Happy Birthday, Madeleine!

Madeleine got to celebrate her birthday three times this year! What a way to turn 2! Since I had prepped her to say her age about 3 months in advance (I didn't want her to be behind!) she foiled my plans and right around her birthday started answering "Three! Three!" when asked how old she was. Well, I tried. She's back to saying "I'm 2!" now.

The first celebration was low key and before her actual birthday. We spent the day packing and at museums in Philadelphia with the Tolleys and the Hoyts. It was a joint celebration for my Dad, Madeleine, and Susan, all with birthdays within a week of each other! The dessert was Chinese pastries.

Then we got to celebrate her birthday here in DC on her actual birthday. My parents were still around and I made her a dark chocolate cake (from a box!) at Marc's request. She spent the day exploring her new home and the capital of our nation. We went to the National Mall and walked all around, spending the most delightful time at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Madeleine loved the fountain pool and we loved the beautiful weather. Then we walked through another little botanical garden that I can't find the name to. It was beautiful and Madeleine got soaked in one of the fountains there. We ended the afternoon by checking out the Washington Monument, the World War I Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and then walked to Chinatown for dinner! It was a long day! But well worth it! Madeleine just loved being outside. Oh! and the highlight was riding the carousel on the National Mall with Gong Gong.

Lastly, our dear friends Purvi and Allen came and brought us dinner a few days later (Indian food, yum!) and she made a chocolate cake (from scratch!) for Madeleine. Such a treat! Complete with candles and all. Madeleine really got spoiled this year.

We absolutely love her and cannot believe that she's already two years old. She continues to show a lot of personality and likes to be outside and learn and cuddle.