Guess what we're doing?

Yes, I will keep this post very "G" for our viewing audience. I know John Parker is going to kill me for posting these in a couple of years, but I will fondly remember June as our "Potty Training" month. A day before John Parker's 3rd birthday, he decided he wanted to "Go on the Potty" since his buddy James did. We took his lead. No more diapers, just big boy undies or his birthday suit as you can see from these pics. It's been an adventure. The first few weeks were pretty fantastic, I wish I could say that same of the last few weeks. I guess the newness has worn off... These pictures pretty much captured those days at home learning to use the "loo".:)

It's Gymbo Time

For J.P.'s birthday, we invited a few family and friends to Gymboree to party with Gymbo (the Gymboree clown/mascot), if you aren't familiar. A big thanks to Grandma, Grandpa, the Branscombs, Clarks, Hunters, and Weber families for coming to the party. John Parker loved having all of his buddies there to celebrate. I loved that we wore the kids out by playing hard for an hour and then loaded them up with sugar and sent them home. Sorry, parents!!! Laura, the instructor, came up with great games to engage all the kids and she had a way with making the kids smile. I loved watching the kids play "Monkeys Jumping on the bed" and watching the babies and toddlers chase after the bubbles. There is a sweet innocence about these younger years that I just love. I was one happy mommy being able to have fun and then walk away with no mess or clean-up. Now, that's how a party should be--fun for the kids and adults! :)

The Wild Threes

Our little man is 3! He's been telling friends and family that he's 3 for months now. Perhaps, to prepare his momma for his big day! :) I'm not sure what to make of three. I've heard it's a mixed bag full of sweetness and personality along with challenges due to attitude and preferences. I thought it quite fitting to head to the zoo to kick off what will likely be a wild year. We loved having Grandma and Grandma along for the adventure. It was mid 70 and sunny that day, so the zoo was packed. John Parker picked out his Kermit shirt and shoes. Man, does that boy like to choose his clothes. Claire was quite happy pushing the stroller or sipping on some apple juice.

Here we go. Bring on three!

Ducks, Ducks, and more Ducks

A new favorite past time for the kids and I is to go to Laurel Park and feed the ducks. It reminds me of feeding the birds in Northern Michigan with my grandma. There's just something about feeding the birds that makes me feel like a little girl all over again. I love being resourceful and using my old bread to feed and nourish something rather than just tossing it in the trash. I caught some of the cutest pictures of the kids that day. John Parker loved to toss the bread to all of his feathered friends. He even felt sorry for the one lone squirrel that was roaming for handouts among the geese. That's my little guy! Claire didn't know quite what to make of the quacking feathered friends coming straight for her, especially the territorial hissing type.