Pirate Potty

For months now we have talked about potty training. Trying desperately to get Andrew excited about using the potty. One day Rebecca got him to do this.

I was excited...hoping she was going to handle the whole thing for me. But I was wrong. That was the only day he sat on the potty for months. Then about a week ago I decided to pick up some Toy Story underwear and start trying to get him excited again. I cleared a couple days off to be at home and focus on this only, but Andrew was finally excited about big boy underwear. He didn't want to wait and I didn't want to spoil the excitement. In two days he was pretty much potty trained. We have had a few accidents, but he got it and got it fast. The trick for us was 4 things:
1. Waiting until he was 3
2. Bribing him with candy (I was shocked what a strong motivator this was for him)
3. Bribing him with a toy after so many successful #2's (that was a little scarier and no, I am not above bribing my kids)
4. The Pirate Potty book that I read to him on the potty and gave him stickers on his hat when he went. Meet Pirate Andrew who successfully is using the potty!!!! YAY! So proud of my big boy! Really not a baby! So Bittersweet.

July 4th

Fourth of July was a lot of fun this year. We attended Father Hearts Fourth of July Celebration at the advice of several friends and we were not disappointed. We spent the afternoon eating, swimming, and with the kids playing on all the blow up slides and bouncy houses. Then we ended the night with a great fireworks show. Best part of the whole night might just have been how easy it was to leave once it was time. The traffic was not bad at all!

Daddy and his earrings

Thanks for the glow necklaces Uncle Bobby and Stacy

Daddy and Becca

Me and the olders

After we were done with the fireworks, we stopped for sparklers to do at home.

New Mexico Trip

We spent a week this summer visiting Trace's family in New Mexico. We had a great time swimming in Aunt Suzan's pool, going to the zoo, going bowling, seeing Toy Story 3, and just hanging out together.

Swim time in Aunt Suzan's pool

Trip to Albuquerque Zoo

Rebecca Feeding the Giraffe

Aidan Getting a Turn (Andrew let Rebecca do it for him)

Gran with Aidan and Becca
Suzan with the 3 kids (not sure who took this picture, but please tell me how you got all 3 to look and smile...very impressive)

Gran and kids at the bowling alley
Grandpa Bob and Becca

Aidan and Grandpa Bob

Trace and His Dad

Trace and His Brother

Bobby, Stacy, and Becc

Thanks for a great time with you all! Looking forward to next time.

Feild Day

The Tyler home school community hosts a field day every year for the kids to be a part of. We had a great time joining in on the fun this year. It was so organized and well planned and a great excuse to get a bunch of sweet kids together for a good time. All ages got to join in on the fun.

I think she is supposed to have a potato between her knees. Not sure where it went?

Sack races

Soccer Relay (at any pace this age wants to go)
Hula hoop relay

Fill up the bucket relay

End of the Year Fun!

To celebrate the end of the school year I took Rebecca to build-a-bear. It was a lot of fun (mostly because I got her all to myself and that doesn't happen all that often). She picked out this bunny and one outfit. It really is a cute little store.

After that we went out for ice cream! I loved our girlie time and look forward to much more time with my sweet girl!

Aidan also earned a special end of the year fun day, but his was with dad and dad doesn't usually travel with a camera. They enjoyed a great time at Fire Mountain playing with go-carts, bumper cars, and some games.

Caught Red Handed...

Or should I say brownie handed. Yesterday Aidan, myself, and the little girl who lives across the street made brownies. I set them on the counter to cool and after they cooled for a bit I gave all the kids a little piece. Andrew ate his and then begged for more. I said no, stood my ground, and watched the fit that took place. After a brief timeout in his bed, Andrew was calm and I felt victorious.

I headed to my room to pack my paint and other misc. craft supplies. All of the sudden I hear Rebecca yelling "mommy, Andrew is eating the brownies". What? He can't reach the brownies. How? I walked into the kitchen and this is what I found...

And look at this one, he almost even looks proud in this one.

He had pushed the stool over to the counter and was helping himself to some more. I only thought I was victorious. He is a very strong willed little boy.

BTW, do you think it counteracts the correction when mom is grabbing the camera to take a picture, because really it is just too cute? Ya, I do to. Oh well.

Our Sweet Nest

Look what we found! The kids and I were both terribly excited to discover this nest perched atop of the speaker that hangs in the corner of our back porch. I have been repainting the porch so the nest had to come down. We enjoyed getting to admire nature.
I am terribly sad to report that I don't think momma bird has been back. I haven't told the kids that but I think we got a little too close (and they were so careful to not touch). I am feeling a little guilty, but sure did love the chance to share this beautiful glimpse of God's creation with my kids.
This is a random picture that Trace took of Aidan. Aidan was sulking and Trace thought it would be funny to get out the camera and take his picture. Sure looks like it turned his spirits around.