Potty Training

There are some parts of the baby phase that I've loved doing for a third time....but there are some that I'm glad to be doing for a third and last time! 

Potty training would be near the top of that list. Thankfully, each time has gotten a bit easier and a certain little boy was definitely ready for the challenge. We spent a couple days caged in the kitchen to avoid accidents all over the house, but after only have a few accidents on day one we realized Joel was ready for the freedom to run around the house with his little chicken legs and his darling undies! He has managed to have only a few accidents since day one and we are quite proud (and pleased) to have a diaper free two year old! He is still wearing a pull up for naps and bedtime, but overall he's loving his big boy underwear during the day. We are thankful to finally be done polluting the Earth and draining our bank account with the purchase of diapers....our Target bill will certainly be looking much better each month :)

The Snow That Never Ends

It's been a winter to remember....that's for sure! It seems like as soon as we clear the snow from one snowstorm, the snowflakes start falling again. And they don't just fall an inch at a time. We're talking inches upon inches upon inches of snow. It's getting to the point where we don't have anywhere else to put all the snow! Unfortunately, it's also been so. freaking. cold that we haven't been able to go out and enjoy it with the kids. Thankfully we had one decent day recently and we definitely took the chance to bundle up and head out for some fun. Since I was busy clearing the driveway for the five thousandth time this winter, I had the kids stay near the house. If I'd allowed them to go across the street to sled in the retention pond, I wouldn't have been able to see them because the drifts are so high! They ended up having a blast climbing up and sliding down the mountainous drifts that have formed along our driveway. Joel's little legs were not quite big enough for climbing, but he had a great time helping me shovel. I'm definitely thankful to have kids that love the snow as much as I do and don't start to complain just seconds after being outside. Hopefully, we'll have a few more "warm" days in which we can get out to enjoy it some more.

Disney on Ice

On Saturday, we braved a major snowstorm and headed to the United Center to see Disney on Ice. Joel stayed home with Grandpa and Grandma, but the two older kids got to go spend an afternoon having a blast! Though it took awhile to get there and back due to the weather, it was well worth the hassle.  Caleb and Leah both LOVED seeing so many of their favorite Disney characters performing on ice. The show was quite entertaining as it managed to include dozens of classic characters and songs from tons of different Disney movies. They had fun trying to name each of the characters as they came on stage and there were only a few that they didn't recognize. Leah couldn't contain her excitement and talked at full volume the entire time. The family in front of us found it quite amusing that she'd constantly ask (in her naturally loud voice), "Daddy, who's that?", "Daddy, what are they doing?", "Daddy, look at them!". Caleb just sat in awe of the ice skaters and sang along with some of the familiar music. The biggest surprise was that Leah managed to remain calm and didn't fear the costumed characters (which tends to be one of her biggest fears in life). When asked why she didn't seem bothered by them, she said that it was because they were busy ice skating and wouldn't come near her.