we left los angeles
last tuesday, and
holy shit have we been
reminded what winter
in minnesota
is really like.
it’s been years
since i’ve seen this
much snow fall
in such a short
period of time,
and maddy has
never seen anything
like it.
even though the
snow, rain and ice have
made driving and walking
a bit treacherous,
we’ve managed to
have a lot
of fun…
after one unsuccessful
sledding trip with
auntie deb,
(which included landing face-first in the snow after her first trip down the hill)
madeline was ready
to try it again.
and then she
yelled for more
so we went down
and up
and down
and up
like, 2000 times.
then i got really
tired, so i made auntie
deb pull her.
we were out there
for over an hour
and we had a
ton of fun
at some point
i guess she got
tired or
crabby or cold
or maybe all of those
things, and that’s when
winter became
far less fun.
so i tried to
show her that
the snow isn’t
so bad
which totally
didn’t work.
she eventually fell
asleep in
grandma candee’s arms
while the rest of us
worked on creating
for her.
if we ever
decide to move
back to minnesota,
the good news is
that i’ll never again
have to do this:
because madeline now
knows how to
use one of these:
but the bad news
is that she
will hate me…
the winter version
of madeline
reminded me
(once again),
that even though
she got the dna
of two native minnesotans,
she was
born in pasadena and
is truly a
california girl.
a few days
after the
photos above
were taken,
grandpa tom g.
decided it would
be fun to
take her sledding again,
and record her
reaction up-close.
here’s the result:
…
even though we’ve
spent a lot
of time outside,
we’ve also had
some indoor time
with the family,
celebrating christmas:
maddy was
spoiled even
more than usual.
she got some great
gifts, but it was the
kitchen set from grandma broccoli
and the
vacuum from grandma candee,
that brought me
some hope that
she will soon
be ready to
do a little more
around our house
when we finally
get back to los angeles.
we have a
few more days in
minnesota before
we head off for
a short trip
to enjoy maddy’s
preferred weather
(more on that soon),
then we’ll be back
in minnesota for
a few days before
taking off to
mexico for a week.
this kid is
gonna be really,
really confused as
we go from
warm to cold
to hot to
cold to hot
to cold and back
to warm.
but lucky her…
114 Comments
I love the deer in the headlights look on the sled video – I feel the same way!
Happy Holidays Matt & Maddy –
xxoo
Looks like she had lots of snowy fun! I’m glad she had a wonderful Christmas!
Adorable… and helpful. I may be moving to Madison, WI this year so it is good to see what I’ll be in for. P.S. I’ve already taught my two year old how to dust the baseboards. I figure it is a good chore for her since she’s already close to the ground
All I can say is that you are really lucky that Maddy likes to get to the ‘airport in time for breakfast’ cause if she didn’t….well, that would be no fun for either of you! (Just remembering getting all my girls on an airplane together – it was mind numbing!)
Sounds like you are having a great holiday season!
I love the snow pictures!
Great minds think alike, not only did we give our toddler the same Yo Gabba Gabba figurines, but we also gave her a kitchen for Christmas.
Have fun on your upcoming travels.
Be Safe.
LOL those are some great sledding pics, and y’all are real troopers for taking her up so many times. My cousins took me once, and I think after about 5 trips they were tired. Their faces were kind of like Madeline’s…
I love the third pic in your post. It is beautiful. Not that you aren’t busy enough, you should give photography tips! = ) Happy new Year Matt and Maddy!
Love her wee space suit, a mini battlestar gallactica extra.
I thought the snow was quite lovely as it fell, until I got in my car this morning and nearly slid into on-coming traffic because it has now turned to ice in some parts. grrr……..
LOVED Maddie’s Christmas ensamble, as usual
That video was the CUTEST thing ever! She’s such a doll.
That video is classic.
the mitten strings remind me so much of my childhood! They keep the hands warmer if you actually use them.
Even a California girl can have a little fun in the snow!!
Ha ha loved the video! She has this look like shes about to be car sick…… I’m glad you enjoyed the snow!
