The big news in the Madsen household is that Nolan is potty trained. We have learned that the trick to teaching Nolan something new is to talk to him about it, and tell him what the next step is. For example, “This weekend we are going to wear big-boy underwear!” It seems to work quite well for him, not super fast, but quite well. He’s only had one bed wetting incident since 11/22 (a couple, “oops I missed the potty” incidents, but well, big boys do those too :).
Our computer is on the fritz, so the blog posts will probably have fewer pictures until we get a new one. For those of you outside of Minnesota, consider yourself lucky. We are buried in snow, although it’s not nearly as bad as the national media made it sound like. We will be celebrating Christmas with the Fletcher’s this weekend (12/18) and the Madsen’s the following weekend. For me, someone who is not a Christmas person, all this merriment has taken its toll. I am completely incapable of making cookies; they turn out funny looking and ‘okay’ tasting. I was going to tackle Divinity but after all of the failed cookies this year I have decided to skip it. I don’t need to spend 3 hours of my day to no avail.
We wish all of you (the 3 or 4 that actually read this blog:) a joyous and peaceful new year.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Day 4 pictures
The Duffy Bear...yes, it is called Duffy
Four parks, mission accomplished!
What a nice night!!!
Disney World - 2010
Day 4
The last day was very unexpected for me...Nolan just needed some down time, and all he wanted to do in the morning was watch cartoons, lay in bed, and just relax. I was pretty surprised, but also didn't mind as that meant that I didn't have to carry around the backpack full of everything for a few hours.
We spent most of the morning just relaxing. We went down to the playground at the resort, had lunch, Laura got to do some shopping, and took it easy. It was a very enjoyable morning (and the weather was very cooperative, sunny and warm). Laura and Sarah had decided to make dinner reservations for Epcot - and we had the choice between Nine Dragons (China) and the Biergarten (Germany). We chose Germany!
We wandered into Epcot, and rode Spaceship Earth again. We meandered our way to meet up with Sarah and company in the World Showcase. Again, even on Sunday, Epcot was crowded. They are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Food and Wine Festival, but I also just think it was the weekend. Dinner at Germany was great...and after, the families split up again. We had an early morning pick up going back to the airport, so Laura, Nolan, and I headed back to the resort to pack and wind down.
All in all, it was a pretty interesting trip. This is the first time in quite some time that I wasn't in charge...and had to do things that other people (Nolan) wanted to do. I was a little surprised, though I shouldn't have been, that we spent as much time in the room as we did. Knowing what i know now, we would probably do things just a bit differently. Next time...and there will definitely be a next time.
Hope you all are having a great fall. October has flown by...and I will post pictures soon from Halloween!
The last day was very unexpected for me...Nolan just needed some down time, and all he wanted to do in the morning was watch cartoons, lay in bed, and just relax. I was pretty surprised, but also didn't mind as that meant that I didn't have to carry around the backpack full of everything for a few hours.
We spent most of the morning just relaxing. We went down to the playground at the resort, had lunch, Laura got to do some shopping, and took it easy. It was a very enjoyable morning (and the weather was very cooperative, sunny and warm). Laura and Sarah had decided to make dinner reservations for Epcot - and we had the choice between Nine Dragons (China) and the Biergarten (Germany). We chose Germany!
We wandered into Epcot, and rode Spaceship Earth again. We meandered our way to meet up with Sarah and company in the World Showcase. Again, even on Sunday, Epcot was crowded. They are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Food and Wine Festival, but I also just think it was the weekend. Dinner at Germany was great...and after, the families split up again. We had an early morning pick up going back to the airport, so Laura, Nolan, and I headed back to the resort to pack and wind down.
All in all, it was a pretty interesting trip. This is the first time in quite some time that I wasn't in charge...and had to do things that other people (Nolan) wanted to do. I was a little surprised, though I shouldn't have been, that we spent as much time in the room as we did. Knowing what i know now, we would probably do things just a bit differently. Next time...and there will definitely be a next time.
Hope you all are having a great fall. October has flown by...and I will post pictures soon from Halloween!
Day 3 pictures - Epcot
Nolan and Nemo (or was is Marlin?)
Another chance to see Mickey!
Pluto, not too bad.
Nolan really liked Donald!
Goofy was such a ham!
Day 3 pictures - MK, round 2
Hydrating...it was so nice and warm there!
Cheese!
Riding with Mom and Dad...happy boy.
