Potty Time!

I putt off potty training Claire for various reasons: a number of upcoming long car trips, not having her in a big girl bed yet, and not wanting to deal with the inevitable messes that come when you enter that territory.

But a couple of weeks ago I just decided to go for it. I was tired of buying diapers, and I figured Claire could do it because she can talk so well. So we read a book (Big Girls Use the Potty!), I tried to stay home (but we actually never stayed home for an entire day), and I had her running around the house in nothing but a shirt. I moved the rug out of the living room, I spread blankets all over her room, (which is carpeted), and I tried to keep her in the living room or kitchen, (where I could easily wipe up any "spills"). On day 4, I believe, I put her in some panties. And since day 7, she has only worn a diaper/pull-up when she sleeps. Today is day 12, and she is doing great! She's had a couple of accidents, but thankfully they've been at home, (and I should have known better on those occasions!)

 Claire's potty chart provided some incentive for her to go potty.

 And M&M's and cookies helped, too!

Claire is excited to use the potty like a big girl, and I am thrilled that she has reached this milestone!

Lessons: Zoo Animals

Last week we talked about zoo animals. I think one of Claire's favorite things was to sing some songs about animals and act like them as we sang. (That's no surprise, really!) But she also threw fish into the water to feed the seals,

she made a monkey, 

and she glued stripes onto a zebra. 

These days Claire asks to do a class. - It's nice to know she likes them!

Blocks

We've been busy around here lately! More will come soon. But for now, rest assured that Claire loves to play with blocks these days. She likes building trains, capital buildings, shapes, and even letters. Sometimes she plays well by herself, and other times it's so sweet to hear, "Mom, do you want to play blocks with me?" I try to make a point to play with her as much as I can; I know she won't always want to play blocks with me!

Moody Gardens

While in Houston, Claire and I went to Moody Gardens with Grandma, Grandpa, Mel, Stephen, Kyle, Ryan, and Evan. It was pretty neat! (I think I'll remember it this time!)

Initially, the only thing Claire wanted to do was push the stroller. And since she found Ryan's stroller to push, Ryan wanted to push Claire's stroller.

Evan did very well during our day trip.

We started in the rain forest pyramid, where we got to see beautiful birds, monkeys, and plants up close and personal!

Claire always wanted to see the water.

I loved seeing the orchids!

I think it's safe to say we all had a good time!

Pineapple!

I really liked seeing all these birds together.

Look at those frogs!

Since Claire and I had been talking about the ocean that week, I made sure to show the ocean to her before we went into the aquarium pyramid.

A front row seat!

All the kids had fun with the touch tank.

Although she looks stunned, Claire actually did like the penguin exhibit.

After finishing at the aquarium, we discovered that it was POURING rain. Thanks, Steve and Stephen, for getting the cars a little closer. We still got pretty wet (okay, most people got completely soaked) on our way out, but then we went to Lupe Tortilla. And that was simply heavenly.

Lessons: Ocean

During the past 2 weeks, Claire and I had 1 week of lessons - off and on. We talked about the ocean. It must have been memorable because she frequently asks to "talk about some water!!!" (I think she just liked playing with the water inside! We'll have to do that again soon!)

 

Kyle's Party

Over the weekend, Claire and I went to Houston for Kyle's birthday party. He had an Angry Birds - Birdsday Party, and it was awesome! Here's some of the set up.

Claire and Ryan with Grandpa

It looks like Claire was being silly...

...Again!

Thankfully, Claire kept herself pretty well entertained while the bigger kids were doing other party activities. 

She also bowled over and over, once the big kids were finished. - I love how she was bowling!

After all of Kyle's friends went home, Kyle opened some presents from his parents and grandparents. 

Ryan wanted to help, of course!

Stephen and Evan

Grandpa was swarmed by Claire and Ryan again!

And today is actually Kyle's birthday, so happy birthday, Kyle! It was fun celebrating with you!

Primary Music and FHE

I'm the primary chorister in my ward, and I get lots and lots of ideas from primary music blogs. I rarely make big things like this, but last month I did, and I was quite happy with how it turned out. I got the idea from this site. I made my very own sing-o-meter! The kids sang their hearts out, and I was actually surprised at how well they know the words to the songs! (They've been listening all these months! Hooray!) And since they sang the songs so well, all the balloons got popped by the straight pin taped to the clothes pin at the top of the board! We all had fun that week!

Another bright idea came to me one Monday night as I remembered that we needed to have Family Home Evening.  Claire and I were already playing with blocks, so we built the scene for Lehi's dream and acted it out by having the different people either hold on to the iron rod and make it to the tree of life or get lost, cross the river, and go to the great and spacious building.

Family Time

More fun family time in Dallas!

Claire and Granddad were making faces at each other, and then Claire kept making faces for the camera.

Claire loved to color on Uncle Matt's ipad. She was very entertained!

I'm glad we got to visit! Can't wait til next time!

Cousins!

Taylor and Marcus got to play Sorry with Jordan, and it looks to me like they were having fun!

Sweet boys

Sweet Hervey cousins!