RIGBYS

Madeline jane's skiing!!

2012-01-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

Over the Christmas break Stu and I wanted our main focus to be teach Madeline to ski. We had NO idea what to expect. When we got up there she couldn't erase the smile from her face. Her expressions "I'm skiing and I love it" just made us melt! One of Stu's and my favorite things to do is ski so to share this adventure with her was so exciting! Beware: there are a million pics but I just couldn't resist.. She looked so dang cute!!

The cute thing INSISTED she carry everything herself.

Testing out the snow!

First run. Later on we purchased a harness that helped out so much. She was skiing by the end of our trip!

Ski day with the cousins!

End of the day. She has HAD IT!! But she still looks so dang cute!

Charles Dickens Festival..

2011-11-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the Charles Dickens Festival in Skaneateles, NY where the town puts on a Charles Dickens Festival with Father Christmas and characters from Scrooge. It's a scenic little town on Skaneateles Lake with beautiful lake houses, the cutest little stores and beautiful scenery. It was warm this year so it made it a lot of fun!

Windsor, Campbell, Jaxson, Madeline, Jalynn and Remington.

Father Christmas and Madeline.

I'm Thankful for...

2011-11-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

Good Friends.

My healthy, beautiful, Children.

My amazing husband.

My wonderful family.

And much much more...

We stayed in Ithaca this year and were fortunate to have Thanksgiving dinner at our good friends house and they really spoiled us. The food was some of the best food i've had for Thanksgiving dinner. It was Yummy!!!

Brandon preparing the Turkey.

Our yummy Turkey!

The girls had a little tea party before dinner.

Madeline walked around the party and played the harmonica all night. Seriously for like an hour. It was so cute!

Thanks Wright family for the perfect Thanksgiving!

2011-11-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

My family
November 2011
Ithaca, NY

Madeline Jane turns 3!!

2011-11-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ahh, my little stinker turned 3 over the weekend and she had quite the celebration.
First I want to say that I can't even express how much I love this girl. She is my best friend. She is sweet. She is loving. She cares for everyone and has the kindest heart. She gets really excited about the things I do. She tells me she loves me everyday, which I can't even express what it does to me when she says it. She is so sweet to her baby brother. She wants him with her at all times, and I need to really take advantage of it because who knows how long that will last, Ha. I am so in love with this girl and can't get enough of her.Happy Birthday sweet girl!!
We had a birthday party with all of Madeline's friends, went to breakfast, played queen of the castle at the park, Stu made us girls a nice dinner and we opened LOTS of presents! It was cute, Madeline was so excited for her party that she paced around the apartment all day long waiting for her friends to come. At one moment in the day as I was making her desserts, she looked at me and said, "mom, I'm so excited it ridiculous!" I knew right then she was going to have a fun Birthday!

Madeline waiting for her friends to come to her party! She could not wait.

I gave her a little manicure while waiting for the guests.

Looks like she is making her last wish!

Madeline has the cutest little group of friends here. I love her age group! Watching 12 little 3 year olds open gifts was pretty funny. They ALL wanted to help!

Maddie with her friend Nina. She LOVES this girl and I will have to say this little girl is one of a kind! She talks likes shes 20 and always has the most excited look on her face.

Ice cream and candy toppings. I'm sure the parents hated me that I had SO much candy right after Halloween. muahaha!

Stu's friends.

Our lovely friends the Chapins!

Cute Melissa, Mia and Ty..

Post party! Madeline playing with her toys while we kicked our feet up and relaxed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET MADELINE! We love and adore you to death and hope you know it!

Barns, chairs and very cute kids...

2011-11-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

Today my cute friend and I took our kids and did a photo shoot. Upstate NY has the most beautiful barns, fields and just places to take pictures. We found this cool barn just right around the corner from our apartment. We had fun but by the end, were totally exhausted!

Thanks for the fun day Melissa!

Let the games begin..

2011-10-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

This year Madeline gets to celebrate Halloween for a week straight. I think she has something everyday until the actual holiday. That is one of the many perks of being in school and living so close to such great friends.

Here is my little Mini Mouse! Ford slept threw the whole party so there aren't any pics. (I also slacked on getting him a costume this year, whoops).

Madelines new face! She loves pulling this face when I take the picture. I kind of love it too!!

It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get every kid to look at the camera!!

Maddie with her best friends! I love that she has made such great friends here in Ithaca. We miss our friends from last year but were lucky to find some great ones this year!

Thanks for the fun party Crystal and Ashley!

Short and sweet...

2011-10-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

We had a short but very sweet visit from Stu's parents this weekend. They were passing through on business and we got to spend some quality time with them! Right when they arrived on Sunday we headed up to Palmyra, NY for some BEAUTY! Monday morning we woke up and went for a nice long walk around the gorges that surround Stu's school.

A few extra pictures I got when the leaves were at their peak!!

Thanks for the nice visit mimi and papa! Please come again soon!!!

Vermont

2011-10-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

This year for Stu's fall break we took a driving trip down the coast to Vermont. It was unbelievable. I have always heard about Vermont in the Fall, but the things we saw, I can't even describe. Pictures just don't do justice to beautiful vibrant, fluorescent colors of beauty we saw.

Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT

Cool barn we saw in Grafton, VT.

Right before we ate dinner at Bentley's in

Woodstock, VT.

This is definitely a must during the fall.

2011-10-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.

Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking.

Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice.

And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

They somehow already know what you truly want to become.

Everything else is secondary.”

-Steve Jobs

baby it's cold outside...

2011-10-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Today on this beautiful Conference morning Stu, the kids and I went down to the farmers market. It was FREEZing outside but we had more fun today! There was hardly a crowd and the food tasted even better in the cold.

