Madison’s birthday

Maddie turned 11.  She wasn't supposed to get a party this year, but she didn't' have a party last year because she couldn't decide what to do or who to invite.  This year almost followed the same path, as several times she said, " I don't know, lets just not do it".  She ended up settling on a small party going roller skating and out for ice cream.  They had a great time skating for hours and hours.  They cracked me up.  She killed it in limbo and also made out pretty good with her presents - I think she ended up with like 40 dollars in Target gift cards - plus presents.  It was a pretty sweet party for me as well, literally zero planning and I got to sit at a table and plan my Relief Society lesson for 3 hours.  

On her real birthday she asked for Oreo balls for her cake.

 

Here are some cute pictures of Maddie.

Madison at age 11.

• Madison's life has changed a lot over the last year.  A year ago she didn't have a party because her best friends were the boys in her grade that she played football with and she felt weird about just inviting boys.  This year she has reconnected with some friends she had in 3rd grade and has become a social butterfly.  She is out the door as soon as she c an be to meet up with her friends and stays after school as late as she can.  I would say her life right now is her friends.
• She really likes to play with the babies.  She is the only one to do it without being asked.  It is funny becasue she is also the only one that fights with them.  I thought there was too much of a gap to fight, but turns out there isn't.
• Maddie has found her own style and has a really great fashion sense.  
• Obviously we interchange between Maddie and Madison (and Mads).  But at school she is STRICLY Maddie and she hates when anyone outside of the family calls her Mads.
• She starts Young Women's this year and she is very excited, although she is going to miss activity days (she loved her leaders).  Her and I have also enjoyed spending time together on Tuesdays at 7 when the others are at mutual - we are both going to miss that.
• Madison can be friends with anyone.  She gets along with everyone at church, school, activities, sports, neighborhood, etc.  She is just a fun person and people are drawn to her.
• She is a great baker, loves watching home videos, she enjoys playing with Lego's down stairs, sometimes doing a craft, riding bikes (sort of stopped roller blading), going to the mall, Target, or King Soopers, reading, she she is one of my best helpers when it comes to organizing or decorating.
• Maddie is always up for a good time and is always trying to get us to do fun things together.  Mads makes everything fun.