So I thought I'd squeeze in one more optimistic blog entry before all that good cheer is gone. Why such a grim outlook? Potty training! It's been a huge struggle. The last few days Maddy has finally been sitting on the potty with the help of stickers, charts, prizes, and m&m motivators. We've been counting down her last few diapers, and tomorrow they will be all gone and it's underwear time. I've got her pumped and cheering... but once reality of soggy pants hits, she might be singing a different tune. I just gotta stay strong!

So back to happy thoughts...


4th of July was mostly great. We enjoyed a BBQ lunch with the Garbetts. It was delicious and fun to spend time with some family friends. Later we headed over to our friends the Hansen's for some more BBQ... again delicious. After eating we crossed the street to meet up with other families from our ward to celebrate our country by blowing up illegal fireworks! We were totally awful parents and kept our kids up until the show (9:30pm). Maddy did really great playing with the kids, chasing lighting bugs, and playing with sparklers. Elliott just hung out in a haze half awake, half asleep. Then once the fireworks started, they FREAKED!!!! Elliott was holding on for dear life while maddy curled up in fetal position in Ethan's lap saying, "Fireworks are scarey, I wanna go home." So we packed up and headed out. Geez, can't invite those dang Zmoos' anywhere!





In everyday going ons, Maddy loves "cooking" aka stirring things. Every day she asks to make cookies. So I give her a bowl of flour, water, and food coloring. She'll sit and stir and laugh.









Elliott has been spending quite a bit of time on the floor. He's trying to figure out crawling. He's getting close!!!



I call this series... ready, set, D'oh!