On our way home we winded through this beautiful (yet kinda creepy) cemetery with the coolest tombstones. The weirdest thing about this cemetery were the houses on the property. People had tons of tombstones in their backyards. Again, kinda creepy!

My little peeps

2011-10-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

Can't get enough of these little people. Well, sometimes I can but for the most part they make for some good little buddies!

My little guy ALWAYS smiling!

First day of Preschool!

Some of Maddies peeps

Meeting Stu at the bus is the highlight of our day!

First BIG day..

2011-09-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

.....Of Preschool.

Now, normally I wouldn't stick my little almost 3 year old in a preschool because that would mean less time with me and I'm just not ready to give her up yet. But Madeline has wanted to go to school like her daddy for some time now. So we gave it a try and today was her first day! She loved it! Every time she asks where her daddy is, or where her aunt dodo and aunt Caroline are and I have to say "school". So when I dropped her off she asked "is daddy and Caroline and dodo going to be here?" I had to shut her down and say the big fat NO. But I told her how much fun she would have and she sure did. I have also started a coOp with some of the other moms here and so she is now in 2 preschools. Sad for mommy but yeah for Maddie.

2011-09-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

NYC....

2011-09-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

Stu and I had the luxury of leaving our kids with some friends while we went into the city! It was one of the funnest trips I've been on.

NEW YORK CITY WITH NO KIDS. Heavenly! We would come home to our hotel super late, sleep in until 10, go to breakfast, walk until we couldn't walk anymore, ate the yummiest food, rode bikes through central park, shopped in Soho... We had a blast. I think I am even more in love with NYC. It has everything to offer. We were just in awe by all of the art, the different and cool places to eat, the graffiti art, the people... If we were short of 2 children I think that would be our next move!

SERENDIPITY

Super cute.. Stu wanted to come here so bad. We rescheduled our dinner plans so we could go to Serendipity and get an iced hot chocolate! Cutest guy!

Shopping in Soho

We rented some bikes and rode all around and through Central Park... I would totally recommend it. It was so relaxing!

Cool restaurant in West village..

Bow Bridge.. Central Park.

Thanks for the fun trip Stu and especially thanks to our cute friends that watched our kids!!

Apples Apples Apples

2011-09-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Apple picking is one of the highlights in NY. You walk into the grocery store and the first half of the produce section are APPLES. They are super YUMMY... especially when picked right off the tree. We really have the best here in NY and I am an apple lover... Madeline has turned into one as well!

Madeline loved picking the apples. She filled up her entire bag AND stroller! We came home with LOTS of APPLES!!

Maddie and her duo buddy- Rip. They are quite the little team!

We had a pretty large group today at the farms and this is just a third of the kids... Maddie was in heaven!

Madeline got the biggest kick out of feeding the pony. I was over talking with the moms and glanced over at Madeline feeding the pony all by herself. She would put the grass up to his mouth and then jump up and down screaming "I did it mom, I feed the horsie!" You could just tell how proud she was!

sApSuCkEr wOoDs..

2011-09-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today Stu and I went jogging through the sapsucker woods. I can't believe we live in such beauty. We walk outside of our apartment and there they are. It's just beautiful!

LOVE this time of year!! It really doesn't get any better than this!

Cornell

2011-09-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today we decided to jog down to Stu's school and say hi! It's been raining a ton here in Ithaca but it's been really fun. Last year I was sick for the first four months we were here so it's nice to be able to get out and enjoy the weather before it changes too quickly. I saw some trees today that have already started changing...

Maddie doing her thing... posing for the camera.

My little man!

Farmers Market

2011-09-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Farmers Market and it was SUPER crowded. It's probably the most talked about thing to do here in Ithaca in the late summer and early fall, which is kindof funny to me, but we are lucky to have such a good one.

We have been lucky to meet such cool people since we've been here in Ithaca. Has definitely made our experience here better!

Community Corners Carnival..

2011-08-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

Every year Tompkins County puts on a community corners carnival and it's just down the street from our place. At one point I looked down and Madeline was carrying 2 things of cotton candy, 3 balloons, wearing a monkey necklace that she made and wearing a red fire hat. I am amazed at how many kids there are in our little town. We LOVE it here!

And some more pics from earlier today..

Ithaca Bakery

Love this little guy!!! Always smiling and laughing!

Can't get much better than this.....

2011-08-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is basically what we did everyday, ALL Day!

Little Johnny Ford...

2011-08-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

John FORD Rigby

My little guy, Ford is 4 months now.. and He is changing right before my eyes.

He makes the cutest little coo sounds

He blows bubbles

He smiles the second anyone walks into the room

He is VERY alert

He is trying SO hard to sit up

He has mastered the superman and holds his neck up

He is just PERFECT!!!

Recap of the summer... don't mind all the pics.

And...

2011-08-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

our adventures continue.... WE'RE BACK!!! I don't remember loving this place last year as much as I love it now. The trees are so green and the weather is just perfect. We stayed in SLC for the summer and it was a vacation EVERY single day. There was a big beautiful pool in our backyard so we swam, BBQ'd, had a parties almost every night, ate lots of ice cream and slurpees and just chilled with friends and family. But i'll have to say it's nice to be home now where we can get back into the groove and actually have a schedule and give these kids some structure. We have already met some super cool people and I think we are going to have an AWESOME year here in Ithaca NY!

Recap of the summer... don't mind all the pics.

CALIFORNIA

On our way to Salt Lake City. Our last visit to my parents house before they move.

Hebgen Lake

aka Favorite Place on Earth

Master Surfer STU!

Newport Beach
California

Welcome home...

2011-04-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

John Ford Rigby!!!

More pics to come....

