Potty Training Bree

In the this corner we have Bree.  She's 2 years and 2 months old, about 20 pounds, and loves to watch movies and drink her "pink" milk.  In the other corner is mom.  She's only potty trained once before and is 35 weeks pregnant but had determination her quickly approaching due date on her side.

Round 1: 

Goes to Bree

Our first attempt was a complete failure.  I thought I could just wing it and by 5 O'clock that evening she was back in diapers and my eye was twitching.  So I went back to the drawing board and prepared much more for round two.

Round 2:

Goes to Mom

So we got the potty doll, treats, kate went to her cousins and I took a deep breath and followed her around the whole day - it was actaully pretty fun to spend the whole day just her and I.  Pretty sure we bonded on a different level that day.  Then finally success.   

Round 3:

 Still in progress

One week later and Bree has it down pretty darn good.  Except for the pooping part.  We're still working on that one but all in good time... that is as long as she gets it before baby gets here.   :)




-UPDATE-
Bree was struggling with poopin' in the pot and after cleaning up more than a handful of accidents we were about to throw in the towel and give up.  Then a miracle happened and she went in the toilet and we rewarded her with a popsicle.  That day was a turning point and as long as she got a popsicle she was now not only going in the toilet but wanting to go.  Popsicles... who knew?  Since then she's been great and we've been accident free for over two weeks.  9.06.12

Yard Sale

We had our yard sale with my parents today.  Kate sold Laffy Taffy and some of her toys to earn money for a playhouse.  She did really good and made a total of $12.

This brings her over all total to $115.83 that she has saved (with the help of her parents) for a playhouse for the backyard.

Just for the future - my Dad is the worst yard seller I know.  Just an hour into it he wanted to give everything away for free.  Not sure he got the concept that you try and make money at these things.  I think next time we'll have him on kid duty.

We didn't do too bad either and came home with $190 - most of the stuff we sold was either donated to us or Spencer got from the "Free Stuff" on KSL.  However, most of the free stuff from KSL didn't sell and ended up at the DI.  I guess if it didn't sell at one yard sale it most likely wouldn't sell at another. Until next time.  

Slip N' Slide

My mom bought this for the kiddos and Kate had a blast on it.

 Bree mostly watched and would put her feet in the water

 Austin was the hose sprayer - we had to unhook the hose from the slip n' slide because there wasn't enough water pressure and well.... spraying the hose was just as fun.

 Kate even helped Bree take a turn and pushed her down the slide.

It was good fun had by all.

Seven Peaks

We got the "Pass of All Passes" and used them to go to Seven Peaks today.  Spencer was originally supposed to go to Scout Camp but was informed they had plenty of leaders so he didn't go.  It was a perfect day to go because the weather was just right. Hot enough to where the water was refreshing but not to hot to where you died when you were out of the water.  Kate and Bree both loved the wave pool.  I think Kate just liked the fact that she would swim wherever and when the waves came she was jumping in, over and through them.  It reminded me of when I was a kid and we would go to the beaches in Florida. Rachel and I would love to be right where the waves would break and we'd jump into them and pretend we were mermaids.

Spencer took Kate on a tube ride but they both had more fun in the pool so that's where we spent most of our time... splishin' and a splashin' away.

The girls eating a little snack - all that swimming sure makes ya hungry

All rolled up to dry off before we left.

Las Vegas

This year's Las Vegas trip was mountains and valleys.  To start off it took us forever to leave because Rachel's group didn't know if they were coming because they all got some kind stomach bug which made you throw up and we had to wait for my dad to drop off a load - for work that is and wait for Nicole to get out of class.  So by noon we were on our way - sick people and all.  Most of the way everyone slept -which was nice.

About 10 mins before we got to our hotel Kate got the bug and threw up in the car all over herself.  Yep, that was a low point in the trip.

It just happened to be Brooke's 5th birthday and we celebrated it when we all got settled in our room.  She was super happy to have her birthday down in "Las Vegas" 

Because Kate wasn't feeling good she crashed and not in the best spot.  Actually we're not sure if it ws my dad who knocked her out being in that spot with her nose only inches away from my dad's butt.  Just to keep track - Well the flu bug continued. People who were now sick or had been... Anthony, Austin, Brooke, Kate, Me and Spencer

The next day everyone seems to be on the mends and we headed to the pool.

Nicole with all the kiddos.

The 3 fish.

Kate learned how to swim!  Nicole helped her get the basics down before lunch.  After lunch she just picked it up and became a little mermaid.  (Mountain Moment)

And before we left the three sisters got to do a little shopping - no kids (Mountain Moment).  

The 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!

