Life Lately: Spring Break/Potty Training Edition!

It has finally happened.....the weather got warm and we have been outside!!! Being outside just makes everyone so much happier. The kids are enjoying some freedom out in the yard picking up trash along the road, playing on the swingset and literally running from one end of the fence to the other and it is fantastic! The doors and windows have been opened for fresh air and there's just nothing like prepping dinner listening to kiddos play and laugh outside (and not under my feet!). 

Two weeks ago was our Spring Break and we enjoyed every single minute of not having to "hurry" or get dressed out of PJ's till lunch or just not having to go anywhere. Mellany of course had a small list of things she wanted to do so we tackled them but also took it easy. 

Since I knew we would be home over spring break for the majority of the time, and after several months of debating, I decided it was the perfect time to potty train Charlie. Around here we are cold turkey (diapers to underwear) and the method didn't disappoint this time either. Charlie is successfully potty trained!!! He is still having an accident here and there at night but that is to be expected. He's had way too many M&M's, Oreos and Blippi YouTube videos, but I don't care because my baby boy now goes on the potty!! Going #2 was a bit touch and go at first, but he's mastered that too, now that he knows what to expect (it can be so scary for kiddos at first). 

Our schedule ramps up quite a bit here in the next few weeks, as April usually does. Gammy will be coming for a visit, Easter is approaching and T-Ball begins for Johnny among several other things. It's an exciting time for sure!

Here's the past couple weeks in pictures.....

While John and I fixed shutters and Charlie napped, the big kids walked the road and picked up trash and road bikes and scooters. The space we have in our new home is priceless; the decision to move out of town has been so worth it! 

My girl helping with dinner using knives she got for Christmas

BIG BOY UNDERWEAR!

On the Spring Break Checklist: Pudding!

On the Spring Break Checklist: Play Center

Thank goodness I have these boys in my house to fix all our furniture :)

Daddy fun!

Oreo potty training treat!

After Charlie successfully went #2 on the potty, he chose to go to a movie as his celebration (we did this with the older two as well....both chose Chuck E Cheese for their celebration). It was AWESOME! The theater is newly renovated with reclining seats.....We saw Wonder Park and it was a super cute movie! We seriously had the best time!

Charlie's first attempt at driving the gator

Because Charlie successfully continued going #2 on the potty, Mrs. Kelley told him that he could ride in her van to her house and play. He first got to go in with Mrs. Kelley to pick up the big boys from preschool. Then they drove to her house. She said he was glowing the whole way. 

First meal outside! 

Bus Stop Pics, St. Patrick's Day & a Police Visit!

John has been traveling quite a bit lately so we've been making the best out of a cold situation! Have I mentioned we can't wait for warmer weather?! There have been a couple of days that we've been able to get out but its just not enough for us....we need more!!! 

Other than being cooped up inside, we've just been tackling the same 'ole day to day tasks of ballet, soccer, church, homework and continuing to make sure no one kills the other one as the sibling rivalry is at an all time high in this house. As I mentioned in my last post, nobody seems to want to get along or share or even be near each other--again, I blame cold weather. This weekend is supposed to bring some amazing days so you'll find us all outside soaking it up (and getting along!).....we can't wait! 

Here's what's been happening....

Charlie finally had his turn at the dr....for vomiting in the middle of the night. Thankfully just some drainage causing the yucky!

I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this picture! Mellany loves to read and it makes my heart so happy. She has recently qualified for the Accelerated Reader program at school and that has motivated her even more.

Rest time with my boys...

Not sure which little man got my phone while waiting for Mellany at the bus stop. They think it is so funny to sneak it from me. 

Hallelujah for tablets so mom can shower while dad is gone!!

Popcorn & Movie Friday Night

Bus stop pic for daddy

I had parent/teacher conferences with Mellany's teacher this past week. It was a great conversation that talked bout Mellany's strengths and weaknesses and what we can continue to do to prep her for 2nd grade (2nd GRADE!!!). While waiting my turn I found her work in the hallway....art is definitely one of her strengths! 

Mellany reading her new book from the book fair in the rocking chair I had when I was a little girl. I begged my parents to keep the chair and I'm so so so glad they did. All 3 of my kiddos love it as much as I do!  

Another bus stop pic for daddy 

It's always a fun day when we get to grab Simon from preschool too

Just a little old man watching his favorite show

St. Patrick's Day fun!!! Everyone gathered for pizza at our house then the mamas and kiddos hung out at our house for pj's, popcorn and a movie while the daddies headed downtown.

Another favorite!!!

Johnny snatched my phone while I was working on my bible study. I must have been hard at work because I didn't even notice till I uploaded the pictures to our computer...ha! 

Soccer!!! The spring soccer season has ended and to say these boys had a blast would be an understatement. They did a great job and we were so proud of how well they listened and how much they improved!

My girl asked for pigtails one morning before school....took me back about 4 years.... :)

And yet another bus stop pic for daddy!

A little boy in Johnny's preschool class has a dad who is a West Lafayette police officer. This past week he came to talk to the class. They got to hold his handcuffs, ask questions, and watch the lights and hear the sirens from the police car. They even got to see inside the car and talk over the loud speaker. Johnny has not stopped talking about this visit....it was basically his dream come true!! (Johnny is in the bright blue coat with the hood on in the first two pics, then the boy in a white t-shirt in the very back row in the last picture)