Visiting from Florida

Nana and Ba-Ba arrived from Florida last night, and Madison couldn't be more excited! Today was a day for a bit of catching up, with Madison climbing all over Ba-Ba and serving up fake ice cream to Nana.

There was a visit to the chiropractor, and a trip to the grocery store - but after that, there was time for more fun together. Mommy cooked up an incredible Mexican feast with fajitas and tacos, and everyone enjoyed some time together.

It's been a busy day, although nothing particularly exciting happened. Madison loves going to see Doc Williams of course. She had a great time, giggling and running out the office to go get her sticker. The grocery store visit had Madison in one of those plastic cars that sits low and in front of the shopping cart, which was something new and fun for Madison. She loves to get out and help when it's time to put the items on the conveyor belt at the register. She's quite insistent that she helps, and so the end result was some sort of fire brigade effect, like the guys used to do when passing along buckets of water.

Having conquered Lego Pirates, Daddy and Madison are now in "Indiana Jones" mode, battling Mola Rom in the Temple of Doom. Boy, that brings back memories: Daddy was just a kid when that movie came out. I used to imagine myself tangling with thuggees or racing down tracks on an old mine car. Now, here we are doing it again with Madison. This is a movie she won't be seeing for a long time, but for now it's great to see her all into it.

Last night, Madison had a nightmare. I mention this because it is very rare that this happens. The last time may have been two years ago - she woke up screaming in the middle of the night. Last night, she woke up crying. She told Daddy she was all alone in her dream, and that did it: Mommy and Daddy wanted her to sleep in our bed for the rest of the night. Again, this was the first time this happened.

Tonight's bedtime story featured her giant ladybug friend. This thing is roughly the size and shape of a bowling ball, although it is a stuffed animal. The ladybug in the story did something very noble: he protected Madison (and Lady) from the mean old dog catcher. The Ladybug generally did this by stomping on his face. This seemed to work: the dog catcher did not return. And so, the Ladybug vowed to stand guard the rest of the evening - a vigilant sentry watching over Lady and Madison as they slept through the night. What a hero! Goodnight everyone: we're sleeping well tonight knowing the giant ladybug is near!