That video was hysterical. You both look so happy in the photos (even though you were being tortured with the cold) and I smiled through this whole post. Happy New Year.
What fun! That’s a lot of snow! Can’t wait to hear where you’re heading next. What a couple of travelers you two are!
She can come vacuum at my house ANY TIME.
holy shit that kid is adorable!! i totally feel the lil cutie pie’s pain. i am not a snow person at all! this california girl prefers to watch from the window. hope the two of you have a wonderful new year!!
glad it seemed like a good christmas. and a cold one!!! brrrr! she is getting more beautiful by the day. love the kitchen. my 20 mos old son got a kitchen and loves it. how’s it getting back home? LOL hope 2010 is a good year for you guys!
Adorable. The video on the sled is priceless. It is about the same reaction we got from our daughter, Maya, when we took her sledding the other day for the first time on our trip up to Canada for Christmas.
Glad to see she enjoyed the snow, at least for awhile. Merry Christmas!
Nice stickers on the sled. Glad they were put to good use….
My fave pic is of you kissing her on the cheek…just love that one!!!!!!
The sledding video is a hoot!!
I just want to know if her snow suit was made from the space age material.. Gortex!? George Costanza would be proud!
That video is classic! Loved it! I am envious of the traveling, I hope you all have a great time!! Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year!
Oh, my little guy got a kitchen and Yo Gabba Gabba stuff from “Santa”, too. Glad to see you guys had a fun visit!
Nothing is more exhausting than playing in the snow. I love that the sled has NASA stickers on it,her snowsuit makes me think of astronauts so it’s very appropriate.
Oh my God she totally cracks me up. That video was the best. Happy New Year!
Amazing picture of Maddy towards the beginning! Wish we had half the snow like that around here!
Your little one is so cute and always brings a smile to my face. You are an awesome dad!
what a wonderful trip home you two are having! i LOVE the sledding video, Madeline’s “expression” made me laugh out loud and then with her sweet little smile at the very end. TOO CUTE!
Glad you are having a lovely holiday!
I love the pictures!! She is such a pretty girl, I love that 2nd picture of her.
Glad you guys had a nice Christmas!
You really take the most fabulous pictures!
My little guy got a kitchen for Christmas too. I’ve had so much pretend pizza shoved at me it’s not even funny. Stay warm, it’s been cold here in Iowa as well
That video was great, I love the smile at the end. She really is getting so big. The pictures of you and her outside with the snow in the background are really nice. I am glad that she is enjoying winter. In Chicago we too have had alot of snow, of course when you live here all year round the snow really doesn’t excite you after awhile. We are looking forward to some sun and sand.
I hope you have a Happy New Year and that 2010 brings us all good Health and Much Happiness.
As always, thanks for sharing your’s and maddy’s life with all of us.
Rosann
That video is priceless. Glad to see she can enjoy some of the beautiful MN winter.
When and where are you heading in Mexico? Playa by chance? I’ll be down in Playa from Jan 6-17th… just in time to thaw from the frigid temps.
Love the video..that is to cute !! That put a smile on my face
Have fun in Mexico !
What no Christmas puppies??
I love her pouty lip in the “I’m getting tired of sledding” photo. So perfect.
merry, merry and happy, happy in the new year. so glad to hear y’all have been enjoying the season with family and friends.
loved all the pics, looks like you all had a slepndid christmas! wish we had a white one, but alas, wine country california is destined to never be white. oh well. where in mexico are you going?
Glad she got the Yo Gabba Gabba action figures, just don’t get the dance mat. It is a total rip off. As for the kitchen set, depending on where you place it in your home it will become something to climb on sooner rater than later. Enjoy your trips.
Gorgeous pics of the 2 of you in the snow.. Happy New Year!
Bella got the same kitchen for christmas! Let’s put these girls to work! hahahaha
GREAT pictures and the video is truly a classic.
Love the big blue expressive eyes. Hope you’re having a fantastic time with family and friends! Jealous of the snowfall.