2011-04-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Dying Easter eggs! Yup, you heard me, no baby yet so we decided to dye Easter eggs tonight and Madeline had so much fun. She was our little scientist mixing all the colors and dying the eggs. My mom and I really tried to make our eggs look cool but Maddie's turned out to be the best. Her's had a cool tie-dyed look to hers. It was fun and it definitely kept my mind from wondering why this baby isn't here yet! Argh!!!

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!!

Showered with love, great friends and baby BOY goodies!

2011-04-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

I not only feel lucky to have met the cutest girls in NY but the fact that they got together and threw this darling shower for our little BOY makes me the luckiest! Kristen decorated her house so cute and made the yummiest food. She puts so much effort into these showers and I felt so dang special all night long!

Emily, Emily's little 2 week old and Andrea

Roo, Julie and Melissa

Kristen and Trina

The whole bunch! We had such a fun night! Thanks girls, especially Kristen, Roo and Melissa for throwing such a cute shower!!!!

Kristen decorated this darling diaper cake. It's sitting in the babies room and I don't dare to dig in!!

2011-04-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

We always LOVE catching up with the Williams and will really miss them when they move in June!!

Madeline LOVES little Elizabeth and I really like the way they play together.

Watching Bambi while the adults got some time!

So CUTE! Thanks again Andrea and Brad for the yummy dinner and dessert!!

So much love...

2011-04-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

I LOVE conference weekend and look forward to them all year. Unfortunately Stu had one of his crammed courses this weekend so we didn't get to see much of him but he got home today just in time for conference and it was heavenly! Our little apartment was filled with so much love and joy and the spirit was so very strong as we got to listen to conference together. The second the tabernacle choir came on Madeline would run to the computer sing along...So very sweet.

I am so so so grateful for my darling little family and can't wait to welcome this little guy in!

Happy Birthday STU!

2011-04-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight we celebrated STU'S 31ST BIRTHDAY with some of our good friends! Our apartment was a MAD HOUSE!!

Maddie helping Stu blow out the candles.

I love these two!!!!!

Madeline with her friend Elizabeth.

Halle, Maddie and Elizabeth.

Cutest 6 month pregnant girl around!

Stu with some of the buddies. We have LOVED the friendships we've made here in Ithaca and will miss these guys next year!

Hope you had a good birthday babe!

Short but {very} Sweet ..

2011-03-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

..trip to PHILLY! We had such a great time with our good friends! We arrived in Valley Forge, PA Friday afternoon and went straight to Valley Forge National Historic Park. We walked through George Washington's house and got to see the winter encampment of the Continental Army was stationed. We walked through George Washington's house and saw where "the crew" planned out the war and made it all happen. It was interesting to see what these men went through and the sacrifices they had made for freedom from the British.We spent a few hours at the park and then went to a YUMMY and very nice dinner at the Mangianio's Italian restaurant. The next day we headed into Philadelphia and did a little more sight seeing and soaked up some more historical radiance. We toured through Independence Hall, saw the Liberty Bell and walked down the oldest residential street in Philly. We ate our cheese steak sandwiches and went to the Redding market for some yummy treats. After a long day of walking we drove back to Valley forge and got some dinner. The kids were spent and so were we!!! After putting the VERY tired kids to bed we played games in the lobby until weee hours of the night and loved it! Our friends introduced us to a fun game called Alhambra. That was my favorite part because we were "kid free" and got to spend some quality time together!

Halle, Maddie and Jordan LOVED being out of those strollers.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE bridges so I had to stop and take a picture- even though we backed up a half a dozen cars!

Chris and Katie were really good at finding the best restaurants in town and this was one of them..Mangianio's Italian restaurant. Very impressed!!!

There was a line around the corner best Philly cheese steak sandwiches in town. Definitely recommended!!

Stu and Chris.

The next Martha Washington. Totally looks the part, right..!?

My wittle bug!!!

"Common Sense"

Walking, walking and more walking....

Independence Hall.

I love carriages so once again had to get a picture..

Liberty Bell.

Once again, these kids couldn't get out of their strollers fast enough.

The original chair that John Adams was elected President. Funny story- so before the lecture started in this room madeline ran up these stairs, went under the rope and hopped right in the chair. The audience got a pretty good kick out of it and was laughing pretty hard. I was totally embarrassed. Good thing the gaurds didn't see!!!

Oldest residential street in Philadelphia. We fell in love with the cute little town homes.

Thanks again guys for such a fun trip and thanks for being such great hosts!!!

Crown and Crumpets...

2011-03-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

Someday I am dying to go to this little TEA shop in San Fransisco!

Would anyone like to join me..?

FOUR YEARS BABY!!!

2011-03-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

{well, more like 15 years!}
Here's to the best husband in the world- seriously!
These have been the best four years of my life babe! Things just get better and better with you and I can't believe I got to marry YOU, Stuart Rigby, my highschool sweetheart!
You know I love ya and am excited for the next four years!!!!

2011-03-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Church I was looking around and I swear everywhere I looked there was ANOTHER pregnant woman! So I decided to have some fun with it get all of them together after church and get a pic!

Believe it or not we were still missing a good chunk of preggos from the ward and the branch!

I LOVE my ward! Such darling girls!!!!!

2011-03-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

We are really going to miss these guys! I get choked up when I think about it. These guys have been our great friends since we've been here and man there will be a large void next year when they are gone!

Watching Ice Age! Love Jordan's face!

Chris & Katie Burke

Looking forward to Thanksgiving already guys!

2011-03-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today we made the cutest little EASTER BUNNY CANDY NECKLACES. I found this cute kit in the Easter section at Michaels and had to buy it! They turned out so cute and Maddie LOVED it!! Every time she put a candy on the string she would say "I did it mom, I did it!" I really do these crafts just to hear her expressions, I love them!!!!!

