City Sights

We went sightseeing today in the city. Unfortunately it would take a week to see all that we did today if we let Madi walk with us so we had to keep her in the stroller for most of the tour. She likes it in there most of the time especially if it involves snacks! We also got to have really yummy hot chocolate (they give you warm milk and a chocolate bar to stir in it)at the most famous cafe in BA. Madison finished off our leftovers in the mug!

Killing Time

Nothing in Argentina happens fast. While some things are super convenient, most things are not. Here we are in the lobby of Elizabeth's apartment waiting on some friends to come back from buying flowers. Madi was exploring everything and then would rest her head on the marble wall when she was tired.

El Bus

Here we are on one of the many buses we take to get around the city. The people on the bus love Madi because she says hi and waves at everybody who looks at her!

Steps, Steps, Steps

I'm not sure what the fascination is with steps but Madi sure has one! She is also becoming more stubborn and will let you know when she wants to go back to them. Here are some pictures by one of the parks in BA. I had to stay close by her because she kept wanting to walk out in the street.

Dirty Feet

Apparently everything in this city is covered with a film of black dust. I'm not really sure why but Madison is dirty by the end of everyday even if we have not gone outside. Take a look at her feet!

Like Father, Like Daughter

In case you were wondering Madison continues to look just like Daniel! Don't worry - I am over it and rather pleased! Of course things may change a bit when she gets some hair. Today in the elevator a nice Argentine man told Ben, one of our staff members, that "he (referring to Madison) was one of the cutest baies he had ever seen"!

Say "Cheese"

Today I think Madison finally figured out what "cheese" means because now she will smile on command while I take pictures. She also continues to love to sit on the steps or very near them. For some reason this makes her very happy - whatever works!!

Old School Phone

Madison has actually never seen a real telephone and boy is she excited about them!She is also excited because she just ate a chocolate cookie!

My New Crib (figuratively)

We are staying at a really nice hotel called the Hotel Bauen. Our room is perfect for us and is divided into 3 parts - kitchen, bedroom, Madi's room/lounge. The only hard part is it has 2 sets of stairs which Madsion loves. We are trying to teach her to go down backwards but she thinks she is 5 years old already and can just walk down them. Here are some pics of some of her favorite spots. You can tell from her fce she likes it here! Today she found the phone charger and loved putting it around her nack like a necklace.

My New Crib (literally)

So the sweet Argentine maids put this cute little crib in our room for Madi. It came complete with sheets, blanket and a pillow! I think she likes it pretty good. She is learning to sleep through anything because our room looks out onto the city street and is soooooooo loud - I'm serious we are going to post a video of what we hear everyday. But she has been a trooper and is sleeping great!

Embracing the Culture

Madison really likes the Argentine food so far as you can see. Here she is eating an empanada - a really greasy but delicious - dough pocket filled with cheese and other things - I think this one was ham and cheese. She also managed to chew off the end of a churillo - which is this big fatty hot dog they grill and serve on a french bread. They have plenty of yogurt and juice too so she has her fair share of that as well.

Vamos a Buenos Aires

Here is the team of students and staff we will spend the next 6 weeks with in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They are a lot of fun and loooovvvveeee Madison! She has 21 extra parents this summer which we are thankful for since she is all over the place now!

Kitchen Chat

Madison got this amazing kitchen from Gigi for her birthday and she loves to use it. She puts stuff in the oven and the fridge and loves to take the trash can around and fill it with whatever she can find. Here she is busy at work. So far she only likes to bake (like her mom) - we know this becuase she uses the mixing bowl and mixing spoon the most!

Dancin', Dancin', Dancin'

Grandma Bass got Madison this really cool fridge magnet for her birthday that plays music. We are not really sure where Madison learned to dance but she can certainly move!

Pops and Popsicles

Daniel decided to treat Madi to a cold popsicle after we took a long run! I think she loved it.

Officially Waalking

So Madison decided when she woke up on Sunday that she wanted to walk and she is everywhere! They said there is something special about hitting one and I guess she knew it because at one year and one day old she is walking! She's a bit wobbly but overall really steady - we're sure it is the little athlete in her!

Swinging away!

Madison loves the swings at the park. She also loves to wave at everyone who walks by and look at whoever is in the swing next to her the whole time.

My 1st Birthday Party!

Lots of college student friends, lots of family, lots of presents, lots of food and a new dress from Daddy made for a great 1st birthday party at Madison's favorite park! I think she might have a sweet tooth like her Mommy.

Boy friends, not boyfriends!

Madison sure likes to show off in front of her 2 boy friends Issac and Brennan!

More Beach....

So Madison is still only walking on occasion but she sure can move when cold water hits her feet!

Fun in the sun!

We had our end of the year staff team retreat in Myrtle Beach. It was a much needed break from planning for Argentina and packing. Madison loved every minute - she was busy the whole time and loved exploring the sand, the ocean, beach chairs, the lazy river and everything else around her!