Packing Heat

At first glance it's a child's sweet drawing of his family: Daddy, Mommy, Patrick, Madeline, and Patrick's friend Caroline (far left), all under an apple tree and the rays of two suns. Look a little closer: we're all holding guns. "Not Madeline, Mommy," Patrick patiently explains. "She is just a baby. She is only holding sticks." Of course.

Two Years of Maddle Maddle

Madeline's two-year checkup (a few months late) went great. She's in the 94th percentile for weight (33 lbs) and 92nd for height (36 inches). She can stack 6 blocks like nobody's business, string together words to form sentences, and draw a line, among other amazing toddler tricks. She's currently sporting the hair of a 1970s country singer, but we can't bear to cut off those golden ringlets just yet. She loves playing with her babies, holding tea parties, eating hot dogs, avocados, and strawberries, and playing hide and seek. And of course, as always, she loves her brother like crazy.

Two for the Road

Both kids piled on for a piggyback the other night. Luckily Donald didn't throw his back out.

Bowlarama

The kids bowled for the first time ever with cousin Soph at Ft. Myer a few weeks ago. That's Madeline holding a 6-lb ball! Patrick had a great time too, as did Donald, who was doing so well he refused to let Madeline have his turn!

Roanoke Chistmas

We had a great time in Roanoke with Gran T, Cousin Colt, Aunt Whitney, and Uncle Josh. Patrick and Madeline found an unexpected treat...a 4-wheeler in Gran T's garage. Even Madeline got the hang of it.

First Snowman of the Winter

We had a brief, wet snowfall a few weeks ago; perfect snowman-building weather. Madeline and Patrick loved rolling the giant snowballs, and scrambling around to find the perfect rocks for eyes and sticks for his arms.

Peach Bowl 2011

The Peach Bowl was so much fun—right up until the 2nd quarter. It was a beautiful day for tailgating, and a great way to spend New Year's Eve.