Just when I thought...

2011-03-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

.........there was nothing else to do with kids in Ithaca other than the bouncy gym and science center my friend Julie saves the day and tells us about the fingerlakes gymnastics gym. They open up the gymnastics room to the kids for one hour on Wednesdays and Fridays so we took advantage! We had the best time. Madeline LOVED it! This might have to be our Wednesday ritual!

Such a fun day Julie! We LOVED it. Next Wednesday is on!!!

LoVe......

2011-03-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

.......Being a MOM to this little girl!!! I don't go a day without some surprise coming out of her mouth. I wish everyone could hang out with her all day just so they can catch everything I see and hear. She can say the whole alphabet, count to ten, point out letters and tell me what they are, name four of the shapes {heart, square, circle and triangle}, knows her primary colors and can spell her name "MADDIE" {not quite Madeline yet but she is trying.} Stu is also teaching Madeline Spanish and it is the cutest thing. He speaks it around her when he is home and she speaks back in her own little jibberish language. She hasn't caught on yet but I figure if Stu keeps it up everyday she has to learn, right? Well, she is always wanting to learn and read and I love it!

She is also very animated. When I get her a balloon at the grocery store she yells, "I love it balloon, I just love it!" and when she forgets something at home or spills something she sighs "oh dang it, uhhh". She yells "I did it mommy" with the biggest smile when she has accomplished something. And she jams out in the car and at home. We have a dance party almost everyday in our apartment and the second the music goes on she darts for her tutu skirt and comes out dancing away! In the car I look back and she dances to the beat. If I'm listening to something slow, she sways her body with the beat, and when I listen to something more upbeat, she gets those arms and legs moving and loves to try and sing along...

Oh, there is just so much more but it would take all day, seriously. I just LOVE hanging out with this little buddy. She keeps me quite entertained!!!

I have been promising for the last couple of days to build a doll house just for Madeline. Well, I put it off until today. The sun was even shining and I kept my word and made Madeline her very own doll house. Well, it started out as a doll house but we got more creative and built a 3 tower house out of boxes and just designed them... one side of the house is the alphabet, another side are all of the farm animals, another side of the box is numbers and the other side is shapes.... At first it was a mommy project because a 2 year old and scissors don't mesh well. But as I got into it, Maddie got to help with the gluing and the stickers. It was seriously so much fun doing this project with her today...Now we have LOTS to clean up!

Kinda silly but we had so much fun making it!!!

Thanks for the fun day miss M!!

2011-03-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

Another day at the rockin' bouncy gym!! We LOVE this place!

As Madeline would say "I love it bouncy gym mommy!" Love this animated little girl!!

hOw to Beat thEse Winter blUes...

2011-03-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

My cute friend Julie had the cutest idea of making star crayons out of our old scrappy ones.. We made some yesterday and they turned out to be a hit! Madeline LOVED making them {and I think I might've had a little too much fun myself..

Cute.. eh! She's been coloring with them all morning and says "wow, look mommy" every five seconds! Thanks for the darling idea Julie!

2011-02-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the Williams over for dinner. Darling family and we are going to really miss them when they move in May...

Thanks for the fun night guys!

2011-02-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Today we have fun at the jumping gym with Julie and Tucker! Props to Ithaca mall for putting this amazingly fun jumping gym in for those cold snowy days!!

Help... PLEASE!

2011-02-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

John Henry Rigby- {Hank}

Ford Patrick Rigby

Stu and I love them both the same and seriously can't choose... HELP!

Lately...

2011-02-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

The last couple nights we have been busy just having fun. Every Thursday at the Johnson school there is a social for all of the students and their families. They always have yummy food, I get to hang out with Stu's class mates and tell funny stories, and the Burkes usually go so Madeline gets to run around with Jordan and Halley. It's fun for everyone!

Wednesday night Stu and I took Madeline to Target to pick out her new "Big Girl" bed. I can't put into words how excited this girls get about EVERYTHING! She was running around target saying" No Way" a big girl bed. and "WOW, a big girl bed for Maddie". She had even more fun helping Stu put it together. She had the biggest smile on her face all night long- well, until she had to get in her bed for night night.

Oh, and Thank you so much Liv for the darling frog raincoat we got in the mail earlier that day. She has to wear it everywhere and show EVERYONE!

To end the fun and relaxing week we had a birthday party for Madeline's cute friend Jordan. He turned four and his mom made the cutest dang train cake. Very talented. Afterwards Stu and I introduced our friends Chris and Katie to our favorite game Lagretto. Well, it took us until midnight to finally give up. Chris and Katie KILLED us! I like to call it beginners luck.. HA!

Jack and Halley!

Madeline & Jordan have so much fun together. I think she asks to have a play date with Jordan almost everyday!

Thanks again Burkes for the FUN night!

I Love This Girl!

2011-02-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

Everyday I get an "I Love You Mommy" and it completely melts my heart!

Her Name is...

2011-02-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

Ella Bella, what Madeline calls her! She talks about Ella bella all day long. She spots a girl in the grocery store with curly hair and glasses and immediately following is "where did Ella Bella go?" It is so cute. Happy yo know Madeline will be able to reunite her "Ella Bella" this summer.

Thanks for the cute picture Lizzie!

Infamous "DOLLY"...

2011-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

The infamous "DOLLY". Madeline takes this dolly everywhere. Madeline makes sure she is fed, diaper is changed on a VERY regular basis, reads to her ALL day long and makes sure she is VERY warm when we go outside, dressing her in a hat, boots and coat. Madeline might not have any siblings quite yet but she is getting well prepared! No doubt that she will be the best big sister!

