The run down

It's been a while since I posted an update about the family happenings. Here you are:
Finally opened our last Christmas present this past weekend. Seriously! Santa delivered two huge and heavy packages at the beginning of December with a note on them, saying: "Do not open until Christmas." So they sat in the third-car portion of the garage; waiting. Christmas came and went and (since the picture on the box showed what was inside) the boxes were left unopened. Finally, we decided to put it together to make sure all the pieces were intact. It looks great and Santa got a good deal, too. Can't wait to actually put it on the patio and use it in warm weather.

Bria hasn't been a happy camper this last week or so. We've all had a bit of a cold, plus Bria is getting four molars in at once. But other than that, she's cute (except for today- she's been a monster). She loves accessories like hats, socks, shoes, necklaces, etc.

Here is Bria putting on some mittens. She gets one on by herself, then needs some help with the last one. She LOVES kittens! When she sees one she says "TeaTea."

A couple of weeks ago Parker was the Shining Star in Kindergarten. I made this poster for him to take to school and tell about himself. The little tabs sticking out all around can be pulled out and read and then hidden back behind. This is what each tabs says, starting at the top left and going clockwise,

*Parker got stitches when he was almost 3 years old; broke his arm at 3 1/2; and lost his first tooth just after turning 6.

*Parker is a good helper at home and in the yard.

*Parker loves to be with his grandparents and cousins.

*Parker went to Yellowstone with his family last summer. He didn't like the stinky smells.

*Parker is the oldest child in his family.

*Parker loves Superheroes!

Parker is also doing a great job on (one of ) his goals for the new year. During the month of January he read 13 of his reading books! If he reads 13 more in February, he'll be finished with the reading list!

And last, but not least ... Jack is Potty Trained! Wahoo! Yippee! Hooray! He's actually been trained since the end of January, but I was afraid that if I made the announcement, I'd jinx it and he'd have a set back. He's been doing great and still filling out potty charts (to hopefully keep giving him incentive to keep doing great). He earns a dollar a chart and will soon be able to go get a fun toy at the store.