Tubing the Dike

It amazes me how difficult it can be to get Andrew to want to go outside! We had to threaten taking computer privileges away for a whole week to get him to come with us to the dike last Saturday. There was no guarantee there would be enough snow left to tube on, but we were sure glad there was! We all had a blast! Mike has such fun ideas for our family! Alex didn't go down, but I'm sure he would've liked it. He loves to do anything he sees his big brothers doing!

Ethan is 3!

Ethan asked for an Ernie cake, which was super easy
since we still have the Elmo cake pan (I did not try to talk him into it, but was grateful that was his choice!). I was happy with the way it turned out. We celebrated Ethan's birthday at the Lahey Family Fun Park this year, (Made possible by contribution from Grandma and Grandpa Slade - Thank you!)Most of Ethan's best friends came: Gracie, Lexy, Dallas, Russell, and Andrew. The playground was awesome! It had lots of different passageways, a long twisty slide, and a hanging trolley ride. As soon as I realized adults could go on it too, I was all over it! It was so great to be in with the kids and watch them enjoy running into each other as they made their way through! So cute!

Ethan started potty training that day too. We'd been preparing him for it by telling him that when he's 3 he puts "it" in the potty. We've had a few failed attempts at helping him learn how to go already, so he was somewhat familiar with how it was supposed to happen. He chose to use the little potty chair, instead of the big toilet. He did a fantastic job!! He only had one accident that whole day (if you don't count using the pull-up we put on him for the way to the party, since he didn't take a nap and was sure to fall asleep!). We even brought the potty chair there and he used it during the party. I am amazed at how self-motivated he is to remember to go. Mike and I barely have to do anything. By today he's already stopped asking for a potty treat each time! He just expects himself to be able to do it now that he's three! I hope it keeps up, and I think I've found the method I plan to use with every child from now on!