Beer and Doughnuts = The Perfect Breakfast

We travelled to Madison for the Iowa vs. Wisconsin football game and met up with the Gulyas and Martins. The Hawkeyes pulled out the victory over the Badgers, and Dad pulled out the victory over the Wisconsin Malt Beverage Companies....(so he's been told).

GO HAWKS!!!

The month of September starts a very important time of the year for the Smith Family: IOWA FOOTBALL. This year as always, Mike has to work the football games, but Jenn is able to go to a few of the games with Grandpa Smith and other friends. Maddox was able to experience his first game ever, and he did outstanding. He even made it through the whole game....Let's cheer on the Hawkeyes!!!!


Maddox cheering for the Hawks with Grandpa Smith.


Maddox in the stands of Kinnick with Mom..


Saying Hi to Dad before going into the game.

Chillin at the Chapman's tailgate!!

Enjoying our Day OFF!!

Once in a LONG while, both Mom and Dad have a day off together. We spent the day just being with Maddox and taking him to the Children's Museum.

It is amazing watching Maddox get involved with all of the play equipment and playing pretend. You can just see the wheels turning in his head.....

Iowa State Fair 2009

The Fam headed west to Des Moines over the weekend to go to the Iowa State Fair. This was a first for both Mom and Maddox, and Dad hadn't been to the fair in probably 20 years. As always, the day of the fair was extremely hot and muggy and the smell of the hog barn (along with the funnel cakes) was filling the air. Overall it was a good day and everyone including Grandma and Grandpa Smith enjoyed themselves.

"How did that Butterfly get over there?"

"I'm off to pick me some vegetables"

"Mom, how do people ride these nasty things?"

"What U Lookin At?"

"Not the SHIRT!!"

Thanks Grandpa for buying me a Harley before my Dad got one...

Do I see my Future?

Happy Camper...

We ventured out and went on our first camping trip with the Gulya's in Rome, Wisconsin. We were very surprised that Maddox did well being outside for 14+ hours a day, but what kid wouldn't? He did not sleep too well the first night (even though we were in an air conditioned camper), but he got over it and slept good the second night.

We even were able to get Maddox on a boat for the first time. He really doesn't like the wind blowing in his face, but other than that he enjoyed himself....and so did the dog.

All suited up and ready to go for a boat ride....

"I'm on a boat...."

Chillin with Uncle Brett

We had a nice visit with Uncle Brett and Ashley today....too bad he didn't cook us dinner.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Dad was sad that he was not able to enjoy the Fireworks on the 4th of July, but Maddox had a great time hangin out with Mom!!!

What Happens When You Leave a Toddler Unattended During Dinner??

More from our trip to CHITOWN

Trying to touch the star fish at the Shedd Aquarium..

"OOOHHH that's squishy"

Our Trip to CHITOWN!!

We chose to be adventurous and headed to Chicago for a long weekend. Eventhough it took us nearly 6 hours to get to town (usually takes 3 1/2), it was well worth the trip. We were able to stay with the Pludemans and visit with their adorable son Daniel, and got to catch some of the sights of Chicago. As soon as we got to town we parked the car and made a bee line to the Shedd Aquarium. Maddox wasn't really sure what to think about the big tanks of fish, but by the end of the day he had his face smashed up against the glass nose to nose with the sharks.

From the aquarium it was time to get something to eat, so we headed across the street to the Taste of Chicago. Dad was depressed that he couldn't see Emeril Live, but he enjoyed all of the people watching all the same. It was amazing seeing all of the different walks of life at the event (some should have looked in the mirror before they left the house). We played it safe with the food and had to sample the deep dish Chicago style pizza. Yum!!!

On Saturday the family packed up and headed to the Cubs/White Sox game at US Cellular Field. It was a scorcher that day, but we took plenty of ice cream breaks to keep cool. Maddox loved the baseball game and everyone sitting around us loved him. He was cheering when everyone else was cheering and even manipulated our neighbors out of nacho chips. Ridiculous!!! The White Sox ended up squeking out the win 8-7.

All in all it was a great trip......

The boys outside of Comiskey Park...whoops US Cellular Field.

"Take me out to the Ball Game, take me out to the Crowd"

"Come on Dad let's get to the game"

"Mom did you see that??"

Can you say Creepy???

One morning this week Maddox woke up from the overnight with a dry diaper. Jenn and I said what the hey, and put Maddox on his toy potty to see what he would do. Voila!!!, he peed like he had been doing it for years. He is only 15 months old!! He definitely understands the concept of using the toilet and goes in it everyday now....

Overcoming our fear of water......

We were trying to be good parents when we signed up Maddox for swim lessons, but we quickly realized that you can't just throw your child into the water and expect them to swim. On our first night of lessons, Maddox was completely terrified of the water and screamed the entire 30 minutes in the pool. Nothing would calm him down, and we seriously thought this was a bad idea. We refused to give in to the pressure and took him back to the pool 2 days later. The screaming only lasted about 10 minutes. I guess that practice and repetition makes perfect because by the 6th lesson, Dad, Mom and Maddox were going completely under water with no screaming!!! YAY!!

"NO WAY AM I GETTING IN THAT WATER!!"

The next Michael Phelps in the making (minus the bong)

Why do I have Nipples???

It was a Great Fathers Day!!!

THANKS MOM AND MADDOX FOR A GREAT FATHERS DAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Taking lessons from Dad

Somebody has been watching his Daddy too closely at the restaurants....

"Almost finished"

"Finished"

A Visit from the Gulya's

This past weekend we had a great visit from the Gulya's (friends from Wisconsin). We miss being able to spend time with them and it was a good time seeing the twins, Hayden and Donovan. Jenn and I realized that we have it very easy with only one child. Our hats go off to Kyle and Melissa for having to try and corral two toddlers. I am getting exhausted just thinking about it!!

Again thanks for a great visit.

Maddox and Hayden chillin by the swings at College Green Park...

Maddox and Hayden chillin again...look closely at the background and you can see the blow up Drag Queen. There just happened to be a "Pride" parade going on at the time.

Maddox and the twins (and Melissa) preparing to go shopping at the Children's Museum.

Dancin Machine

I don't  know if Maddox has been watching too much Dancing With the Stars, or if it is those Beyonce videos, but he sure can bust a move. But, with all of the rhythm he does have, nothing compares to his  headbanging with the 80's Hair Bands.....

Just chillin with Dad

BUSTED!!!.....

Eventhough he is smart enough to know he is not supposed to be in the cupboards, he keeps going back and back again. 

We're Lovin Kindermusik

For the last 14 weeks or so, Maddox has been attending Kindermusik. He just absolutely loves going and has to be the center of attention (as you can see). When we sit in a circle, he goes around to all of the other kids and says hi, and then goes to the middle and busts out the latest MC Hammer moves. It is hilarious....

Loving the bubbles......

No, those are not party favors....

We will give you one guess of what Maddox found in the bathroom cabinet...