Madagascar 3

Yesterday, I attempted to take both kids to the movies by myself. It was Donny's first movie to be seen in the theater. I wasn't sure how it would go.

I survived them each taking bathroom breaks at different times - truth be told, I was just glad Donny actually wanted to use the potty.

About an hour into the movie, Donny started going up and down the stairs. At that point, I knew he was done - It was time to go home! We saw about 60 of the 85 minutes of Madagascar 3. The parts that we saw were pretty cute. Maybe we'll get it on DVD and watch it at home another time. :)

I'll leave you with a couple pictures:

Snacks are really what the movies are all about anyway. :)

Me and my sweet girl...she was very understanding when we had to leave early. :)

Playdate #1 - 2012

One of the things I look forward to the most each summer is getting together with my mommy friends and their babies. I love watching the kids grow from summer to summer. The best part of the playdates is the couch picture. I probably should have pushed two couches together this year. Notice all the babies in laps and on the floor.

Notice anyone missing? Wouldn't you know that one of my very own kids didn't want to cooperate for the picture. Yep...here he is. He decided AFTER everyone moved that he was ready for his picture op. Go figure!

After the playdate, we had the pleasure of keeping AB and LC while their mommy took an hour to herself. I can remember how hard it was getting adjusted to two babies and not having a minute to even pee alone. Ha! (Sad...but true) I was more than happy to offer up my services to keep these sweet girls.

Check out these cute pictures I got while their mommy was away.

Donny and Braelyn were dying to hold LC. To my surprise, Donny was actually very gentle with her. He even offered to take her to his room -- to which her mommy said, "That better be the only time he tries to take her to his room!" Ha!!!

I LOVE this picture! Look at how LC snuggled into Donny's neck. They probably could have sat there for a while, but a 2 year old holding an infant made me slightly (okay...REALLY) nervous.

I can't wait for another playdate!

Things that make you go hmmm....

"Donny, did you eat the hippo balls?"

Now, THAT'S a question I never thought I'd have to ask!

We bought the kids the game, "Hungry, Hungry, Hippos," and all the balls went missing. Luckily, Donny didn't actually eat them. He just put them away in a lunchbox. Good place to keep them, right?

These kids are definitely keeping me on my toes!

Why does potty training frustrate me so?

Why, oh why does this have to be included as one of the mommy duties?!?

I really think we've turned a corner with peeing in the potty, but pooping is a whole other story!

This morning, I took the kids to the pool. About 15 minutes in, I noticed Donny straining to GO. I tried taking him to the bathroom there. No luck. SOOOO...since I know it's a big no-no for someone to poop in the pool, I pack the kids up and bring them home thinking I'll take them back after Donny does his business.

I put Donny on the toilet here at home, and about 30 minutes later we're still there. I want to scream! I HATE potty training!

Sweet moments

One of my favorite things about having children is watching how their relationship with each other grows. Braelyn has loved her brother from day 1. Donny, of course, didn't know any better as an infant, but the love he now has for his sister is incredible. He wants to be around her most of the day, do what she does, and say what she says.

It makes my heart happy that almost 3 years down the road, Braelyn still adores her little brother. Just this morning, they were both laying on the couch. Braelyn used half of her blanket to cover up Donny, gave him a kiss on the forehead, and then laid down on the other end of the couch with the other half of her blanket. I wish I had been quick enough to take a picture, but instead I took that moment just to watch it and soak it all in.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be the mother of these two babies!

1st and Last Day of Kindergarten - Comparison

First Day

Last Day

Last Day of Kindergarten

 Braelyn and I took a picture similar to this one on the first day of school. I had to get an "after" version. :)

 Here's Braelyn "walking the stage" for her Kindergarten graduation.

 She even got PERFECT attendance!

Here's Braelyn with the most amazing kindergarten teacher ever, Mrs. Burnett. She's moving up to 2nd grade this next school year. Maybe she'll be lucky enough to get Braelyn again in a couple years. :)

Daddy took the day off to have a Daddy/Daughter day with Braelyn to celebrate her accomplishment of surviving Kindergarten. I'm pretty sure they had a great day - filled with Chuck E. Cheese, snowcones, and shopping.