Happy Holidays, Matt and Maddy!
Shes getting so big and looks like a grown up
Matt,
She looks so old! And you look so happy.
Beautiful.
Wow! sounds like a ton of snow and the pictures are great! fun… I’m she’ll enjoy it when she gets older and she gets to live in sunny California and play in the snow in MN
she’s getting so big and gorgeous as ever!
“if we ever decide to move back to minnesota”
So is there hope that you might move back here?
What a precious little babe.
eeeekkkkkkk I’m with Maddy! This CA born and raised princess likes to look at the snow on the top of a mountain ….way. over. there.
Happy New Year Matt and Maddy!
She looks like she is about to crap in her pants on the video. Hilarious!
wow, that is something! loved the video from g-pa Tom….hearing him laugh made me smile…big.
enjoy the rest of your time there, and then in Mexico..yes, she is a VERY blesed girl….
I love that video. She seems very underwhelmed with what was going on! Don’t worry – she will love sledding when she gets older, right?
Happy New Year Matt & Maddy! I know that if Maddy sticks close to Daddy in 2010 he’ll make it a very, happy & full of fun new year!! You two are so fortunate to have each other; that’s for sure!!
She really get more beautiful with each passing day. I love the photo of you kissing her on the cheek. Absolute sweetness. Also, amazing Matt.
Have safe flight(s) and a Happy New Year.
I laughed out loud at the video. And that picture of her in the pink hat is gorgeous. So damn cute.
I take it that like most kids, she does NOT like gloves? My son would never keep his on, no matter how cold his little fingers got. I smiled seeing her with her mittys dangling from a string, remembering that my baby (who turned 19 yesterday) used to wear his like that as well.
Here’s wishing you both an amazing 2010. Cheers!
Looks like a ton of fun, but I sure don’t miss the snow!
Wishing you both a very happy and healthy 2010, and glad you enjoyed what looks like a wonderful Christmas!
PS. The video was priceless and aptly named!
as always beautiful pics….glad you guys seem to be having a great time. I wish we could travel as much as you do though. My 2 year old daughter got a vacuum & kitchen set for x-mas also…I told her from now on I am sitting on my but & she is doing all the cooking & cleaning
LOL love the pics!! Such a cutie!! Jonathan has a vacuum like that too, but blue..and he’s always helping me “vacuum”!
Looks like you two had a blast! Those pictures of her crying are so cute yet so pitiful. lol. Happy New Year Matt and safe travels!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Matt and Madeline.
That girl is beautiful in sunshine or snow.
I love the video! I could watch that again. Love all the memories you guys are creating…Keep it coming Matt Man. Love her outfit too.
Love her cold face cries. I know, it’s horrible to love a cry face, but it is identical to my son’s face this weekend after a loooong trip to Seattle’s zoo (where it was super cold). Maybe it is the scrippsie in them?
Totally unrelated to your post, but I just wanted to let you know that your Oprah episode just aired in Melbourne, Australia.
It felt like, oh there’s Matt and Madeline……. small world hey……
Jen in Melbourne
She has Minnesota blood in her veins. She can handle the cold. A True Die hard. Good for her! Loved the video! Have fun here, what a great winter for Maddy to sled! Lots of snow turn all of us in the MN to kids!
The third pic is breathtaking. So beautiful.
Fantastic photos! I love the video, Maddy is just too cute!
Happy Holidays
We got the same kitchen for our grandaughter, Savannah, Dying to know who put Maddy’s together..our son in law now hates us…Looking forward to a great 2010 for yo and Madeline.
the video is something only an *almost* two year old would do…
have a “GET ME OUT OF HERE” face…
nevertheless, cute vid.
I bet Liz was laughing her ass off at Maddy.
You can take the girl out of California,
but you cant take the California out of the girl.
Lauren.
ps; Happy Early New Year.
2010 will be better for both of you.
