Sprinkler Fun

Last week the temperatures crept up into the 90s so we went to take the boys to the community pool. We were disappointed to find out that there was a swim meet when we arrived. So we turned around brought them home and let Ben run through the hose sprayer instead. Unfortunately AJ wasn't too keen on this but we hope next time he'll join the fun!

Happy Friday

Pop-Pop and the Piggy Bank

This week Pop-Pop has been visiting as he has more work in DC. Pop-pop always saves his change to put in the boys piggy banks. With Ben being completely potty trained (YES!!!) he was happy to get reward for his accomplishments!

After filling their banks the boys called Grandmom to share the good news.

She was sad she couldn't be here to celebrate but enjoyed the kisses through the phone none-the-less.

Congratulations Uncle Jon & Cori

I guess it's official, Cori will be Aunt Cori from here on out!! Last night Uncle Jon popped the question! It only took 7 years in the making to happen ;-) We are all so happy for the two of you. Can't wait for YOUR big day!!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the three best Dad's I know!

Potty Training Bloopers

Day 8 of Ben in big boy underwear. We've tried everything to get him to poop on the potty. After two successful attempts last week it has been nothing but a crapshoot around here since.

From 4+ hours on the potty to 15 minute check ins and attempts we've tried everything from potty seats and chairs to placing him right on the big boy toilet. We've played Uno for hours, left him with toys, books, promises of treats and presents and also just left him alone. Which I have found usually results in some form of destruction. Please let this cup pass from me. Soon.

I'm glad he at least finds this amusing.

Ben's First Teeth Cleaning

Last Thursday Ben had his first cleaning with Dr. Val. While this was not his first trip to the dentist (we have had many since Ben's tooth trauma) this was his first real teeth cleaning!

Ben was not at all fooled by the alligator or 'Mr. Tickles' the brush. With a jolly "No thank you" from Ben on several occasions and a lot of patience & kindness from the hygienist we were able to get Ben to cooperate through the procedure.

Ben ended his appointment with bragging rights to Dr. Val that he had '"pooped on the potty today" (negative) and then demanded a coin for the toy machine for "being such a good boy". In the end it was a success and Ben is looking forward to his next appointment!!

Chuck E Sneeze

With the pass of the winter blizzard so went Ben's potty training efforts. Between having our house on the market and the move/unpacking we had little success in the Big Boy Underwear department.

The good news is Grandmom and Pop Pop were in town the past week which made re-training that much easier! (Though it is worth noting the 'training' is not over yet). We pulled out all the stops... rewarding Ben with his "Christmas Train" and his FIRST trip to Chuck E Cheese for a successful poop on the pot.

While the boys were skeptical at first....

They warmed up to the idea of everything pretty quickly...

I think I witnessed teamwork from the boys for the first time ever (if you don't count removing all of the seat cushions from the couch) in an effort to gain tickets to buy a bunch of crap we don't need.

Ben enjoyed his first game of air hockey. Despite my best efforts in letting him win, he kept scoring on himself so there was no way I could lose.

And then he danced the night away by hopping up and down on one color for 10 minutes straight (tickets won: zero)

My favorite takeaway? These cute little ID cards the boys posed for.

The best news yet?! We're 2 days post CEC and neither boy have contracted any illness - and that is despite the germ-to-mouth infestation 30 seconds after leaving the establishment.

So long Chuck E Cheese... we'll see you again soon!!

AJ's Day in the Sun

On request of the OT we got the boys a sandbox. It seems to be working out great so far and both boys really enjoy playing in it.

AJ even decided to sample a taste...

And got away with putting a handful of sand in Ben's hair.

AJ also got in the baby pool for the first time, albeit, a quick dip. Summer is turning out to be some Hot Fun!

Happy Frogday!

Memorial Day!

After a great bbq with friends on Saturday, yesterday we hosted another large cookout and our first official 'party' for Memorial Day. Ben helped set up (which included unstacking all of the plates) and AJ strutted his stuff wearing Owen's hand-me-downs from last year.

It wouldn't be a party without children tugging at your legs, boys playing under the deck in the 'jail', or random neighborhood kids sneaking in to eat the leftover cookies.

And of course having Ben drain all of the water that was so important to keeping everyone hydrated.

30 Capri Suns, 36 hotdogs, 20 kids, 6 bottles of wine, and 4 quarts of mac-n-cheese later we've finally recovered. Thanks to everyone for making this weekend one we'll remember!!