Pee Pee in the Pottay!

At the start of the summer, I purchased a seat that attaches to a regular sized potty and the boys had ZERO interest sitting on it.  Connor had it on his list of no's, which included wearing his new shoes that he ended up loving and putting on a bathing suit, which he loosened up about.

Several people suggested a portable potty and I realized that we had to try something different as it was clear that crying on the potty wasn't the best strategy to start the next joyful event of being a parent -- potty training!!!

Today, Jackson came through like a champ. He was so proud of himself and little brother watched and admired.

The reward is one M&M for trying (we need to get them somewhat interested, right) and two for actually going. Connor will sit on it but says he doesn't have to pee.  My initial thoughts were that Connor was going to be the first one as he tells me when he is pooping. Now, I think he just sits because of the reward.....  I have also pushed the boys to sit longer.  Initially, it was long

Toddler fun at the mall

Over the summer, a toy store surfaced and now that Halloween is officially over, the toys are back.  It is an almost unavoidable stop as they know their way around the mall, well their version, which includes the food court, slides at Tiny Town, Auntie Anne's for cinnamon sugar pretzels (yeah they finally like them so we can share), the Coffeehouse, better known as Starbucks, and Gymboree for the chairs in front of the t.v.

Today, I was not able to avoid the store and of course, they both headed towards animals...Connor had his sights on that tall Giraffe.

Big smiles for the giraffe and zebra plush.

He was getting to them regardless of whether or not the ladies at the shop were telling him no.

After picking up some cologne for Michael, we headed up to the shoes for me to browse. They were nothing short of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!  It was so funny to watch them scour the racks for options for me.  They were both very tempted with the orange shoes and decided they were definitely "in" this season.  Who needs a girlfriend to shop with when you have two boys!!!

Jackson was absolutely hysterical shuffling around in this sequined pair of Vince Cammuto flats. The picture is blurry but I had to include it because he a) managed to find a match and b) did really well walking in them after managing to pull his shoes off.

Trying to find a match.

Walking around and entertaining ALL the ladies and other shoppers.  He knows how to put the charm on.

Fun at Clark Ellioak Farm

It was a COLD COLD day but we wanted to get the boys back to Clark Fun for some fall fun.  We expected the sun to appear and warm us up but that really wasn't happening.

There was a lot of running around and checking in with the animals.

They were VERY persistent about trying to feed this donkey.

 

Checking out the slides from the old Enchanted Forest.

Checking out the animals.

Next up was the tractor ride through the farm. 

After the tractor ride, the boys got their chance to ride a horse again.  After Baugher's, they were definitely forward to looking to another opportunity.  Rascal was the horse they got to take a ride on.

After the horse ride, we checked out the the hay bales, which the boys loved.

It had warmed up some BUT it was still chilly.  This stainless side goes so fast that it may have actually warmed them up if it wasn't over so fast.  A perfect end to a fun day.

Cows take over the Forge

We were so happy that the rain slowed down and there were no more reminders of Hurricane Sandy.  The soggy ground had even dried during the day despite no real sun.  But, we'll take it especially since we were initially concerned that Halloween was going to be a rain out.

Before putting on the costumes for trick or treating, the boys got the opportunity to give out some treats to our first visitor, a ninja.  They were watching the door intently to see if anybody would come for treats.  Lots of jumping up and down ensued when he was spotted.

They were very curious about what was going to happen.  Last year, the boys went to only a couple houses and it was just to show off their costumes as we did not accept treats so this was obviously going to be a much different experience.

The boys all ready to go and take over the Forge in their final wear of their cow costumes.  

Our cows are on foot and are ready for treats.

 Connor was adamant about wearing the hat since it was part of the costume. He's really in to details.

Our first house was our neighbors.  The Goetz's let the boys in and they were inspecting all of their figurines and chasing Sneaks, their cat.

Connor told everyone that he came in contact with -- "Happy Halloweeeeen!!"

Getting treats and being sure to say "Please" and "Thank you."  They were so polite and courteous. Definitely proud mom and dad moments.

Yeah for pretzel treats.

 Surveying the scene.

We picked up an incredibly happy Mary Elizabeth on the way.   She was definitely ready for the treats!!!

Walking home.

N2 Halloween Party

We were invited to join the boys at school for their Halloween party.  Cow costume was definitely getting a workout. And, the boys managed to keep their costume on the entire time that they were at school.

Whenever we ask the boys what they do at school, their answer every.single.time is played with horses. I'm certain that they are doing more than playing with horses but that is ALL they want to talk about. 

The N2s in their costumes.

                               (Izzy, a yawning Warren, Gilian, Sydney and the ghostbuster, Ellie)
                                   

                                              (Kaya, Owen Julianna and our Connor)


 After the group photo, Connor was off to another of his loves --- books.

And, my favorite would be Jackson checking out Allie's chicken costume.