Oh my goodness! Totally warmed my heart! I have a little 5 1/2 month old baby girl and the dear in the headlight look totally reminded me of her anytime we do anything new with her. And then comes the smile. You’re doing a wonderful job Matt! You’re in our thoughts and prayers!
Looks like you had a wonderful holiday! I convinced my husband to watch the video and even he got a kick out of it! Havea wonderful new year!
it was crazy wasn’t it? The cities wasn’t even close to where we were in western mn. fun and beautiful. I think we played in it everyday, just amazing!
What a loving, fun time you and your family had. You make a wonderful Christmas!! I am wondering how her ‘real-life terror’ worked out!? Her hilarious expressions in the video were so priceless …thanks for the laughs! Happy, Happy New Year! What an adventure it will be. Amazing. Enjoy Mexico. And safe travels, matt.
I LOVED the sledding video…totally made me laugh as that is something my 2 year old would do!! The snow pictures are beautiful…I love the one of you kissing her cheek!! I am glad that you guys are having a great holiday….can’t wait to hear where your next adventures take you!! Happy New Year Matt and Maddy!!
So adorable! I just love her Christmas dress! She looks like she had a blast in the snow. What a traveling little girl!
that video is a slight bit creepy up until she smiles (at which point it becomes all unicorns and rainbows).
and oh my gosh, does that vacuum cleaner insult you?! that looks exactly like the one my mother-in-law bought my first son when my daughter was born. i have never wanted to HURT an inanimate object so much in my life. seriously. i can’t remember what it said, but oh my gosh. if it’s the same one, i’m telling you, listen to it and just TRY not to get angry. impossible.
Awww the pictures of her in her snow stuff was adorable the video was cute too
O and her christmas dress is so pretty and cute
Oh matt, maddy is looking more and more adorable with each post you write.
I was in the bank today and Oprah was on their tv (it says alot when the bank has a tv to keep customer occupied while they queue!!) and all of a sudden a picture of liz popped on the screen, then one of maddy and then you. Next thing there you were talking to Oprah. No idea how old the episode was, we’re usually behind down here in the land down under! And I thought as I stood there, hey I read his blog! It was a tad surrel!
I envy you your white Christmas! We had 39 degrees here on Christmas Day, sun and heat, gimme the cold and snow anyday!!
xx
Her Christmas dress is just gorgeous-I especially love the little shorts underneath-perfect for a little girl to look sweet, but still be able to romp around with the best of ‘em.
The snow photos are lovely, and I am totally jealous of her play kitchen…I think I like it better than my own grown up real kitchen…
hmm.
Merry Christmas, and safe travels!
Maddie is a few months younger than my daughter and I see so many similarities every time you post pictures. She is absolutely beautiful. You should be a very proud papa.
Adorable pics. Love the video too! Too cute!!!
LOVE the video of Maddy sledding. Awesome. This Texas girl just can’t even imagine snow like that.
You are truely blessed, Maddy is simply adorable. Thankyou for sharing your story with the world, it tuely gives me hope.
What a cute snowsuit you found for Maddy…and her video expression was just priceless!
So glad you are getting some family time in!
Happy holidays to you and Maddy!
is that a robot game?
awesome!
I love all your pics. The ones that have been getting me lately are those of Madeline with Deb. Deb is an only child now, Madeline is her only link to her generation of the family – to her sister, I have a sister and it’s a bond, no matter how close you are or aren’t is there. Deb is the only link from Madeline in Liz’s family in that way too. Either way, I see pure love and adoration in Deb’s face for and at Madeline.
I often wonder not only how you deal, but how the rest of Liz’s family deals. Seriously strong people.
that was my reaction when I moved from Pacific Palisades to the Midwest…except I was 18. The video is classic, the little smile at the end.
Glad you could enjoy the snow! The PIT got her first sled this year…and her first shovel! She *super* excited about the shovel:)
Holly Snow!!! Thanks for sharing the snow pics, I feel like I just spent the holidays at home in MN! Happy New Year to you and Maddy!
love that video!
