Happy Birthday Madison!

Madison was pretty excited when school was cancelled on the day of her birthday due to below zero temperatures around here. She said it was the best birthday present ever! Since we weren't in a rush to get ready for school I was able to make her favorite french toast for her birthday breakfast. The principal of my school makes it for teachers and students a couple times a year and Madison loves it!! (yes, it is covered in sugar so she was pretty wired for an hour or so after eating it)

Since there was no school we headed off to the mall for her annual birthday tradition of going to Build a Bear. We ended up being in the Build a Bear workshop for over an hour because she is so terrible about making decisions. (not sure where she gets that from) There are about 20 animals to choose from and she kept changing her mind even while we were standing in line for the stuffing machine. Finally she chose this adorable bunny, but had a hard time finding the perfect outfit and matching shoes for her. Lastly, you have to think of a name for your animal. She ended up choosing Emily. Then we were off for a little shopping, a stop in the photo booth and some hot chocolate before hitting the cold air again.
Later that night we took Madison and her friend Taylor to the roller rink. Madison was really sad that her cousins and Aunt Sheila weren't able to make it this weekend as planned because of the winter weather. Nana and Papa were there too and took lots of pictures and videos of all of us skating.

I think Madison is better than me at skating.
Then we all came back to the house for tacos and birthday cake! And of course there were gifts! You realize how grown up your daughter is when she gets an IPOD from her nana and papa, a makeup case filled with makeup from her Aunt Sheila and a Miley Cyrus CD from her brother. She use to get excited about the bows on top of her presents or the baby doll gifts. Now her eyes light up when she receives gift cards and cash and runs to go put them in her wallet inside her very own purse. Wow, I don't know where the time has gone... but it's official that my baby is 8 years old now.

Look for Austin on ESPN

I was able to catch a couple video clips of Austin playing basketball this week!

Science, Sports and Sliders!

As soon as I got the note home in Austin's folder about this science project I had a sick feeling in my stomach. That is not something me and Brian are very good at helping Austin with. Luckily we have a wonderful friend, Dustin, who recently received his PH.D in biology...BINGO!!! We feel so fortunate to have friends that love our kids enough to invest in their lives with things like science projects. Thanks Dustin!!!!

Austin's project is testing which household cleaner cleans the best. I didn't clean my kitchen counter for a week leading up to the experiment so it was good and gross for the project.

Austin is having a great basketball season with the Celtics. Last game he scored 12 points. He is the point guard in the 2nd and 4th quarter of each game. Wanna come cheer him on?? Give me a call and I'll let you know his upcoming schedule of Saturday games.

It's not a visit with Grandma without going to White Castle!!! Right before this trip to White Castle we visited the Albanese candy factory and had way too much sugar. Mix that with 4 sliders and that equals a very upset stomach. Oh well... I had it coming with that combination.