 This year we took the girls and met up with the family for a day at the beach.  Beach, in Utah?  Well, yes.  Kind of.  It's really a man-made resivor.  Was the water freezing? Yes. Was the so called sand rocky? Yes.  Was it great fun for the kids, relaxing, and a great way to start off the day?  YES! 

 Later that night we invited everyone over to BBQ and watch a fireworks show put on by the pyro himself, Spencer.

Mama sang the Cuban anthem as some of the fireworks were going off.  Not sure if she knows, but she lives in America. 

Bree liked the fireworks as long as she was with D-Bo.

It was a great 4th of July spent with family, good food, and great fireworks.  Spencer is already planning his fireworks show for next year.  And yes he says it going to be bigger and better. He is actually getting a little obsessed. 

Sleeping in the Tent

Spencer set up the tent in the backyard for him and Kate to sleep in again this year.  (One of Kate's favorite summer traditions)  This time he invited Austin and Brooke to join in the fun too. 

 Before it was time for bed Austin got a cut on his toe and Kate decided to play nurse.  

With Spencer coaching her every step of the way they got it all taken care of.

 She cleaned it, dried it, and then carefully placed a bandaid on it for him.  Spencer was glowing with pride as his little girl has such an interest in medical things. 

 Soon it was time to hit the sack.  However, Brooke decided to sleep inside with Bree and I because there was a fly in the tent.  Austin and Kate fell asleep watching a movie.  

Island Park 2012

This year for our 2012 French family trip we stayed in a Cabin in Island Park, Idaho. We stayed there the last two years but this year was a little different. Before heading to Idaho we got the news that Spencer's Grandma (Katie Scott) had passed away. She had been suffering from Alzheimer's the last few years and although Spencer was at peace that she had gone it was still sad as he was close to her growing up. We attended the funeral in between our days at the cabin. More to come on the funeral.  In regards to the trip to Idaho it was a fun time. 

On the way to the cabin we had to stop at Mill Hallow which is of course our favorite place to eat! 

The cabin had a pool table and good thing it did because it was a highlight for everyone especially for Cory. The boys played a lot.

Upon arrival Wendy set out some jars filled with candy or cookies. The game was to guess how many were in each jar and whoever guessed the closest won the jar of goodies. 

We stopped at "Big Springs" in Island Park where we could see some big fish and feed them. Well when Gage was on the bridge and looking out he lost his flip flop in the river. Cameron, being such a good dad walked out into the cold river and saved the shoe. 

Corn dog and Becky!

Kate had a blast feeding the birds and the fish. She wanted to get in the water as well. 

Everyone at Big Springs

We then stopped on the way home and got some ice cream. Spencer thinks when you are on vacation you should have ice cream a minimum of once a day. 

Bree climbed into someone's canoe and just hung out while the kids played in the water.

The girls: Ashley, Annalee, Aubrey, Kate and Kenedee 

Kate and Kennedee catching bugs or something

Bree was ready for a nap at this point

Ethan, Bree, Kate, Aubrey, Annalee, Kennedee, Aubrey, Zack, Chase and Gage

Playing at the Cabin (Kate, Chase and Annalee) 

Kate and Gage. Kate likes to be a little "sassy" sometimes 

Kids hanging out at the cabin

Bree loves the bubbles. She sure is messy

Becky and Cory's skit. They sang a doctor song and danced

Ebony and Terry sang a song about having long hair. Probably could have guessed that one!

Logan and Hannah rocked out with Chase and Tatum

The boys and girls danced to Weird Al's "Fat" song. It was really funny! 

The kids had fun playing with Glow ink the Dark balloons. 

We went to West Yellowstone National Park. Kate posing with Buffalo in the back ground.

The family at one of the geysers in Yellowstone. Kate said it was her favorite thing about the family trip. She loved seeing the geysers. 

Well neither Kate or Cory could make it through the park without falling asleep

We stopped and ate some lunch at Yellowstone. 

Kate with "Old Faithful" in the background. She thought it was awesome.

There is always time to wrestle Grandpa!

If there is are adult shoulders available Kate will find them! She also liked wearing Grandpa's hat. 

The Gang at Old Faithful. Spencer stayed in the car with Bree since she was sleeping...and of course Spencer enjoyed the nap as well. 

Well as mentioned earlier about the candy jar contest Spencer and I won 4 out of the 6 jars!! We continue our winning streak amongst the French family get togethers. Just a brief reminder that we were fooseball champions the last 2 trips. But hey who is competitive and even cares. Not us. Bree looks a little shocked by the whole thing. She recovered after she ate a bunch of the candy.

The boys playing pool again!