Mars, Caden, Cheetos, and Pigeons

The other day we went over to the Dallas Museum of Nature & Science and Children's Museum so that Gavin and Reese could go see the new IMAX Roving Mars. Gavin has always been crazy about space and loves his Mars Mission Lego Sets so we knew this would be a hit with him. And we were right, he was outta this world! It set the tone for our WALL-E movie weekend!

While Gavin and Reese were at the IMAX, Caden and I spent a little time together. We went to the little cafe max inside and got something to eat. I got a tuna salad sandwich and Caden settled with Cheetos. We took our lunch outside and Caden instantly took to feeding the pigeons.

We learned that Pigeons will eat anything and they will fight to the death for a cheeto! You should try this theory out sometime. It was quite entertaining.

We spent a good half hour outside and then came inside to wait for the others to let out of the IMAX. Caden spent that time at the ball pendulum. We spent almost another half hour there! The kid could spend HOURS with anything that involves BALLS!

I was able to get him to play around in the different learning areas just before the show.

If Caden isn't playing with Balls, it most certainly has something to do with CARS. Or anything with wheels for that matter!

And look at this, I managed to get a picture of Gavin doing a large tinker toy creation!

We had a good time! Our annual pass to the Museum (which is reciprocal to over 100 others around the country) is one of our best summer time investments. We go at least several times a month and are invited to member only specials all the time. This weekend is a FREE movie screening of the new Disney/Pixar movie WALL-E for members only, for example.

Reese's Dance Rectial '08

Alright, I'm finally getting to this post. I was waiting for Christopher to pull some video off our camcorder, and wouldn't you know it, our camera is jammed and wont transfer the video. This is precisely why I always bring my camera and take video with it, as it never fails the camcorder doesn't work or jams...always something!! So anyway, I have tap video, but no ballet video. Not too big a loss however...let me explain.

Saturday the 21st had 3 different shows. A 1PM, 4PM and 7PM shows. She was scheduled for the 4 PM show and I knew this was going to be a challenge. Reese likes to have "quite time" around this time that occasionally involves a nap. I knew with the excitement of the day, this was not going to happen earlier to buffer the 4PM show. So here's how it all went down.

Granna came on up to spend the afternoon with Reese and watch her recital. We opted out of buying Reese flowers and had Granna make Reese the superb flower ball pictured above! Reese appreciated it more the morning after and has it hand drying in her closet. But, let's not jump ahead of ourselves. You see the raunch on Reese's face, yes, she was TIRED and NOT happy with having to be at her recital. We told her she could sit on daddy's lap and rest until it was time to head back to the dressing room before her class was up.

So, it's about 7 dances into the recital and it's time for Reese to get all dolled up. She was NOT happy. I'm thinking to myself, "why is this happening....she'll totally regret not going up on stage once her little sass fest is over." The picture above is with her dance instructor Ms. Reene. She adores Reese as does she Ms. Reene...but she's still in a raunchy mood. Did I mention that there was a last minute venue change? Yeah, the roof caved in at our normal venue (which Reese is familiar)...so that through Reese off as well. Oh, and let's not forget that some of Reese's class went to perform at the 1PM show and a few from another dance studio came to dance with her class in the 4PM. SO, she wasn't going to be standing next to her friend that she's be practicing with ALL YEAR. Yeah, that did a number on my 3 year old.

As if Reese and her antics weren't enough to stress me out, Caden was a MONSTER. Let me tell you, if he could act any worse, I wouldn't believe it! Did I also mention that the A/C in our venue was only turned on in the auditorium, no where else? It was close to 100 and horrid humidity...Caden and not to mention all the dancers in the back were HOT! I got Reese ready and left her with her teacher. Reese has never been a ballet fan (the class she's in does ballet, tap and tumble...so, it's kinda a package deal and she accepted that). If I had video pulled, this would be where I would have put it. All the dancers line up on stage and then the lights come on, music starts and then...Reese starts balling, I mean BALLING like a baby and runs off the stage! Everyone thought it was so cute and were ooooooing and aaaaaawwwwing...I'm thinking, GREAT(note sarcasm please)!!!

