We are exhausted!

Hey guys, I am embarrassed to admit that it is 7:30 on a Saturday night and things are all wrapped up at the Doane house. We packed a ton into the past two days and no one can keep their eyes open. Birthday party, Parade, Playdates, Dinner with friends, haircuts, Baseball practice and we are only at Saturday. If Rob and I don't fall asleep by 9 we will be impressed with each other.

Friday morning the boys and I went to the Valentines playgroup for MOPS, they did V-day crafts and ran, ran, ran! The park we were at was huge and the group of boys that were there turned into a herd of crazies! Exhausted they made there way home to a short nap and then out to a Birthday party at the Train Park. This birthday was MAGIC, you could see it in both of their eyes. The party was in an old train car, they had cupcakes (that were amazing) and ice cream, the kids played all sorts of games outside like Red Light Green Light, their first game of Tug-a-war and more, after that they rode the train, carousel, and it was all topped with balloons and goodie bags. It ranked right up there with Christmas, only to be spoiled by yours truly. They barely stayed awake on the ride home, we pull into the driveway, I am unloading the boys, diaper bag, goodie bags balloons and snacks (I dont even know how it all gets into the car) when a balloon slips off my hand and flies away......yeah.....two adorable boys staggered in the yard staring.....I am waiting for tear, screams, complaints....something and it doesn't come. After the balloon is all but disappeared B turns to me and asks the simple but mandatory question: "Mom, was that my green balloon or Braydon's balloon?" :)

We skirted that answer went inside and got dinner ready for our friends. B's little friend and his folks stayed till 10:30 so exhausted kiddos is an understatement. This morning, B had his last day of baseball he had to be up at 8 and with no sound coming from the room I decided to let him sleep in....I cracked the door open and B pops his head up and says in a whisper "Mom, is it time for Baseball yet?" so cute!! So he got to go to practice with his dad while Caleb slept till 9. Then it was off the the Parade. Take a look at the snapfish link the pictures show it all, it was very cool! Fair food, live music and tons of horses....largest equestrian parade in the country...very cool.

So here we are snuggled on the couch watching a movie and each of us falling asleep.

The rest of the weekend is fairly chill, we have kids coming over tomorrow to play outside while the adults enjoy Margaritas. Then a sitter for the boys so Rob and I can go to the Basketball game.

For all of you in the freezing cold weather of the rest of the world, I feel a little bad posting pics of our green grass, 75 degree weather and talking Margaritas but I am sure my turn for envy will come when it is 120 here and I am stuck inside sweating.

Braydon asked that he get a haircut that "combs" instead of "spikes" so needless to say Calebs request followed suit so they are now preppy adorable...check out the pics.

Caleb is talking like you would not believe. He adds words to his vocabulary everyday, it is really fun to see what comes out of his mouth. His potty training is going great! He is such a big boy. We are debating whether to put him into School next August, the teachers feel he is ready and he would love to go! We will see...I am not sure if I am ready for him to go yet.....

B got his first sports injury today. He slid to get a ground ball and skinned his knee...Rob loved the effort.

One of my favorite moments from this week was walking in on the boys sitting at the kitchen table with a bunch of toys in a pile. B would pull two out and ask "Caleb which one is the blue one?" He went through all the toys and colors it was really cool. I was also able to get video of them playing with a balloon for over 30minutes laughing as hard as either of them could. They kept having to take breaks to catch their breath and then B would say "ok, Caleb lets do that again, ok?" The laughing would start again, then a break...so on and so on. They are great friends!!!

Feb 2010 (56 photos), by maureen jenkins

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Rodeo Day, Potty Training Success & Playdates!

Hey everyone, hope you are all doing great. We had a great week and weekend. Braydon's School had their Rodeo Day which was tons of fun, Caleb is potty trained!! and we had a couple playdates that went great! Then the weekend was packed with Friends and Fun.

Rodeo Day at the school happens once a year and it was so cool. The boys were dressed in their boots, hats and best Cowboy gear. Families were invited so Caleb got to participate in everything! Their were Pony Rides, Petting zoo, digging/panning for gold in the sandbox, face painting, square dancing, Hotdogs and more. It was a great time. As you can imagine the pony rides were the big hit but the whole day was a blast and the boys were exhausted by the time we got home that afternoon. It was also Caleb's first diaper free outing and with no accidents I declared SUCCESS. The big excitement for the day was that during the pony ride (parents were not walking around on holding on to the kids) Braydon's pony did a big shake and he held on! One of the dads almost dove to the ground in expectation of him falling but he held tight and laughed when he got off. No crying and he was definately not detured from his next ride. Way to go B! The boys also got to keep the nuggets of gold they found in the sand and it has created hours of fun back here at home. They have re-planted the gold in their sandbox and somehow it is Magic every time a piece is found.

Oh, we also sold a few Golfballapolooza tickets...thanks Mom and Dad.

