Update...

I know you have all been on pins and needles wondering if he/I was successful in potty training!

The answer is YES! He totally amazes me. The third day went well. I pushed him too early to go play outside, and he had an accident. I immediately went back inside with him and followed the advise of the program, "to not leave the house for 3 days," and got back on track. Only needed 3 pairs of underwear today!

The fourth day was a little nerve racking as we were driving to Duluth to see Graham and to stay/play at a hotel. I wondered if he would be able to "hold it" until the next gas station, if he would be able to "hold it" during the fun time away from home, etc. I had towels and lots of clothes with me. WOW! We stopped twice on the way up. Once for potty break and lunch, and the second time as we entered Duluth. Dry and clean the whole weekend long!

We are still not consistent with #2, but are getting closer. I am so proud of him. He has done an awesome job! No more diapers at this house!

Potty Training...

We are on day two of the three day program! The object of the program is to absolutely be done with diapers and go straight to underwear forever. Forever. Daytime, nighttime, nap time, and bedtime...You are with your child throughout the entire 3 days, paying attention to their every move, and continually saying, "Tell mommy when you need to go potty, let's stay dry and clean!"

I didn't think it was going to be possible yesterday! The morning started off rough with full bladder releases. Then mid-morning it changed. He still wet a little, but was able to hold the majority until he made it to the bathroom! Yahoo! Yesterday...10 pairs of underwear, totally dry nap, and totally dry overnight!

Today, day two, he woke up yelling for me. He made it to the bathroom then and has every time since! Today...1 pair of underwear, dry nap time, and just beginning overnight. Yahoo!

Tomorrow...I am hoping to master #2. Wish us luck! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Deer?!

Graham almost made it home from his first solo trip to Duluth without a hitch...but then a deer decided to make a run for him 10 miles from home. Nice. He was fine, deer ran off, but the truck has major damage. So, that is my job this week. I got the estimate this morning and waiting for the appraiser to check it out before scheduling the "work." For now, he took my car up for the week and my mom has generously offered to loan me her car while they are out of town.

Well, we are hoping that this isn't a sign :) We worry about the travel, but have to say our prayers and keep our game face on while driving. This is just the beginning!

Duluth...It now begins!

Graham has officially started in Duluth today. He finished up his last job yesterday afternoon, and we spent the evening getting everything loaded into his truck. It really is amazing how much it can hold! He needed a little of everything, as he is going to be living there and remodeling at the same time.

It was a little hard for us to say goodbye early this morning (5am) because it is the first time of many to come. It is really starting. It is exciting and scary at the same time. He made it up there safe and sound, got unloaded, and now is making a game plan for what to do first. He will make his way back here on Friday night to spend time with us and reload for Monday morning.

I was able to send a little surprise gift with him, too. Graham and I love our morning coffee. As I was looking for a nice, new, big mug to send with him, I found one that could be personalized. I had Sean write (draw) on it along with me writing a message. He found it once he got there and unpacked. Needless to say, he loves it! Just a little bit of us with him now.

Wow! This is really happening!

4th of July Weekend

We had such a wonderful weekend with our family and friends, and we are still recovering from all the fun we had!

It started out on Friday night at my sister-in-law's lakeside campsite. We grilled out, drank, talked, laughed, and stayed dry (we always seem to bring the rain). Graham and Sean went on the 4-wheeler, and Sean even swam in the lake. This lake is like one I have never seen before. It is sooooo shallow, 100 feet from the dock and the water only comes up to my 6 year old nephew's stomach! Needless to say, Sean really could play by the shore with the trucks and boats without waves or drop offs. With all the fun he had playing with his cousins, we thought for sure he would sleep all the way home (about an hour), nope. Talked and watched his "Scooby Doo!"

On Saturday, we began our day very lazy. It was raining for most of the morning and early afternoon, so we didn't rush anywhere. After Sean woke up from his nap, he and I headed out to Amy's parent-in-laws' lake home (Graham had come down with the flu and had to stay home...bummer). Thanks to Uncle Nick, Sean and I got to take many boats rides around the lake. He likes going fast in Papa's speedboat, but he also enjoys being able to walk around and play on the pontoon boat. Oh, the fun of it all! Mary and Dean made a wonderful dinner for us all and soon we were out on the lake to watch the fireworks! It is a wonderful tradition that we have. There is a family on the lake who puts on the fireworks show. This year they added WWII planes as a prelude. It was awesome! They came right over our heads, and Sean couldn't get enough. The fireworks started a little after 10pm, and there had to have been over 100 boats anchored out in front of their place. They were awesome, and Sean stayed awake for the entire thing "oohing and ahhing" over them. On the ride back to shore, he fell asleep. Once again, we were headed home late, Sean woke up during the transition and talked the whole way home. He had so much to tell me about! It is such a relaxing and fun day, we look forward to it every year.

Sunday was the best weather day of them all. We were lucky to just hang by the pool and enjoy each other's company once again. The kids love to swim and play, the moms love to lay out, and the dads love to watch golf. Who could ask for a better day?! It is always a bonus when the littles take naps, too:)

Hope yours was a good one, too!

Parks, Parks, and More Parks!

This is my 2nd summer off, and I am loving it! I get the chance to be a stay-at-home mom for 3 months, and we have playdates.

There is a group of us from school that meet on Tuesday mornings at different parks around Mankato. It is great to stay connected to my co-workers and enjoy playing outside. I also have been able to reconnect with some high school friends via facebook. We have set up playdates for Thursday mornings. It is so fun to catch up with them, to see their babies, and to get to know them on a different level. Fun, fun, fun!

Sean, of course, loves playdates and can't get enough of the parks. He loves to climb, slide, swing, and run. Tuesday, he started to climb up a ladder that was spaced pretty wide, and I didn't think he'd get far. Next thing I know, he is clapping at himself and saying, "Yeah!" Yup, he climbed it and I didn't watch him. Thank God for little angels. Today, he learned how to climb up a rock climbing wall...watch out! I have one brave little man!

We have a busy 4th of July weekend ahead. We hope you all have fun and stay safe.