Disney World - 2010
Day 3
Sarah, David H., and David V. took Saturday to go visit some of David H.'s family that live on the ocean side of Florida, near Cape Canaveral. That left Laura, Nolan, and I to go visit the parks. We decided to go back to the Magic Kingdom in the morning, as Nolan really didnt' get to see much of the park that first day. While that sounded like a good idea, it was PACKED that Saturday! We got in, and headed over to Tomorrowland. There is a Monsters, Inc. show, a Toy Story ride, and a few other things I though Nolan might enjoy. We saw some of the Monsters, Inc. show, he just can't sit still for that long yet. The Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin ride was pretty cool. He seemed to like that one, but we had to get a Fast Pass for that, as the wait time was pretty long. We also rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority...which was fun.
We tried to do a few other things, but again, the crowds were pretty big that day, so we rode the train from Frontierland back to Main Street USA and headed back to the resort. After a much longer nap...we headed over to Epcot for the evening. Nolan REALLY liked Spaceship Earth, which has been updated. They added some very neat technology, including touch screens for each car. We also did the Living Seas with Nemo, which of course Nolan loved...
Back to the resort after another exciting day!
Sarah, David H., and David V. took Saturday to go visit some of David H.'s family that live on the ocean side of Florida, near Cape Canaveral. That left Laura, Nolan, and I to go visit the parks. We decided to go back to the Magic Kingdom in the morning, as Nolan really didnt' get to see much of the park that first day. While that sounded like a good idea, it was PACKED that Saturday! We got in, and headed over to Tomorrowland. There is a Monsters, Inc. show, a Toy Story ride, and a few other things I though Nolan might enjoy. We saw some of the Monsters, Inc. show, he just can't sit still for that long yet. The Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin ride was pretty cool. He seemed to like that one, but we had to get a Fast Pass for that, as the wait time was pretty long. We also rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority...which was fun.
We tried to do a few other things, but again, the crowds were pretty big that day, so we rode the train from Frontierland back to Main Street USA and headed back to the resort. After a much longer nap...we headed over to Epcot for the evening. Nolan REALLY liked Spaceship Earth, which has been updated. They added some very neat technology, including touch screens for each car. We also did the Living Seas with Nemo, which of course Nolan loved...
Back to the resort after another exciting day!
Day 2 pictures - Studios
A tow truck!!!
Perfect...just perfect!
Our first Mickey sighting...autograph time!
Outside the Muppets 3D movie...
It is a special fountain...ask Laura.
Disney World - 2010
Day 2
Well, day one was better for Nolan, he was able to nap and was more comfortable in the room, so day 2 was going to be better. Again, the families split up, as it is just easier that way. We had dinner reservations for an early dinner at the Hollywood Studios, so we knew we would all be meeting up later.
We started out at the Animal Kingdom, not as early as I thought we would, but early enough. We got our Fast Pass for the safari, and then walked along one of the trails to see some of the other animals. It was fun to see animals that were different than the ones we usually see at the Minnesota Zoo - the gorillas were out, and two of them were walking around. We then grabbed a quick snack, and headed to the safari! To be honest, this was the best safari I have ever been on at the Animal Kingdom!!! We saw both the white and black rhinos, lots of elephants, the giraffes, both the male and female lion, and even the cheetah - normally, the cheetah are just laying around, but while our safari vehicle was driving past, a group of some deer-like animal ran past and both cheetahs popped up, and one was running parallel to the deer...it was so cool.
After the safari, it was time to head back to the resort. After a very short nap, we packed up and headed back to the Hollywood Studios. We had time, and got to the park just in time to see the parade! Nolan liked seeing the characters from Toy Story, Bugs Life, and The Incredibles. He wasn't into dancing or playing with the parade people. We walked over to the old Animation Studio building, which is now a character meet-and-greet. We got to see Mickey Mouse, and Nolan got his autograph and picture (he wasn't afraid of Mickey!). We had a great dinner at the 50s Prime Time Cafe, and then wandered around the park until it was close to park close and headed back to the resort.
Well, day one was better for Nolan, he was able to nap and was more comfortable in the room, so day 2 was going to be better. Again, the families split up, as it is just easier that way. We had dinner reservations for an early dinner at the Hollywood Studios, so we knew we would all be meeting up later.
We started out at the Animal Kingdom, not as early as I thought we would, but early enough. We got our Fast Pass for the safari, and then walked along one of the trails to see some of the other animals. It was fun to see animals that were different than the ones we usually see at the Minnesota Zoo - the gorillas were out, and two of them were walking around. We then grabbed a quick snack, and headed to the safari! To be honest, this was the best safari I have ever been on at the Animal Kingdom!!! We saw both the white and black rhinos, lots of elephants, the giraffes, both the male and female lion, and even the cheetah - normally, the cheetah are just laying around, but while our safari vehicle was driving past, a group of some deer-like animal ran past and both cheetahs popped up, and one was running parallel to the deer...it was so cool.
