I want to buy THAT!

The "Whites" from Iowa

Another interesting shot from Rye


Before heading over to the carnival.


Barbie girl pom pom diva's, Barbie Magic of the Rainbow, McDonald's Happy Meal, Wii (Dad wants one of those too), and Sketcher's shoes. Now that Madeline has discovered commercials, we hear more "I want to buy that!". It's hard to discern what toys/clothes/mouthwash she might actually be interested in, so we're still trying to figure that out. It is a right of passage, however, to watch the toy commercials and dream of owning everything you see. As you may already know, we typically purchase European toys and/or educational toys. I wonder what Maddie would think when she received the "pet shop" that did not actually operate of it's own accord. She might ask us why it's not working like it did on T.V. I suppose then we'd have a discussion on marketing and commercials. I guess they do have an educational aspect.

Now that it's summer Maddie doesn't watch television anymore. Even in the winter her t.v. time is limited to a morning cartoon or two on Sunday. She's much more interested in playing and drawing. It's amazing how her drawings have changed. She gave a drawing of three people to my co-worker. One person is red, one purple and the middle person is half red and half purple. Madeline wrote her name at the top, exactly half of which is red and the other purple. Michelle exclaimed "she's going to be a talented geneticist one day". It's a cute picture regardless of her future aspirations.

There are several things going on at our workplaces. Ryan was promoted and I am taking over my boss' responsibilities until he returns from transplant surgery. Ryan just returned from another short visit to Virginia. I recieved an award plaque from the Chamber of Commerce last Tuesday evening at an awards banquet. We closed on mom's house last week too. We were able to do everything from Omaha and didn't need to be present for the closing. That was a blessing since I ended up getting sick and wouldn't have been able to travel anyway. Once on the market, her house sold in less than a week to a wonderful young couple who will enjoy their new home. Mom would have been very happy to see her house go to them and happy to know that everything went very smoothly. The house really looked great. We had several offers on it.

This past week Maddie enjoyed "Donuts with Dad" and Grandpa attended like he did last year. Grandpa really enjoys spending time with Madeline and she truly loves showing him her work and playing with him. It's a wonderful bond that they share. Morning with Mom (and Grandma J) is soon approaching.

Anna banana is growing and doing all the things a healthy beautiful baby girl should. She has a precious smile that warms everyone's hearts. Tomorrow she will meet some of my relatives as they are passing through town. They are very anxious to meet her. We'll also be attending a school carnival to eat some cotton candy and walk the cakewalk. I will post more later.