February 18th...

A big day in the Maschger family. It is the day that our Emma finally arrived...THREE years ago. Yep...our little Emma celebrated her 3rd birthday today. Our "baby" is three! SIGH!

Emma has been eagerly anticipating her birthday for about a month now...and being Emma, she knew exactly what she wanted and made sure that none of us had a chance to forget the particulars. For example, a "pink Cinderella" cake, dinner at McDonald's...where we would eat IN McDonald's, and of course, chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. I am happy to report that we were able to meet all of her expectations, and that the day seems to have been a success. We are a bit concerned about what will happen tomorrow when she realizes it ISN'T her birthday anymore...:-)

In other big news, we have finally moved our girls out of their toddler beds and into BIG girl beds. In our first ever visit to an IKEA store (which is an experience for any who have not ever been), we selected a bunk bed for our two little girls. After 5 HOURS of assembly, Maddie and Emma "moved" into their bunks. Madelynn is on the top bunk...which she LOVES, except for the actual climbing of the ladder...she does not like climbing the ladder. However, once she gets to the top, her face breaks into an ear-to-ear grin, and she can hardly contain her excitement. Emma is, of course, on the bottom bunk. Her biggest issue is that she can't see Maddie...honestly, the first night she cried and cried, "I can't see my Maddie!" Now, before she goes to sleep, we have to lift her up so she can see Maddie on the top bunk. Pretty cute! :-) We also purchased a dresser, but have yet to find another 5 hours we can devote to its assembly! :-)

What else?

Miles is supposed to be heading to Korea in a week, however the trip has hit some snags, so we'll see. He is insanely busy at work as he is trying to step up and take more responsibility, as per his chain of command's suggestions. He is getting some good experience, but there is a price to be paid...and the currency is time. We are really learning to enjoy the time we have him at home! :-) Actually, up until his trip to New York last week, we had had him home for 3 whole months...the longest time since our arrival almost 2 years ago. I might have gotten a bit spoiled! :-)

Other than that, the girls continue to fill our moments with mirth and merriment! :-) Here are a couple of gems:

A couple of nights ago the girls were in the bathroom brushing their teeth. After brushing, they fill a small disposable Dixie cup with water to "rinse" their mouth. Emma, after taking a drink, exclaims "I LOVE water!" Maddie replies, "I LOVE reindeer!" Miles and I love random! :-)

About a week ago, it was time to read scriptures. Miles asked me if I remembered what we were reading (we read 5 verses a night with our girls), and I replied, "2 Nephi 4: 26-30" Madelynn pipes up and says, "4, like me. I am 4." Emma, not to be outdone says, "And I am 26-30" It is soo great to be a parent!

We love and miss you all!