Potty Training, Picnics, Birthdays, and Briskets, OH MY!

Daddy was home with the kids Monday and Tuesday and Mommy held down the fort on Wednesday. The kiddos went back to daycare on Thursday.  On Friday we had a picnic, birthday party, and family arriving...lots of fun to be had!

It was a week of major accomplishments...Addie is now using the potty!!!!  She even went to daycare in underwear on Thursday and Friday (she still wears a diaper during naps and at night but it is a start :)!

Daddy (with the help of Uncle Dan) finished stacking the firewood on Saturday (the earliest the wood has ever been taken care of!)...thanks, Uncle Dan.

Trampoline fun on Monday.



Potty time!!!  Way to go, Dolly!



We had a rainy start to the week but Daddy kept the kids busy with video games and play doh.



Addie standing tall next to the sunflowers on Wednesday while chewing on a sugar snap pea (Mommy is surprised the peas are still producing!)



Friday was Daddy's company picnic, however, Mommy arrived late and did not get many pictures (due to a flat tire about 2 miles from home...but Grandma Linda's husband helped Mommy as Daddy was already at the picnic with the kiddos.  Mommy tried to loosen the lug nuts but they would not budge even when she stood on the tire iron!  Thanks, Greg!!!!  )



From the picnic, Mommy then took the kids to Khanlen's 5th birthday party at the "Big" park (yes Mommy's car had the donut tire on)  It was a super hero theme complete with build your own masks...VERY cool!



Our very own super heros.  Addie would NOT wear her mask even though she picked out the decals.



Ayson, another little friend, and Khanlen playing and eating LOTS of candy.



Sunshine did a GREAT job keeping ALL of the kiddos entertained!



THEN after the party, we made it home just in time for Auntie Julie, Uncle Dan, and the cousins to arrive for the weekend.  The men had plans to smoke a huge brisket, Texas style, and stack our firewood.



Posing with the brisket



The kids wanted to see too!



On Saturday morning, Mommy and Aunt Julie took the kids to Labrador Unique area to explore the boardwalk, pond, and Tinker Falls.



Ayson built a fishing pole with a lilly pad...nice job, Big Guy!



Checking out the pond and the fish!



Ayson fishing with his new pole...Mommy could not get the picture to turn correctly.
A question: why can't people who fish pick up their trash???!?



Everyone walked along the creek...




Addie had fun stomping in the water!!



That afternoon, Gianna came over to play!!!  She had been gone for TWO weeks on vacation and then at camp!  We all missed you, Gianna!



Grandma Collene and Ruby came over on Saturday and stayed the night with us.



Grandma had a blast on the trampoline!!!






Bouncing with the grand kids.







Adam and Dan with their Texas brews and "The Brisket"...it was tasty!



Daddy made a chocolate fudge tart and everyone sang Happy Birthday to Grandma (Aug 11) and Mommy (Aug 2).



Sunday morning cartoons while waiting for Daddy to cook the french toast!



Nice smile, Big Guy!



Mommy jumping with the kiddos on Sunday after everyone left.  Auntie suggested the pig tails for Addie and they looked so cute on her!!!



Gianna was "nominated" for the Ice Bucket ALS Challenge and she came over to see if we wanted to watch!  Daddy ended up doing the honors!  Thanks for including us, G!