{craft high}

2011-02-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

I have been on a {craft-high} lately. I don't know if it has to do with the UGLY weather outside that keeps us in all day, the NESTING instict that comes with pre-labor or just craving a cute room for the kids. Whatever it is I have been having SO much fun! Maddie's room isn't even close to being done but here is another project I finished..

Movie night with the Burkes!

2011-01-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

Every Friday night our friends Chris and Katie have pizza/movie night with their kids. We got to join in this week! Thanks for the yummy pizza and games!

My wittle DIVA!

2011-01-26T22:46:00.000-08:00

Today we {played}DRESS-UPS!

Madeline and I snuck some of these fancies on while no one was home. We had so much fun!

Madeline is stepping right into the princess stage. Everything is "oh pretty" and when she puts an outfit on she asks "this cute mom?" in her cute little voice. She loves to watch me put on my makeup just so she can copy every step.

I guess this is what comes of it when your cooped up in a house for an entire day!

Walked in to find....

2011-01-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

Maddie bug on the TOILET. What?

Our little "I DO IT" girl sure knows how to surprise us!

I guess it's time to potty train!

Saturday at the Getty

2011-01-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

The Getty Museum was a blast today. We loved everything from riding on the train up to the museum. Looking at the European Art which I could look at all day. Running around the grounds trying to beat the crowds. Madeline and Liv chasing the bubbles on the lawn. Taking naps on the lawn. Eating hotdogs. And just relaxing. Today was a very leisure day at the museum. What a way to spend a Saturday!! We sure missed our Stu though..

Waiting for the train ride up to the Getty.
Madeline. Dad. Caroline. Liv. Mom.

My dad and Madeline. Such a beautiful day.

California Parks Rock!

2011-01-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Today we met my friend and her cute kids at the park. Sunny, 75 degree weather and bright blue skies Not complaining!

River. Madeline. Anora.

Nana needed some help with dinner so Maddie was right there to the rescue..

2011-01-20T01:17:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for a backpack for Madeline lately and came across these:

{bird houses}

2011-01-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

I just started Madeline's new room today and came up with this fun idea. While I was at Joanns I found these darling little wood bird houses. While I was walking up and down the isles I was trying to figure out what to do with them. I came across some darling decorative papers, mod podge and away I went.

Super Easy, Super Inexpensive & Super Fun!

{Such an easy, fun way to decorate a little girl's room or nursery}

Madeline LOVES her Bompa...

2011-01-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

Popsicles.

Rides to the candy store.

Bompas little helper with the drill.

Big helper with the paint.

Cuddle buddy every night before bed.

Bompas best friend, Madeline!

Madeline's friend BOMPA!

TERRANEA RESORT...Nelsons Cafe.

2011-01-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today my mom, Madeline, Olivia and I went to lunch at a cute place called Terranea Resort. Beautiful views. Gorgeous ocean waves. Nice ocean breeze. A couple that definitely needed to get a room next to us..yuck! Yummy rueben sandwich with sweet potato fries and not to mention Madeline broke her glass on the floor.. oops.

Loves Lemons.

Jane and Madeline Jane.

My cute MOM.

Say cheese.

Maddie Loves her aunt Dodo.

Close to impossible trying to get Madeline to look at the camera. She sees me get it out and she runs away and won't look at me.

CALIFORNIA Lovin'

2011-01-18T16:06:00.000-08:00

I can't even express how much of a nice break we have had. Madeline and I have been in California for the past 3 weeks and I can't complain. Sunny, 80 degree weather everyday. Long walks on the bluffs, madeline rolling down the grass hills laughing with aunt dodo. Madeline running around in bare feet singing. Laying out looking at the beautiful ocean. Running around on the beach. Playing gin with my mom every night. Watching my dad build build build (quite the handyman!), Watching Stuart paint the house and build the front porch with my dad was even more fun! Watching my sisters run around with Madeline dancing, singing, yelling, and laughing. Making a fun dinner every night with my mom. Madeline pulling funny faces at dinner and making us wet our pants. Madeline saying "oh my gosh" with the cutest expressions towards everything. Madeline saying "I did it" when she has accomplished something she has been working so hard to get. Spending the day in Laguna beach with just Stuart getting tacos, walking around holding hands and just chilling together.

Madeline running with her aunt dodo on the beach by our house.

Caroline the photographer. We both got SLR camera's for Christmas... Love them!

Stu and my dad. Stu reading the manual to our new Nikon. I have become a little obsessed with taking pictures. I'm driving my family NUTS!

Maddie LOVES her bompa.

Stu and Maddie.

I guess this pic speaks for itself.

Dad. Liv. Mom. Stu. Maddie. Caroline. We love taking walks down from our house to the bluffs and watching the sunset.

Silly sisters...

Mom and Olivia.

Stu helping my dad rebuild our deck. Such hard workers.

Madeline helping Nana make dinner.

Madeline LOVED the park. Such nice weather. A little too hot this day.

January 2011

My dirty 30 Birthday Bash!!!

2011-01-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Stu welcomed me right into the 30's by throwing me the PERFECT, most thought out birthday party a girl could ask for. I am one lucky chick!

He had an assortment of ALL of my favorite things along with inviting all of my favorite people..

Bubble Gum Ice Cream

Bowl full of Butterfingers

Vase filled with bright pink Gum Balls

Jar filled with reeses pieces m & m's

Boxes of Banbury Cross glazed twist donuts~YUM!

Bright PINK and GREEN balloons
Chocolate Cheese Cake

Stu did such a cute job!

Maddie and Ella Bella~ her idol!

Great-grandma Creer

Madeline's great-grandpa's.

