Piggies

We love to read at our house. Kaden and Marin can often be found sitting in the play room with books spread all around them. Kaden has long been able to (mostly) remember the words to various books and can be heard "reading" them to himself while he's in his room. This morning he "read" this book to me. I love this book (Piggies by Don and Audrey Wood) and it was so fun to listen to him recite the words. He knew them almost perfectly along with when to turn the pages. He also had to point out some of the funny illustrations. Oh how I love these early stages of reading. I know it won't be long until he's reading on his own, so for now I will savor the joy of reading aloud to him as often as I can.

Potty Training=Doll House

Marin has been potty training for several weeks. It has been a totally different experience than with Kaden. I was fully prepared to wait with her, but she's shown some serious interest. With Kaden, we told him when he went pee on the potty he would get a scooter. Well, the first time he went potty he looked up and me and said, "Where's my scooter?" With Marin we didn't mention a potty training "prize" until recently (to encourage her to poop on the potty). Now, granted she's not TOTALLY, completely trained, but she is well on her way. She is out of pull-ups and wearing undies during the day (all of her own initiation). I think we have only had to change wet pants two or three times this week. So, last night when she FINALLY pooped on the potty, she got her doll house as a reward. She is excited and we are very proud (and relieved that it wasn't a 6 month process this time!).

Cake Pops

My newest craft-y experience. In short: fun, time consuming, and YUM!

Monkey Joe's

This week we had spring break. While we didn't go anywhere warm or do anything fantastically exciting, we did have a chance to do a few fun, out of the ordinary things. Visiting a "bounce house place" was one such thing. Both kids enjoyed it (and got quite worn out I may add). We hope to go back again in the future.

Family Party

Saturday Kaden celebrated his birthday with our extended family. He had looked forward to the day for months and it did not disappoint. He was surrounded by grandmas and grandpas who adore him and they showered him with love, attention and gifts. I always love getting to see my children interact with our families, but as they grown older it's even more fun to listen to the conversations that take place. This year he REALLY liked all of his gifts (even the clothes) and was able to play with each and everything he received. I'm so proud of the little man he's becoming (but more on that in another post) and the happy, fun, polite (usually) boy he is to be around.

**My dad is the only one who I didn't get a picture of! Ugh! Hate when that happens. Sorry dad! Unfortunately he spent the better part of the day trying to convience Marin he wouldn't pretend to use her new pony tissues again! Who'd have thought that would upset her.

Friend Party

This was the first year Kaden invited friends over for his birthday. We just had 4 and 3 of them were our neighbors. They came after dinner and played, ate cupcakes and then Kaden opened his gifts. It was neat to watch Kaden learn how to treat his friends like guests, see them all play and interact, and help Kaden practice showing genuine appreciation to each of them for their gift and for coming. I never imagined what a hands-on learning experience it would be. At all ages, I'm so aware of the joy friends bring into our lives.

Little O turns 1

We have been babysitting little O part time since last June. In March she turned one and we had the honor of being invited to her birthday party. The kids were very excited to be included. Marin ended up having a fever, so she stayed home and Kaden and I went. It was so sweet to see her reach with excitement to Kaden. It's like he's her brother too. She squealed when we came to the door. What fun it has been to love on another baby and watch her learn and grow! We love you little O!