Big girl bed!

We used our trip to College Station to talk continuously to Madie about Cooper's big boy bed.  She said she was ready too!  I have to admit I was a little nervous but really thought the chances of us being any more sleep deprived than we are now was slim.  So off we went........

I told Madie that if she lasted the whole night in her big girl bed we would go for a special breakfast the next morning.  As soon as I walked in the next morning she sat straight up and said "Big Girl Bed!!"  Ha!  In fact, she has said that every morning since.

Here she is ready for pancakes!!  She was so excited at Ihop, she talked non-stop.  

 She asked me to take this picture of her baby, had to post.  Ha!

 She might be like the princess and the pea because all the sudden this is her favorite outfit.  Uh-oh.  

As always, I was nervous, nervous, nervous and Madie took it like a champ.  She never ceases to amaze me and sets my heart on fire with love and happiness.  I still wonder why God trusted me with the two sweetest, most amazing baby girls I have ever met - He obviously blesses me beyond measure.

On a side note - Madie started the class at church where they do more than just play.  We brought home her first scripture flashcard today.  There is nothing sweeter (and funnier) than hearing her say "Atthew teen: bitty 6 - with God all tings  OSSIBLE!!"  :) (Matthew 19:26 With God, all things are possible). - Boy does he prove that to me ever day.

Summer, Summer, Summertime

Kudos to those of you who sang the title line, you obviously grew up in the early 90's.  We LOVE summer at the McQuitty household.  Can't get enough of the outside goodness and vitamin D.

Oh yeah, I have a splash pool in my backyard.  

 Pure sugar.....

 Slide!

 Showing sister how her "exersaucer" works for the very first time.  Mars is a fan! 

 Hey guys, I think I will just chill in my lagoon.  Catch you later.

Woohoo!

That is the sentiment Madie gives when she hears Mimi and Granddaddy are coming to visit!  They came to town to see Ring of Fire and we were lucky enough to get some time with them.  They stay at te hotel jsut down the street which has a pool - bonus!  I keep telling them they can stay at our house and Mike and I will go to the hotel.  ha!

Ready to go swimming

 Mimi brought a present for Marlie from a friend and I promise Madie put this bow on all by herself. At least I am leaving some sort of impression.  :)

 Walking and talking with Granddaddy

 Pool Ready

 Madie showing off her new swimming skills

 Gracie girl chilling with Granddaddy

 Hey, this feels kind of good!

 The next day we went to the stockyards for lunch. Madie accessorized herself and kept telling me Mimi would like it!  Ha!  Here she is riding her horse, which she kind of slipped off!  Haha!  Thank goodness for Granddaddy's cat like reflexes.  

 Watching the cattle drive. 

 Here she is telling Granddaddy she absolutely IS going to ride the real ponies.  

 Here is Marlie standing in when Madie decided she absolutely was NOT going to ride the real ponies.  :)

These are the words I would say

I LOVE music, always have.  But sometimes there are songs that just speak to your soul.  The song "These are the Words I Would Say" by the Sidewalk Prophets is one of those for me.  Every time I hear it I think, that is exactly what I need to tell my girls.



Be strong in the Lord

And never give up hope

You're going to do great things

I already know

God's got his hand on you

So don't live life in fear

Forgive and forget

But don't forget why you are here

Take your time and pray

And thank God for each day

His love will find a way

These are the words I would say.

4 Months Old

Marlie Grace - I am SO sorry I didn't post this one your 4 month day - but we DID take the pictures that day.

Ms. Marlie Grace is 4 months old!  I can't believe it.  She weights 12.9lbs and is 22.5 inches long.  Doc says she is just perfect - really tell me something I don't know!  We have reverted a bit on the sleeping thing, waking up twice a night. I take full responsibility - I should have kept my big mouth shut!  Ha!  I know I have said it before but Marlie really is the sweetest baby in the whole wide world.  Her grin is contagious and she offers it all the time.  She fusses rarely and thinks her sister is hilarious.  She giggles out loud when she gets kisses and has only recently discovered her squeal. It is the most delightful noise to my ears! Marlie can roll both ways and is getting SO strong.  We started cereal and while she didn't love it the first night, it seems to be growing on her.  Madie calls her little girl and "sister" and tells her she loves her "This Much!"  I have a feeling her first words are going to be "get off me" because we are all always kissing and loving and soaking in her sweet babiness.  Ha! We love you with all of our heart and soul Gracie girl! You complete us.

Seriously - Could you resist these cheeks???

 Before her first church service

Swimming!

Madie started swim lessons a couple of weeks ago.  She and Mike go together on Wednesday nights and Marlie and I hang out at home.  Here are pictures from the first day.....

She was in a less than pleasant mood when she got home from school.  Can you tell?  Ha!  I told them to say "SWIMMING!"  At least Mike cooperated.  

After she got home she couldn't stop talking about it.  Mike said she was even the first one to go down the slide.  :)

Ms. Hadley Claire

The fam headed out to College station on Memorial Day to meet the newest addition to our family -Ms. Hadley Claire.  We had SO much fun and Madie and Cooper played nonstop. It won't be long until Hadley and Marlie give them a run for their money.  It was so wonderful to see everyone and it made my heart happy to hear Madie and Cooper giggle and giggle and giggle!

Let's Go!

 They started playing the minute we walked through the door! I love this picture because I am sure Cooper is telling her something really important. 

 Crazy girl!

 On to soccer

 and then the trampoline.......

 Water!

 Let's Race!

 Little Ms. Hadley

 My not so little brothers so thrilled to get their picture taken!

I didn't realize until we got home that I did not get one picture of Marlie!  She just hung and watched everything, bless her little sweet heart!  I am so glad we went to visit and now it appears that Cooper is everywhere Madie goes - he goes to her school and swim lessons! Ha!  The other day at the park a little boy came and she would not stop calling him Cooper.  He kept telling her that his name was Randy Matthew and she would just say "Come on Cooper!"  Ha!  We are so very blessed to have such a great family, these kiddos are going to have a blast growing up together.

I know, I know!

To say I am behind on blogging would be more than stating the obvious!  I am getting all caught up tonight so lots of posts coming over the next few days.  But can you blame me, I have been busy hanging out with these two.........