Our life and the Fair

Mini "nutshell" update of our lives:
* It's been over a week since B has been going 'pee pee' in the potty a few times a day. He still goes in his diapers, but if I ask him... he will go in the potty!!! So, I know this is just the beginning of probably a long road of potty training, but it is exciting that it is starting. He gets his candy (1 m&m) and puts a sticker on his chart (when it fills up, he gets a toy). It's been working great! Oh, the first few times he went, he got an m&m and I took a picture on my phone to send to Joel. Now B insists that I take a picture everytime :) So that's the routine: pee pee, candy, picture, and sticker chart.
*B is FINALLY starting on his 2 year molars. He has been drooling a ton and getting a rash on his chin too. I looked in his mouth and low and behold... 1/2 a molar coming in... poor guy (that might be a reason for his 'no-nap days')
*NO MORE PACI for B!!! He used to have it for naps and bedtime, but not anymore!!! Big guy!
*Faith's horrible colic stage has passed... but now for the teething! She has 2 bottom teeth making their way through... poor thing.
*Faith is still eating every 2 hours during the day and sometimes going up to 4 hours at night. The usual routine is 8pm, 12am, 4 am, 7am... and every 2 hours throughout the day. I am looking forward to the day she sleeps longer and goes longer during the day!
*Joel is FINALLY not working the entire weekend! He has Saturdays off! So, Saturdays is now officially family day. We start the day with B's soccer class bright and early, followed by getting some breakfast together. Then, we do errands or hang out home for family nap time... usually Joel and I take turns with the kids while the other naps for a while. Next, we get to go to church! It is great to finally go to church as a family!
*B still has class on Wednesday and Friday mornings and I have started going to a Bible study at church on Tuesday mornings. It's a women's study that I love so much. The kids are in the nursery, which gives me a little break (except I get called in at least once each time for Faith :)
*We are in the process of scheduling B's CT scan with Children's Hospital. This is the beginning of the long road ahead for us and our little guy. We have been waiting for this CT scan for 2 1/2 years and now the time has come. We are hoping and praying to have it done in November. The CT scan will determine which surgeries B will have and when we can start scheduling them. We would really appreciate your prayers as we start this long process.

Here are some pictures of the LA County Fair when we were able to go to. Of course, it was the hottest day (105)... but lots of fun!

Faith did awesome the whole day. Despite the heat, she was just as happy as could be!



B's favorite ride!



B and daddy got to ride a train!



Checking out "HUGE" trains! B LOVED this!



He seems so little compared to the train



Finally, a picture with my little man

B checking out the mini train station/town

B's first time on a ride by himself!

David Beckham

Ok, so he may not play soccer as well as Beckham or be as well known or wealthy... but in my opinion, he is a TON cuter :)
Brennan had his first official organized sport practice on Saturday: Soccer. We all think that he will excel in some kind of running or throwing sport (track, cross country or baseball), but soccer is the only one he could get into because of his age. Aside from a 5 minute meltdown during the 30 minute session, he had a blast. It's an 8 week course and I'm excited for him to practice things in a group setting: following directions, taking turns, waiting in line... Here are a few pictures of his class.

Arizona Fun

Every September 1st is the annual Dove Hunting Season in Yuma, Az. Joel has been hunting every year with his family for 27 years. This year I was able to drive the kids (with grandma Givens) early so Joel could stay home and work a couple extra shifts and come down opening day. Pre-kids I would go with the family every morning: Get up wayyyy before the sun (4am), drive for what seemed like 50 miles to find the perfect spot, and then hang out as the family had their fun (hunting dove). I wasn't into killing the poor things (hunting), so I just hung out, being the supportive wife that I am! :) Well, now that we have the kiddos... someone has to stay home with them right? :)

The kids and I were in Az for over a week. They got to spend great quality time with grandma, papa and their cousins! Plus, I got a little extra rest (thanks to Gma Givens)... which I have been REALLY needing for 5 months (ever since Faith was born).



We got to Skype with Joel while we were apart for a few days. Here is a picture of B talking with his daddy! So cute, he loved it! Love modern technology!




Here are some great pictures of Faith! I love capturing her sweet, oh so innocent looking faces :)

Since the temperature was over 110 during the day, there was LOTS of swimming.

Cousins Jessica and Gunnar...

Having fun with G-ma and Papa...

Bad hair day...