Jason set the bar pretty darn high when he gave me my Mother's Day gift this year, despite being out of the country on the actual day. I knew I wouldn't be able to top that amazing gift, but I tried to do something nice for him that I thought he'd appreciate for this first Father's Day celebration.
We let Daddy sleep in as late as he wanted and surprised him with his breakfast favorites when he got up - chai tea, bacon, and blueberry pancakes. Madi gave Daddy her gifts, which were a painting she helped make, books, and a card.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the weather. We spent the rest of the day working - Jason had to mow the lawn and our friend Thad came over and spent most of the day helping Jason sand and start painting the high chair for Madi's birthday party this Saturday. (Thank you Thad!! We owe you like three more steak dinners for all of your help!)
Maybe next year Jason will get to spend the whole day relaxing? ;-)
Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! Read more...
After our short trip to Houston, we flew to OKC to spend a few more days with Papa Jeff and Grandma. We played at their house, swam in the pool, got delicious American food, played domino games, and got to hang out with one of my best friends, Chelsea, and her son Cole.
Madi being attacked with kisses. Love that girl's laughter!
Madi also had some very important things to tell Grandma and Daddy during lunchtime.
As well as to the pediatrician we visited while we were there...
We also took a trip to the OKC Zoo. Jason and I love zoos and we are so glad that Madi seems to love them as well. She points at the animals and makes sounds and enjoys walking around. So fun!
Madi got another okapi! And said the word "okapi". :-)
But Madi's favorite activity by far was ringing the bells with Grandma. :-)
I'm sure they did that a lot when Daddy and I snuck away for a couple date nights!!
We headed back to Stavanger, but not before introducing Madi to Sonic ice. It really helped her teething since she decided that this trip would be a good time to get her molars. (I swear this child gets a tooth every trans-atlantic flight - she got 7 and 8 on the way there and the pediatrician said she was about to get the molars too...)
Madi was good at sharing her ice though with Daddy.
Overall it was a wonderful trip to the States! It gets harder and harder every time to say good-bye, but we are so glad that we got to see so many family and friends as well as relax and get some time in just Jason and I.
Did you miss me?! It's been way too long since I blogged last (back in May!). I am paying for it however trying to sort through all the pictures from our trip (and Madi's baptism and one year photo shoot- ahhh!). The posts over the next few days might be a bit picture-heavy, but since they are mostly of Madi (and we all know she's the cutest little one ever), I figure you won't mind too much. :-)
We left for Houston the day after my last post about the airplane activity pillow I made. After the test run of our flight over, I have to say it worked pretty good, but didn't stay on the tray very well (it would slide down a bit, maybe too heavy?). Nevertheless it served its purpose of entertaining her for 5 min. ;-)
She did great on the plane rides over and was excited to visit Houston! (And Mommy was too until the humidity hit her like a warm and unwelcome blanket the second she stepped off the plane, but that's neither here nor there...)
We visited Houston in order to baptize Madi (another blog post to come!). We stayed with some friends from our church, Dave and Cindy Meeh, and they were wonderful hosts. She enjoyed looking out their big windows, playing with all of their fun and retro toys, but especially running around talking with her dress tucked into her bloomers because it was too long. ;-)
We got to spend some time visiting friends and family which we loved of course, including spending some quality time with Jason's sister and her family at the Houston Zoo!
While we were there we also took Madi to get her first Build-a-Bear! She had fun watching the stuffing machine and running around with Teddy. :-)
And of course since we were in the States, Mommy got a lot of this. Target and Starbucks. American bliss for an expat. :-)
The trip ended with us flying to OKC to spend some time with Papa and Grandma. We used miles for the tickets and sat in first class. Madi enjoyed the free drinks. She also loves turning the pages in books (she loves reading!)
