Daniella and Caleb's Wedding: October 22, 2011

We attended a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception for Daniella and Caleb at Grand Traditions in Fallbrook, CA. There was a lot of dancing and Madeline, Mommy and Daddy even took a horse drawn carriage ride.

Sea World San Diego: October 21, 2011

Madeline had her first experience at an amusement park while visiting San Diego for Aunt Daniella's wedding. While she was a little young to partake in most of the rides at Sea World she did have fun playing at the Sesame Street Zone on Abby Cadaby's Spinning Teacups. She also delighted in visiting many ocean animals including: dolphins, sea turtles and penguins, and she got to touch the star fish in the tide pool area. Her favorite part was meeting the otter character and hanging from the safety railings around the park. While we didn't make the Shamu Show due to conflicts with nap time, she did get to see a sneak peak of the trainers working with him before it started.

San Rafeal Park: October 12, 2011

Madeline at Ferari Farm: October 8,2011

Maddie's first day at Brookfield Preschool: October 5, 2011

Madeline had a good first day at preschool. It was an observation day with mommy present. She can start attending on her own when she turns two. She plans to go in the mornings two days a week. The kids started the day with some free play. Then everyone washed up and sat on the rug for circle time, where they sang a song that went "Ally the alligator, says ah, ah, ah". This helped the kids learn what sound the letter A makes. Snack followed, and after a potty break all the children went out for recess. When they came back in they sang a song about a gray squirrel and read a touch and feel book about fall. Then they went on to individual activity centers at the tables. We left at that time, but there was still another hour to go. Madeline did really well for her first time. She actually was not scared at all, like I thought she would be, but instead acted out a little. I think if I wasn't present she would be a little angel like she is for everyone that watches her when mommy and daddy are working.
When we got home Maddie completed the song for the sound the letter A makes, and kept saying "tail, tail" and shaking her bottom like the kids did for the song about the gray squirrel. Then she told me that was her "favorite" song.

Visiting Animal Ark: September 25, 2011

Landon and Madeline had a blast visiting Animal Ark, an animal sanctuary just outside of Reno. They traveled around the park in a wagon. Highlights included watching the black bear at feeding time and checking out the owls, wolves, badgers and cheetahs. They played on the playground afterward and ate a picnic lunch with their mommies.

San Francisco September 3-5, 2011

Cali, Landon, Madeline and I set out for another mommy/toddler centered weekend adventure. On Saturday we headed out by car to San Francisco armed with the laptop and repeat Signing Time DVDs. Cali's cousin works in the hotel business and was able to get us an amazing deal for two nights at a hotel located right off Pier 39. The location couldn't have been any better. The first night we checked in and ate some clam chowder and crab cakes at a restaurant by the Pier.
Sunday we headed into Oakland to visit Fairyland. It was very cute. The kids got to pet a miniature horse and ride on a train. Then we went back for our second visit to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. There was a Curious George Exhibit, a natural outdoor play area and a special hall dedicated to toddlers. Maddie and Landon had lots of fun! That evening they got to experience some of the best Vietnemise Food their mommies had ever had. Monday we played at Golden Gate Park and then headed back to Reno.