a Name...What's in a Name?

Well Mister Mister is growing up on us and insisted that he learn how to write his name. He has been writing it for quite some time, but I don't think I ever publicly shared this milestone on the ole' blog here. This kid is "secretly" smart. He doesn't necessarily rub it in or announce to the whole world how intelligent he is, but it "slips" out now and again when we least expect it. He is always trying to point out numbers and letter he sees EVERYWHERE and is always asking what things say or how to read them. He enjoys trying to write his name on anything and everything these days. I am so proud of him. :) I hope he isn't a typical boy and hides that he likes school or even grows to dislike it. Most boys are hard to motivate in a traditional setting...

It's a Zoo out there...

We returned to the zoo after a brief 1.5 year hiatus. It was fun to go back but not so fun when everyone decided to use their Groupon coupons the same weekend that we did. Parking was a nightmare. However, we were forced to find something down the way and ended up getting a spot nearby on a side street.

There was a dinosaur exhibit I wanted the kids to check out, as well as giraffe and elephant feeding. We missed the elephant feeding, but did catch the end of the giraffes. I tried to snap a photo of Baylen feeding the giraffe but he ran up there and fed it to him so quick, I couldn't get the picture in time. Brynn did the same thing but I was able to get it the second time she fed him. The kids enjoyed all of the animals, especially the lion, elephant and giraffes.

They were not too sure about the fake dinos and as you can see in the T-rex photo, that's as close as I could convince them to stand near him. They didn't understand he was a robot. LOL

Tutu Bags

They are almost finished...just a bit of tweaking on the Snow White bag and I need to finish the Ariel bag...voila! :) I am very pleased w/ the outcome so far. I know her little friends are going to love them.

Big Milestone

As Miss Bee approaches her 5th birthday, she has reached a big, important, yet very personal milestone: staying dry at least part of the week when she wakes up in the morning. This little one has been wearing a pull-up at night for a long time. She is a heavy sleeper and just can't seem to wake up when she has to go potty in the middle of the night. On the mornings when she wakes up dry, she is SO proud of herself. After all, her little brother has been wearing underwear to bed all night long and has stayed dry for a long time. It's not easy when your little brother AND most of your friends can wear undies to bed. We are thrilled, to say the least, however, we are trying to take it one day at a time. She asked to wear underwear to bed the other night and we allowed it, but she ended up having an accident during the night and then tried to cover it up by "changing" before she came in and crawled into bed with us one early morning. She ended up confessing that night before bed b/c she knew the sheets probably needed to be changed. She wants so badly to wear underwear every night. With at least a couple of days of celebration each week, it's definitely a good start.

It's so interesting to see how each child adapts differently to potty training and how it affects them throughout their childhood in different ways.

Proof that TV is influential

I walk into their rooms last night to help them get dressed b/f we take off to go to the Y and the kids are "sharing" mardi gras-like necklaces proclaiming that "we are giving each other the Power of VETO...." Um....yeah. haha Thanks, Big Brother.

sneak peek

Boys' favors for Bee's party:



More on my craft blog...they are looking super cute! Baylen wants to keep all of them. ;)

Super Hero Action

Look who's having fun pretending?!

Fun times with friends

Brynn has missed her friends all summer. Finally, they reunited yesterday at a much-needed and overdue play date. They had a great time.

Meet (from L-R): Colby, Brynn, Elsa, Matilda, Baylen & Hudson

Hudson has chickens and the neighbor's rabbit who comes over for a visit plus a great back yard and fun toys.

Holy Shoes, Batman!

Bay is the proud owner of a new pair of Converse All Stars. :) He is in love (with Batman and these shoes).

Krissy's wedding

The wedding in Missoula was beautiful. So was Krissy, of course. We met a lot of wonderful new friends and had a lovely time at the lodge. Congratulations, my friend! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and Rick. :)

Vacation

was super fun. Lake Chelan is beautiful. 235 days of sun a year. We all had a great time. My parents, sister and her family, brother Kevin and his family, and Daniel all drove from IA to meet at our beautiful lake house. A week was too short! We spent time on the beach, at the pool, running around the lake, canoeing, rented a jet ski, swimming, eating lots of home-cooked meals from everyone, rented a pontoon, mini-golfing, water park/water slide fun, tanning, drinking, shopping, getting pedis, and quality family time. This was our first real vacation somewhere nice since we went to Estes Park and Great Wolf Lodge...usually we spend all of our $ to go back to Iowa. I love love love vacations. This next year, we have a bunch planned...starting first with Las Vegas in the fall! Can't wait!