Dance Me Daddy

A month ago I purchased the book Dance Me Daddy for Natalie. Her and Stephen have been reading it every night. It has now become her favorite book. We often hear her quoting the book but the other night she read it from memorization- the whole book. Today I asked her to read it to me and I got it on video.

so enjoy Dance Me Daddy, read by Natalie.

Where did my summer go?

Summer has just flown by, like I am sure it has for everyone! We have spent many days traveling, visiting with family & friends, and speaking at churches.
The kids are both growing and getting the opportunity to experience new places, sights and even foods! Natalie has tried and loved shrimp and salmon, while Landon is learning to like his veggies!
Here a a few pictures from our summer so far!

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Happy 6 month Birthday Landon!

Landon~

6 months ago today I was waiting for your arrival!  Waiting to see your tiny toes and beautiful smile!  I can't imagine my life without you in it!  You have brought so much joy to our family and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you and how much you will grow!  

Love you lots!  Happy 6 month birthday!

Mommy

new favorite food

French bread sliced thin, warmed + Nutella spread on top + sliced strawberries = just about the best thing I have ever tasted!

Try it tonight!  You just can't have one slice!

It's official...

I think that at 3 1/2 years old Natalie has FINALLY gotten the hang of going on the potty! Yeah! Tonight, after playing outside with sidewalk chalk, we decided to go get ice cream. So we went inside, made one final trip to the bathroom, before going on our first outing in big girl undies. We loaded up in the car and drove to our favorite place for ice cream (the spotted cow- if you're ever in Adrian this is a must). We waited in the incredibly long line, got our ice cream and began eating. Two licks into mine and "splat", mine ends up on the ground! After waiting in line again for another cone, we finish and head home! As we were pulling in the driveway I declared "it's official"! Natalie is a big girl!

We may have some accidents here and there, but I think she has got it down. This is the hardest thing I think I have ever had to do in my life and I'm just doing the training! So now I'm taking volunteers to train Landon when the time comes... anyone up for the challenge?

Disney Trip

Disney was fantastic! I am so glad we were able to take the kids!

Natalie's favorite parts were "seeing the princesses, the castle and watching Tinker Bell fly from the castle and fireworks". She also loved riding the roller coaster(in Mickey's Toon Town). Without Stephen prompting her, sitting in the front car, she immediately put her hands in the air, and loved every minute of it! She was mesmerized by the parades and shows. And loved seeing all the characters!

Landon had a great time too! He is so easy going. He enjoyed the bright colors, smells and sounds! He rode his first ride- The Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride in Magic Kingdom! It's in the dark and actually has a bit of a down hill drop. His eyes were huge but he never cried!

Hope you enjoy seeing the pictures! Oh, and have a MAGICAL day!

Natalie seeing the castle

for the first time!

Landon on his first ride...

look at his eyes!

Natalie and daddy

enjoying the parade!

Landon catching a nap

during the day in his stroller.

Landon's first time swimming!

Natalie with Cinderella!

Natalie in her princess crown.

So cute!

Stephen enjoying one of his

MANY shrimp from

Ohana Polynesian Restaurant.
Our family at the

Magic Kingdom after the fireworks!

What's Next...

Watch this clip!



We have been potty training Natalie off and on for the last year. It has been a struggle for us. Probably one of the hardest things I have had to do as a parent so far. There have been days that her and I have both been in tears and I thought she would never go. We have tried giving stickers, tootie rolls, prizes, you name it-if she would just go potty. After booking a service in Orlando a few months ago, we decided to go to Disney for a few days. We thought that maybe we could use that as a potty training "reward". So I have been telling her that Cinderella did not allow pullups at her castle and that she needed to go potty like a big girl.

Today-almost one week to the day (we leave next Tuesday) she went potty!! I am sure that in the next few weeks there will be some accidents... but I can say that Natalie Courtney will be going to Disney World in her princess undies, with her head held high, and her pants dry!