March 2013

I think that March might be my favorite month of the year in Arizona.  Its just starting to get warm--warm enough for the occasional afternoon at the pool.  Most of the month is in the 70's and 80's. I really enjoyed it this year.

We kicked off the month with a big milestone: Potty Training Mia!! I'd been postponing it for awhile, waiting to exit my morning sickness phase.  But by the end of April, we knew it was time to take the plunge.  Mia was constantly taking off her diapers, and was very interested in the potty.

Training couldn't have gone any smoother.  The first day was rough, but after that she caught on quick. Even wearing a pull-up, the girl did NOT want to have an accident.  I remember one night in those first couple weeks, Mia got up during her nap and came to the door.. she had accidently "gone" in her pull-up and was horrified.. she came to me crying, and said "I'm Disgusting!!!!"  (I don't know where she got that phrasing from, because even now, after she goes number 2 on the potty, instead of asking to be wiped, she still says "I'm disgusting". kinda funny.)

Anyway, long story short--Mia is rockin' the potty. And we are proud :)

This was how I staged the living from before day 1.  Towels on the couch and floor, a shiny new stack of Tinkerbell panties, and her all time favorite Ninja shirt.

 First weekend in March, we went to a family festival at the Train Park.  They had all kinds of fun free activities for the kiddos!

Waiting for a magic show to start.  Jake actually got invited on stage as a volunteer!  Sadly I don't have a picture--just a video.  But he looked pretty cute up there!

 Wes surprised the kids with a water activity table for the deck one afternoon.  (early Easter present)  It's given them lots of fun in the sun since then!

 Jake is still thriving at Preschool! can't believe how much he is learning each week. The kid is a sponge.

He's really excelling in math.  I'm amazed at his ability to add 2 and sometimes even 3 numbers together in his head.  The teachers said he is really methodical about it, and that they think it'll be a strength for him in the coming years.  way to go Jake!

 This girl is so crazy :)

 I'm so in love with her hair texture.  It smoothes out a bit after I brush it, but right out of the tub--pure ringlets.  I hope she keeps them for a long time!

 Out on a preschool morning doing a little shopping :)

The kids were very excited when it became warm enough to go to the pool! They really missed it all winter!

The next few pictures crack me up--I think they really show off Mia's silly personality. 

 Relaxing in the hot tub :)

 I forgot how tired my kids get after being out in the sun all day.  They eat/sleep so well during the summer. 

Notice that Jake passed out with his arm still in his bag of Pirates Booty.

One day, Mia fell asleep right at the table..

 ...Of course Jake had to pretend he fell asleep too. lol

 One of Wesley's old mission buddies came into town one weekend, so we all got together for dinner.  I'm glad he has such a great group of "brothers" out here in AZ. 

 It's nice for the kids too :)

Mia's hair is finally long enough for a side braid.  I've been dreaming out this for a long time...luckily, she actually enjoys having me do it too! 

 When Daddy has a day off, Jake always gets spoiled with some kind of fun treat.  Cold Stone is one of his favs.. and it's right down the street. (dangerous, I know)

 One day, we were at the splash pad and they had a DJ set up and playing music.  Mia climbed up this big grassy hill, and started "dancing".. I was impressed by her insanely high leg lifts.. she looked more like she was doing yoga poses than actual dancing.  This went on for about 20 minutes.

 Tis the season for birthday parties in Jake's preschool class. There must have been something in the air back in 2008--lots of spring babies!!  He has enjoyed celebrating with his friends!

 Towards the end of March, we finally went and registered Jake for Kindergarten.  It was a surreal experience.  We chose a school a couple months ago, but I was putting off signing him up.. in denial I suppose.  But he was really excited to turn in his paperwork!

 Mr. Jake--freshly enrolled to start Kindergarten in August.  yikes!!!!

The last week of the month, my sister came into town with her two kids for a visit, and of course we celebrated Easter.  I'll save that stuff for the next post.  Thanks for reading!