Reese would have been standing just under the "W" or the 5th from the left towards the center. Totally shock to Ms. Reene that Reese of all people would run off...me, not so much that day! I fully expected it.

I met Reese backstage after her number and the picture below was all I could get out of her! I sat down with her and we had a little talk and I asked her if she wanted to be there and if we should continue. Look at how HOT the girl was! Seriously, where was the A/C mercy!

Reese's tells me that she isn't a ballet girl, "i'm a tap girl, mommy" and that she got really cold on stage (probably from all her sweat waiting off stage and then entered the cool auditorium) and that she really wanted to do her tap dance.

So, we got up and went to the dressing room and dolled up for her tap performance. The tear stopped immediately upon costume change! However, I still took a picture just in case there was another melt down.

Reese stayed in a good mood backstage while waiting and I stayed with her to make sure everything went down OK.
Reese's friend Megan came up and sat down beside Reese and gave her hugs and kisses and seriously, that was the first time I had seen Reese smile that afternoon! I knew we were a GO and I went to sit with the fam and get some video! I knew she was full of "tap girl" spirit and I couldn't wait to see her "Under the Sea" performance!

Reese is the girl standing up below the "I" and "G" in the middle. If you watched the video, did you not just DIE for poor little Reese at the end? She's still not her full self as she was trying to remember her dance with new girls around her and then OOOPS! her top falls off!!! Poor girl, she was yet again the target of mishap on her performance. Poor girl didn't get a break, but this didn't phase her!

She was in great spirits and after the recital she was rewarded with this giant sucker from Ms. Reene. She was in such great spirits that she wanted to go back in b.c "i'm ready to do my ballet dance now mommy". What!?!?

Gavin was an angel the entire day!! I almost forgot he was with us! I was dealing with Reese and Caden non stop! He's such a good kid! Reese got to pick where we went out to eat to celebrate and unlike Reese's last recital, she picked wisely!

TEXAS ROADHOUSE baby!! We were so busy enjoying our food I only got a picture of my extremely delish Cherry Limeade!!

Lastly, Caden was finally able to de-monsterize (yes, I make up words to suit my purpose) himself with a little...CHOCOLATE!! This kid can't get enough. He could careless in what form it come in, he'll eat it!

Reese has finished her last dance class and topped it off with an unforgettable dance recital! She's been asking me everyday since when she can do her ballet dance again (she wants to make right I suppose) and when is it Tuesday or Wednesday so she can go to dance again. Not until August my love! It's going to be a looooooooong summer!

Reese's Dance Recital Pictures

These are scanned in pictures, our scanner is WAY cheap and therefore these pictures are not the greatest. However, Reese is just too cute for words, so, I really don't think it matters!

Reese's "When I grow up" ballet dance costume.

Reese's ballet class photo.

Reese's "Under the Sea" tap dance costume.

Reese's tap dance class photo.

Round Three!

Well, here we go again...for the third time around (maybe last?)! I've decided to start potty training (learning) Caden! I was never brave enough to try it under 2 years of age with Gavin or Reese b.c I was always HUGE pregnant, achy and didn't want to deal with little bathroom issues with a newborn and breastfeeding. I don't know if Gavin would have done it, but I know Reese was ready...Caden, I'm not sure. He's showing signs, and I'm bored (no newborn challenges this summer), so why not? I'm sure it will take a couple months vs. a week due to his age, however, I'm holding out hope.

Check out Caden's cute little bum! We go cold turkey with the diapers and jump right into "big boy/girl pants" right away. Seems to work well for us with the first two. Not sure about it this time around b.c Caden is about a half year younger than my older kids at this point. Anyone have any experience with this, any advice? We don't do little pottys either, we have little seats for the regular potty. I'd like to avoid moving waste and then having another poopy thing to clean...over and over again.

