Fun Outside

We had a gorgeous, relaxing day outside playing at the park and trying to get some good photos of Daniel for his 3-year-old portraits. Here are a couple of pictures of Daddy having fun with the kids!

Potty training...again?

I've heard girls potty train a lot easier and a lot earlier than boys. In fact, a girlfriend of mine recently mentioned that her 2 year old daughter showed interest in the potty at 18 months so they went with it and she was potty trained by 2 years. Last night, Kyra finished her bath and was running around naked while I got Daniel dried off. She peed on the floor so I cleaned it up and put a diaper on. She immediatly went over and sat on the potty -- no prompting or other mention of the potty by me! I wouldn't say she's close to potty training but at least it looks like she gets it!

Other news is that Daniel's moving up to the pre-school class at school. The basic requirements are 3 years of age and potty training but they also look for a certain maturity and ability to be self-directed. I think Daniel was a bit iffy on that last part for awhile but his teacher mentioned last week that he seemed to have really developed a lot in the past couple of weeks in using his words and doing things independently. He'll miss his current teacher because he loves her but is really excited about the next classroom because he really likes that teacher, too (she used to be in his current classroom) and his friend Luke is in that class... I'll warn the teachers about Daniel and Luke together...

Daniel's checkup

Daniel had his 3 year checkup last week and is doing great. He's in the 75-90% on both height and weight so he's proportional. They've always asked us as parents the questions at the beginning of the appointment -- "Is he able to do x?" or whatever. This time they asked him directly which was quite fun to listen to him respond. Yesterday I asked Kyra to use her spoon with her yogurt. Daniel responded, "She's doing it! She's doing it! Kyra's getting to be such a big girl!" So funny!

Grandma and Grandpa have been visiting over the past 10 days and the kids (and the parents) have really enjoyed having them here! We got a night away plus a couple evenings out -- yes, we take advantage of it while we can! The weather was exceptionally good so we went to the park and flew Daniel's new kite and the kids loved playing at the playground. I'll get some pictures from their visit and post them soon!

Daniel's birthday

Daniel had a birthday week - not just a day. We began by making a cake of his choice -- carrot cake - last Tuesday and singing happy birthday. On Wednesday, he got to take cupcakes to school to share with his friends and open his presents at home. On Thursday, he received a present from his grandmother in the mail -- and probably had some carrot cake. On Friday, no presents but preparation for the party on Saturday. Birthday party Saturday -- really a lot of fun -- attached is a photo of the kids at the party! Sunday, attended another friend's birthday party and got cake and a goodie bag. Monday... well, finish up the cake and recover! Today was gorgeous so we played outside all afternoon. The older neighbor kids came over and a water fight ensued and everyone (including me and Kyra) were soaked. Daniel loves playing with the older kids and had a wonderful time. I think he'll sleep well...

3 years old

Daniel turns 3 tomorrow -- I can't believe it -- and he had a rough time getting to bed tonight! We decided to bake a cake -- his choice was carrot cake -- today while we were here together and had some tonight since tomorrow morning will be its usual hectic school day. He enjoyed the birthday song and the cake. Kyra couldn't keep her hands out of it! Tomorrow he'll have cupcakes with his friends at school and we'll open presents tomorrow night. His birthday party is Saturday -- more cake, more presents!

Matt and I got comped tickets to the Mariners tomorrow afternoon and despite the fact that I've got a nutty week and it will cut into any chance for sanity this week, we're going. It's rare to have a chance to go to a game, let alone box seats, while the kids are at school. Should be fun!