Mason has been doing very well in his potty training without much encouragement. For about the last month he has had only one "#2" accident and has been doing well on the rest. Today is his first adventure in big boy undies. "Don't pee on Blues Clues" we tell him, as we cross our fingers and pack a change of clothes.

[10PM update - no accidents all day! Could it be...??]

[Next day update - dry all night! He ran to the toilet when he got up. This is so unexpected as we have not been trying to train him at all, resigning ourselves to the rumor that "boys take a long time." Maybe he decided that it's time.

Besides the pair of Blues Clues that we had on yesterday, we only had a package of Tighty Whities, which he refused to wear. I told him that they are "just like Grampy's" but that was not a selling feature. He put them on but started crying. We had to recycle Blues Clues from yesterday then went on a shopping excursion. He picked out Nemo, trains, and frogs. The frogs are boxers...too cute. Anyway, so far so good, no accidents! I'm totally excited at the prospect of being done with diapers!]

Kenzie has started playing t-ball. She's in a league of 4-5 year olds and Cindy is her coach! I'm predicting much more blog material from this in the future.

When it was Kenzie's turn to show off her talent, she read "The Little Red Hen." Video quality isn't great, but she used different voices for the different characters. I like the part when the guy sitting next to her tries to distract her and she just keeps going.

I apologize in advance for the "technical difficulties" on this one. Let me set the scene. The room was full of about 50 people for the camp evening talent show. Mason was called up first. The crowd started singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." He carried his tee to the front of the room. I was in charge of the video camera and, well, don't know what happened. Anyway, where the video stops...Mason stepped up, swung the bat and with full contact hit the ball into the crowd. Everyone bursted out in applause. He ran around and gave high fives.

So, this camp rope swing thing...I'm not sure if it seems okay in the moment because "all the kids are doing it" or if it is just the joy of watching Kenzie really let loose and have a blast. It always seems like a good idea at the time, but I question my judgement after the fact. Remember last year or even the year before? Kenzie did. She remembered the rope swing with great affection at our church retreat. Not only did she want to go from the platform, she wanted to "get launched." Watch with horror with me the video below. She went no less than 10 times and only stopped when they lock went on the swing.

Kenzie dressed Mason today...pink ruffled shirt and purple tights. And a note to the future 13 year old Mason: I had nothing to do with this, you can blame your sister entirely.

We started a ritual upon our return from Mexico. Every night at bedtime Mason wants a "whale story." It can be anything - from whales in swimming pools to blow-hole capers. He loves everything whales. Well, there are some caveats...the story must start with "...a BIG whale." If it's a little whale he interrupts and we start over. Oh, and tonight I tried to introduce a purple whale. "No purple whale" he quickly corrected me. (With a look like, "duh, Mom....do you really think I'd like a purple whale??") Big bully whales are the best. He likes the ones where they eat other fish and mess up the water.

Both kids still fondly refer to Mexico. Today Kenzie said, "why do we have to live in Seattle?? The weather is terrible here. I want to go back to Mexico where it's sunny. I want to move there."

Here's another picture that our friend Danielle took.

Little Missy has learned how to tie a bow. And, of course, Chirpie is both muse and model.

Kenzie borrowed the camera during the Easter party - remember what it was like to be super short?

 
 
 
 

Kenzie and Nathan (credit given to Danielle for taking the picture!)

Uncle Mike bought Mason a new toolbelt, complete with every accessory the little guy might need to disassemble the house.