Mad Gracie Photo Blog

A few weeks ago Madeleine had been talking about one of her classmates having her ears pierced. So on a Saturday afternoon Kathleen talked to her about it and asked if Madeleine would like to go get her ears pierced. Of course she said yes, not really knowing exactly what she was in for and we were off to the mall. We walked up to the stand and got the process underway. Madeleine picked out her purple stones and got into the chair. In what I thought was a brilliant idea the two young ladies got situated with the guns, counted down and…Madeleine barely flinched. Personally I was expecting some screaming but she handled it like a champ. She was very proud of herself and we were proud of her, even Jake. So on the way out of the mall Kathleen popped into Sport Clips to see about losing Jake’s poofy hair-do. They swept us off to the chair and before you knew it Jakezilla had gotten his first real haircut. He handled it very well too, no wiggling or squirming just sitting back enjoying the scenery.

Just thought this was a cute moment between brother and sister enjoying their playroom.

Halloween was fun this year, Madeleine was one of her favorite princesses, Cinderella and even went to a party at school. Jake was the gingerbread man, Madeleine’s costume from last year. He will not be Cinderella next year ! He had a blast wandering through the neighborhood looking at all the decorations and figured out the trick or treating thing right away. Madeleine had a good time at her school party. One of her classmates, ironically enough named Madeleine, was Cinderella too. She got over it pretty quick and had a good time trick or treating around the fire station where the party was held and hanging out with her friend Jake.

Madeleine had her first school field trip in October too. We went to a farm just around the corner from the school. The farmer picked us up at school with a tractor and we had a nice hayride to the farm for our tour and pumpkin picking. Madeleine saw some farm animals,she liked the goats, picked her pumpkin from the patch then enjoyed some homemade ice cream. To burn a few calories we  took a stroll through the corn maze then Madeleine and her friend Luca climbed on one of the big tractors and had a great time pretending they were driving through the fields. Everyone had a enjoyed the trip, even the parents.

I am a little behind on updating the site I do realize. My apologies to the few people who actually check it once in a awhile, a lot going on. We went to a fall festival in October, lots of games, horse rides, face painting, the usual stuff. Madeleine rode a horse again, by her self this time too and loved it. A man I had talked to in the line was nice enough to snap a few shots for me and send them along. Both kids enjoyed the games, Madeleine really like the chicken toss. As you can see she was a pretty good shot hitting me square in the lens. We all got a good laugh out of that. Jake really liked watching the horses as they took their laps but wasn’t to interested in getting to close. it was a good family day for everyone.

Look out Annie Liebovitz, Madeleine Button is well underway on her photography career. I had to shoot a field hockey last week and invited Madd to come along if she would like. Figured since I would like to introduce her to the sport anyway this would be good chance. Shortly after we arrived Madeleine asked if she could take some pictures. I agreed and got her set up with the camera, she had a hard time holding it up with the longer lens but she managed for a little bit and did pretty well. She knows how to zoom the lens and  how to look at the photos on the screen after she shoots them. I know adults who are scared to even touch my cameras…I love it.

Madeleine came home from the store with Kathleen a week or so ago with a glo-stick, she was having a blast twirling it around. I had my camera sitting on the counter so I grabbed it threw on the flash and proceeded to have some fun myself and making some cool pics for the Madd to see too. When we looked back at the photos later she was amazed at the light trails I made. I told her it made her glo-stick look like a magic wand…she LOVED that idea and we both had a good time dancing around, casting magic spells and just having FUN.

A couple of weeks ago I had to shoot a Sept. 11th memorial event that had been rained out on the actual date. Kathleen and the kids decided to join me since the event was going to be short & sweet and we could make an afternoon of the whole thing. The event as just that, short & sweet, so while I was gathering names and all that fun Kathleen and the kiddies took a stroll around the school. They had a blast running up & down the halls and especially looking out at the small pond in the courtyard.

Madeleine started preschool about a week ago. She was so excited when the first morning finally came. She got dressed in her new school shirt, complete with sparklies, slipped on her purple shoes, grabbed her backpack – which was ready with all the forms and stuff to get through the first day – and we were off. We walked in and she found her cubby, looked around, and with a little help started to wander around the room. Then it happened, Madeleine was introduced to Nilla, the class guinea pig. She was all about that and Nilla squeaked a few times as if to introduce herself. There were no tears, and nothing left for us to do but wish her a great day.  One week in  and she is excited every school day, and has already made a few friends. And Mom has all the homework. We’ve even had our first official parent night. Talking with Dustin a few days before, I was reminded of all the other fun and adventure that comes with Madeleine starting school. Sleep overs, sports or what ever other creative outlets she may pursue. Either way we will be trying to keep up for sure, behind her all the way.

When the rain finally stopped after hurricane Irene blew through we rolled outside to look around. Jake went straight for the rainwater tubs I had set up in case the power was out and began to splash around. As you can see just to cute.