What have you been up to?

 People often ask me, "So what have you been up to?" Well, a lot actually. So I thought I'd post some of our goings on for that last month or so.

First, we went to a place called "Pretend City" in Irvine.  This was a little piece of heaven for Zach. He could not get enough of all the tractors, cars, boats, doors, and things to do there. It really is like a little city, just kid-sized! We will definitely be going back!

 Zach in his dream car-a beamer!

 Future Firefighter!

 Working at Ralph's- everyone's "First Job!"

 He felt like a "real Handy Manny"

 He was a little sad he couldn't use this toilet- remember I told you he loves to use public restrooms-yuck!

 Discovered stamps at the Post Office-so cute!

 Normally, I only venture out to big outings with Chris or my sister, but I was feeling brave one random day and took Zach and Wes to the Aquarium of the Pacific all by myself. I had never been and thought they would enjoy it. And they both surprised me. Zach loved looking at all the fishes and seals.  He couldn't believe there were so many "Nemos".

Wes just sat there the whole time-such an angel that boy!

 

Family fun at the pumpkin patch!

 WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (Mom is thinking please don't eat it!)

 Me and my little buddy!

 I was so sad our camera battery died-it said it was full and then all of a sudden it didn't work-UGH!. This was my opportunity to get a fun family photo.  Just one reason why I so desperately want a new camera -hint, hint!

Irvine Park goes all out for the holidays and Halloween is no different. The train is a must and Zach loved it even more than last year!

 Wes can never take his eyes off his brother. So cute!

 Luke and Zach- best buds for life!

 Not tall enough-so he improvised!

 This is so disgusting. I was trying to get a picture of Zach next to the horse since he didn't want to ride it, and as I was about the take the picture he turned around and started licking the pole. The pole that the horse slobbers all over. SICK! Just another reason why I need a new camera-I can never get a decent shot of the boys before they turn their heads or run away! This is priceless though.

"Attitude of Gratitude"

We were so blessed this weekend to watch General Conference on TV. Surprisingly, I was able to watch all four sessions while being home alone with a two and a half year old and a nine month old. Now my friends, that is a miracle! I think that I was meant to hear those inspired talks. And nothing struck me more than the words of our beloved prophet when he spoke about cultivating an "attitude of gratitude". He reminded me that while there is so much going wrong in the world today, there also so much that is right and good! Some of those "right" things for me are: my wonderful husband, my beautiful, happy, healthy children, my health, the gospel, a home, a great support system-aka "family", wonderful friends... seriously my list goes on but I'll spare you the rest; you get the picture. The more I thought about my blessings the more joy and happiness filled my heart. It really is not worth it to dwell on the negative things or circumstances you can't control. I'm so glad I was able to listen to our prophets inspired counsel. Give it a try. What are you grateful for?

El Capitan State Beach Camping

This month has been pretty busy. Just when I thought summer was over, I forgot we had a camping reservation at El Capitan State Beach. But boy am I glad we went. Now this was my kind of camping. It was right near the beach which gave us all something to do during the day and yet the camp site felt like we were in the mountains- the best of both worlds. And my brother and Ava and brother-in-law Andrew came down last minute. We had a blast with everyone. And we finally got our first family photo. How sad is that? Wes is almost 9 months and we just took a picture with all four of us together. It isn't even a good picture, but it counts.

All the boys in their spear fishing gear. Zach was fascinated.

Uncle Jake's hammock got a beating . You couldn't keep them off it.My little Wes is getting sooo big and trying so hard to crawl. He's got the army version down.
If you have never been camping at El Capitan or never heard of it, it is just north of Santa Barbara and absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend it. We will be going again!

Diary of a Potty Training Mamma Part III

Well, Zach has been doing remarkably well. So well, in fact, he loves to go wherever he can: Target, Albertsons, the playground, and any house we go to, just so he can check out the potty and say that we went there. He also loves to differentiate between the men and womens' restrooms; when he goes with mommy he says, "Use the circle restroom" and "Use the triangle"with daddy. It is very cute, but also rather annoying because I know wherever we go he must use the potty. He has only had one "real" accident when we were at a friends' house, he got so excited about the train table they had that he forgot he needed to go.

Having stated the positive, I now need some advice. Going #2 has been a different story. At first it was a little traumatic for him, and would hold it for a day before he couldn't hold it any longer. Once he had the urge it took him about 45 minutes of running around the house avoiding the potty, but knowing he needed to go. When he finally went I had to sit him down and he would just go. now he has figured that it is a lot easier to go in his pull-up after nap, and has even gone in the middle of the night a few times. How do I get him to be so thrilled to go #2 on the potty? I've tried a chart, and we even let him pick out a train at the store and told him he could open it when he did #2 on the potty. But he still is resisting. Any tips?
( I was making cupcakes for a party and Zach stole the icing lid. This face says, "What, I didn't do it?"-Gotta love it!)