Madleline LOVED the attention. She thought it was her birthday so we played along with it~ of course.

My darling Mother-in-law Nancy!

Katie. Madeline. Ella Bella. Ashley.

Ashley. Haley. Jordan. My cute sista Jenny!

Cute Grandmommy

My cute family! Aunt Sarajayne, Beautiful Grandma Creer, Uncle FRANK!

Thanks Nancy and Stu for throwing such a darling party!

Excited for my 30's!!!!!!

Bringing in the New Year... Welcome 2011!

2011-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

Salt Lake City ~ Christmas 2010

Snowshoeing~ Silver Lake

My favorite snowshoe buddies.

My adorable LOVEBUG.

Madeline sang twinkle twinkle little star the entire trek.

My bro-in-law's NICE cabin up at Brighton.

Never once complained. Giggled when the snow hit her face.

My BEST buddy!!!!!

Christmas Eve
Sledding up Millcreek Canyon in the morning

Maddie invited her cousin/Best Friend Wyatt for some sledding

They laughed. played. giggled. cried. gave loves all morning long.

Cute Nancy and Stu

Sledding with DAD!

Maddie sledding for her first time with Daddy. She LOVED it!

Christmas Eve~ening
Rigby Family Manger Scene~ 2010

Madeline was an Angel. Didn't like to stay around the manger scene much.

Amy did a good job putting on the show.

Hmm. Someone sneeking some candy while no one was watching.

Santa came to the Rigby's!
MERRY CHRISTMAS ~ 2010

Santa had sprinkled suckers all over Madeline's presents and I think he could've just gotten away with that alone. Maddie didn't really care about her presents... too funny!

Madeline and Wy Wy again opening eachothers presents

Perfect ending to a perfect day!

Someone was very tired!!

Drumroll.........

2010-11-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

It's a BOY!!!

Hmmmm.. what to do with a BOY, I do not know...

Not only do I come from all girls but this will be the first BOY great grandchild in the Creer Family, the first BOY in my immediate Creer Family and the 6th BOY grandchild in the Rigby family...

Either he'll be dressed in ALL pink or I need to do some shopping.

Madeline is definitely going to have fun bossing her little brother around!

Thanksgiving in the Big city!

2010-11-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

NYC! WOW!What a dream!
Stu ALL to myself.
Madeline LOVING the Christmas decor.
Macy's Parade-front row.
Appearing on the front page of the NY press.
Little Italy-David Yurman.
The Met Museum-hot dogs.
Subways. Subways. Subways.
Freezing COLD weather.
Madeline's face when walking through Santa's workshop in Macy'- priceless.
Yummy Mexican food in SoHo.
Rockefeller Center. Huge Tree. LOTS of People.
Thanksgiving with my BFF Ally and her husband.
Serendipity-too long of a line to get in but loved peeking in.
Dylan's Candy Bar- saw Leslie Mann from Knocked up.
Ally watched Maddie for a few hours while Stu and I skipped/sang in the rain-dorks!
A man from Iraq couldn't get enough of Madeline and wanted a picture with her- so funny!
Ground Zero- Wall Street- Spooky Trinity Church.
NICE Marriott Hotel in Times Square- Thanks Ally and Dan!!!

Thanks Ally, Dan and Stuart for such a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!!

Movie night...

2010-11-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the Burkes over for some Elf, gumdrop Santas, and lots of lasagna...Our Husbands were out of town for the night so had some fun!

I think Madeline has a slight crush on Jordan! LOVES when he is around....

Kids make life so much more fun....

Thanks for the fun night Burke Family!

Time to be Grateful....

2010-11-19T04:49:00.000-08:00

First snow fall covering my windshield
+

Bonnie Raitt on the radio

Family of deer crossing the road
+

Gorgeous Sunrise
+

Madeline singing in the back seat

=

Very Grateful for my Wonderful Life, my Loving Family and the Overwhelming Beauty of Nature!

Checklist.....

2010-11-19T02:49:00.000-08:00

I've had a few things weighing on my checklist before baby #2 comes along. One being FAMILYPICTURES. So, my cute friend Julie's husband Sam was quite the photographer and was willing to take our family pics. He had such a great eye, and was very patient with the freezing cold weather!

Madeline never looked at the camera because all of her favorite barn animals there so I would have to yell "look at the elephant" and point at the camera so she would look. She would say "no elephant" with a very sad face. Horrible mom!

Loving life...

Love these two...

Love New York...

LOVE this family...

Thanks again Sam!

Awaiting.......

2010-11-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

........For this to come in the mail! Can't believe i'll be filling up both sides of this stroller! Time is moving way too fast...

Lately......

2010-11-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

Love this girl!

{ Anthropologie }

2010-11-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

I think I NEED to get a job over the holidays at Anthropologie so I can get these darling things for miss M!

If only we had one in Ithaca...

{Madeline Jane Turns 2!}

2010-11-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

Today we got to celebrate Madelines 2nd birthday with just our little family. Stuart had to go into the City the day of her birthday so we got to celebrate as a family the day after. {we just pretended her birthday was on the 6th so Stuart felt better}..
We had such an eventful day... Woke up, opened lots of presents {Thank You Nana, bompa, mimi and papa!}

Then we ate a yummy breakfast, we for a long walk {madelines favorite thing to do}, came home, took a nap, woke up and went to the new movie MEGAMIND, which she LOVED!

After we went out for dinner... came home.. ate yummy chocolate cheese cake.. blew out more candles and FINALLY.. went to bed!

Madeline had the best 2nd birthday!!! We love you Madeline Jane!

2010-11-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

More of Madelines fun night!

Madeline Jane's 2nd Birthday Party!

