goals

I set a small goal for myself and I am happy to say that I already MET my goal!!!!

Read Eclipse before seeing the movie

and after an extremely enjoyable week of reading I have successfully finished Eclipse only bummer is that now I have to wait a whole month to see the movie...

Pretty Girl

This outfit is 100% Granny Kelly

Adorable, snazzy, girlie, and just a little bit over the top

nothing says girl like tutu

:)

Now Maggie picked the pink shoes over red so the whole outfit was picked after Maggie's initial choice - she's so pretty

(She took up about 3 seats in church )

Dolphin Tank

On our last trip to Chicago, Kelly pulled out this little number to see if Maggie would have any interest. And she hasn't been separated from it sense. It's my bribe for everything from eating to getting dressed.

Me: "Maggie first breakfast, then Dolphins"

Maggie: Happy noises

Thank you Uncle Casey and Aunt Christa for this obsession you created

Horse Therapy

Well after too many months of snow, ice and bone chilling cold Spring is here!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wonderful beautiful Spring that bring rain showers, flowers and leaves in full bloom and best of all horseback riding! By far Maggie's favorite therapy and extremely therapeutic both physically and emotionally she is completely happy. Not to mention adorable in her skinny jeans and huge helmet.

Even after months off from her routine of weekly lessons, she got right on and immediately tightened her thighs and put her heels down just like she hadn't missed a week of practice.

(all the while waving to me with each lap just like the true equestrian princess she is.)

This is Stewart - the typical barn cat complete with absolutely no stranger danger, human or equine, and demands your attention with the utmost persistence... not to mention he has extra digits

Not lying - SERIOUSLY - extra toes on all four paws.....weird I know but he's so cute and soft and persistent, it needs repeating because I can't express how in your face and you will pet me now this cat is. In a good way :)

Before She gets to ride Maggie walks around the barn and greets the horse at the gate. These are big horses that are for the most part very friendly and to most kids intimidating. Not to Maggie though she just laughs and loves up on them in her sweet little way.

I love these photo's because they capture not only Maggie's sheer joy and delight in these animals but the expression and gesture of this horse also shows his joy is delighting her, bowing his head so she can pet him - a true therapy animal

She looks SO SMALL - fragile and breakable at any moment yet fearless and excited for the adventure

And to think this was just the last 2 days we have several weeks of this to come and I can already tell Maggie is going to have a fabulous summer! She has no idea all the exciting things I have in store for her :)

Andy and Maggie

I have always loved how Andy Loves Maggie. These are some of the ways He loves her.

He is sweet to her.

Gentle, always holding her hand.

Supportive, always encouraging.

Uplifting, he never puts her down or says something like "can't or she won't"

He is the first to clap for her.

When I tell him Maggie's new sign, he is the first to want to practice with her.

At soccer practice he waves and comes over to hug his biggest fan

He takes her on the trampoline - and doesn't bounce (he restrains himself so Maggie can bounce and he won't knock her over)

He reads labels and makes sure foods don't have gluten or dairy

He is also really concerned about calorie intake and sodium/sugar levels - it's cute

He sings "Vanilla Twilight" by Owl City

He loves the Beatles and wants Maggie to like his music too

He watches VeggieTales with her and is almost as entranced as she is

When we go out and people say things like "your such a good big brother" he just smiles and then says to me "they don't understand" - :)

He wants to go where Maggie goes, always and forever

He makes plans about the future and taking care of Maggie

He always is optimistic for her

He is always happy with a sign, or pointing or even a grunt - it's enough for him to understand her

He is hopeful, happy and the best Uncle I know

We love you Uncle Andy