Where Do I Begin?

Just because I haven't been updating the blog lately doesn't mean we haven't been busy. To the contrary...we've been especially busy. Here is a summary of some of the latest.

GIVE ME A 3, GIVE ME A 7

"Specil. Cool. Caring. Funny. Strange. Hot. Silly. Morvilis. Helpful. Nice. Playful." (Garrett)
"Speshl. Cool. Funny. Silly. Helpful. Nice. Lovely. Caring. Smart. Loveabel. " (Blake)
"Gentle. Brave. Kind. Huggable. Fun. Caring. Generous. Thoughtful. Compassionate. Interesting. Sincere. Beautiful. Creative. Strong. Smart."
Just 37 of the many reasons to celebrate Brian.

And what would a birthday celebration be without the treats we love but don't need? Happy 37 years to the best husband and father around!

POTTY PARTY

Did someone say "party"?

Potty training twins is no small feat. It seems that my hopes of them training themselves by watching the older kids (since they copy just about everything else they do) wasn't quite realized, so I had to take matters into my own hands. I knew what to expect from potty training...it was the challenge of keeping the older kids from capitalizing on my being distracted with the twins...for two weeks...while not leaving the house...at the beginning of summer that worried me. Somehow workbooks, reading and chores just aren't their idea of summer fun, go figure. But getting them involved seemed to do the trick (okay, that, and partaking in the gummy bear "rewards"...and a lot of extra video game time).

So, one week into the process and so far so good. Ella has been nearly 100% since day one. She's even staying dry at bed time. Girls are so smart! Sorry, couldn't resist.

Dah-da-da-DUHH...Super-Potty-Training-Girl!

Chase is catching on, but in baby steps. He's "going" but hasn't quite embraced the need to remove his underwear before hand (the washer and dryer are my current best friends). One thing at a time. And while Ella's motivation seems to be largely based on the joy of being independent, Chase's motivation is going to the movie theater to see Cars 2, since he's been tortured with constant previews airing since we have been watching a lot of tv to pass the time. And our one park outing so far has been successful (yes, that is my child using the potty in the back of the minivan, please don't stare), but it's still not a one person job (playdate anyone?). Another week or two and things should start flowing, pardon the pun. If not, it's going to be a looong summer for all of us.

ROCKIN', ROLLIN' AND RUNNIN'
Another half marathon under our belts. A new personal best time for both of us (Brian shaved 24 minutes off his last half marathon!, and I improved by about 6 minutes). And I achieved the goal I had been training for: a sub-2 hour time. The bright side of arriving and starting late is that there were plenty of people to pass to keep our motivation high. I'm just sorry I missed the flash mob. Even the crowds weren't that bad, despite the 35 thousand people. And the music was a good distraction, but it was no match for the mental focus it takes to make it through those last few miles. I have also confirmed that I have absolutely NO desire to run a full marathon...just watch the very fit, strong runners limping across the finish line and you'll know what I mean. Yeah...no thanks.

SPEAKING OF ROLLING

Both Blake and Garrett are officially riding their bikes with two less wheels (training wheels)! Congrats to both boys for putting their minds to it and not giving up until they mastered the art of balancing AND pedaling.

It was really interesting to watch them tackle this challenge...I learned a lot about their personalities. And, as a parent, I realized it's another milestone of learning to let go...and trust...and pray. And Ella wasted no time riding Garrett's old bike with training wheels. In fact, there was a period of time when I thought she might actually be the first in the family to take the wheels off.

Turns out that she forgets to steer and look up (she's too busy watching her feet pedal). And Chase is happy to ride around on the Big Wheel...he is great at steering but not as interested in pedaling (they truly couldn't be more opposite).

LE'GO MY LEGO

Because Garrett ran over 70 miles this year and Blake, over 50. Because Garrett is obsessed with Legos AND Star Wars. Because Blake had been working extra hard in school. Because Brian had been MIA for 2 1/2 months. Because the boys usually have to structure their play time around the twins. Because we promised.

The list goes on, but, the point is that the boys deserve to have some good old fashioned fun and spend some quality time with dad. Besides, who wants to take spelling tests and give oral reports when they could be at....LEGOLAND?! And they thought going to get bagels for breakfast on a school day was going to be highlight of their day...

...but the plan all along was to surprise them with a day at Legoland to check out the new Star Wars miniland (and other attractions, of course).

Enough of looking at Legos...let's build some!

The boys reenacting the Pinewood Derby Races.

After they got that out of their system, they did some laser shooting and rode the dragon roller coaster...again and again.

The aquarium next door was fun, too. It's not every day that you get to be underwater without getting wet!

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS

The twins have been enjoying things like painting with water colors. Another example of how different they are...he paints lines...

...and she paints blotches...

Meanwhile, the big boys were promoted in Cub Scouts to Bear Cub (Blake) and Wolf Cub (Garrett)- congrats to both!

Ella has a new 'do, "mommy hair"! She actually lets me twist it up into a clip (like I usually do by the end of the day) and doesn't tear it out- a first! Maybe next she'll actually wear a dress?

The boys continue to amaze me with their Lego creations.

Do you see the clown mosaic Blake built? This is one of my absolute favorite creations of his. And Blake's version of a pirate ship (below). Garrett also built a very elaborate, impressive ship but it met its demise before I could capture a picture of it.

That's when they aren't loving anything Pirate (mostly thanks to the Pirates of the Carribean movie and Lego video game). And this summer marks the introduction to Harry Potty and long chapter books.
The twins continue to discover new things. Like Chase, who figured out how to make dinosaur shadows on the ceiling with a flashlight and dinosaur- clever boy!


There have been almost weekly swim outings (Garrett conquered the high dive...18 times in one day!). Not to mention frequent visits from beloved Aunt Nee Nee and more quality time with Papa Jim and Nana Sharlene, now that they live in San Diego (like braving the fair rides and driving the bumper cars at the County Fair!). And, of course, marking the end of first and second grade.

All that in the last couple months. Fun but exhausting. Sure to come are more picnics in the park (and trips to the bathroom), beach excursions (and trips to the bathroom), bike rides at the park (and trips to the bathroom), camp outs in the backyard (at least the bathroom is close) and pretty much anything else that's free...and has a bathroom.
Happy summer!