Twinkling...

Over the break we've been working on potty training at our house. Things were going well...a few accidents here and there, but overall Elyse was really getting the hang of it.

Yesterday when she went back to school she didn't use the potty at all. :(

But today... I picked her up and she proudly announced that she had "TWINKLED in the potty 2 times!!!"

This twinkling business has her way more excited... I think we may have found the key to potty training!

Let The Training Begin...

Today I officially started training for another half-marathon. I've run 2 halfs before and I love it! But both times I didn't really train...just decided to go for it. I did ok in both of them, but I'd really like to see how I can do when I actually train for one.

So...at the beginning of June I'm going to run in the Boomtown Days Half Marathon in Joplin, MO. Today my run was just 3 miles and my pace was 9.20. Not near where I used to be when I ran a lot, but... better than I've done lately.

I really hope I can stick to the training schedule. With a full time job, 2 (very busy) kids, a hubby, and a house to take care of...often running gets pushed to the side. But it's so important to me - such a good stress reliever - and it makes me feel so much better. I'm determined to really do it this time! Wish me luck!! :)

Happy, Happy, Happy...

Two reasons I'm soooo happy today...

1. I got to spend the whole week home with my baby girl doing all the fun things that we don't usually get to do during the school year.

2. My baby boy is coming home from his trip TONIGHT!! Yay! Oh, how I've missed that guy!

Dr. Seuss Once Said...

The Little Things...

{photo via}

The feeling of a little pair of arms wrapped around my shoulders.

The sweet, wet kiss of a little girl.

The soft, gentle smile of my {baby} boy.

The unselfishness and leadership of a talented, talented young athlete.

The sound of laughter filling our house.

The happy dancing of my two favorite kids.

Life is good.

Story Time...

This morning we went to the Public Library for Toddler Time story time. Elyse had fun listening to stories, singing, and dancing. Wow, can that girl dance!

She got an awesome heart sticker after story time!

My good friend, Mallory, was there with her kids, Erowyn and Simon.

After story time we went on the hunt for some books.

Aha! Found the perfect one...

and the perfect, cozy spot to settle in and read.

I'm so glad that Elyse has such a love for books. One of her favorite things to do is curl up with some good books and read together. She likes when we read to her, but she also likes to read to us. Sometimes she has the books memorized (Brown Bear, Brown Bear and The Going to Bed Book) and sometimes she makes up her own stories to go along with the pictures. Too cute!

Nick Jr. Live...

Yesterday Elyse and I went with a group of friends to see Nick Jr. Live at the Walton Arts Center.

Elly was so very excited to go see some of her favorite characters including...

The Backyardigans

and Dora the Explorer!

The show was a lot of fun. Elyse was entranced the whole time. She was singing and dancing along. However, when the show ended baby girl was sooo upset and the tears began to flow. I really think she could have sat there for a couple more hours watching the show.

I'm glad to know she is old enough to behave well during plays and movies. Now we're definitely ready to go again soon!

Hiking and Playing on a BEAUTIFUL Day...

Yesterday we went to Devils Den State Park for a family hike. The weather was sooo nice (70 degrees with a little bit of snow still left on the ground) and we wanted to take advantage of it!

Elly started hiking on her own. Those little legs can move faster than you think...

We spotted a big rock formation and climbed to the top for some pictures. Don't you just love that posing?! You can tell she likes taking pictures, huh???

So beautiful...


Then we continued on our hike. Those little legs were starting to move a little slower...

Finally, it was time to get a lift from Daddy...

They stopped at the creek to skip some rocks...

Good throw!

Sa-weet-ness...

We spotted a little stone house...

And Elly wanted to stop and explore...

Next we went to see the BIG waterfall (see what 13 inches of snow will give ya!)...
Ryan was really wishing he was out there in his kayak!

And stopped to take a little rest and drink a juice box...

Before heading over to the PLAYGROUND for some FUN!!!

Today Elyse and I are going to see Nickelodeon Live at the Walton Arts Center. I'm so excited! Elyse is going to LOVE seeing Dora, The Backyardigans, Wonder Pets and the rest of the gang. I can't wait to see how she reacts!!

Soakin' Up The Sunshine...

Payton is soakin' up the sunshine right now!

Enjoying the heat.

The waves.

The sand and surf.

The ice cream.

The dolphins.

The private islands.

The water slides.

I hope he brings some of that sunshine home to his mama!

The Best Friends Anyone Could Ever Have...

I just love my girls so much that I had to dedicate a special post to them today...

{hee hee}

{hee hee... sorry girls, just had to do this!}

Love, Love, Love...

Hearts, hearts, hearts!!!!!!