Happy Birthday, Mia

When you only have one working vehicle. ..

You learn to improvise!

All week, David has been riding his bike to and from work so I can have the van. This morning he had several games to ref in Spanish Fork, and Kennedy had her first soccer game, and Luke had soccer practice. So how do we get where we need to go? Well, today was my turn to use the bike. The girls and I left early for Kennedy's game (which was over 2 miles away) on our bikes. Kennedy was a trooper. She kept a smile on my face as she sang little jingles all the way home. Luke had to get himself to practice. Luckily the field he had to get to is right across the cemetary from our house. It was kinda fun riding the bikes. I'm just not sure what we will do next week, when David has to ref, and ALL THREE KIDS have a game to be at. That could be a challenge!

By the way, Kennedy's team lost today 3-1. They looked pretty good, though, and Kennedy was a little ball of fire out on the field!

School's Here!

School started yesterday for Luke and Kennedy. They both came home from school happy and seemed to like their teachers. Luke is starting 6th grade. I can't believe that this is his last year at the Elementary school. Crazy. Kennedy is in 3rd grade. She has two different teachers. One in the morning that focuses on reading and writing, and one in the afternoon that does math, social studies, science, etc. It is a little different, but I think it is a good idea to have teachers specialize in certain areas. Elizabeth starts Kindergarten, but her first day is next week, so her picture will come later. She has to go have her assessment test today. She is very excited. Mia gets one more year at home with Mom. I will get her in preschool next year.

Luke and Kennedy waiting for the bus on the first day of school

Potty Training, Days 2 and 3

I hope this topic isn't grossing anybody out.. . . But I post it anyway. So I'm sure the topic heading gives away what the content might be. So you have been warned!

Ok. So yesterday was a very frustrating day. I was really close to pulling the diapers out again. Several terrible accidents (I'm sure I don't need to go into details) just about put me over the top. But she did have some successes as well, so I thought that persistance will pay off in the end.

I feel that today it is starting to pay off. Just one accident this morning, but 100% the rest of the day! I have even found her in the bathroom, going by herself. I don't feel we are all the way there, yet. But I am really close to putting the diapers up forever! That will be cause for some serious celebration.

**Just a quick update. Mia is official! No accidents all weekend long. She is my oldest to be potty trained. Her 3rd birthday is next week. She still uses a diaper at night, but hopefully it won't be for long. I don't even have to ask her to go, she just takes care of it herself. I still have half the bag of starburst I was using as incentives. Time to CELEBRATE! Way to go Mia!

Haircut day

Today the girls and I spent a couple hours getting our hair cut for the start of school. It is fun to be papmered a little bit. They each got their hair trimmed up and it looks nice and clean. I had mine colored and cut.

Potty Training, Day 1

So I am finally breaking down and putting the panties on Mia. Here is how the first day has gone.

• Four successful trip to the toilet, with a "potty treat" given afterward
• Three wet panties to wash.
• One cushion to scrub
• Several items of wet clothing to wash as well

Overall, not so bad for day one. Hopefully it gets better from here. As long as I watch really closely, she seems to be willing to use the toilet. Heres for a better day tomorrow!

Home Again, Home Again

So, we decided to leave California in the evening instead of the morning for several reasons.

1. To escape the heat of driving, it is much cooler at night
2. To escape the screaming and fighting of our kids (so they would sleep)
3. We felt we needed to get home and take care of several things, mostly related to our business
4. To avoid traffic.

We accomplished almost all of our objectives. We wanted to avoid traffic from the LA area. Who would have thought that we would be stuck for an hour and a half at midnight heading into Primm, NV? I guess a few people were headed to Vegas for an early start for their weekend!

For Mom and Dad

We stopped in St George this morning on our way back from California, to see the progress on their home. The foundation is in, and the contractor said the plumbing and floor was to be worked on today. At least it is more than a whole in the ground now! I am still in awe at the views and how beautiful it is there. How wonderful it will be for them!

Oceanside, CA

We  have been lucky enough to be able to spend a little time with Mike, Shareen, Camille, and Anya this week.  The girls are getting along amazingly well.  Mia and Anya have been playing like best buddies.  We joke that one day they will be college roommates and never talk to each other and get along great.  Actually, Mia talks a lot, when she chooses to.  Here are all the girls at their "tea party" yesterday morning.  We were able to spend the afternoon at the beach.  It was a bit crowded, but we had a great time.  There is nothing like the beach in Southern California!

Kennedy heads out to the water.  The waves were a bit big, but a lot of fun.  

I love this photo.  Elizabeth and Mia get a little surprised by a wave.  

Elizabeth showing how dirty you get on the beach.  You should have seen the shower when we were done with it.  

Mia flashing her smile on the beach.

I know, my eyes are closed, but here in Mia and I enjoying the water a bit.  She was a little scared at first, but was quite enjoying the water by the end of the afternoon.   Luke played a lot with the boogie board and had a great time.  The life guard actually went after him once, telling him he was out too far.  He was fine.  He loved it. (the water, I mean) 

How cute.  Kennedy and Elizabeth holding hands as they head out to face the waves.  

Kennedy showing a little "sass" as David is handing her a drink.  

Here is Kennedy enjoying a ride in with the waves.

Elizabeth had  a great time playing in the waves.  Her tube kept her just above the water as she rode the waves as well.