Maddie Turned 6 (and I went AWOL)

Maddie turned 6 yesterday -- I can hardly believe it.  I feel like I'll be sending her off to college before I know it!  The preparations for her party and a slew of other errands that had to get done kept me *very* busy all last week.  (New cell phones, a visit to my stockbroker -- thank goodness she's my mom!, finally to DSW to get a pair of shoes, off to the bank & grocery -- you get the idea.)

The party was a casual affair -- as I get older, I realize that:  a) I am *not* Martha Stewart.  b)  My family and I have more fun when we have casual get togethers.  c)  Even a simple get together leaves me exhausted and costs a good chunk of change!

So, we had chips and dip and a Sponge Bob cake that I did not make myself.  And we ordered carry out.  My Mom even brought crafts!  And almost eveyone did them -- photographic proof:

That's my Mom, Maddie and her cousin Landon -- Maddie and Landon are only 6 months apart and they play together so well!  Both are only children (and while Heidi plans to have more kids one day, I don't) so it's really nice to have them be so close.

And these are two of my sisters -- Heidi and Amanda and Amanda's husband, Kevin -- yes, he's crafting too!  We like him -- he married my sister and now he's gone and knocked her up!  My other sister and brother-in-law weren't crafting, but they were busy running around after a little one who just started walking recently, so they were quite busy in our non-baby proofed house!

Maddie was very gracious and exclaimed in delight over each gift -- is it the age?  She was very sweet!  And one gift she especially loved was her very own American Girl doll.  Oh my -- she is growing up too quickly, I tell you!  (These dolls are pretty incredible -- I almost want one for myself.  Sometimes I'm so glad that I have a little girly-girl!)

Yesterday was her actual birthday and Pete took the day off from work so that we could do something fun.  Maddie choose the DuPage Children's Museum.  We had actually never been there and I don't know why -- it's not very far and it was so much fun!  If you live in the Chicago area, it's really worth the trip.  (They even had a "wood-shop" area for older kids.) 

They had some really incredible "light" exhibits as well as building, water, air, math and other things.  Really quite fun.

Whew.  So that's where I've been.  I'm working on a new knitting pattern for the next issue of Yarn Forward and having a terrible time -- I've ripped it out 5 times, but I think I have a new plan.  (I also have an article in the current issue!)  And other than that, I've just been trying to find a few minutes to breathe.  Things should settle down after next weekend -- which is going to be insane once again.  I'm just dreaming of November -- November, November, November. . . .

Comments

[lorinda]

What a great birthday. Now you and Maddie can do the pilgrimages to AG in the city.

And your mom's a hottie!

And you were RIGHT by my house at the DCCM!

[Kelly]

Looks like Maddie had a great time! What a beautiful family!

[Christina]

Looks like it was a wonderful birthday! Those dolls are wonderful. When my niece got one for her birthday this year, she told us she had wanted her "her whole life". All five years of it I guess! Now she brings it with her when she visits her Grandmother, who got one for Christmas and the two of them have a blast. I guess your never too old for a doll!

[scoutj]

Happy Bleated to BOTH of you! And hey....wanna sell me some of your patterns for my shop?? :)

[scoutj]

Happy Bleated to BOTH of you! And hey....wanna sell me some of your patterns for my shop?? :)

[Katy]

Happy Birthday Maddie!
My oldest turned six on the 22nd...and she got almost the same American Girl doll! (no bangs...but brown eyes). I'll post a pic on my blog tomorrow.

[Vicki]

Happy Birthday Maddie! Sounds like a wonderful party, I'm thinking the same sounds good for my wedding, don't you ;) I got an American Girl when I was little, but that was before they came out with the modern ones. So fun!

[--Deb]

Aw, happy birthday, Maddie! That's such a nice age.

Oh, and the American Girl doll? My mom got one when my niece was small, so they could play together. And a couple of years ago? She gave me one for my birthday. (With shoulder-length, curly brown hair and a t-shirt that says I-heart-dogs on it, nonetheless.) My point? You're never too old for one (grin).

[Sue]

Happy birthday Maddie! I'm glad it all went so well, and your sisters and mum look so young. Anyway you can sit back and relax a bit, parties are always tiring in the preparation.

[Tracey]

Holy Moly woman! You may not be Martha Stewart (thank goodness) but your awfully close to Wonder Woman. Happy Birthday Maddie! I LOVE your mom's boots.

[Andrea]

Happy Birthday to Maddie!
I love the DuPage Children's Museum. I have often thought it would be a great place for a knit meet up. Put the kids at the water table and take over the benches within eyeshot! Hours could pass and the kids wouldn't care.

[Rain]

Awww...Happy Birthday Maddie! Looks like you did a great job of making Maddie's bday super special.

I don't know how you guys with kids do it. I'm in such awe.

[Kathy]

I'm having a 7th birthday party for my son - and it's SpongeBob. Where did you get your cake last year? I live in Hoffman Estates...I'm hoping you say Jewel or Dominicks???

Thanks, hope you guys are doing well....

[Angela]

I dont mean to be a TOTAL dork but I see on her spongebob cake that she has the cake ornaments I need for my sons party. Can you tell me where you bought those from b/c I cant find them any where? Thanks again.