Maeley's 6

Playing dress up

It's hard to believe we have a 6 year old. Time sure does seem to be flying. Maeley has really matured this last year partly because of school. Thursday Derek and I went to parent teacher conference. Maeley is doing exceptionally well and is beyond kindergarten level in many areas. Her favorite day of the week is Monday. She loves school because she "loves to learn" as she as told us many many times. She is setting such a great example to Chase and Zoe. She uses every spare second to count, add, or try to sound out words when we're in the car. She still thinks she can boss her brother and sister around. She still loves to sing and makes up songs often. She loves when I read her chapter books. She loves when I do her hair curly. She always lays out her clothes for school the night before and remembers when things need to be signed and returned to school. She can be a huge help to me.

We love you Maeley and are so proud of everything you are doing.

Zoe turned 3

Last week Zoe turned 3 years old. Its hard to believe my sweet little baby isn't a baby. She's just as sweet but a "big kid now" as she says. We were very lucky to have never gone through the "terrible two's" with her.  Zoe is such a delight. Her personality keeps you laughing and guessing what she'll do and say next. She is still strangely obsessed with polka dots, preferably purple ones. She loves playing with dolls. She thinks she can do everything her big sister and brother can do. We enjoy conversations with her because she talks so much. She will often come up to you and tell you how much she loves you and give you plenty of hugs and kisses. She has done extremely well at potty training and even wakes up dry in the morning. Chase and Zoe have become better friends since Maeley has gone to school. However she still adores her big sister. When she's in a grumpy mood its normally pretty easy to get her to smile again. And lucky for me she still likes to snuggle.



We love you so much Zoe.

Ready for the bus stop

Chase and Zoe insist on bringing a toy sometimes multiple to the bus stop each morning and afternoon. Today Zoe wanted to bring her My Little Ponies with her. So she packed them up into her backpack and added her blanket too. She looked like she was ready for school.

The backpack looks so big on her.

They are growing up so fast.

Here's Chase being crazy.

For the record this kid hates to wear pants and jackets.

He's being a good boy today.

Potty trained

When it came down to getting Zoe interested in potty training there just hasn't been that much excitement on her end. She's never been afraid of going on the potty but not that interested in giving up diapers. I really think when it came down to it she just didn't want to be bothered by it. Which reminded me so much of Maeley. Just last week I asked Zoe why she liked diapers. Her reply was, "They keep me warm." Not only is that response hilarious but gross too.

Sticker placement is all her doing

Wednesday of last week after reading this blog  Derek and I decided it was time to potty train Zoe. We told her Saturday was going to be her pee pee party and that meant she was no longer going to wear diapers. That got her excited and Maeley and Chase too. When Saturday came around she was ready and knew what that day meant. I gave her plenty of drinks and snacks to get her more thirsty again so she'd have plenty of opportunities to use the potty. At first I had my doubts and wasn't sure she'd get it afterall this wasn't our first attempt.  By about noon it started to click. Saturday she ended up having 3 accidents but  many successful tries too. By Sunday morning she knew that by going in her panties it was yucky and gross and didn't want that. Today she's doing fantastic. It wasn't the nightmare I thought it was going to be. She was good and ready.  We are so proud of her.

Company and the Balloon Fiesta

Last weekend my sisters family came to visit. Unfortunately for them it happened to be by far the coldest weekend thus far this season. But that didn't stop us from having a wonderful weekend together.

Friday Laurel and I baked these cute witches broom cupcakes. They didn't turn out as good as we had hoped  because we were having issues with the frosting. Oh well the kids didn't care. Zach (Laurel's boyfriend) ended up helping Derek get the shelves installed in our entertainment area. Its looking awesome. Can't wait to finish it up and post pictures. And of course the kids had a great time playing together.

Saturday we went to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. We left the house about 5:30 and it was 34 degrees. When the sun started to rise around 7, I about gasped when I saw all the snow on the mountain.

Don't they look cold.

Maeley and Jake

This meant it was starting. It began about an hour late. But at least they were able to fly. The previous 3 days they never got up because of rain and wind.

 

This was Maeley's favorite last year. Joey and Lilly (who have a baby seen in the previous picture.)

Left: Maeley's favorite this year

Right: Zoe's favorite, the haunted house

I'm pretty sure the only reason Zoe liked the Haunted House was because it's purple.

Chase loved Spider Pig. We call him Spidy Pig.

Zoe with Jacob.

She can't pronounce his name correctly, it sounds like she's saying "wake up".

Zach, Laurel, Jake, Devan, Chase, Maeley and Zoe

Sadly the weekend came to an end and they left Sunday morning. It was a great weekend (even if it was cold). I love how Jake and Devan treat our kids. They give them so much attention and love. No wonder our kids are already missing them.

First horse rides

Yesterday afternoon our realtor Jane, had us over to ride her horses. We all had such a wonderful time. I was amazed how natural Maeley seemed to be on the horse, Derek too actually. Maeley told us later it was a dream come true for her.

When we got there the kids feed the horses some watermelon rinds. I think each of them were a little timid to do so.

Maeley was the happiest kid getting up on the horse for the first time.

First lap around the corral.

I love how Chase decided to get in the shot. Silly Chase.

Chase looking pretty excited to get up on the horse too.

3 very happy kids.

Jane's niece and her friend are riding with Zoe. 

The horse Maeley and Chase were riding is named Glory.

The other horse is named Borego.

Chase got a short ride by himself, that is before Maeley wanted back on.

Derek said when Zoe was riding with him she would say, "Go Borego!"

When you've lived in the desert your whole life you truly appreciate the beauty of greenery.