40 going on 21

Sometimes I have a hard time believing my age.  I remember as a kid thinking about 30 and 40 year olds and how mature they were.... What was I thinking!  Maybe it's just our group of friends, but I swear, especially the guys, act like they are 21!

Saturday night we went to a surprise 40th birthday party for a good friend.  It was an absolute blast and ended up with a good game of Flip Cup!

It started out coed, but then ended in girls vs guys! The guys tried to talk strategy, but didn't get them too far! The girls won!  Duh!

I hope we always have this much fun, regardless of age!

Family Pics!

Last weekend we jumped on a local photography mini session.  It was a 25 minute session, and while mostly for the kids, we got a few family shots in as well!

They were super shy at first but as soon as they were set free to explore, they were all smiles!

My absolute, favorite picture!

Love his eyes!

From the Mouth of Toddlers

Just a few things Max and Claire have said lately.....

Claire's excuse for everything involving Max
"well, he's my brother.... so"

The other morning Justin asked Max and Claire what they wanted for breakfast, doughnuts (mommy wanted) or eggs.
She replied, "f*ck"  and kept saying it over and over
OMG! I couldn't believe my ears.  I know I have let words slip, but not that one!  I can't, for the life of me, figure out what she was trying to say.  I couldn't help but laugh, which encouraged her to keep saying it.  Finally, I said, 'do you mean frog' and she said "yes".  That's not what she meant, but I didn't want her to keep saying it.

Today we went to the Zoo/Aquarium and we were talking about all the animals we were going to see. Out of nowhere they were saying, "don't get me monkeys". I reminded them that all the animals were behind cages and fences.
The rest of our trip, Max kept telling Claire, "don't be scared, the monkeys are in suitcases!"  I couldn't help but to laugh!

We were riding on escalators today and Max kept saying, "I want to ride the alligator!"

Max has been pretty funny when Justin or I are talking.  He has asked us, "why are we talking"  Really, kid?!

When I have to tell Max 'no' (which is quite often), he gets upset and says, "you just told me no!" in a whiny/sad voice!  Yes, yes I did tell you no!

Potty Talk

This past week I started potty training with Claire.  She has been doing great and we are all proud of her!  She is pretty good about telling me when she has to go.  She has no problem going #1 or #2.  The only struggle we have had is first thing in morning and after naps.  She is too tired when she gets up and doesn't want to go potty. (she sleeps in diaper).
Rewarding her has been easy and without food.  I really didn't want to introduce (more) sweets to them. She is perfectly happy with a large cheer and clap.  We usually call Daddy and Grandparents to share our happy news!
I did make a potty chart for each of them and bought a lot of stickers.

Each time they completed the task, they would get a sticker.  Few problems with this..... 1. I picked a variety of stickers and have been letting them choose.  This becomes a huge, drawn out process.  I should have gotten stars or the same stickers.  2. Max gets upset when he doesn't get as many as Claire.
Max just sits on the potty and thinks he's gone pee pee.  He gets so excited.  I've started saying, 'You did a great job trying'.  Then he tells me, "No! I go pee pee"

It's also been hard when he is just sitting there pretending and Claire has to really go.  He won't move. Or he is in the other room being cute and wants me to give him attention.  Sadly, I'm only one person and can't be in two different rooms at the same time.  I do need to get a little potty that sits on the floor.  Right now we just have the little seat that goes on top.

My little princess in her big girl panties!

Hopefully this week we can tackle day time potty training!

We're baaaack!

Ahhh.... Let me start by saying I highly recommend Secrets The Vine Cancun.  I was kind of nervous to stray away from El Dorado Royale (where we went on our honeymoon), but this place was amazing!
We were able to have an incredible get away, Wednesday-Sunday, thanks to my in-laws for keeping the kiddos.

Our room

balcony

The first day we spent exploring the resort and having a few drinks.  It was very overcast and rained off and on.  Luckily, that was the only day we had crummy weather.

Thursday through Saturday basically had the same agenda.  Wake, work out, eat, drink, drink some more, eat, drink, dinner/dancing, sleep!

I took two spin classes.  This was my view!

Asian night

Every day the Chefs brought out a tasting

We had lots of fun in the pool!

The resort had three pools plus another pool for Preferred guests -- that would be us!  Our travel agent was able to add the upgrade.  We also had access to the 21st floor that was always stocked with snacks and premium beverages.  There was also a coffee lounge in the lobby.  You could get lattes, cappuccinos, or any coffee you can imagine.  That might have been one of my favorite things!

Bootcamp on the beach!

Early morning workouts made me feel less guilty for indulging all day!

Leaving for airport :(

Such an amazing trip with great friends.... hopefully we can go on another one again soon :)

Peace out!

In just a few short days, Justin and I will be toes in sand and kid free!  We planned a last minute trip to Cancun.  We are going with two other couples.  I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary and Justin's birthday!!

source

Max and Claire are going to stay with Grandma and Grandpa.  They will be in heaven! They have big plans to go to the Georgia Aquarium!
I will miss them soooo much but this trip is sooooo needed!

A couple of other things I have been meaning to document..

Things Claire says:

"How about that"

"Say please Max, use your manners"

"I'm a good Mommy"

After she finishes explaining something to us, she cocks her head to the side and says, "so..." with her hands on her hips!

There are a lot more, but I can't remember her exact wording...need to right it down.

-she is constantly bossing Max around and at times, tells me what to do.  Really trying to work on that.  She is very observant and mimics everything.  She knows her ABCs, counts to 14, and knows the words to "Jesus loves Me", "You are my Sunshine", "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", knows colors

We have a secret kiss.  We each kiss our fingers then touch each others hands (does that make sense?)

Max recently came up to me and called me "his best" :) totally melted my heart!  He is obsessed with his new play guitar.  He makes the silliest funny faces.  He calls his big animals or toys, "the big guy"

He can also say his ABCs and count to 10 and knows his colors.  He sings "twinkle, twinkle", loves Move it, Move it song and "darcy's song" which is a song from Naughty by Nature.  Both are obsessed with that song and know how to find it on my phone.  He has the most infectious laugh.  He is a fish in the water.  He likes to jump off the side and go under and does belly flops when he's wearing his floaties!

Both talk in sentences and it amazes me what they know!