Potty Trained!

This 3-1/2 year old sweet boy is FINALLY potty trained!

He also started school - at least his version of it. We had to pull him out of preschool because he didn't potty train in time. So he goes to Kid's Day Inn one day a week from 9-1. So far he loves it and he hasn't had any potty accidents!

I was about ready to give up on him ever potty training! He would always tell me, "I'll do the brown stuff in the toilet tomorrow." Always the promise of tomorrow, but tomorrow never came. Until one day...He told me had to do the brown stuff, his words, not mine. And so I scooted him into the bathroom. He locked the doors as is the custom around here. I'm on the other side of the closed door cheering him on. Telling him I'm so proud of him, etc. After a few minutes I asked if he was finished and was ready to be wiped. He said yes, and opened the door. Imagine my shock to see him fully clothed standing next to the sink. That's right. He did his business in his pull-up.

Smoke was about to come out of my ears. I ranted on Facebook and begged for some potty training advice. And I received a lot! Most of it we had already tried, candy, toy bribery, begging, etc.

The best advice, which I had already put into action before I read it, was to get rid of pull-ups and go hard-core underwear. It was scary and hadn't worked in the past, but I knew he was ready and was just being stubborn. We had a lot of accidents the first couple of days, including poop in the underwear. But he was so freaked every time it happened and worried that I would throw the underwear away, that it only happened 2-3 times and that was it. After about a week, we were mostly accident free. We also discovered Jonathan loves to pee standing up, "like Ann-roo" and on trees. I guess you have to be a boy to understand these little life treasures.

Now we just have to tackle night training. I'm not sure how to do it because Andrew basically trained himself in that area. Jonathan has enough issues sleeping through the night that I'm not sure I want to wake him anymore than he already does on his own. One step at a time! I am just thrilled to only have one in diapers!

Happy Labor Day

Jonathan fishing while Chad and Luke scope out the best spot to fish.

Jonathan still fishing while Luke and Andrew wander around the pond, bored with the lack of fish being caught.

Andrew was more into the whirly-gig bugs he found on the water than fishing!

On Labor Day, we went to Hutch and Grandpa took the boys fishing. Unfortunately the fish weren't interested in their worms, but the boys had a great time anyway!

Hannah walks!

"Hello, yeah I can walk and I'm only 10 months old!"

"And I love phones."

And so it begins...At 10 and a half months, Hannah walks and almost runs. She also has a love of phones and remotes. She freaks me out a little when she picks up the phone or remote, whatever's handy, and puts it up to her ear and starts to jibber jabber. Monkey see. Monkey do. Oh, boy!


So excited to be on the move!


losing her balance a little

Always walking with her hands up


So happy to be one step closer to keeping up with her brothers!

Grandpa and his grandkids

Last weekend Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. It was blazing hot, but the kids didn't care. They thought since it was early evening, it must be cooler. I'm glad they talked us in to going outside so we could take these fun photos. Next time we have to get Grandma in the picture too!

Life-Long Friends

Last weekend, our great friends, Paul and Amy, came to visit. We became fast friends when we were all stationed in Grand Forks. We had a great time catching up and eating and playing with the kids. The last time we saw them Andrew was 21 months and Paul and Amy only had Scout. Fast forward 4 years and there are now 3 more children added to the mix!

In our attempt to find a kind friendly activity, we foolishly thought a trip to the zoo was a good idea. Turns out it was the 40th anniversary of the zoo and a free weekend. Everyone else in Wichita decided to go to the zoo too. And did I mention it was sweltering hot?!

Jonathan checking out the giant tortoises.

The crowd trying to watch the otters swim in their cool water. The boys are up high in the red shirts thanks to Keith and Paul.

Jonathan caught a little ride on Paul's shoulders while trying to catch a glimpse of the otters.

Hannah didn't seem to mind the heat or the crowds.

Poor Aubrey! She was so hot her little face turned pink. I shared her heat exhaustion!

It was a little cooler after dinner so we took a few pictures of the kids.


Andrew and Amy

Paul and Andrew playing soccer.


Aubrey had her 4-month birthday at our house. She was a little less than thrilled with the photo shoot. She has a super sweet smile, but she chose not to show it for these pics.

Hannah thought she could help.


The boys loved Aub-a-ree as Jonathan liked to call her.

Jonathan also loved Miss Amy!

We had a great time getting caught up. The boys were a little confused that we had friends they didn't know, but it only took them about point2seconds to call the Cristinas their friends too! As they pulled out of our driveway, Andrew said, "I miss them already!"

Thanks Paul and Amy for making the drive up here! It was so great to pick right up where we left off four years ago. And we can't let another four years pass until we see each other again!