Jacob Used the Potty!

Lately Jacob has shown an interest in sitting on the toilet. Sometimes it's the real one, and sometimes it is the training ones. So not wanting to discourage any positive association he was with aforesaid pottys, I have been letting him sit there for a few minutes any time he asks.

Well today, he was quite insistent, and so I got him up there and 30 seconds later, he had done his little tinkle. Hooray! Hooray! This is a big first step. Not that I'm going to go full out training him right now. I don't think I'm ready for that. He might train early though--Beth was trained by his age. We couldn't get any interest from Caleb until he was over two!

Just Because

So I finally got over my fear of the camera and the computer working together. You'll want to read down the next several posts because I've updated with lots and lots and lots of pictures and stories. 

Disclaimer: A photographer I'm not. That's Rob's job, but this is my blog with my pictures so don't complain! If you want the great pictures hit his blog. Also Rob just told me my lens was dirty, that's why my pictures look dingy. I didn't even think about it. See--I'm So Not a photographer--I just thought my camera was old.

This week has been a good one. We're getting into the schedule with school, Joyschool, and at home speech therapy. An activity for each of my little ones. This week we add on dance for Beth and a sports class for Caleb. I don't know if I can handle all the running around! Yikes! I'll let you know how it goes.

First Day of Joyschool

Caleb started Joyschool (Preschool) this year. 

This is taken his first day. He didn't want the picture taken.

Labor Day Hike

We are extremely lucky to live close to several great hiking places. For Labor Day we decided to go on a hike. It was a success. Nobody whined, and the only person who got carried was Jacob. Of course it was only half a mile!

Rob got some hiking poles for his next overnight hike.

Of course the kids had to try them out.

Here's a picture of the family going along.

Daddy carrying Jacob. 

He loved riding on his shoulders.

Beth on the hike.

Jacob insisted he have a turn with the poles as well.

Originally Rob just handed them to him, 

but he had been observant, 

and he knew that he had to put his hands through the straps. 

Rob was impressed that he knew what to do.

We went partly to help Rob get used to walking with the poles. He commented that he looked like a tool. I didn't think he looked that bad, except for the fact, that he was hiking along while I kept track of three kids who were running around, and I was carrying the bag. And he was concentrating on the poles. That part is why everyone was staring at us.

The next day Caleb wanted to go hiking. In fact he has asked to go every day since. He also has begun to carry the maps around with him. He has quite a collection of maps. He adores maps. He loves to fold and unfold them. He points out where we are going to hike on the hiking maps and he points out the treasure on the pirate maps. If you want to make his whole day, send him a map!

My Musicians

Strangely enough, this is the first time that my kids have pulled out pots and pans and started playing me a song. They've pulled out the pots and pans before, but it was never accompanied with the cacophony of rhythm that normally makes them so interesting.

A Rainy Day!

One day it started pouring rain down. So I had to go out and move the car--long boring explanation as to why--which I am skipping. But as I was headed back in the boys went out and started splashing in the puddles. Well I hauled them in after a few minutes, but I decided it was worth the time to get a few pictures.

Well Caleb decided he wasn't quite done, and he went running back out again. Jacob wanted to follow as well, but it started to thunder, so I had to bring the boys back in.

First Day of School

Beth was super excited to go back to school, and of course I got a picture before she left. This year got off to a good start. She got the teacher she wanted all summer long. She's super happy about it. Now that we are two weeks in she wants more recess and less school work. Homework starts in another week. It's every day! Yikes. I don't know how I feel about that in first grade.

The boys wanted pictures as well. So I thought I'd share them too.

Sunday Best

We got ready early for church one day a few weeks ago. I wanted to get a picture of Jacob in his suit and vest. I think it is adorable, and loved it when Caleb would wear it too. Jacob's finally big enough. Of course the other kids wanted to pose as well.

Jacob and Caleb. 

Caleb's orange crocs are a signature accessory for church.

A solo picture of the suit!

Uk,Uk Boost!

Today we had a wonderful family home evening lesson. We ended it with a few games, ring around the rosie, and Duck, Duck Goose. Jacob was enthralled by the games, and kept on wanting to play. When it was Caleb's turn to play he would go around, Duck, Duck, Duck, Boost! And run screaming hysterically. I was getting the biggest kick out of it.

Then Jacob was chosen. He got the walking around the circle and hitting people thing. But even better he was saying uk, uk, uk, uk, uk for several trips. He never did say goose, and continued to go around the circle even when we let someone else go. I was so happy that he said anything--since getting him to speak is one of our biggest goals.

Anyway--we have a new game at our house--"UK, UK, Boost!" You can join us anytime!