The beach and Happenings around here

It has been 4 weeks since we started the potty training process.  I am happy to say in the last two weeks Elliot has only had 2 accidents and is slowly building confidence and wanting to go “Potty” on the big toilet.  It was a rough first week and, stressful, but relatively good second week.  Overall, I think Elliot is doing a great job! He hasn’t had an accident at nap or bedtime, so I am feeling lucky! Elliot has also transitioned to his “big boy” bed.  He still stakes claim to the crib, but I’m slowly explaining that his baby brother will use it soon.

Taking pics of ourselves

Busy sewing

Babysitting for the weekend…we had 2 toddlers and 3 dogs from Friday-Sunday….pure craziness! I also spent the weekend getting ready for baby.  The diapers have been resized to fit a little one :)

Our Travels part 2- KC

Sadly I didn’t take my camera out once for the second half of our trip…but thank goodness for my phone :) After our family vacation in Colorado Elliot and I flew to Kansas to enjoy some more family time.  Elliot got to hang out with both sets of grandparents and his cousins, while I spent some time with friends! My friend Erin is due with her first little one a day before me.  She is also having a boy….they will be great friends! I am so glad I was able to be in town for Erin’s shower and to help her celebrate!

Becky, Erin, Kelly, and Megan…the shower was beautifully done ladies!

Backyard pool fun.. Always a good time!                                                       Miss Ella

Our travels part 1- Colorado

Grand Lake, Colorado is where my family and extended family would go for family reunions when I was growing up.  It holds a special place in my heart, so I was excited to be introducing Elliot to this wonderful place!  Elliot and I flew to Denver where my parents picked us up and we headed to Grand Lake.  We met my sister, her family, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma.  My parents, sister’s family, and Elliot and I stayed in one condo…close quarters, but fun.  We had a river running right behind the condo that Elliot and Marissa LOVED throwing rocks into. A special thanks to my brother-in-law Paul who adopted Elliot while Jared wasn’t with us.  Paul was a huge help to me (especially when it came to that river)! Jared was able to join us for two days in between two different contact lens conferences he attended. 

Cousins

We stayed in condos…this was our view                                                    This is the view from Grand Lake Lodge where we

                                                                                                                                      used to stay when I was growing up.

Duck races! This was the brainchild of a few of the guys.  Everyone placed bets on the duck(s) they thought would win. Pictured below you see “lunch lady” aka “mee-ma”.  We did have a few people casualties (falling in the river).  This was a lot of fun and entertained us for a while :)

Family photo.  Shirts are a throw back to an old family reunion shirt we once worn.  My cousin David designed them!

forgotten 4th

I forgot to post about the 4th of July!  Normally I wouldn’t back post this, but this year was Elliot’s first time seeing fireworks! Last year we were in a state that was so dry they cancelled all displays.  And the year before Elliot had just been born.  We had a good time celebrating with friends at the pool, with good food and swimming.  Then we joined everyone as we watched the Fullerton display.    He seemed to really enjoy them and talked about fireworks for several days after.

(The video quality is AWFUL, but it gives you an idea of Elliot's joy:) )