Zoo

We told Camden when he filled up his "potty" chart with stickers he could pick somewhere to go. He picked to go to the zoo. Well- he filled it up, so it was time. We use to go to the zoo all of the time in Oklahoma, but I have never taken them to the zoo here. (I have gone with the boys on field trips, but Morgan and Camden haven't gone, so they were all excited.) We had a lot of fun! Camden loved the monkeys! He had tons of fun seeing all of the animals, and playing at the playground, too. Now he said he needs another chart so he can go to Boondocks. I think he's playing us- but we might just oblige, if it gets him completely trained!

This picture made me laugh of Morgan. She is still a little kid at heart. :)

Learning to Sew

I have been trying to teach myself how to sew. I have had a lot of fun making blankets for the boys, curtains, and these ruffled pillows. I still have a long way to go to be good- but it is fun- and I am so glad I am finally learning how to do this.

Matt's mom also gave me an old chair, for our computer desk in the kitchen. I decided to re-do it. I think it looks a little better than before. :)
Before:

After:

Month in review

The past month has been pretty busy for us, and it seems, I don't get on the computer to update very often at all. This will probably be a boring recap- but since I use my blog as my journal, it is what it is.

I was able to take Morgan and her friend Hailee for a girls night. Christa had a hotel night that she needed to use, and wasn't able to, so she gave it to us. We went to dinner at Olive Garden, then shopped a little, and got pedicures. We then checked into the hotel, so the girls could swim. Christa came over and stayed until late talking. We had a lot of fun, and got little amounts of sleep.

We have just been running from here to there, and trying to have as much fun as we can, before school starts. We have been to movies, swimming, Lagoon, camping, day camps, girls camp, had late nights, bike rides, and lots of popsicles.

Milestones for Camden

About a month ago, we decided it was time to potty train Camden. We took away all the diapers, and got potty treats and underwear. The first two days were rocky- and then he seemed to catch on. I made a chart for him, and told him he could pick somewhere to go when he filled it up. He wants to go to the zoo. Well- he filled all the spaces, so I guess it's off to the zoo for us! His potty training is still a work in progress- but he has done much better than I expected he would, so I'd say it's going well.

We also transitioned him to a toddler bed, from the crib. I was pretty nervous about this too. He has never once even tried to get out of bed and come out of his room. It's amazing! He will stay in his bed, and even if he sees something on his floor, he tries to reach for it, but won't actually get out of bed. He has started knocking on the wall, when he wakes up, because he wants us to come and get him. It's too cute.

He's growing up. It's so hard to see him getting bigger, but also awesome to see him progressing. He seems so big all of the sudden. He says funny and amazing things all the time. I love that cute little boy!

Graham-y's

We had a family get together at our house. We had dinner, and then the kids all participated in relay/carnival races. They were able to win tickets, and turn them in for prizes at the 'store'. I think they all had a lot of fun with the games, and the prizes. We then had the "Graham-y awards". Everyone got an award and a trophy. Even the babies.

Matt chose my award:

And he chose his award:

We love spending time with everyone, and love when all the family is here from out of town.

Camping with the family

We went to Matt's grandparents campground to camp with the family. Hayden and Ethan came with us, and Mike, Katie and kids, and Guy and Lexi stayed overnight. Then the next morning, the rest of the family came up for lunch and visiting. We weren't sure how Camden would do, sleeping in a tent, but he was awesome! He didn't get to bed until ten or so, but went to sleep immediately after we put him in the sleeping bag. He woke up the next morning, when everyone else was getting up. He was so cute, when he woke up he wanted to "cuddle" with me in my sleeping bag. He talked and talked, and asked questions, and hugged me. The kids all had so much fun with their cousins. Dillon and Logan were so happy to have Hayden and Ethan there. They have missed them since they've been in Canada. Morgan, Ashley and Sydney slept in a tent together and had a great time! Among the kids favorite activities: smores, staying up late with cousins, and trying trap fish in a self-made dam. At one time, Camden crossed the bridge (Scary- rickety, missing planks, bridge) by himself. I was calling for him, couldn't find him anywhere, and finally he comes running down the mountain, across the bridge with his pants around his ankles. He said he needed to go to the bathroom, and went to the outhouse by himself. Let me tell you- I have had nightmares of having to rescue him from falling in the disgusting outhouse. SOOO glad everything turned out okay! :) We had a great time visiting with family, and roughing it with each other.

These boys only wanted to be goofy. I tried hard to get them to look decent in a picture- but they were having too much fun, to be serious and smile sweetly for me.

Happy 4th of July!

This is a terrible picture- I know. I'm just keeping it real. Usually someone has their mouth open, someone else is fake smiling, and someone else is squirming- trying to get away.

We love the 4th of July around here! My kids think this holiday is second only to Christmas. We do the same thing every year- and they love it. There is a breakfast in the park, (which Camden and I skipped, but Matt took the other 3 kids.) then we go to the parade, the fireman's barbecue, pick up dinner, and eat it at the amphitheater at the park, listen to the symphony, and watch fireworks. This year we also went to Grandmother Graham's grave and dedicated it. They love playing with cousins, and celebrating our country's birthday.