That's what my talkin' bout!

Ryker is potty-trained! Woot Woot! I've been waiting to post this, just hoping we don't go back to diapers, but my little boy is doing amazing! I've been saying that I just didn't think he was ready, but he has definitely proved me wrong. I think the main reason for his success is that he wants to be a big boy so badly - he loves wearing his "unders" and he's so proud of himself when he goes on the toilet.

It all began the weekend my parents were in town. Ryker said something Dad didn't understand and Coleton interpreted it as Ryker saying, "I'm looking for somewhere to poop." Coleton suggested he try the toilet. We figured it'd be the same as the other times we suggested he use the toilet, but this time he really went! We all made a big fuss about it and I let him start wearing his unders the next few days. He loves going to the bathroom with Daddy and loves all the celebrating. He's only had a few accidents over the past couple weeks and lets me know when he has to go. That's been the best part - I haven't even had to stay on top of it, he knows when he has to go. Which is so crazy to me because we've tried going to the potty so many times and he just hasn't been able to do it. It just clicked. I've been dreading potty-training little Ryker and, it turns out, the kid pretty much trained himself. That's what my talkin' bout!

Happy Gracie, Grumpy Ryker

All ready for preschool.  She looked so cute I wanted to snap a few pics.

Ryker insisted on having his picture taken.  But then was mad when I took his picture.  Hmph.

I just had to capture these shots of him.  He is frustrated sometimes because he doesn't know what he wants.  The same thing as his sister or not?  Thus, the tears and yelling at Mommy.  His two phrases right now are, "My sad from you!"  and "Mommy, you say no to evything!"  He's sad from me every time I tell him no or put him in timeout.  And the day I told him no to Dora and a popcicle is when he pulled out the second phrase.  Oh, I love you, little Ryker, but sometimes I don't know what to do with you.

Blowing Bubbles

As you can see, it takes a lot of concentration.

Unfortunately, she choked whenever the camera came out, but she did blow a few bubbles.  She was so proud of herself and it's so cute to see how hard she was trying.

Griff, Tara, Mitch, Pops, and Mimi visit

At the Elephant Bar-lots of entertainment for Griff

Gracie's first time skiing!

Riding the ski lift

Trying it out with Grandma MJ

I don't know how Coleton did this...

Gracie's favorite part-the hot chocolate!

Roller Skating Princess

Gracie finally got her skates on, after trying 3 different sizes.  She was beginning to enjoy herself.

Close call, but she never hit the ground.  Lucky for me!

Getting better and having fun!

A quick picture before we take off our skates.

A little treat for my little girl.

Gracie's 4 Years Old!

Gracie invited a few friends and we had a birthday party at McDonalds.  (Heidi, I'm thinking you're right, we should be celebrating me on her bday too, but that's another topic.)  Anyway, the party went great.  Luckily, the McDonalds people let us stay, even though we had cake, which is apparently against the rules.  (cake in the floor surface = huge mess)  They supervised me the entire time I served cake so I'm not sure if all the kids had a chance to eat all their cake because as soon as they looked away for a second, I swiped their plates into the trash.  If I would have known all of this, I probably wouldn't have had a chocolate mouse double layer cake with chocolate frosting made for Gracie's birthday.  Enough about the cake.

Gracie had a fabulous time playing with Tomas, Nikko, Elle, Camryn, Teagan, Lincoln, Emma, Bella, Caleb, and Ryker.  Yes, I'm crazy, I realize that now, but you only turn 4 once!  

Another very special part of the day is that both of Gracie's aunts were there to spend the day with her!  Lexie flew in the day before and completely suprised Gracie.  I told Gracie we were going to get a surprise for her and we hopped in the car.  As we were driving, I asked if she knew where we were headed.  (She knows her way around pretty well, so oftentimes she can tell where we're going.  My little GPS.)  She said, "No, we're going too far, Mommy."  As we pulled into the garage pick-up area at the airport she asked, "Are we at the mall, Mommy?"  No.  "Are we at the dr.'s office?"  No.  Keep guessing.  "Are we at the airport?  Are we picking somebody up?"  I told her yes, and that she should look out the window.  Perfectly timed, Lexie walked out.  Gracie was so excited, but played it cool for a little bit.  She couldn't contain the grins and the laughter and was soon talking a mile a minute.  I love it!  She is so connected to her aunts and uncles and loves them so much!  Mal was also able to come because she didn't have class or school.  Thank goodness for their help, I don't know if I could have done it without them!  And it was so fun to have them there!