Potty Training

A few years ago my Christmas letter was broken down by months. Each containing a recap of what happened that month. Each month had something in common - potty training Topher. Topher was difficult. Whether it was because he was a boy, stubborn, or not ready, it was a year long ordeal with him.

Since then I have been dreading the process with Maddie. But after my Mom went home I decided to get to work. I bought My Little Pony and pink panties, potty candy, cleaner, extra towels, and the only little toilette that did not sing or talk! I went grocery shopping a day earlier in preparation for my week in exile. And, as Maddie Mae is not quite two, I was not overly hopeful this would work. In fact, the only reason I took it on is she showed some interest.

The panties were quite a hit.

I can now report that we rarely have an accident during the day. We can leave the house without diapers on or for Maddie. And with the savings, as mom said, we may be able to pay off the national debt.

One more left - I think dad is ready for her to be trained!

 

Shoes, a genetic predisposition

Soccer and Shoes, the two loves of my youth. My favorite use of my time was on the soccer field; I have no desire to relive my youth, but I wish I could go back and play soccer again (a competitive game that meant something). While my time was occupied by soccer, my favorite use for money was shoes! I love shoes. Pink with bows, black, yellow, blue, greem, purple, blue, brown, white, rainbows, shiny, straps, heels, sparkles, wood, boots, sandals, wedges, flats, tennis shoes, all shoes! I have decided this may be a genetic predisposition, as my little girl puts on shoes and takes them off at least five times a day and, at night, entertains herself in her room by trying on her shoes.

Mimi's Visit

Finally, after a few months, Mimi was able to visit us in our new home! Our belongings arrived the morning that her flight arrived. So, I spent the day unpacking the living room and bedrooms. That night she came home with Tyler; Maddie was a little unsure why her "Skype" Mimi was in our home, but it didn't take too long for Maddie to love this "real" Mimi as much as the "Skype and picture" Mimi!

It was nice to have my mom help me unpack and hook up the dryer.
We spent a lot of time at the park and riding bikes out front.

We enjoyed Drew and Jessie's company as well - an added benefit of Mom coming to visit, you see more family. I didn't have my camera on me all that much during the week - but Drew and Jessie posted pictures of a walk we took and other fun times on their blog. We celebrated Easter and my birthday while she was here. I turned 27 and enjoyed cupcakes with sprinkles!
Caroline in her Easter dress!

 Maddie Mae in her Easter dress after finding her basket!

My handsome Topher on Easter morning!

While Easter dinner was being prepared, Jessi set up an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids!

The side effects of the visit have resulted in Maddie asking for Mimi when Mom and Dad make her do things she doesn't want to do; ex. hair, timeout, sometimes bedtime.We miss her :(

One Whole Hand

I can't believe I have a five year old. The past week has been filled with tasks to enroll Topher in kindergarten. We went to an open house where I got paperwork and listened to people talk while Topher got to play and color pictures. We received a letter informing us our track choices and when the registration was due (April 27). I can't believe that five years ago we brought home a 5.5lb baby from the hospital! It has gone by so incredibly fast! This year we were lucky to spend his birthday with most of the Thompson family. We had a surprise party for him!

 Grandma and Grandpa loved on Caroline!

 Maddie sugared up Grandma and sat on her lap to watch Topher open his gifts. But, while Grandma was distracted, Maddie stole a few drinks from Grandma's mug!

Topher opening his present from Mimi and Papa - "a barbie with a pink purse and yellow shoes."

---> Love how happy he was when it was not the barbie but a T-Rex!

Topher had a pinata at his party this year. All the kids took a turn. Too cute.

Maddie enjoying the spoils of the pinata!

Luke and Topher enjoy their spoils!

Most all the cousins!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Make a wish!

Next year he has to use two hands to show how old he is! Way cool and a little sad for mom.

Caroline's Baby Blessing

Sorry this post is so belated. After the baby blessing Tyler was pretty busy interviewing, thus eliminating my time I could work on the computer. And that was followed by the move that resulted in us not getting internet for a few weeks!

We blessed Caroline Tyler in Bloomfield, New Mexico on February 5, 2012!

Such a pretty dress, but an even prettier little girl!

She has such pretty features. She has beautiful arms and fingers. I don't know where she go that from.

What beautiful girls we have. What beautiful sisters.

Pretty eyes and lips.

I love my girls! I can't wait to go shoe shopping with them!

What pretty children I have. They sure do love their new little sister!

Video of Caroline getting ready for her baby blessing. Maddie took the liberty of "washing" off the paci for Caroline.

100,000 Miles

Our car hit 100,000 miles in February. We bought the car around 20,000 miles in April 2008. Those 80,000 miles have provided so many wonderful memories!

We traveled to Savannah to celebrate Topher's first birthday.

We traveled to Maine to visit Jenny and Philip (and Isaac had he chose to come earlier!) But...sadly, my computer died and ate those pictures :(
We traveled to the North Carolina beach!

We posed for pictures with Darth Vader in front of this car!

We traveled to Savannah for Christmas (a few times!)

 We brought home our first baby girl in this car!

Made a trip to New Mexico for the summer as Tyler looked for a job...

...and stayed there...

...and stayed there!

We brought home a second little girl!

Tyler drove to Durango to fly to Scranton for a job interview...no picture.
Tyler drove to Alb (can't even begin to spell that one), for a job interview in NY.
Tyler drove to Salt Lake for a job interview (all within a week of eachother!)
Tyler drove to Salt Lake to start his new job!


What a fun 80,000 miles!