First Actual Haircut

I decided to get Madelyn's hair cut before she starts school. We like her long curls, but I wanted it more manageable, and to have the ends cleaned up/evened out a bit. Besides the tragic bang-trimming last winter, this was Madelyn's first real haircuit.

Look how long it is!

You might call it sentimental that we brought Madelyn to the stylist who has been cutting Gary's hair for over a decade I believe. He's followed her to 3 different salons, and she works about 30 minutes from our town. But I have to admit Gary's hair never looks as good if he goes to an emergency barber.

And I really love that she cut Madelyn's hair with the same techniques and eye for style that she would an adult. No chop straight across the back here!

Madelyn held perfectly still and quiet while Jennifer trimmed those beautiful locks.

This is the only "after" picture I took at the salon because Madelyn was done holding still. It doesn't look much different than before, especially from the front. I actually wish we had gone a little bit shorter, but you know what? She can get another haircut any time we want. And the back does look nicer.

Mommy's Birthday

I made this fun two-flavored, star-shaped cake for my birthday party. Madelyn helped me taste-test it and blow out the candle too.

I believe it passed her (not too discerning) test.

Yummy kiss!

Out at my parents' house Madelyn also got to pick fresh peppers from the garden with Audrey, Lucy, and Grandpa.

Cousin Pile!

From top: Tyce, Ethan, Madelyn, Jack, Bryson

Flying the plane

Monkey bars: one of Madelyn's favorite activities at the park.

Camping Videos

Singing 'Happy Birthday' to Uncle John (unfortunately he wasn't around at the time)

Big splashes in the floaty boat

Kind-of swimming!

The Outpost

I recently learned about a great summer program called The Outpost at a park the next town over. For a few hours every weekday they set up activities, crafts, sports, and even a water slide + more, and serve lunch too. I took Madelyn and Natalia there yesterday.

Jumping on a little trampoline

Playing tee ball

We didn't stay for the lunch, but now that I know about it, I think I'll be back often next summer (it ends for the year tomorrow).

Kiddie Pool

This time Madelyn mostly played in the shallow kiddie pool.

She jumped up and down in her boat, making big waves.

And the floated around in her kitty floaties all by herself.

Later we walked with the rest of the family up to the adorable open log chapel in the woods.

Grandma and Madelyn on the trail

Pink Butterfly

While the rest of my family went to enjoy the Adult Pool, I took Madelyn to get her face painted and swim again.

She got a cute pink butterfly this time. It washed off in the pool pretty quickly, though.

Camping Cupcakes

I made some yummy rainbow chip cupcakes to celebrate John's birthday on our camping trip.

The whole weekend Madelyn randomly sang the Happy Birthday song to John, and in fact she still sings it sometimes, a week later.

Madelyn thinks that cupcake is yummy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE JOHN!

Mini Golf

Back at the campground, heading to play miniature golf.

Madelyn got lots of shoulder-rides on this trip.

Such a cute, tiny putter. But Madelyn didn't exactly get the hang of it, despite my dad's skilled instruction.

She's trying to put the score card in her pocket. Gary always puts the grocery receipts in his front shirt pocket, and gives Madelyn the register-tape coupons so she can copy him. Thus, she likes to put little papers in her pocket.

Mount St. Helens

When we visited Mount St. Helens last year with Yuka, we drove to the highest observatory and visitor center, which had a stunning vantage point of the volcano. This time, it was very foggy and the visibility was poor so we toured a couple of visitor centers at a low elevation.

The first was the main state-run visitor center, which had a pretty cool movie, but it was quite small and consisted mostly of wall displays, which are not entertaining for a little one. There was a walk-in volcano, pictured above. I would have liked to read more about the photos and stats, but had to play Chase the Toddler instead.

Walking with Grandpa outside

We stopped on a whim at another building on the drive up the mountain, which is a facility privately operated by Weyerhaeuser. I loved this one, and would have even enjoyed more time there. The views were lovely (notice the blanket of fog though), it had a large outdoor playground complete with slides down the side of a mountain replica, and inside the exhibits were very engaging.

Inside the rescue helicopter

Swimming

I'm quite pleased with how well the floaties work! They aren't just cute, but functional too.

I can basically let go and she kicks her legs and reaches her arms. Madelyn will be a good little swimmer, I can't wait!

But by far her favorite pool activity is the "1, 2, 3 JUMP!" from the edge.

I like to let her make a big splash. Great picture, Mom!

Kitty Floaties

My parents decided to take my brother John camping for his birthday, and I invited Madelyn and myself along. I hope he didn't mind too much. We stayed in my parents' tent trailer (the same one we took on our big road trip, of course) at one of the resorts in their RV membership club near Mount St. Helens. One of our first activities after setting up the trailer was to hit the pool! (Yeah, it's a different kind of camping.)

Madelyn is very excited to wear her new Hello Kitty floaties.

I got them brand new in the box at a garage sale for $2. How adorable!

Especially with the rubber boots.

Hot Tub and Dress

Playing in the hot tub with Grandpa before staying overnight.

Madelyn got to wear this adorable dress for the first time when she attended church with my parents. My mom said she was very good and quiet during the meetings, playing with a little dollhouse I think. I'm so grateful that she was able to stay there so I could have such a cool experience at the Adventure Run. Thanks again you guys!