Potty Training

Packer officially completed his “Potty Chart” and is now the proud owner of a PILLOW PET ! He is so happy. They have done a great marketing job on PBS and all of my kids want one SOOO BAD. Packer told me today that he should be on the TV now, and Benji told me that “it’s only a 20$ gift when I told him they cost way to much to just go buy him one. Anyway, It was a glorious day for Packer and a hard day for Benji but such is life. I AM JUST GLAD TO HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD THAT DOES NOT NEED DIAPER CHANGING – woot woot!

Cali and Markers

Demolition Derby

Pickle Eaters

more pickles please

What kids actually like pickles?? these two do! Packer begged to bring them to the dinner table and Cali screamed when they were all gone so we had to go get the other jar.      yuck

We went to the pool on Friday!

My only complaint… Why can’t any of the pools  have open swim in the morning hours before my children are exhausted and need naps? The pool from 11am to 1pm would be so nice… In the meantime we go a few times a year and stay as long as the youngest child will let us.

The best part was that LaNell came with us! That’s why we actually have pictures at the pool. Everyone needs a LaNell in their lives!! … she held one or two of the kids, taught swimming lessons and then took each of the kids on the BIG slide 5-7 times!! The kids had a blast.

LaNell mentioned going on the big slide and they all wanted to try it. We have never gone because this one mom can’t take 3 of them down at a time and can’t trust them to sit and wait… anyway, Packer went first and loved it. Benji went and then Cali had to have a turn 🙂 She spent a good hour taking each of the kids on the slide!!

Packer got cold and was ready to be done. Benji was the Flyer for a little 3 flies up with his cousin PJ and Cali just stayed in the water with LaNell, she did not want to be done.

Thanks again LaNell. Probably our last pool day for this year but it was a fun one.

We are Watching Diego, Lalo, Luca and Mia this afternoon while those lucky few who work for Utah based companies enjoy the Pioneer holiday! The boys are loving the swimming pool/hot tub, they’ve been out there for an hour or two. The girls will be waking up from their naps soon so we’ll have to see if I let them in or not. Ever since Seven Peaks Cali is to daring in there and thinks she can swim all by herself.

And a few more pictures from the Nettesheim weeks of fun…

Ben’s parents have been here for the past 2 weeks and are driving back to Indiana on Friday. It’s always fun having them in town and getting together with the Nettesheim cousins every night.

Tonight we celebrated Sydney and Udine’s birthdays. Benji was so happy to ‘catch’ Udine talking while eating his cake and sending him under the table to finish it. And the Little ones were extremely messy – thank goodness for eating outside. On Wednesday Night we had a “Camp out” in Matt’s backyard! It’s the cleanest camping ever and the kids love it so… The 2nd annual Nettesheim camp out…

SMORES were yummy as always though it was way to hot. We watched a movie outside and stayed up way to late. It was a super hot night but finally cooled down around 3am so this pregnant lady could sleep.

Now we are exhausted and ready for some relaxation – is that possible? We’re at least ready to get the kids in bed by 9:00.

July 3^rd, Saturday Afternoon

We said goodbye to Than, Erica and kids on Saturday afternoon. Erica and I had to get a pregnant picture since we are due on the same day…

Saturday Night

We went to the PG CITY fireworks with some of the local cousins and the Wisconsin cousins. The kids played and played while we waited for dark. This was the first time we convinced Benji not to plug his ears during the whole thing. It was a good show.

July 4^th, Sunday Night

After a good day at church we let the kids do sparklers before bed and then we watched a few of the Miller’s fireworks next door.

July 5^th, Monday

We took the kids fishing this afternoon just up the road in Cedar Hills. It was great just to be outside, at the water, enjoying the summer heat. And tonight for FHE we finally took the opportunity to explain what the 4th of July is all about and why we celebrate. I’m grateful to live in a land of Freedom!

after this post I will let it go…

We had a great vacation. We loved spending time with family and with each other. We had lots of time to chat and relax and go on adventures. All of Ben’s siblings were there except one and his parents. We missed our kids but knew they were in good hands. Highlights were snorkeling with the turtles, riding the waves, fishing, shopping without kids, seeing dolphins, and LOTS of yummy food. The only disappointment was ‘Big Beach’, Ben and I loved that beach 4 years ago and did some fun boogie boarding but when we went on Friday the waves were breaking on the shore and the life guard kept warning people to stay out 🙁 booo, maybe next time, whenever that may be. Luckily both of our families are addicted to Hawaii so there is bound to be another trip in our future. Until then, good bye hawaii,  and good bye lazy days without any kids to tend to.

We are having another little girl! It will be equal number of boys and girls and that is what is most important when you are 3-5 years old 🙂 Cali is still clueless but has taken to talking to my stomach. Packer cried because he wanted a brother so we bribed him with getting a new bunk bed because the girls will need his bed. And Benji just thinks it’s good cause we will have 3 boys in the family and now 3 girls. We are excited!! Can the next 4 months go quickly please? 🙂

Radiologist said I’m measuring about a week small so baby might not come until October.

Radiologist also found an EIF in the heart, I don’t know exactly what that means, my Dr. said it means a chance of the baby having Down Syndrome. Wikipedia says this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echogenic_intracardiac_focus.