And we have lift-off

Hi everyone! I've been meaning to do this for quite some time now and after reading my friend Sara's family posts I decided I'd take the plunge. Dan and I talk (and laugh) routinely about the things that happen in our everyday lives...and most of those things revolve around hilarious tidbits that pop out of Madeline's mouth. I've been saying for a while that I need to write this stuff down somewhere because if I'm anything like my own parents I won't remember who said what. So here goes! We'll add pictures when available so check back regularly to see what's up with the Stroup family!!

Some favorite photos

Dan and Lyila-Dec. 2007

Dan isn't really upset about going to church on Christmas Eve...he just likes to imitate the steely look of James Bond from time to time.





Madeline and Grammy-Aug. 2007

This was a very special trip for Madeline and I. I had only been to Chicago one other time (during a beautiful December) and was anxious to see the city in a color other than white; and Madeline was making her very first trip to the American Girls store where her baby twins were waiting her arrival. Needless to say, she LOVED the store and both of us had a great time during our girls weekend in Chicago!




Madeline and Lyila-July 2007

This photo was taken at the conclusion of Madeline's first dance session. She was decked out in authentic ballerina wear thanks to Grammy and the wings and crown were part of the dance they (sorta) "performed." I told Dan I was going to save this picture so that one day, when Madeline is much older and more easily embarassed, I can whip it out and prove to her in no uncertain terms what a dramatic and unpredictable child she was!






Dan and Lyila-July 2007

This is one of my favorite pictures of Dan and I. This was taken by one of my parents as we were saying our goodbyes to them after they visited Springfield.






Madeline- May 2007

My mom took this photo of Madeline on a visit to Kansas. Madeline was (somewhat) patiently waiting for Dan and I to return to the table with food and her frustration at the wait was apparent!





Madeline and Lyila-Jan. 2007

This was the first day Madeline referred to me as "Daddy's girlfriend." I hadn't been introduced to her as anything in particular so it drew some looks of amazement/awe/confusion when she announced to the room, "Look Daddy, I'm climbing on your girlfriend!"