Welcome To The World, Baby Reese!

We welcome, with so much love and excitement...a baby girl to Missy, Andy, and Patrick Madden!

Elizabeth "Reese" Madden

Born August 16th, 2009

10:07 AM

6 lb. 10 0z.

19"

New Beginnings

"I want to go to school!"

Oh, Emerson. Just listen to your "role models!" "I don't want to go to school...ME either!"

Not "those" role models, Em! Listen to us! We can hardly WAIT to get to school, and today is the day! "I wonder what kind of toys they have, and what the playground will be like!?"
"I wonder what type of books they will have?! I am sure we will learn all of our letters this year!"
Hey, Mom..."When can we go?"

Brighton and Berklie started preschool at Saint Benedict's August 17Th, and they LOVE it! Never a tear, never looked back...now Emerson and I, on the other hand. Not too sure who cried harder! I am over that now, and am enjoying Emerson alone. She still walks around looking for the two of them, but LOVES her trips to Publix. Not only does she get to ride in the Car-cart...she gets her very own cookie!

Lucky # 152!

Stanton had a show at Wills Park the weekend we got home from DC. It was also the weekend before school started. They showed Training Level, and # 152 proved to be the lucky number! They got 1st! Pretty fun!

We had a great time! Sydney came along, which was an extra special treat! Good girl, Chardonnay! Thanks for coming along, Syd! Sydney is, indeed, the best friend a girl could have...she is highly allergic to horses, and comes to cheer Stanton on anyway!

Saying goodbye to Ryan at Arlington

You are our hero! I have to share just the sweetest moments of our day. Brighton and Berklie say their prayers each night and at the end we go around the room to ask for "special intentions." Both of them EVERY night ask for special blessings for Uncle Ryan. We love you so much!

Trip to Arlington

We went to Arlington for Ryan's funeral on August 03rd.

Stanton, Stafford, Brighton, and Berklie in Arlington by Ryan's grave.

We spent an extra day in DC to see the beautiful city!

Brighton and Emerson at the Washington Cathedral.

Mommy?! I know you are here somewhere! Bo had to take Emerson out of the Mass...she was much more interested in touring this beautiful church!

They climbed to the top of the church, and took a few pictures.

The inside of this church was truly breathtaking!

Outside of Washington National Cathedral.

The Reflection Pond. It was just so beautiful! Especially at night!

Two tired girls!

Back our condo and ready for our trip home the next day.

We enjoyed our very quick visit to Washington, DC. Although the visit was under such a tragic situation, the memories we have of the beautiful ceremony the military provided our whole family and friends, are those that will last a lifetime! Rest in Peace, Ryan. We love you!