were at a friends house. I brought Madison and Marlee in the house then was going out to the car to get a couple of things. Madison wanted to come, got half way to the car, stopped, looked back at the house, then looked at me and said, "Marlee?" She was so concerned that we were going to leave Marlee there that she wasn't sure about leaving herself!

Welcome Marlee

On the 25th of March we welcomed our second little girl to our family. What a joy she is and Madison was the proudest big sister ever!! It was amazing how little she was and how big Madison got overnight!!

We're Back . . .

I know at least for my immediate family, I started this blogging silliness, got out of it for a while because of a lack of time, but due to all the peer pressure we are back in it.

I once remember my much older and a little bit wiser brother Kyle saying, "Everyone has the same amount of time in a day. Some people just manage it better than others." So I am going to do my best to do that and keep this blog up to date so you can have a sneek peek into our life!

Thank you to many of my cousins who have the same amount of time that I do, the same number (or more) young kids like I do and who are still able to keep everyone informed of what they are doing!!