Potty Training part 1

So I decided that at 22 months I was going to potty train Declan. Considering that of all the stuff I read this is the appropriate time when most kids are capable of it. Well, just because they are capable doesn't mean they are ready or willing. I had friends that took Ian for play times and everything, but Little D was really not wanting to do it! On the third day we decided that we would try again after our holiday travels. It's just so hard when all he wants to do is go outside with the kids. I'm sure in January there will definitely be less kids playing outside, since it's the coldest month up here! Live and learn.

The ABC's

So the other day I just happened to catch Ian in his rare "performance mood". It's wonderful that something that started out just to get him to wash his hands long enough turns out to be one of his favorite songs. It's amazing how quick they pick up on things and remember things!

Here Comes The Snow!

Woke up this morning to the beautiful sight of snow creaping down the mountain. I know I loved the Alaska summer and fall, but we will see how I feel with the winter coming. I have been told that it's similar to Fort Drum NY winters, so I'm sure I will servive and possibly even enjoy it.

Fall Fun!

Just another BEAUTIFUL day in Alaska! My neighbors and I all decided to take our kids, all 9 of them, to this one day fall festival in Palmer. It was a picture perfect day and I definitely think the kids really enjoyed themselves. It would have been even better if all the kids were a little more cooperative, but when there are nine kids and 4 adults there is bound to be a little chaos! Ian was not feeling the photo ops, but he was there (just in case there is any question). We had a lot of fun playing in the fields, riding the tractor train, checking out the animals, and just being outside!

The boys were loving playing in the tall grass before we even got into the actually farm!

Rose, my neighbor, taking her turn pulling the heavy load of little ones in the cart meant for people that were picking veggies. Oh well!

Some random scenery pics, cause it's just so beautiful and I still have a hard time believing I live here!

This was Baylee and Declan riding in the tractor train and it was coming to an end. I think this is when we knew our day was coming to an end. So sleepy!

This was as close as my boys were getting to that chicken!

Big Boy Now!

I can't believe my baby is sleeping in a big boy bed! The other day he climbed out of his crib for the first time and there was no going back. It was kind of bitter sweet since I new that this would make bed time more of a struggle, or so I thought. It's probably been a week now and I think we are doing pretty good. After two days without naps, we have worked that out and now naps aren't really an issue (he's actually taking longer naps!). Night time is also so much easier than my previous experience! Thank God I've learned that if they're tired out enough during the day, it makes bed time so much less stressful! Next step, potty training!

Rainy Days

Today was a little rainy so I needed to give the boys something to do to keep them busy. Ian came up with the idea of painting and it was my idea to use the wonderful Color Wonder finger paints! No mess but still fun pictures to send to Daddy so he has some decorations for his room. I'm so glad my boys are really starting to like doing art projects! Fun stuff!

Fun with Friends!

I really love just watching my boys playing outside with their friends. They just have so much energy and really go all out every day! With the summer coming to an end I really have found that this summer was a hugh gift! The beauty of Alaska is amazing and it really did help that apparently this was one of the best summers as far as weather is concerned. I'm just so blessed to live where I'm surrounded by amazing beauty, have met wonderfully amazing people, and I have my gorgeous boys to keep me on my toes every day! I know things aren't perfect, but I really am so happy to be where I am in my life.