After the safari, it was time to head back to the resort. After a very short nap, we packed up and headed back to the Hollywood Studios. We had time, and got to the park just in time to see the parade! Nolan liked seeing the characters from Toy Story, Bugs Life, and The Incredibles. He wasn't into dancing or playing with the parade people. We walked over to the old Animation Studio building, which is now a character meet-and-greet. We got to see Mickey Mouse, and Nolan got his autograph and picture (he wasn't afraid of Mickey!). We had a great dinner at the 50s Prime Time Cafe, and then wandered around the park until it was close to park close and headed back to the resort.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Day 1 pictures - Nolan's favorite ride
Standing in line... Can anyone guess?
Red one? Blue one? Does it matter???
Who's driving? It sure wasn't me!
Ah, the Speedway!!!
Day 1 pictures - Magical Moment
Princess Tiana and Sarah (yes, I made Sarah cry)
David, surrounded
What a moment!!! Thanks Disney (and knowing people)
This says it all...
Day 1 pictures - Cinderella's breakfast
David and Cinderella
David and Princess Aurora
David, Princess Ariel, and Nolan (he did warm up to them)
David, Belle, and Nolan
Day 1 pictures
Yes! He did sleep on the plane!
Waiting for the bus...
Sarah and David H., ready to go.
Look out Magic Kingdom, here we come!
Disney World - 2010
Many years ago, we made a deal with Laura's sister, Sarah, that when her son, David, finished with his treatments for Leukemia, we would take them down to Disney World. Well, this January, David had his last chemo treatment, and shortly there after we got a phone call asking when we would be going to Disney World...
So, along comes October 2010, and we head down to Disney World. The party consisted of two families - Sarah, David H. (her husband), and David V. (her son) and Laura, Nolan, and myself. It was the first time that we would be taking Nolan on an airplane (and I'm sure not the last). Sarah and her son David were first time fliers as well. It was quite the adventure. David and Nolan thought the plane ride was pretty cool...Sarah, well, let's just say the next time she goes to Disney World she will probably be driving.
I still have quite a few friends that work down there, and I did pull a few strings to make sure that we had a few special moments. Upon checking in to the resort - we stayed at Port Orleans, Riverside - there was a surprise waiting for David, Nolan, and as it turned out, myself. Noland and David got pictures of Mickey Mouse, signed by him. I got a picture of the Guest Relations Host pin, that I used to wear some many years ago, with a note saying "Welcome Home". It was perfect!
Day 1 - Oct. 21
The first day, I had made us reservations for breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. David V. would gather Disney princess dolls when he would have his chemo treatments, and breakfast at Cinderella's is a breakfast where the princess characters visit each table! It was the right choice. We had a great breakfast, got lots of pictures, as well as a sword for both Nolan and David V. After breakfast, we split up so that each family could explore the Magic Kingdom for a while. Another friend of mine had set us up for special viewing of the 3 o'clock parade (which does start at 3pm), so we had a few hours to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the previous day of traveling wore out Nolan, as he really didn't sleep much during the day, and that night, staying in the resort was new for him, so he was throwing a few fits, and we decided to take him back to the resort and have him nap. So, Laura and Nolan remained at the room and I went back to the Kingdom to make sure everyone else got set up for the parade. It turned out that in addition to the parade viewing, my friend was able to set up a very special "magical moment" for David. He brought us into City Hall right before the parade, and waiting for us were ALL the princesses, several princes, and the Fairy Godmother! It was AMAZING! I don't think that could have been any better for David V., but I still feel very bad that Nolan and Laura missed it... (pictures to follow).
After the parade, we all went back to the resort, spent a few hours swimming and ended up having dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney...
So, along comes October 2010, and we head down to Disney World. The party consisted of two families - Sarah, David H. (her husband), and David V. (her son) and Laura, Nolan, and myself. It was the first time that we would be taking Nolan on an airplane (and I'm sure not the last). Sarah and her son David were first time fliers as well. It was quite the adventure. David and Nolan thought the plane ride was pretty cool...Sarah, well, let's just say the next time she goes to Disney World she will probably be driving.
