Handy Maddie

     Today's project was a simple bookshelf - Daddy was finally putting it together so we can have a better place to put Madison's growing number of books.  Immediately, Madison wanted to help put it together.  Can we fix it?  Yes we can!

     This is why Daddy got her Handy Manny's toolbox a few months ago.  Madison can carry around and use her tools, while Daddy gets to work on whatever it is that needs doing.  Madison is actually a big fan of Handy Manny ("you break it, we fix it!").  She doesn't call tools by their real names - she calls them by their character's names on the show.  For example, a pair of pliers is not called that anymore.  It's called "Squeeze," because that's his name.  

     You can see her using Squeeze in the photo above.  Meanwhile, Daddy is using his own version of Squeeze on the other side of the bookshelf.  You'll notice Madison is wearing an unusual work helmet, of course.  You might think that she's wearing this because today is her grandmother's birthday.  Wrong!  In fact, she's wearing it because this is the future of standard gear for construction workers.  It's the latest technology in safety helmets.  Soon everyone in construction on the high steel will be wearing helmets that look like birthday cakes.  Safe, OSHA approved, and fashionable!

     The bookshelf came out quite nice, despite the fact that Daddy put it together.  There was the typical tense moment or two when Daddy realized Madison had hidden about three vital screws, but it got together and it really does look good.  Mommy had Daddy put it in the playroom, and we've got a little more room in there to work with now.

     Today was a rest day, although we did accomplish a few things around the house.  At one point, we decided to venture out to Lakeshore Mall to do a few chores.  While there, we just had to ride the carousel a few times, and oh yes, we met with Nana and talked for a while.  

     She spent a little time showing off Madison to the people she works with.  Madison was funny:  she kept waving at everyone and saying "hi!"

     We actually did a little Christmas shopping as well - can you believe we're nearly done with our Christmas shopping?  

     If your shopping is not done yet, and you're wondering what to get Madison this year, might I suggest getting her ...a few books?