What better time than the summer though for starting it out. I have trained all my kids in the Spring/Summer b.c we love accidents to happen outside (if we have to have one at all)! Clean up is much nicer. Gavin loved peeing outside too and was a big "encouragement" to help him learn.

I think I gave him 3 or 4 popsicles today! Once we start potty training, not only the diapers go, but so do the regular sippy cups! We don't want too many opportunities for accidents.

It was hot today (when isn't it) so I let him just go for a swim in his little underoo's to cool off. Of course, that made it harder for him to tell if he was having an accident. But one of his sure tell signs is that he stops whatever he's doing and opens wide his legs and just stands there with a face of relief.

Now, if it's number two, he will find some place away from everyone and then squat with a face of urgency. I'm sure you ALL wanted to know about Caden's potty habits! I'm documenting this for fun! I'm sick that way.Here he is working on his aim I suppose. Christopher and I teach our boys to pee sitting down. WAY less "clean up" all over the place to deal with. Until they have mastered the art of cleaning up after themselves, this is our house rule. Fortunately, Gavin is pretty good about this rule. I rarely have to clean up big dried up yellow splashes or puddles. Have you noticed how many different popsicle colors he's had in this one afternoon? I am sooo not above bribery while potty training.

So, did I get any readers that actually made it this far without losing them with all my potty talk? If so, please leave me any advice or encouragement you got! Oh, and Caden's asleep right now in his bed for the night...with a diaper on! I realize I can't go completely cold turkey diaper wise on my almost 22 month old...but I hope to lose the night diaper soon. Or can I? Oh, the conflict!!!

The really sick part about this all (if you haven't already considered this a sick post) is that I'm really excited for this challenge this time around! Bring it ON!!

It's My Ballet...

...and I'll cry if I wanna!

More to come! Christopher has to pull some video from the camcorder and then I'll up date y'all. Probably Monday night or Tuesday day. (Christopher's in Austin right now, gotta wait until he gets home.)You wont want to miss it! Reese did not disappoint in more ways than one! She was quite entertaining and had hundreds of people ooooing, awwwwing and laughing...literally.

Unbelievable Talent Revealed

Step right up and take a gander at the C-Bear extrodinaire and his peculiar cracker eating talents! It's sure to be a riot! Who woulda guessed!?!?

The Doctor Is Out

I have to write a little ditty on our friend JJ. He's been a fun part of our family for the past 4 weeks!

After getting home late from our Memorial Day Symphony at the Park and going straight to bed, we failed to check our messages, see a note posted on our garage or email messages. What can I say, we were worn out! Little did we know that our good friend, JJ, a childhood friend of Christopher's who also went to BYU while we were there was in town! He was currently doing rotations in Fort Worth for Podiatry School and his accommodations weren't what he was expecting and needed a place to stay. His wife, Emily and their 2 sons, Gabe and Garrett, were back home in Wisconsin.

Needless to say, we jumped at the opportunity to have our friend stay with us for the past 4 weeks! We offered him Reese's room. We didn't see him much during the week as he left for work before any of us got up and then came home late evenings, but we did enjoy what time we had and the weekends. He even babysat a few times so Christopher and I could go out!! A built in babysitter!! Awesome! The kids really grew fond of JJ and he sure does have a knack for kids. Are you sure you prefer mostly overweight, diabetic feet?

JJ left today to go back to his saint of a wife, Emily, while she's been battling her will (as a single parent) to get through her boys Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (Caden's episode) alone. Not fun! We'll miss you JJ and your foot stories! Good luck with your last 2 rotations in AZ and CO...you know you'll be back to TEXAS when the time comes!! Considering all the flooding from Missouri to Illinois...we'll be praying for your safe trip back to your family!

