Cooper and Mackenzie

A few days before Christmas Mackenzie got to meet her new best friend, Cooper! Carmen, Mat, and Cooper came to visit and brought Pizza. It was nice to relax for a few hours and visit with them amongst the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Cooper is 8 weeks younger than Mack, and he's a cutie!

Mackenzie's 2nd First Christmas

Because Uncle Joe was serving our country for the past 8 months and he only got home a few weeks before Christmas, we celebrated with the Madsen's on December 28, 2008. We had a fun-filled day of lots o' presents! Since there are now 5 grandchildren on the Madsen side, it was fun to watch all the kids open their presents. Mackenzie got a cute red fleece and sherpa winter suit, and money from her Nanny and Papa. She also got a very cute learning purse, soft building blocks, stacking cups, stuffed animals, and clothes. Scott and I are quickly learning that apparently a girl can never have too many clothes! :)

Sibling Love

There are 9 years between my brother and me. Being an only child for so long was hard on me, because I wanted a little brother so bad. I so happy when my brother was finally born and took pride in showing him off and acting like a second mom to him. As the years passed, the bond between struggled, Matthew always wanted to be with me. He quickly became the pesky brother that wouldn't go away and was always making a mess of my things. I, of course, had to be the bigger kid and clean up after him, afterall he was just a baby. Now that we're both older, I absolutely LOVE my brother! He is so special to me and I cherish the time we get to spend together. Matthew treats Mackenzie so well and really enjoys holding her and blowing in her face. :) On Christmas night we wrestled and as you can see, he dominated.

Getting ready for blast off!
I used to do this to him!!!

Notice Uncle Matt has me in a head lock!

Just having so good ol' fashion family fun!

Finally, I was ahead of the game, but not for long.

Mackenzie's First Christmas

This was the first year that Scott and I didn't have to set our alarms for 5 a.m. so we could do our Christmas. We decided to have our Christmas with Mackenzie, eat breakfast, and then start making our rounds. I don't know why, but we didn't take any pictures at our house! Santa brought Mack a shape sorter, a pretty purple R.E.I. vest, two books, and jammies. After Mackenzie woke up from her morning nap, we headed over to Scott's parents house to visit for awhile before we went to my mom and Alfred's house. Since my aunt and uncle were in town for the week, we loaded up the dogs and spent the next two nights in Flowery Branch. We had so much fun! Of course Mackenzie was showered with all kinds of gifts...toys and clothes. Mackenzie got her first Gloworm from her Gram and Poppa. So far, she's not only slept with Hermie the Wormie everynight, it also goes everywhere with her. It didn't take long for Mack to learn that you have to press the tummy of the worm to get him to light up and sing. She also got an interactive learning book from her Great Aunt Candy and Great Uncle Larry.

Nicky and his new duck, he treats his toys like babies.
Stetson, the detructive one, he HAS to get the squeeker out of the toy!

My brother Matt, Gram, Aunt Candy, and Poppa Al

We got my brother a ski mask for when he does his monthly physical training with the Marines.

Poppa Al, Gram, Uncle Matt, Mommy, Mackenzie, and Daddy

This is why I love my family so much!

Poppa Al and his girl

Christmas Eve

Scott unfortunately had to work (but only for a few hours) on Christmas Eve. We had made plans to visit my dad and his wife so Mackenzie and I had the morning to get everything together. We had a low key day at my dad's and had a yummy supper too! Mackenzie got the cutest learning table that has different stations on it and it teaches in both English and Spanish. We can't wait for her to be big enough to use it! After we had supper with my dad and his wife, we went to Scott's bosses house for their annual Christmas Eve open house. Poor Mack was worn out by that point and had a hard time settling down, but she finally crashed in my arms. Scott and I have always ended our Christmas Eve celebrations at our church at their 11 p.m. candle light service. This year they held it in the chapel and it was absolutely beautiful. Several times throughout the service I had to hold back tears...we have so much to be thankful for in 2008. Mackenzie was so funny, she had a second, or maybe third wind by that point and was wide awake during the whole service. While our pastor was preaching Mackenzie babbled out to him several times, and everyone would laugh at her.

Mommy and Mackenzie

Sleepy baby after a day of celebrating

Daddy and Mackenzie

Uncle Matt and Mackenzie

Mackenzie and her new toy from Pop and Dana

Pop, Mackenzie, and Dana

We're alive!

I promise to post soon. We have so much to catch up on, but with school starting and the holidays, things were crazy, but we're settling down.