From Potty Power to Spartan Race

The last few months have been full of good times. Here are a few highlights.

l* turned 3 and has successfully potty trained! As he likes to say, "I've got potty power!" We're enjoying the next few months of no diapers!

j* is 5 and now old enough to run in a Jr. Spartan Race, which is a kids version of the ultimate mud/obstacle run. The half mile course included pony walls, cargo net, balance planks, tires, mud pits, muddy hills, and ended with a gladiator trying to stop you with his joust! I couldn't resist the chance to make a little toga and leaf crown (which was only kept on for a few photos before it made his head too itchy). When I mentioned the toga to him he said, "But Mom, will my nibbles be showing?" So, we compromised with a shirt underneath.

At the starting line they said that parents could join the kids, so Dad joined him for the course. Fortunately he wore his running shoes. We were pretty sure that the whole thing would be a little too overwhelming for j*, but once they took off, he was at a full run to each of the obstacles. Dad had to race to get ahead of him enough to catch a few photos of his performance.

Here he is in action over the first wall.

Victory! Notice the muddy hands and shoes! He was so proud! Totally recommend it to anyone with a race in their area.

The cheering squad after the race. j* is holding his Spartan Finisher medal! l*'s favorite part, watching the gladiator at the finish line try to take down the kids and watching the grown-up course where the runners had to jump over a fire pit on their way up a hill. Thanks for coming along Aunt K*!

As for #3, here is the baby bump for now. The ultrasound last week confirmed that we are having a girl and caught a few images of her little face.

When j* heard that Grandma was coming to visit, he turned to l* and said, "It's so much fun when she comes because the only thing she has to do is play with us! She doesn't have to go to work like dad or do errands like mom!"

It was even more fun than we had imagined!

Just a fun one of l*.

Finally, I couldn't resist posting this photo of the boys waiting at the train stop, looking like the own the place. Hilarious! We were able to ride the train to downtown Phoenix to visit some friends and even swim in their roof-top pool. It was quite an adventure. This shot was on our way home, and they were feeling pretty sure of themselves with the big-city transportation scene :)