Playhouse Dancers '07-'08

Reese's dance class at Fantasia Dance had it's last day of class today! All the mom's (and a few dads) were invited to watch the 2 recital pieces (for this Saturday) as they rehearsed. Lucky me, I was able to get a shot of all her friends (minus two) for a group shot just before I left. Her favorite bff's are Chloe (in green on the left) next to Reese and Haley on the right. She is sooo going to miss going this summer (and so will mom). August wont come soon enough.

I don't have any video b.c the lighting was poor from where I was sitting with my camera. Besides, Reese didn't give it her all today. She better get with it for Saturday! Her teacher, Ms. Reene tells me Reese is her best singer and dancer. I'm sure she tells all her mom's that about their child!

OK, for anyone who has seen JUNO (which has a killer soundtrack btw) you'll get a kick out of this last picture. Reese's friend Chloe (in green), when asked to "smile" for the camera, always makes this face! It just cracks me and her mom up. We decided she likes to give "the stink eye" for the camera! Seriously! She's Katrina! You gotta watch the clip just for the laughs! Chloe is so cute!

The Skinny

Here's the skinny on da Lloyds at this moment. Christopher and I have been so overwhelmed this past month especially with some big changes headed our way for our family. I practically have all but forgotten about our family blog!! Sorry. I do keep up with all of you however. I still can't divulge too much information at this time however, suffice to say we are making a big career change. We are both excited, anxious and I'm of course overly impatient. We need a few more things to line up perfectly for us and then our nerves will be a little more settled and we'll make an announcement. So, stay tuned! Oh, and your prayers are always welcome!!

Caden is still Caden, my messy little boy. He sure does wear dirt well, doesn't he?!?

Right now all he cares about is being outside 24/7 and riding his bike around the neighborhood whether we notice or not!! Once on his bike he refuses to get off. We pick him up attempting to pull him off and he AND his bike are picked up! It's a struggle just to get him to the car in the garage without a fight to keep him off his bike!

We got tired of looking at Reese's hair in her face and looking ratty in a matter of minutes after having her hair brushed and done, so we did the unthinkable...

Wearing her daddy's cowboy boots!

We cut it off! It's really short and she has bangs. I'm not sure how I feel about it just yet, but it does make it easier to fix every morning, noon, mid day, you get the picture!

Reese loves to be with her daddy any chance she gets. He's be quite busy lately with work and such that she just can't bare to sit and watch daddy doing his chore around the house without her help! She's busy preparing for her end of the year dance recital that will be THIS Saturday!!

Gavin, Gavin, Gavin. We took Gavin to a new dentist to get a second opinion and one that might be less damaging on the pocket book. No such luck. Poor kid. He is such a good sport with all that he has and WILL go through! In fact, he's thinking about becoming a dentist when he gets older! Probably not a bad idea with his teeth!!

Still smiling!

In just the 6 week time from our last visit, he teeth were worse. I am grateful we went to see this particular dentist however b.c he's "a practical man." He explained that Gavin has hypoplasia of the teeth AND enamel (basically he doesn't have enamel to protect his teeth, a genetic abnormality) and will need to have all 4 bottom and 4 top molars treated for root canals and then cap all 8 teeth. He will be put under general anesthesia (put to sleep) in the OR at Park Central Surgical Center in North Dallas. Mom is beside herself!! It doesn't stop there though. He also is gonna have his two front teeth pulled. Our previous dentist just liked to see us come in every six months and get these two refilled (as well as others)...we pay her kids way through college every year!! Our new "I'm a practical man" dentist (who I just adore) suggested this new treatment plan that would keep Gavin out of the cavity filling chair for the next 3 to 4 years. Sounds like a bargain to me!! However, I'm a little nervous about our insurance as we are changing careers and therefore jobs and insurance. Without some sort of insurance we could be making a payment that would buy us a small compact car!! WITH insurance will only put us back a few thousand...*sniff, sniff*.

Long term prognosis, his permanent teeth will likely have the same outcome. While having a sugar free diet wouldn't hurt, it wont stop him from having cavities!! Looks like composite resin or porcelain veneers will be in the future! Why didn't Christopher just go to dental school?!!?