We have had such a full year in 2011 and that is our only excuse for not updating this blog more often!  In addition to a trip to Hawaii during the summer, Madeleine also had her first taste of school with a preschool art class, potty trained, went on numerous hikes, moved to a new house and found out that she is soon going to be a big sister! It’s impossible to catch up with all this news in one post, but here is a look at Madeleine’s year in 2011 as we look forward to many new adventures in 2012.

Ever since receiving the book Angelina Ballerina for Christmas, Madeleine has been very interested in dancing and all things related to ballerinas!  She was also given a tutu for Christmas and I recently bought her a dress with an attached tutu and ballet shoes so she is now ready to dance.  Below are some pictures of her posing on the couch in her new ballet dress. We’ll see how long this phase lasts.

This was the first year that Madeleine really looked forward to Christmas and enjoyed opening her gifts.  She especially liked opening her advent calendar every evening after dinner and playing with her nativity set.  We spent Christmas Eve with Katie’s family including her Grandma who was visiting from Hawaii and then saw Ben’s family on Christmas day.  Madeleine was thoroughly spoiled by everyone and is now worn out from playing with all her new toys including a little piano, a tent, a ballet tutu and leotard and a dollhouse.  We’re excited to see what the New Year holds for our family and to look forward to watching Madeleine continue to grow and learn!