The joys of toilet training...

Ethan is ready. I know he is. Somewhere deep inside he knows he is too. He has been out of diapers officially for two weeks now. He does really well going "Number 2" in the toilet but for some reason is struggling with wetting. He does really well one day and then pees everywhere the next. And by everywhere I mean just that. McDonalds restrooms (standing infront of the toilet), the hallway right infront of his bedroom (staring at the bathroom), kitchen floor, the basement. You name and it's wet it seems like.

Um very frustrated and trying hard not to show it when I have to change his clothes yet again. He is doing well though, really well I think. He wakes up every morning dry! And then walks in the hallway and let's loose!! Just another joy of parenthood I guess.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM THE BARKERS

How adorable are my kids. I love them to death

and hope that they have the most wonderful Christmas ever!

And to sweet, adorable Ellie - who couldn't love you!

You are so sweet and give the most amazing hugs I have ever had!

Ethan - you are the light in our house. Always ready to laugh and play games.

That cheeser smile gets me every time.

Time?

Where did all the time go? I don't know - don't ask me!

We have been oh so busy, doing what though, I know not. Here are a few pictures of our happenings though!

Our Ward had a Christmas Breakfast in the beginning of September. Santa was there! Ellie was happy to get up there and let him know how she felt about him.

Ethan did not cry. Which really suprised me. He is getting much better with Santa and is ver excited for him to bring him "helicopters and trains!".

After the Christmas Party we went to Walmart. Santa was there too! So...we saw him again.

On Saturday, December 12th, we had a monster of a snow storm. Ethan was excited that we had to go and shovel the walk. Since Jacob was at work it was up to the three of us to get it done. Ethan had a blast!

Ellie looked the kid from the Christmas Story. I had to prop her up against the wall for this picture, otherwise she would just fall backwards!

And yes, it was her birthday, so I did let her eat the snow! She had a blast. It was also snowing the day she was born and the day we brought her home as well.

Ethan was a big helper with shoveling the snow. He worked his little tush off and then took a wonderful nap

What a cute girl in her puffy pink coat!


And this picture captures Ethan to a T, I think. All his character!

On Sunday we had a little party for our girl. She has grown up so fast that I can hardly believe it. And no, I don't believe in having my children wear clothes! Actually, she had just gotten done with her dinner so....

She thoroughly enjoyed all her presents

Tinkerbell is her favorite

She wasn't so sure about the cake at first. I like how no one is paying attention except me!


She enjoyed getting messy but she didn't really eat any of it.



And then she chilled with Great Grandpa Youngberg. Both of my kids love their Greats because they know who to go to for the good stuff. Like cookies and ice cream.


What a cute girl ( I mean Ellie!)



And of course - she loves the bunny that she got from her Great Grandma Pow. It plays the same song that Ethan's puppy used to play before puppy became "well loved".