2010-11-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Madeline Jane had the best 2nd birthday! She celebrated with her friends. She played. She laughed. She ate WAY too many cupcakes. And blew out lots of candles!

Happy Birthday my sweet Madeline!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

After a three day celebration of her birthday she had the candle thing down!

Madeline with Jack blowing out their candles!

Thanks again everyone for such a fun night!

Our Wittle Indian!

2010-10-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

Our cute friends Andrea, Brad and Elizabeth.

Such a fun night!

Running off... not quite done trick-or-treating..

Apple Press & Farmers Market!

2010-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today we had so much fun with our friends at the Apple press! It was our first time and we loved it! They used a machine over 100 years old to press fresh apples into yummy apple juice. Afterwards we got some scrumptious lunches at the Farmers Market. Fun day and Stu got to come!

(We are in the need of a camera so ignore the wonderful quality of these pictures..HA!)

Time is Running Out..

2010-10-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

We LOVED spending a few hours with daddy yesterday while he took a break from studying.. much needed! Of course we took advantage of the last days of fall! We walked around Cornell campus and found these fun trails. We loved seeing our dad during the day. What a treat!

Cookie Time!

2010-10-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Madeline had so much fun with her friends decorating Halloween cookies! Later I brought some home to dad and he LOVED them! Thanks Julie for the fun day!

{ h a l -l o w- e e n }

2010-10-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

So many fun ideas for this Halloween that I have to share! I have a few different crafts going and I don't think i'll even get them done in time for the fun holiday..Luckily half of the Halloween decorations can be displayed for Thanksgiving.. Ah, what a happy time of year!

Some day...

Would be fun to have this...

And maybe grow a few of these...

And line a front porch with these....

And decorate an entry hall with this....

NYC!

2010-10-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Stuart had to attend a recruiting trip on Wall Street last week while Madeline and I had the luxury of tagging along. We didn't get to see much of him but we had plenty to do that we stayed very occupied. We visited all of the main toy stores in the city and they are a BLAST! I think I might of had more fun than Maddie. I wanted everything in the store! Candy filled to the ceilings, life size stuffed zoo animals and a giant piano. It was a dreamy. Stuart got done with his meetings around 8 so we got to meet him for dinner and then take long walks along 5th Avenue dreaming of our future! Definitely a memorable trip. Thanks babe for letting us tag along!

You KNOW you are PREGNANT when....

2010-09-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

- You walk within inches of the kitchen and you almost LOSE it..

-You pull over on the side of the road while driving, throw up and keep on going..

-You can't get out of BED in the morning until the butt crack of 10 a.m...

-My GOOD SPORT of a hubby has to RUN all over town to get my craving of the day..

-You dry heave while in line at the grocery store and the cashier asks, do you need me to grab you anything..

-The days seem like a life time and the weeks seem even longer..

Bring it on!

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

While Stuart and I drove across the Country we had the luxury of my mom meeting us in New York with Madeline. I don't think we could've done it without her help. But it was really nice because when my mom and Madeline arrived, Stuart and I got to go pick them up in NYC and then take off on a week trip to the Cape Cod. We visited Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Chatham, Boston and Newport, Rhode Island. We had such a fun time with my mom and was so happy that she got to share that adventure with us. The best part of the trip was Nantucket. If I could live anywhere in the world, I think it would be there! Maybe when we retire, we will end up here...Wishful thinking eh..

We fell in love with these houses.. These pictures don't even do justice.

Stu and Maddie eating Lobster. We had our fair share of the little creature. I don't think i'll be eating lobster anytime soon..

Ferry ride home from the island.. sad day, My mom was ready to call my dad and break the news that she wasn't coming home. We loved it there!!!

They even had lobster ice cream. Stu and Jane tried it.. yuck..

We had so much fun riding our bikes all over the island. Did I mention I love this place!?

Stuart's co-pilot ready for action

Ferry ride over to Nantucket

Typical family on Nantucket.. The girls look darling but we felt especially bad for the boys.

Yummy lobster rolls.. Maddie loved the lobster.. Our child won't eat normal kid food like chicken nuggets or grilled cheese but she will down a lobster roll...

2010-08-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK STATE FAIR

We figured now that we are official New York residents what better then to go to the New York State Fair. So we went and now I definitely understand why I haven't been to fair in over 4 years. The fair never changes no matter what State you are in. We did have fun though.. let me rephrase that.. Stuart had WAY too much fun! I loved watching him go crazy! I married a kid at heart..

Stuart spent $20 on this game and went crazy that he didn't win.. it was hilarous!

Stu eating his first deep fried twinkie...After about 2 bites that thing went right into the trash. Go figure.. You can find just about anything deep fried at the fair!

Stu buying his first deep fried twinkie.. YUCK!

Madeline on her first ride by herself. It freaked her out! Stu and I almost wet our pants..

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

2010-08-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

I am so dang proud of Stuart. He is going to make the perfect student at Cornell University! It's fun to hear of his career ideas and goals after each day of school and cheer him on! We are his biggest fan and we love him and are so proud of him!!!

Madeline loved the campus. She approached everyone with a "HI", like she was welcoming them to Cornell..

Sage Hall. Business school building where Stuart spends most of his hours..

Sage Hall

These Ivy league buildings are so beautiful!

A beautiful walkway in the middle of campus, no big deal...

Ithaca, New York... we are falling more and more in love...

2010-08-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

I know a few of you, sorry Creers and Rigbys, are wondering where are some updates of our new adventures in Ithaca but to be honest, we have been so dang busy with getting situated, meeting new friends and me trying to stay away from the toilet from horrible nausea (1st trimester ugh), that I haven't had anytime to catch up. But after our long trip from SLC to New York, well, actually our trip from Palos Verdes, California to Nantucket, Massachusetts, coast to coast, we have had quite the adventures...

