Happy birthday Madelynn love Mimi and grandpa

Happy 3rd Birthday, Madelynn!

We are so excited to wish you a very happy 3rdbirthday!  We are so glad that you are part of our family.  You have brought so much fun and love and happiness into our lives!  It has been so exciting to watch you grow from a toddler to a little girl.  Each week as we skype with your family, we have enjoyed listening to your sweet songs and see your imagination at work.

This past summer (June 2015) we were especially glad that you and your whole family were able to come visit us.  Grandpa and I could hardly wait.  We were busy buying special surprises and preparing for you to come spend several weeks with us. When you all safely arrived, the fun really began. Like every little girl in America, you loved the movie Frozen with Elsa and Anna.  So you loved the Frozentreasure chest we gave you filled with Frozen dolls and toys.  You also loved the Frozen sleeping bag we got you to sleep in and the Frozen dishes you ate on. 

You got to go to Disneyland with Elijah, Mom, Dad, and Julie while Grandpa, Bryant, and I watched baby Nolan.  You loved your first trip to Disneyland and we were so happy for you.  You were one very cute little Minnie Mouse in the dress that your Mommy made for you!  

After your family returned to Hughson, weenjoyed playing outside and swimming in the pool or playing with the water table.  You liked to dig in the dirt and help grandpa get wood for our campfires.  Many nights while you were visiting, we had a little campfire and roasted marshmallows.  You loved the marshmallows! 

We had a very fun family home evening where we fished in the living room.  On the back of each fish was a number and we either had to sing a song, or read a scripture, or you and Elijah passed out hugs and kisses.  It was so much fun! During our second family home evening, we played a match game with pictures of all of our family members.  At our last FHE we played games and fished again and then decorated Twinkies to look like minions.  Such fun!

It wouldn’t be summer without trips to the beach and to Calaveras Big Trees.

After we spent a fun day at Manresa Beach, we stopped by Casa de Fruta for dinner.  We got to ride a train and a Merry Go Round as well as play near a pond.  You wanted to chase the peacocks a bit because they were so pretty.

On the way to the Big Trees we sang “Follow the Grandpa, he knows the way…” Aunt Becky was with us and after our picnic, we hiked through the Big Trees.  You especially loved running in the mountains.

During your summer visit we celebrated 4th of July, Mimi’s birthday, and your Mommy’s birthday. And then it was time to say goodbye.  We hate those goodbyes and wished that you lived closer to us!

But this year we had a BIG SURPRISE when your Mommy and Daddy said that they were bringing all of you back to California for Christmas!  That was the best present ever.  We loved celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as a family.  We loved acting out the Christmas story with you playing the part of Mary, the mother of Jesus.Elijah played Joseph and you two were so cute.

Christmas morning Santa had left you a lot of hee-haws and it was so fun to see you name all of them.  You had fun getting to know your second cousins, Hana, Fiore, and Blume Boatman who also came for Christmas this year.

One of the most favorite things we did with you while you were here visiting for Christmas was to take you out to the Stout Farm and let you meet their horses.

You and Elijah both got to ride Roscoe the horse for several trips.  You were so excited to get to do that.

While you were visiting, Uncle Bryant gave you a lesson on how to shoot a BB gun.  You even hit the target.  Aunt Julie helped you and Elijah make a gingerbread house. You enjoyed all the attention from your family.  We sure do love you so much, Maddie!  You make our hearts so happy.

Another fun memory of your Christmas visit was to celebrate New Year’s Eve.  We played games including Pie Face which you totally loved.  You have such an adventurous spirit.  That’s a good thing as long as you also use your good brain!  Ha ha! Anyway, at the end of the evening we had sparkling apple cider and we were all toasting each other and saying, Happy New Year!

 

You didn’t quite get what we were saying, so you went around to everybody and wished them, “Happy No Hair!” We all had a great laugh because if you looked around at all the men in the family, you could see that they all had a bit of a problem with no hair!

Bright and early New Year’s Day you all flew home to TN.  We miss you as always!

​

I hope you can tell just how loved you are, Miss Maddie! You have a very special place in our hearts!