So, now to the subject of potty training.....I guess in the long run 7days was not bad but 7days felt like 25 and "not bad" translated to misery at the time. But we are 3-4days from when I declared him "trained" and he is doing great. We have had two accidents one that was completely my fault. He told me he needed to go but I waited too long to get off the computer/skype with Jess so we had an accident. The other time was during a playdate and he didn't want to have to come inside. Once he found out I would let him go on a rock he was more that satisfied with that option and was accident free the rest of the day. We have been out and about for the last two days with no accidents so HURRAY! we survived! thank you

to everyone who lent advice it was a compilation of all yalls techniques that got us there...peeing in a cup, peeing outside on rocks, going every 30min, and of course the lovely but falsely guiding book 3Days Potty Training.

We had some friends from our Library group around this Friday and had so much fun. The kids got along great so we will be repeating that again soon. B was so excited to have friends back at his house (it was the first time since we moved here). Saturday we had a family over from B's school and it was another playdate success. Rob and I had a great time with the parents we ended up grilling and they stayed most the day. We finished Saturday off with a night out, we had friends in town from Dallas. It was great to see them and a treat to get out on the town again. We also discovered a Jem of a restaurant right in Old Town that we will have to take everyone to when the come in. Food was AMAZING!!!! and no I am not just saying that cause I am pregnant :).

We spent today at the pool with the Dallas friends again...yeah sorry all you 20below people out there. It was 75 and perfect today. The kids fed the fish at that hotel, chased Rabbits around the lawn and through Bocce Balls with their dad and the guys.

Just one more week before GiGi gets in town so the evening count down is on with the boys. Every night before bed they count back to know how many more days they have to wait for her to get here.

Sorry we don't have a lot of new pics, with all the events of the week there is no excuse! I just forgot my camera EVERYWHERE we went. I can assure you all though that the boys are as cute as ever and growing like little weeds. Caleb has slept till 9am two times this week and they are both putting food down at a very impressive pace....we will need to go up a size in clothes soon.

Baby Austin....no real news. He is still jumping around letting us know that it will not be easy when he gets here. Another apt on the 9th so update you all more then.

Miss you guys and love you.

Horse Handbags, Potty Training and Sandbox fun

Hey everyone! We had a great last few weeks! With a wonderful visit from the Doanes and Elwells', getting more involved at B's school and having a Sandbox in the backyard we are set for success.

The Doanes got in on a Thursday and we kept them busy till they left on Monday. It was such a treat to have visitors and visitors that love your kids are the best! We had a great visit Friday and Sat and the Elwells' joined us Saturday afternoon for a couple of days of exploring AZ. We were lucky enough to have Mary here on her Birthday and the kids got pieces of cake that were about the size of their heads!!! (It was a special occasion, what can I say :) ) We went to a little cowboy town up in the mountains called Carefree where the boys (who have not let go of their horse obsession) each got a little stuffed horse with its own carrying bag. The idea and their love for them is more than impressive but I have to say it is a bit of a sight to have my two boys walking down the streets with what look like handbags......

We got a craigslist sandbox a while back and with a few modifications it has been the boys new favorite addition. We added an umbrella holder and a cover to keep the neighborhood cats out...it is perfect!!

B's school continues to impress me, I went to my first parent meetings last week and learned all about this years big fundraiser (PLEASE PARTICIPATE) I am in charge of selling 20 golf balls for the Golfballapallosa (sp). It is a big family event that ends with a golf ball drop. 3 golf balls fall into holes and those are the winners. Winner 1 gets 1k, Winner 2 gets and IPad and Winner 3 is yet to be determined. Golf balls are purchased for $20 each.....any takers???? Better than the info and learning my duty as a class mom. I met some other great moms and was invited to their playdates which we are very much looking forward to!

Here is the big one....POTTY TRAINING. I need to first thank Lauren for getting me through this time with B and I certainly did not have the appreciation at the time for the energy that it must have taken so Lauren...THANK YOU!

We decided to train Caleb very early, he is only 22 months and most people say to not train boys until around 3. Well for one I am stubborn, two B was not that difficult to train at 2.5 and lastly I really am hoping to not have two in diapers again.

All that being said I read this lady's book 3Day Potty Training that encourages potty training at 22 months and has major success stories, that and a friend having used the theory were enough to convince me. After all it is just 3days out of a lifetime right???

Well let me assure you it is NOT 3 days and even if it were it is 3days of HELL. I have been dribbled on, hosed, soaked, sprayed, splashed and I don't even know what else by urine in the past 3 days. This is Day 4 and I am holding on to my sanity by a thread. If this is the last blog you all receive from me you will at least have the answer to what "did me in". On top of that I am just hoping that Jessica is not reading this blog because it is going to be the biggest "I told you so" of our lives.

If there are to be more posts/blogs after this I will let you all know if progress has been made.