We are loving it here in Ithaca, New York. It is beautiful to say the least. It took a few days to get adjusted but now that things have been settling in, we are loving it! Our apartment is adorable and spacious, we have the best neighbors anyone could ask for, not to mention there are about 15 moms just on our block, the best playgroups, awesome ward and really beautiful trees EVERYWHERE! I can't even imagine what the fall will look like. I can't wait!!

My cute bro-in-law Tony Gannuscio keeps texting, "Where are your pictures of NY..!!??" Well, here ya go TONE!

These are the Sapsucker Woods right outside of our apartment, and when I say right outside, these are the views from our front window! They make for great walks after Stuart gets done with school and we can unwind together...

WINSTON COURT

LILLYPAD POND

MY NEW FAVORITE JOGGING TRAILS

GRISAMORE FARMS

For playgroup we went to the beautiful Grisamore farms! We loved it! We got to pick raspberries for my yummy raspberry jam, pear apples and blueberries. The kids loved it but I think the mommies loved it even more! Afterwards we went to the park and let the kiddos run free.

BABY RIGBY #2 ON IT'S WAY

2010-08-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

We are still pretty early in the game but too excited to keep the good news all bottled in! It's crazy when you get pregnant for the second time, you forget EVERYTHING! I have the baby books out and am trying to keep up on what diets I should be on, how to get rid of this crazy nausea (which is taking over, ugh) and how to stay awake during the day! Okay, well I remember some things but for the most part I feel like a newbie again.. I am so excited for Madeline to be a big sister. She is going to be the best little helper!!

What will it be... a GIRL or a BOY???!!

.

2010-08-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

Family pictures 2010

Photos by Rachel Romney

A few of our adventures this summer prior to our move to New York...

2010-08-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Half Dome 2010
Yostemite, CA

Top of Half Dome. 15 mile hike. 1 mile up sheet rock. We did it!

We got to hike through beautiful waterfalls and the mist from the falls made us drenched. Best part of the hike!

Hebgen Lake 2010

REMINDER- for my upcoming Matilda Jane trunk show!!

2010-03-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

I walked in the door to find this beautiful blue coat in a Jcrew box on my door step... I LOVE surprises!!

2010-03-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

PS- Coat is an additional 30% today on Jcrew.com

matilda jane

2010-02-11T22:30:00.000-08:00

I'm hosting a matilda jane trunk show either March 24th or 25th. Please come. Super darling clothing for adults and kids ages 12 mo-12 yr. Check out the website and let me know if you are interested!

As of late...

2010-02-08T12:04:00.001-08:00

Stuart and I reminiscing the night we got engaged in Park City.. What a night!!! Things just get better and better...

My dad wanted to get a picture of the place where he and the love of his life had their first date!

Me and my aunt Mare.

Eliza and Tylers wedding... what a perfect day!

Maddie with her great grandparents

WHERE ARE WE GOING TO LIVE!?

2010-01-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, Pennsyvania

Ithaca, New York

Boston, Massachusettes

The Anticipation is killin me!

NEw YeArS in WEST YELLOWSTONE MONTANA

2010-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this was the perfect trip! All the extended Creers went up to West Yellowstone Montana for New Years. We stayed in cute little cabins right in town. Snowmobiled up into the hight Montana mountains the first 2 days in 20 below weather, and skied up at BIG SKY MONTANA New years eve! We ate lots of food, played games until we couldn't play anymore, opened presents, predicted our futures, laughed, ate, laughed, ate and laughed some more. This was one of the best trips we have been on and I think we just made this an annual event.
Lone Mountain Tram, Big Sky Montana

CHRISTMAS in C.A.L.I.F.O.R.N.I.A.

2010-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas in California is a little different than the norm in Salt Lake City... Runs along the bluffs overlooking the ocean on Christmas Eve, palm trees decked out in Christmas lights, fake snow and t-shirt and shorts...we can't complain. This was Maddie's second Christmas and she had NO idea what was going on!

Maddie in a Nutshell!

2009-12-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER!!!!

2009-11-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

To the greatest mom is the world. My mom is my best friend. She is the most supportive, caring, loving, beautiful person you will ever meet. She, with out a doubt, is always on my side and always makes the people around her feel so special. She truly is the greatest mom and I am very lucky to have such a wonderful person in my life!!!

Madeline Jane turns ONE!

2009-11-12T10:03:00.001-08:00

Our little Maddie Jane turned one on November 5th and I cannot believe it has already been a year. Maddie had NO idea what was going on. Got a little overwhelmed by all the people and attention, but overall had fun! When we gave her the cake and sang to her she stared at the cake and was very confused. She is so danty and careful that she wouldn't dig in! It was hilarous. The fun ended after the cake was oh so pleasantly dumped on her head by a family member-won't mention any names :)

Creers come to town!!!

2009-11-12T09:38:00.001-08:00

Madeline loved playing in the leaves and listening to them crunch!

Grandpa playing in the leaves with Maddie!
Aunt Liv and CC in front of Josh's house. No Liv, we weren't stalking you- we just happened to all show up at the same time!

Out with the Daltons. Madeline loves little Alice!

2009-11-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! was such a fun halloween as we had a little bug to dress up!

2009-11-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

Our little ladybug!!! From the first day she was born her little nickname has been bug, so I thought for halloween to dress her up as one! During the day we visited her cousins school parade, her aunt Jenny's classroom and ate LOTS of candy!By night, we celebrated halloween with some yummy food and some old fashioned trick-or-treating! Maddie had NO idea what was going on but we had fun with friends and family!