Love, Mimi, Grandpa, and Uncle Bryant ~~ Feb. 2016

Madelynn, you are 3!!!

Dear Madelynn,

Another year has passed and you are 3 now. The time is passing quickly. Seems like just yesterday you were pulled from my womb and screamed a scream to let the world know you are here. You still like to let the world know you are here!

We are so happy you came to our family. You have brought mounds of joy mixed with frustration this year. You are a silly girl and love your brothers. You also cry a lot. I'm hoping this is a stage you are gradually outgrowing. The tears flow and the drama is big. We can blow you a kiss from across the room and it makes it all better. 

You currently love horses! You love to look for heehaws as I drive. And you love to ride horses. I'm okay if that is an interest you keep forever. 

You play with dolls and barbies but are also a Jedi in training. You love to play with the farm toys and to build with blocks. You play well by yourself and I love seeing your imagination. You are fearless! Even when Elijah won't do or try something, you do. I love your sense of adventure!

You are amazing little lady who I am loving to watch grow. As a mother, and one day you will be one too and will understand, you want the world for your children. You want to give them experience. Sometimes though, these experiences are hard but they help you grow. Most of the time as a mom I want to step in and shield you from all hurt, disappointment, sadness. But I can't, because you need these things to grow. 

But I can promise you I will always be by you. I will always love you and try my hardest to buffer the bad parts. I'll cuddle you when you need cuddling (even when you think your too old I may still try and to sneak a cuddle or 2), I'll hold your hand when things are scary, and I'll laugh with you on this adventure of life.

I love you Madelynn Rochelle. You have stolen a piece of my heart that will always be only yours. You are amazing daughter of God with potential. I see so much potential in you. It's hard to imagine you being older but I know as you do you'll touch so many people in a profound way. Always be kind! You don't have to be friends with everyone but you do have to be friendly to everyone. Love big, give your all. It's the way we do things. And most of all, remember mommy and daddy love you. You have Heavenly Parents who love you. Something that has always given me comfort is the knowledge of this love. That They not only love me but They also know me and my needs personally. 

When life is tough, pray. When life is good/easy, pray! 

I love wish I could express in writing my emotions. They are too big to capture here. I love you dear sweet Madelynn. 

Love,

Mommy

Dear Elijah, you are 4

Dear Elijah, 

How is it you are 4? Was it not yesterday your daddy handed you to me and I was in awe of you and in awe I was now a mommy. 

We are sitting on the couch and you are cuddled up on my lap. It's good to know that 4 year olds still love to cuddle. You like to ask me to be your cuddle buddy. I'll always cuddle you!

This past year I feel like you've changed so much. You're talking tons better! You still have a big heart but you've also learned to aggravate! And you really know how to hurt my feelings. I don't like getting on to you, but it's necessary. I know when you're a daddy you'll understand. It's crazy to think that one day you'll be a dad. 

It's fun to imagine your future. As of today you want to be a optometrist. Maybe one day you will. You love to run, Star Wars, ninja turtles, and dinosaurs. Your favorite food is "soda" and "chips and cheese". Your favorite colors are green and red. Your favorite song is "joy to the world" but I think it's really what we call a long time ago, I know that my savior loves me. 

You are still scared of the dark, sleeping in your room, going downstairs alone etc. 

Elijah, know how much I love you. I want to give you the world but know that the best thing I can give you is love. I'll say no to you a lot. I know you'll think I'm the meanest mom ever. But it is almost always done out of love. I'm still learning how to be a mom. And since you are my first, you experience it all. We will learn together. 

I love you son. I love being your mom. I love we get to be together forever. Thanks you for being you. For loving and forgiving me on a daily basis. You are the best. 

Love, Mommy. 

Dear Nolan love Mimi and grandpa

-->

Happy 1^st Birthday, Nolan!

We are so excited to wish you a very Happy Birthday, Nolan.  You have added so much fun to our family.  Grandpa and I were so anxious to hear of your birth the morning of August 18, 2014.  We knew we had to get to work but we wanted to know you were safely here on Earth.  We are so glad that Heavenly Father sent you to our family.  We were happy to get to see you each week as we skyped on our computer with you but we couldn’t wait to get to meet you in person.  We were so happy to fly to Tennessee on November 22, 2014 for your baby blessing.

It was a joy to hold you for the first time and look into your sweet face.  Grandpa and I both agree that you were the most beautiful baby. Grandpa felt honored to join your Daddy and your Eaton relatives in the blessing circle.  It brought tears to our eyes to witness another little Adamson baby be blessed by the priesthood of God.

We spent a fun week getting to know you and spending time with your whole family. We celebrated Elijah’s birthday and also took a trip to Pigeon Forge with you but you won’t remember any of that fun.  We also set up the Christmas tree and celebrated early so we could give you your presents in person. I think you liked the wrapping paper best!

We are sad that we live so far away from you but we look forward each week to seeing you on the computer as we skype.  We have watched you grow up and learn to roll over and sit up as well as crawl all over the place. We get excited when it is summer and we know you are coming to see us.

This past June and July you and your family spent 3 weeks here in California with us.  We were so happy!  While some of your family went to Disneyland, you got to stay with us for 4 days because you really were too little to go.  You were such a good baby although you almost wore us out! You crawled everywhere and climbed behind everything.  You pulled out every book, magazine, and DVD you could reach.  You were one busy boy! But we loved having you here.  You giggled and laughed and added so much joy to our hearts. 

We took you to the Pacific Ocean for your very first time.  You liked it!  You got your toes wet in the waves and had fun in the sand. You were a happy beach baby! We also went to Calaveras Big Trees.  It was a wonderful day to spend time together. We also celebrated the 4^th of July as well as Mimi’s and Mommy’s birthday.

You got a lot of attention while you were at our house.  Uncle Bryant and Aunt Julie were here also and along with Grandpa and me, we all took turns helping you practice your walking.  You loved to do it and within a few days of going home, you got pretty good at walking.

We can’t believe you are already one year old!  You are a sweet boy and we love to hear you laugh.  We’ve also heard your high pitched shrieking but we love you anyway!  Ha ha!  Be a good boy and always remember…we love our little Nolan LeGrand Adamson!         

All our love, Grandpa, Mimi, and Uncle Bryant                                         August 2015

Dear Nolan, you are 1!

Dear Nolan,

You're one year old now! Wow how the last year has flown by. We are so happy that you are a part of our family. Daddy and I are the luckiest parents in the world. 

It's been so fun to see you reach all your milestones this past year. Rolling over, sitting up, walking, you are such a little pro. You also have lots of cheerleaders. Elijah and Maddie get so excited when you learn something new. You love Elijah and Maddie and they love you. You like to chase them and have them chase you. It usually ends with Elijah trying to pick you up and that makes you mad. You don't see yourself as a baby. You're a big boy. 

You weigh 25 pounds and 6 ounces. You only eat table food. You want eggs every morning. If I try to give you something else you throw it over the edge of the tray until you get what you want. You eat great! And get really "hangry" if I go too long between feedings. 

Your laugh is so cute and your smile is adorable. You crinkle your nose with your biggest smiles. I love it. I love you. 

While this past year has been such a joy, it's also fun to be entering into this next phase. I can already see your little personality developing. You love to be held and I love when you lay your sweet head on my shoulder. 

You have so much ahead of you. So many adventures to be had. It's bittersweet to think of my kids growing up. It's fun to imagine what you will be. Who you will become? Where will you serve your mission? Will you be an optometrist like your daddy? 

I just ask you be patient with me. I am far from perfect but know this, I love you perfectly! While I will lose my cool, I may yell, and there will be days you think I'm horrible, even on the worst days I love you and want the best for you. I want to be a good mom. I want to be the best. Be patient with me, love me. 

The world is your playground and I want you to always remember to have fun/play. But there are times that you must work and be serious. I know you'll do this with a smile, that's who you are. 

I love you Nolan LeGrand Adamson. I look forward to all the adventures we get to have together. Never forget I'll always stand for you. I will cheer you on in life. I will love you unconditionally. 

Love, 

Mommy