A few of my recent favorite moments have been: Braydon singing congrats songs to his brother (unprompted) every time he goes potty. It is soo sweet. Also, the boys playing non-stop!!! They are each other best little friends and with Caleb communicating more and more they are getting along great. Also, Caleb has about 4 words that you all have to hear him say on the next phone calls....he has such cute pronunciation...Helicopter, Socks, Shoes and Sticker.....these are my favorites. Lets see what else....oh, they are great helpers with their chores. They have to bring the laundry in from the bedrooms. Each hamper they have to bring in has two handles on it so they push them around the house till they eventually they get it to the laundry area. With one of them having to walk backwards it is always interesting to see what route they take to the kitchen as well as how long it takes them.... cute pics to follow.

Austin is great, no real news. All I know is his movements are less kicking and more elbow and knees so he is getting big!!

Rob is killing it at his job. In the last two months he has won some Major incentives so I can say we are now proud owners of an IPad.....Great job Rob!!! Per his usual he acts as though he is doing nothing outstanding but everything else says the contrary. We are so proud of him!!!

Miss you all.

We are back

Life in Scottsdale has officially begun! Braydon started school last week, the sports program he is in started last week and playdates with friends have begun!!

Everything has been a whirlwind since getting home but all fun stuff. Braydon had Basketball the day we got back and did great. He loved it! School was the following Tuesday and he loved that too! I have to admit I was a little crestfallen about how that whole thing went down. I was expecting maybe a few tears or a sorrowful look goodbye when I left but instead he went right into the class, started playing and when I asked for a kiss goodbye he said "No, sorry, I am too busy right now" :( Caleb on the other hand, I had expected nothing from the goodbye of his brother and what I got was a two year old in hysterics for the 20minutes! I had taken his best friend from him and he was mad!! That morning he did not know what to do with himself. He followed me around like a little puppy dog. I cleaned the house, he held my sprays, took toys out of the tub, helped wipe down furniture with a dust rag. He was my little helper but was excited to give the position up with the return of big brother.

Day two of school went much better, I got a kiss and Caleb was able to wave goodbye and look forward to his own time for attention. This week was soccer and I have to say, B was REALLY good. I will give him a C at basketball but a definite A for soccer. Too bad that at the end of the practice he said he liked B-ball better and "when is that practice again?". Not for awhile. This weekend we have T-ball and I am pumped to see him play. We will also have visitors there to cheer him on as well. The Doanes will be in town!!

The count down is on, every morning when the boys wake up they ask how many more days till Grammie and Grampie....Today's answer got the best response so far (3 days seems very manageable to B) "mom, how many days now?" "Now we have 3 days Braydon" "THREE DAYS!! NO WAY!!!! Wow! that is NOT a lot of days mom!"

We are excited!!!!

Other than those two big things I have been able to score some friends from my Library time and today was the marking of the first playdate with them. It was a blast, we went to the Train Park and the kids played uninterrupted for nearly 2hours! We have had ppl over for dinner, met friends at the parks and now playdates. As I said, life is starting!!!

As for baby Austin, he is scheduled to arrive on March 8th! He seems to be doing great and in less than two months he will be here. Can't wait to meet you Austin.

Love to all.

New Year is here

Welcome 2011! We are excited for everything this year is going to bring but most excited about baby Austin getting here in just a few short months. We had wonderful New Years celebrations here at the ranch the kids almost made it to midnight!!! Lets see.... since the last posting we have had a few gondola rides, the older kids have mastered ice-skating, they have come a long way on their skis had a kid party in the camper and more.

Boy oh Boy where do we start? I will let the pics do most the talking but it has been so much fun sharing all these experiences with family. The Doane crew heads out in three more days and home will feel so quite :) but nice.

You all should really see B on skates!!! wow, I will be looking into Hockey when we get back. He has been on the ice just 4times and can do it all on his own. He is not skidding to stops or spraying ice yet but he certainly is comfortable on them and does not need assistance. I am so impressed, it is his patience that really allows him to find success at these things. GiGi says he has the patience of Jobe.

New Years was so much fun. Everyone was in charge of decorating their own party hat for the evening celebrations, then there was a wine tasting competition (don't know if anyone won but all the wine is gone :) ), a Gin-Rummy tournament as well as Batgamen tournament (spelling) then of course the ball dropping. The little ones made it to 10:20 or so and the big kids stayed up till 11 and then we moms decided they had had enough! Over all great fun, though I think the kids found the cocoa and popcorn party in the Camper (hosted by Funcle) to be more exciting than New Years. They each got handfuls of glow sticks, unlimited popcorn and cocoa and Capn' told 4 of their favorite "Buck and Bell" stories......really for a kid can it get much better?

On a more individual note both of these boys have grown at least an inch! They are tall!!!! B as I mentioned earlier is so patient that he is picking up on all his new activities remarkably well. Caleb has overcome his dislike for putting on winter gear and is spending more and more time in the snow. Caleb got a case of Strep that he is just now recovering from and I am thrilled to announce that B's Molluscum is gone as well. We are headed back to AZ at 100%.........ok, not 100% the boys are just jumping in the Bounce House and B just jumped on Caleb's face and we are now dealing with a bloody nose......gotta run......

Love to all

Colorado Christmas (89 photos), by maureen jenkins

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos