the Paladinos

We’ve had a good summer so far and have managed to keep pretty busy.  Gabby had soccer camp last week which was an hour a day for a week to help teach her the basics of soccer.  I think she did really well for her age.  Unfortunately they practiced in a field of clover flowers which is just asking for trouble.  Needless to say I had to repeat “Gabby, we’re not here to pick flowers.” a lot.  She really liked her coach and I’m sure her coach got a kick out of me who obviously has no experience with sports when for the first 3 days I called her “Miss, I mean, Coach Kimberly.”  Gabby really did do well though and most importantly likes playing so hopefully we’ll be ready in the Fall when she starts real soccer. 

Peter Michael has kind of blown us away with his potty training.  We started on Tuesday, June 21st and he pretty much had it down by that Saturday.  We just put him in big boy undies (which is pretty darn cute) and let him make a mess.  Now he only sleeps in diapers and he still wears pull-ups when we leave the house.  But he’s doing great with telling us when he needs to go and he totally has the muscles down on when to hold it and how to get the potty out.  I can’t believe that I’ll have 2 kids out of diapers soon.  I don’t know if I’m ready for that! 

We had a great 4th of July.  We went to a beautiful fireworks show at our church, Cross Church in Rogers.  The kids were amazed for all of about 3 minutes then they started to get a little bored with it.  Maybe they’ll get more into it next year. 

Getting her soccer camp certificate. 

Waiting for the fireworks to start.  Gabby did not want to have her picture taken so this is the shot I got most of the time.



Snack time.


Playing with Reagan.


Future soccer player!  Umm…wait soccer players don’t use their hands.  So maybe not.   

Now for some random pictures.

Peter kicked back with a muffin and some milk.

And of course Gabby had to try it next.  Her legs seem to be a little longer though.  Don’t worry they had to take their feet down after this. 

Gabby showing off her chalkboard drawing of Peter and her on the swing set at Gramma & Grampa’s. 

Last weekend Papa Dino came in for a visit as well as Gramma and Grampa on Saturday.  We had a great time and the kids were in heaven.  Gabby actually stayed with Papa Dino at his hotel Saturday night which I think was quite an adventure for both of them.  I don’t think Papa Dino slept very well but Gabby felt like such a special big girl staying at a hotel.  On Sunday we showed Papa Dino the Compton Gardens trail and I of course had to take advantage and get some pics of the kids.  You would think I would have gotten a few more with Michael and the kids since it was Father’s Day but it never occurred to me for some reason. 

This week we’re experimenting with potty training Peter Michael.  It’s hard to imagine that I could have two kids out of diapers some day but it doesn’t look like that’s going to be anytime soon.  He’s done very well with going once he’s on the potty and seems to understand the muscles to use but we’ve had trouble making it to the potty.  On the plus side at least my house is pretty clean from all the constant mopping and carpet cleaning. 

 
My favorite two pics from the walk with a little digital enhancing from Picnik. 

Showing Papa Dino something.

There’s that “picture smile.

Just a funny pic from last week.

Father’s Day card we sent out with Hugs & Kisses from the kids.

Gabby’s kiss pics.  We were just going to do kisses from the kids but then I changed my mind.  

How sweet would this picture have been if someone wasn’t holding a stinking mermaid and absolutely refused to put it down!!

Last Friday afternoon we made it to the opening of Kids Fest at Silver Dollar City.  We got to meet Dora and Diego, ride rides and the train and Gabby got to make a fish candle.  We fit a lot into a few hours and closed the park down but it was well worth getting home late that night.  We all had such a good time and since it was Friday the park was much less crowded.  We’ll have to remember that for future trips. 

 
I always make the kids stop at this spot for a picture as we’re going in. 

Waiting in line for Dora and Diego.


One of my best memories of SDC growing up is their frozen lemonade.  Not the Minute Maid stuff but the real deal lemonade.  It’s still one of my favorite things and apparently Peter’s too.


My…what big eyes you have. 


Peter’s first ride. 


And yes, his 2nd ride was on a butterfly.  Poor kid. :)


Gabby getting ready to start the roller coaster.  She loved it and rode it 2 times in a row.  She is really starting to surprise us with how adventures she is.

Big eyes again getting on the train.  When she heard that there might be bad guys along the way she immediately traded seats with me and hide behind my arm the whole way.  So maybe she’s not that adventures.