I still have quite a few friends that work down there, and I did pull a few strings to make sure that we had a few special moments. Upon checking in to the resort - we stayed at Port Orleans, Riverside - there was a surprise waiting for David, Nolan, and as it turned out, myself. Noland and David got pictures of Mickey Mouse, signed by him. I got a picture of the Guest Relations Host pin, that I used to wear some many years ago, with a note saying "Welcome Home". It was perfect!
Day 1 - Oct. 21
The first day, I had made us reservations for breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. David V. would gather Disney princess dolls when he would have his chemo treatments, and breakfast at Cinderella's is a breakfast where the princess characters visit each table! It was the right choice. We had a great breakfast, got lots of pictures, as well as a sword for both Nolan and David V. After breakfast, we split up so that each family could explore the Magic Kingdom for a while. Another friend of mine had set us up for special viewing of the 3 o'clock parade (which does start at 3pm), so we had a few hours to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the previous day of traveling wore out Nolan, as he really didn't sleep much during the day, and that night, staying in the resort was new for him, so he was throwing a few fits, and we decided to take him back to the resort and have him nap. So, Laura and Nolan remained at the room and I went back to the Kingdom to make sure everyone else got set up for the parade. It turned out that in addition to the parade viewing, my friend was able to set up a very special "magical moment" for David. He brought us into City Hall right before the parade, and waiting for us were ALL the princesses, several princes, and the Fairy Godmother! It was AMAZING! I don't think that could have been any better for David V., but I still feel very bad that Nolan and Laura missed it... (pictures to follow).
After the parade, we all went back to the resort, spent a few hours swimming and ended up having dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney...
Updates - Fall 2010 continued
Every fall, there are two events that Nolan really enjoys. First, the Fire Muster (which happens to fall on the same day as the Queen Avenue block party). They have fire trucks from all over the Minneapolis area gather and there is a parade! Who can go wrong with fire trucks on parade! The second, there is an open house at one of the fire stations here! They have tours of the fire station, and you can climb in and sit in several different types of fire trucks.
This year, they had Sparky, the fire dog. It was our first attempt to see how Nolan would handle getting his picture taken with characters...
Nolan and Sparky (and Dad of course)
Driving the fire truck... "Get out, Dad!"
"When does it move?"
Nolan, in mid-wave (looks like a karate chop)
"I LOVE fire trucks!!!"
This year, they had Sparky, the fire dog. It was our first attempt to see how Nolan would handle getting his picture taken with characters...
Nolan and Sparky (and Dad of course)
Driving the fire truck... "Get out, Dad!"
"When does it move?"
Nolan, in mid-wave (looks like a karate chop)
"I LOVE fire trucks!!!"
Updates - Fall 2010
Well, it sure has been a while since I have updated this blog. Thank you all for being patient. We have lots of updates in the past 3 months. Where to begin...
August 2010
Nolan turned 3...that's right, 3. It sure doesn't seem like 3 years have gone by, but watching Nolan, it is amaing (as you will soon see in the pictures). He is becoming a little man already. We had a very nice birthday. In the morning we visited the Mall of America. Nolan is sure starting like rides. The afternoon we spent here at the house. Family gathered...Nolan opened presents. It was very nice, relaxing, and so far, only 1 child. I'm both looking forward to, and dreading, the coming birthdays where we will have to host all of Nolan's friends for birthdays! Those will sure be interesting!!!
"I'm eating CAKE!"
Hopefully learning good study habits (yeah, right).
He LOVES books!
Laura and Nolan riding the train. "Hi, Dad!"
Already driving big rigs...
August 2010
Nolan turned 3...that's right, 3. It sure doesn't seem like 3 years have gone by, but watching Nolan, it is amaing (as you will soon see in the pictures). He is becoming a little man already. We had a very nice birthday. In the morning we visited the Mall of America. Nolan is sure starting like rides. The afternoon we spent here at the house. Family gathered...Nolan opened presents. It was very nice, relaxing, and so far, only 1 child. I'm both looking forward to, and dreading, the coming birthdays where we will have to host all of Nolan's friends for birthdays! Those will sure be interesting!!!
"I'm eating CAKE!"
Hopefully learning good study habits (yeah, right).
He LOVES books!
Laura and Nolan riding the train. "Hi, Dad!"
Already driving big rigs...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Summer 2010 - Nolan's bike
Well, he hasn't quite got the hang of the pedal thing yet, but he sure does like going fast! I'm sure it is a sign of things to come. Oh well...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Easter Eggs
"CHEESE!"
So many colors to choose from!
No...it is not a ball.
Oh, I have to put it on this wire thing???
The end result...next year, pysanky! Yeah, right...
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