Decked out in Dora!

Dani in her new helmet and knee pads - all Dora of course.

Yes, she has her hand down her pants.

And I'm wishing I would've noticed it then, I could've avoided this:

Dani in mid-pee-pants.

New pants on!!

Riding her hog.

The girl sure matches! Dora helmet, Dora sunglasses, Dora knee pads.

Mowing the driveway. Safety first!! The helmet stayed on the whole time we played outside. People driving by probably thought we were looney.

The only outfit a girl really needs, Dora panties and a helmet. She's ready for anything!

Out of the mouths of babes

Some recent conversations:

About a week ago, driving, I almost got hit by someone.
I accidentally said, "oh shit." Quietly, but I still said it. A split second later I cringed and waited.
Dani says, "Mommy, why'd you say shit? Why'd you say shit Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Why'd you say shit Mommy? Why'd you say shit? Why'd you say shit? Why'd you say shit? Mommy? Mommy!!! Why'd you say shit Mommy??!!"
Ya, it wasn't stopping. So I had to say sorry, it's not a nice word, we don't say that.

At the dinner table tonight Dani tooted REALLY loud. I looked at her with wide eyes and said, "what was that??!!" Dani said, "my bum," like I'm an idiot for even asking.

Our neighbor girls were over a few days ago, and the six year old was bragging that she could count to 30. So I told her to go ahead. She got up to 15 and got stumped. Dani yells, "it's 16!!!" I had a huge inside smile... my two year old handed that six year old her bum on a stick!

Stay tuned for more.

Birthday fun

The concert was SAAAWEEEEET!!
What a great birthday/anniversary it was! We had lots of fun at the Motley Crue concert... the best concert I've ever been to (aside from my Harry Connick, of course). Those old guys sounded great!

Happy belated birthday to Duane - he's 32 now! I turned 29 yesterday. I've decided I'm going to start going backward now.
Duane got me a painting I've had my eye on for years. He's such a thoughtful guy! I think it'll go great in our new house.

It sounds like Dani is having a great time in Bottineau. We miss her TERRIBLY but it's nice to have some quiet time around the house too. Thanks for giving us the breat Grammy and Papa!

Vroom-vroom!

Video compliments of Grandma!

More pictures from Grandma

Dani and Brenna

And visions of trouble danced in their heads.

At least the seat belts are on!

Now this is more like it... studying!

Weekend fun

Dani and Brenna (or Baby-brother-sister-Brenna as Dani calls her)

Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum on their matching tricycles.

Mmmmm, good pretzels.

Hanging with Uncle Wyat.

We had lots of fun this weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Sunday was Duane's birthday - happy birthday honey!!! He unfortunately didn't get any special treatment though, cuz I got sick. So he was on pee-pee duty all day.

Random pics

Faster faster!

YAY! Dani went poopy in the potty again after a few days of going in her pants (yuk for mom). I promised candy AND a sticker if she did it in the potty. Bribery is a mom's best friend.

Dani's got the need-for-speed gene apparently. The past few days if a car is beside us or passing us she says, "Faster Mommy! Go faster Mommy!"
This is our morning conversation on the way to the gym today:
Dani: Go faster Mommy!
Me: How come?
Dani: Cuz you gotta go faster Mommy!
(A car comes up beside us)
Dani: GO FASTER! GO FASTER!! GO GO GO!!!!
(Now at a red light)
Me: I can't honey.
Dani: Can you try?
Me: No, it's a red light, I can't go.
Dani: Can't you just try Mommy? Just give it a try?

Sigh. Already letting her down at the tender age of 2.

Yesterday her fascination was with red lights. Halfway through an intersection she would yell, "RED LIGHT!!!" Not good for a lady with a heart condition.

Small steps

Well, the potty training is going much better today than it did yesterday... at least I'M handling it much better! We had one accident first thing this morning - my fault for not having her go. And one more accident a couple hours later. Although she stopped herself halfway through and went to finish on the potty... a good sign.
We even ventured to Target. She went twice there... something I don't even like to do!!! Then when we got home she started telling me when she had to go. I'm hopeful that this will continue on. I think having the t.v. off today has helped a lot... nothing to get wrapped up in.
Mommy is being much more patient, and Dani is being much better about going in the potty.
YIPEE!!

Boot camp

Dani and I had a great weekend in Bottineau visiting family. We went up to see my cousin Kendra sing at the International Music Camp and also saw a video of her singing in their high school musical. I was blown away by her amazing voice and talent. I'm so proud of her!!! (Although I do secretly wish she were still 6 years old... back when she told all her friends I was her sister).
Duane also had a fun weekend golfing in the big Garrison tournament. It sounds like they did pretty good, but were one stroke away from winning any money. Boo-hiss.

Today is the start of our boot camp potty training! We've been doing lots of practicing and using pull-ups, but now starts the big girl panties! So we've got a timer set for every 20 minutes and we're drinking lots of juice and milk! I was just about to write that there have been no accidents so far, but she just peed all over the floor. Good thing we don't own the place!!!

More weekend pics

Brrrrr!!! A very brave Kierra (hope I spelled that right) swimming in the cold water!!

Dani had lots of fun with Madison and Kierra over the weekend.
We often heard, "Where's my girls?"

Grandpa putting up the flag that was handed down to him from his mom after his dad passed. I think I heard right that he received the flag at his funeral because he was a veteran - 2 tours of duty in the Korean war. I hope I got that info right!!

Fun on the boat. I swear I thought Grandma was just taking Dani's picture only... that's why I look like such a sourpuss!

Thanks for the pictures Grandma!

4th weekend

Grandma and Danica going for a walk.

Looking pretty good there Grandma!! Nice legs! ;)

We had a really busy but really fun weekend in Garrison. We spent most of the day Friday and Saturday at the lake, on the pontoon and visiting some campers.
Happy birthday America!!!

My buddy

On Thursday we took a little day trip to Devils Lake to meet up with my old college friend, Angie and her two kids. I realized I hadn't seen her in 5 years... since our wedding!!!

Luckily she's one of those friends that when we're together it seems like we were just hanging out yesterday... like no time has passed at all.

The kids had a great time playing together at the park and I miss my good friend already!!

Fun at the pool

She loves that slide!!

Pretty hip chick!

Playing with a noodle, with some of our friends in the background.

Chasing Emma

They were doing this for a few minutes, and I unfortunately only got the last couple laps. This generally happens a couple times a week and it couldn't be cuter. Emma is really good to play with Dani... or is it Dani that's really good to play with Emma?

And yes, that's a sticker right by her armpit.

Busy busy busy!

Oh what a busy week it's been!!
The usual gym time and chores, plus the park with friends on Monday, the pool with friends on Tuesday, Grammy and Grandma Doris visiting on Wednesday, a trip to Devils Lake to see an old friend on Thursday, and a trip to Garrison today!!! Whew!! I need a nap!

Danica's been a pretty good trooper through all the craziness. She's had a great time with all kinds of kids this week. I was thinking how odd it is that we went from Green Bay where we didn't know ANYONE with kids, to here where there are different kids around her every single day!! I'm glad we can give her that now.

Some of you may know we've decided to buy a house now without waiting for our house in Green Bay to sell. So we're getting a smaller older home. We'll live in it for a while and then probably use it as a rental when we buy our "forever home" or build. We've been looking at quite a few and finally got an accepted offer on one last night. So as long as all goes well with financing and closing, we'll be home owners... AGAIN!! There'll be quite a lot of fixing up to do in the place as well as finishing the unfinished basement. Sigh, whatever shall we do. If only there were some nice strong men to help us. (hint, hint, hint)