We had a similar experience with the snow. My family lives in rural Minnesota and due to the weather/road conditions we didn’t make it out there so we were snowed in over Christmas in the twin cities. But the girls (ages 2 and 4) had a great time sledding, shoveling, and building a snowman as well.
Happy New Year!
Yeahhh for winter in the mid-west! Looks like Madeline is adjusting to the cool temps just fine! Hope that you had a wonderful holiday with family. Could you please post a few pictures of Deb.. I want her hair!
This video was hilarous, she should come in Quebec, Canada, it’s only -15oC
Sledding video was probably the funniest thing I have seen in a while. Thank you for sharing and brightening up my day.
Thanks for the Christmas sharing. Loved the video. You are a great dad, Matt!
Oh Come ON! The cuteness is ridiculous. Oh, and I had to watch the video twice. She has the MOST amazing eyes. I love her expression or lack thereof, until the very end. SO cute!
Looks like you had a very nice holiday. The yo gabba gabba figurines were a hit over here with our 21 month old as well. She’s OBSESSED. Esp with FOOFA!
Enjoy your vacation in Mexico!
Loved the 3rd photo of Maddy.. gorgeous blue eyes!! So, when are you guys going to visit Cabo??? I’d love to meet you and your little angel!
Merry Christmas! Much love to you and Maddie.
The picture of her in the hat by herself is gorgeous! That kid needs to be in commercials
The outdoor head shot with the bokeh(?) background is amazing!!! I can’t imagine how you decide which photos are frameworthy.
Happy New Year to you and Miss M! I look forward to reading about your adventures in 2010. xxxxx
Great Post!!! I love that video, its definitely a classic!! It’s nice that Maddy can experience snow!! But I agree with Maddy and would 100 % prefer the Sunny CA weather, over cold snow
But it looked like she had a Blast…and Daddy too!!!
I hope you and Maddy have an Awesome 2010!!!!
Happy New Year and New Decade to you and Maddy! I pray 2010 will be a good, happy, loving year for both of you. Thanks for sharing your lives and fun and adventures. Looks like Maddy and you had an extra fun time in Minnesota. Loved seeing it all. Enjoy home and Mexico and keep on being real Matt.
I’m envious…wish I was up north! Saw your Twitter pic of the bait place…how sad that World’s Best Donuts is closed for the season. Enjoy the lake. Listen for the ice creaking. Watch out for deer on 61.
(Ma)tt – (Ma)deline
(Li)z – Made(li)ne
Looks like so much fun! That video is HILARIOUS!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I love the pic of Maddy sleeping in your arms next to the snow man! Its too precious!
How on earth did you manage to get the kitchen set and vacuum back to LA on the plane?!
My nephew got the same kitchen last Christmas and loves it! Daddy cooks in that family, and he wanted to be like his daddy! Love the snow pics! Maddy is so sweet in her astronaut snowsuit!
great post. priceless video. jealous of all your travels.
Have a HAPPY 2010!
We were in Anoka, MN from 12/23 to 12/31 … caught the whole big snowstorm. Our kids loved it. We live in Houston so snow is a novelty for them too.
Just wanted to tell you that the third picture in this post … the one of just Maddie in that cap and her snow suit …. one of my favorite pictures of her ever. I love it!
Glad you enjoyed your time … have fun in FL. Pretty soon you’re going to have to retitle your book…the most traveled baby in America!
Love the Madeline winter version! So cute!!! Have a great 2010!!!!
Hey Matt,
In this moment i just saw Oprah’s show, and then i decided to check your website and leave a message because i was deeply touched.
Your story, makes me so sad and i do cry, and in the mean time, i can see how much strong you are and how much Madeline is lucky to have you !
In this time i should go through deep sadness, but you show me how life never stop when we do loose loved ones and should continue bcoz they want us to do so.
Any way, i wish you from my heart that you’ll be able to give Madeline all the love she needs and also i wish that she will be for you the daughter and the friend while keeping Liz in your both hearts.
Nadia
Morocco