Summertime.. when the livin's easy!

We have had a great summer. It has gone by so fast that I haven't had time to post each of our fun filled adventures. So here is a recap of what we've been up to this summer!

Late June: We went to Mammoth with my older sister and brother and their families . We did the hardcore camping and roughed it in a tent. We had fun fishing and hanging out with family. We hadn't even been there 2 hours when Zach ate it on the asphalt. That forehead is a magnet for falls.




Early July: We made a trip up to Fallon, NV to visit Chris' brother Brandon and his family. Zach was in heaven with their backyard and his cousin Matthew. We even got to go on a mini-field trip to their friend's dairy farm. I don't think I could get used to the smell, but it was fun to see how they get the milk.



Zach was loved soooo much by all his darling girl cousins. He is definitely a ladies man!

Sadly, we have only been to the beach twice this summer. This summer has been abnormally chilly and it has to be pretty hot for me to enjoy the beach. Hopefully it warms up here soon, Zach is finally easier to watch at the beach.


Early August: Our annual summer River Olympics trip was so much fun. Zach had his weekend with grandmas and got spoiled rotten, and Wes got to join us for some much needed one-on-one attention. As you can see the boys were scheming up another launch ramp/slip in slide.
Happy Birthday Luke:
I had to post this party my sister Sara threw for my nephew Luke. He turned 3 at the end of July and had a firefighter party. She got a real old fire truck to take the kids around the block. Along with the pizza and jumpers, the kids were in heaven. Sara really goes all out for parties, we are lucky we live close to enjoy them!

Diary of a Potty Training Mamma Part II

Day 4: Thursday, Aug 12th
Zach is really surprising me. No accidents today. Still hasn't gone #2 yet. Not sure what to do.

Day 5: Friday, Aug. 13th
Still no accidents. This is too good to be true. Still having anxiety about #2. I'm getting some prune juice or something. This kid has never gone longer than a day without going.

Day 6: Saturday, Aug 14th
YEAH we went # 2. It was a little traumatic, but he did it! We are so proud of him. I really thought it would be harder than it was, but potty training wasn't so bad. Granted we haven't ventured too far from a restroom, but he is doing great. I'd say we have a potty trained little 2 1/2 year old! Great job!

Diary of a Potty Training Mamma:

Day 1- Monday, August 9th
Woke up and told Zach he is not wearing diapers anymore and we put on his big boy undies. Showed him the toilet and said this is where we go pee and poop. Told him that whenever you need to go pull down your pants and do your business. After 6 or 7 accidents I decided this wasn't working. We put on a diaper and went to Target and let him pick out his own potty. He was so excited, we got home and tried it out. Still no success. Day 1 a total wash! :( What am I doing??

Day 2 - Tuesday, August 10th
Woke up and put big boy undies on Zach and reminded him that we go potty in the toilet and told him that if he went pee pee in the toilet he will get an m&m and if he goes poop poop he gets 2. He had a few accidents this morning and I decided to throw something new into the mix. Whenever he had an accident I calmly and sweetly told Zach, "Uh oh, let's go rinse off our pee pee" I didn't put any negative spin on it, just sort of matter-of-factly and I put him in the tub and splashed his lower half off with water. Of course he didn't like this, but after a few trips to the tub; he finally gave the potty a try. Yeah Zach! ( thanks for the tip Lisa) I didn't want to do the set the timer thing and run around after him all day forcing him to go, so I totally left it up to him. I was feeding Wes on the couch when he ran up with his little naked bum and said, "I did it!" I little nervous I ran into his room (where we put the potty while he played) and low and behold there was pee in there. MIRACLE!!! He proceeded to amaze me by doing it again two more times all by himself. I was so proud of him!
Day two was a total success!

Day 3- Wednesday, August 11th
Woke up again and put on the undies. He used the potty right away and continued to have success all morning. He did have one accident but after the rinse, he didn't have anymore today. Had to get out of the house. So we went to a fabric store with my sister. He wore a pull-up and stayed dry the entire time! WOW! Finally went poop-in his pull-up after nap-little stinker, still working on it. I think he is a little nervous about it, but I think we'll get it soon. Day 3 was a major success!

Happy birthday baby!

Chris turned 31 on Friday! Wow babe you are getting up there! Every year is another fun adventure with you, thanks for taking me along for the ride! I love you!