June 2013..... Where has time gone?

Can't believe it has been so long since we updated our blog!  Robin had to run a few errands and I have some time to post some updated pictures while Maddison is taking a nap.

The month started off with Maddie getting a new sand/water table to play in.  As you can see, she is quite the "Southern" lady with her Easter bonnet serving as her hat this summer.  We have not been able to get any water in the table, but she sure loves to play in the sand!  At first, she didn't want to get her hands dirty, but now she just digs in and has a ball with the sand.

Robin loves to plant flowers around the yard and on the back patio.  She spends many an evening "dead heading" her petunias and teaching Maddie to enjoy the flowers.  Robin has taught Maddie how to determine which petals need to be "snipped" and which to leave for another day.  Maddie just loves the flowers and we took these shots after church one Sunday.  They are so precious!

Father's Day 2013 - My first "real" Father's Day!

Family Photo after Church in the Courtyard

Dad and his Girl!

Love this picture of Robin and Maddie

After church we went up to Driggs, Idaho, and had lunch at Warbirds.  We love to drive up there and have lunch after church in the summers.  It is a little over an hour drive, but you get to see some of the most beautiful country (take a look at the Tetons from the Idaho side, not the Jackson, Wy side!).  This cafe is located in the airport and the owner has a fabulous collection of vintage aircraft that you can walk around and see.  A couple of summers ago, while we were having lunch, they took the Mig-16's out and were flying around the valley and landing at the airport just a few feet from us!  There have been times that Harrison Ford has landed here at the airport as well.  You never know who you will see, but it is just a fun afternoon to spend some time with family!

The next few pictures are of Robin teaching Maddie the "finer" things of being an airplane.  She was so cute trying to imitate mom and as you can see, she mastered the art!

Here's a couple pictures in the hanger with the vintage airplanes......

As you leave the valley, this is the view you see from the overlook!  The lighting was just right today!

Yesterday, we broke out the new wading pool for Maddie.  It was up in the 90's so we thought it would be a good time to introduce her to the water.  She had a ball!!!!  The first pictures are of her helping me fill the pool and get accustomed to the water.  At first she was a little apprehensive, but then she waded right in and was ready for her swimsuit.

Robin found this cute "Watermelon" suit and Maddie just loves it!  Here she is debuting her new outfit.....

Well.... that's all for June.  Tonight is Grandpa Laug's birthday and maybe we'll have a few pictures from the birthday party!?!?

Mother's Day 2013

Today we celebrated our first true "Mother's Day". Maddie got mom a card and had to help mom open it.  As you can see, it brought tears (of joy) to Robin's eyes!  Last night we were both thinking about Maddie's birth mom and how hard it must have been to give up her little girl!  We are so thankful for her birth mom and pray she is at peace and realizes that God had this all planned.  We are so thankful for Maddie and she brings us joy each day!

Today we dressed Maddie in one her Chinese outfits we bought in China.  We thought it would be so fitting for her to wear it for her first Mother's day in America. Our little girl is starting to grow up!

Weekend In Salmon, ID

Last weekend was our yearly trip to Salmon.  I am involved with the Gideons and each year we travel to Salmon and spend a couple of nights there.  On Saturday night, we always have a banquet for the various Pastor's in Salmon and Challis.  We stay at the Solaas Bed & Breakfast in Baker, just 9 miles from Salmon.  Roger and Sharon (owners) are so kind to us and it always feels like we are going to "Grandma's" house.  This is the same place I proposed to Robin almost 7 years ago.  It is so fun to visit with our friends and to have them meet Maddison.  We had a great time and Sharon made us our favorite breakfast - stuffed french toast.  Maddie loved it!  Roger and Sharon also raise chickens and Maddie got a chance to see them.  Here are a few pictures.

Roger - this is a tractor.....

Dad & Maddie relaxing on the couch!

Sharon and Maddie - eating the stuffed french toast

Have to have something in each compartment - else it isn't "just" right!

Where are these chickens?

CHICKENS!

Banquet for Pastors in Salmon & Challis

Paris Hilton meets Chinese Tourist.....

Happy Easter

What a blessed time we had celebrating Easter this year.  Not only were we celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord, but the first Easter with our new daughter.  Last year, we had pictures of Maddison, but this year we had her here!  We went to church as a family and then went to brunch with Robin's parents and some of our friends.  Here are a few pictures....

Like my new dress?

A Puzzle!  Maddie received at the Easter Egg Hunt at Church

 Opening her Easter Basket:

Easter 2013

 Had to put this picture in ..... precious!

Walking to car with Grammie and Grandad Lockman