It all started with a simple wish...

So... it was about two months or so ago when Madelyn began adding pictures to her Christmas Wish List book. Soon after this ritual began, she received a catalog in the mail that had all kinds of toys. She spent a good hour or so going through the entire catalog, taking time to really investigate each toy to decide whether or not she'd like to add it to her book.

When she came upon the "Kid Safe Make Up Kit" she freaked out. And when I say freaked out, I mean, jump up and down, run around the house screaming about how badly she "needed" it! When she calmed down enough for me to examine the picture, I looked at her and said, "No. You're too little for makeup." We have had a long-standing rule at our house that makeup is for dance recitals and Halloween. Madelyn quickly dropped her shoulders and fell to the ground in the dramatic fashion she has so easily perfected, and sobbed. Of course, she also paused between cries to look at me wondering if I had any sort of reaction. I did not. I told her she could add it to her book, but that it was not likely going to happen. That gave her just enough hope that she smiled and quickly cut out the picture and added it to her wish list.

About a month later, Auntie Kristin inquired about the things Madelyn wanted, and I told her she could get her the makeup kit if she wanted. Getting this gift would undoubtedly make her the hero of Christmas, so she agreed. ;)

Madelyn continued to ask about the makeup kit all the way to Christmas, and I kept telling her no, so imagine her surprise when she open the gift! She couldn't wait to use it!

Her cousin, Owen, was excited to help her get started! I found this to be especially cute, and definitely wanted to include some pictures for when he's 16 because I'll think they will be perfect to show his girlfriend. ;)

Remember: You can click the slideshow to see larger images. 

As you can see from the slideshow, they had a good time together, and I was quite impressed with Owen's ability to show Madelyn "how to" apply makeup.

Then I got a turn. And so did Daddy. I think Madelyn had the most fun using Daddy as her model. She started calling the area "Melody's Makeup Shop" and sometimes when you sat down, she would say things like, "Oh, excuse me. I'm not open yet." or "You'll need to wait for a minute while I clean up from my last customer." Even though I wasn't truly fond of the makeup idea, it has been really sweet to watch her have so much fun!

My only concern is this:

It started out like this...

And ended like this...