kElLeN's WaTeRmElOnS aRe GrOwInG!!

Kellen and Scott planted watermelon earlier this year, and while the plants were growing and over flowing the planter, Kellen was not satisfied with the progress. He wanted to see watermelon. When the flowers came he got a little excited but still wanted the melon.
This was the first one we saw and I swear it grew this big overnight. We check the plants everyday and this was the first time we saw anything! He was so excited. He loves planting the seeds and watching the progress. He wants a bigger garden. I wonder where he got that...THANKS GRANDMA WHITEMARSH!

This picture was taken a few day later and we are seeing more melons and the first one is still growing!

Potty Training note: There might be hope yet! No accidents today and we were out and about all day, so he couldn't be naked! Yippie!!

WHY CAN'T WE COME POTTY TRAINED?

I AM PUTTING THIS QUESTION OUT THERE? COMING POTTY TRAINED WOULD MAKE EVERYONE'S LIFE EASIER! OK so I apologize to all of you who have had to listen to me this past week about potty training Jakob. I know I am a huge complainer, but really I have not a clue how to potty train. And yes, we are using a pink potty, it's a loaner therefore it was free. Although maybe that is the problem, maybe Jakob doesn't want to sit on a pink potty. If he has issues later in life we will know why. SO I ASK ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MOTHERS OUT THERE...HOW IN THE HE-- DO YOU POTTY TRAIN A STUBBORN
3 1/2 YEAR OLD LITTLE BOY? (I might even go as far as more stubborn than his Great-Grandpa Cook, for those of you who know Cleve Cook, that is not a compliment) We have tried standing, sitting, little potty, big potty, big potty with a little seat, cheerios in the toilet, rewards, an excitement party, sticker chart...
the Elmo potty doll, with the Elmo potty movie, being stern and punishing, and being so patient and positive reinforcement like! I am out of ideas. For all you new moms... my advice- make your husbands do it! Or pray for a child that trains himself...that is possible, Kellen was one!!
He did give us hope one day. I had to keep him naked all day, but that did seem to work the first day I tried that. He went 4 times all by himself, I thought I found my trick. However, Jakob does not give into the struggle that fast, the very next naked day, Kellen found little brown piles on the stairs with a puddle on the floor. So again I ask HOW?
At least Jakob has found some use for his potty, he put it in a circle with other toys and did a "Potty Dance" or "Anti-Potty Dance", I am not really sure which one. I will take any suggestions anyone might have, I will also take anyone that wants practice to come and practice on Jakob. Trust me you will be a pro for your next one!

OUR TRIP TO BEAUTIFUL YELLOWSTONE

OK so the pictures are posted backwards- sorry for that and sorry for so many, I could not just pick a few, I have the same problem when I scrapbook. So long stroy short...my tire blew off the rim, in a residential area, going maybe 15 mph. We are thankful it happened just around the corner from my most favorite and bestest aunt and uncle. They took care of me again! Thanks so much Aunt Teri and Uncle Brent!!
Yellowstone was beautiful but also very cold. It was rainy and very wet and add some slush for fun!
1 of 7 bears that Scott saw! Some were far and some were too close for comfort.
Our little squirrel that hung out on our table to eat our scraps!
So the sign did not stop Scott, Claudia, or RC.
This is the black bear they stocked from our camp.
Some of many elk we saw.
Kellen having S'More fun.
Hiding in a rock.
The Yellowstone Falls- so pretty.
As we walked to the over look of the falls Kellen said, "Mom, I didn't know this was in the world!" Even a 5 year old boy was taken by the beauty our Heavenly Father has created for us.
My boys and I checking out the upper falls.
Boys at Morning Glory Pool.
Boys at bubbling Paint Pots.
Scott and Jakob at Old Faithful. This was a good one from Old Faithful.
Scott, Riley, RC, and Dad hangin at camp.
Cousins have fun while the adults set-up camp.

THE GREATEST DAY OF SCOTT'S LIFE

So I might be lying when I say this was the greatest day of Scott's life, but I bet it ranks pretty high on the list. We went to the game with some friends Julie and Kent and left the boys with grandpa. The high-lights were... 1) Edgar Martinez throws out the first pitch. Just to back log, Scott and Kellen saw Edgar's last career home-run at a game in Texas.
2)Ichiro had some nice hits. Although his hitting streak ended the night before, this game we got to see #1 of his new hitting streak (which may have ended this game, I don't know, I don't keep up as much as Scott does) And yes, Ichiro is looking right at me!!
3)Ken Griffey Jr. Returns to Seattle and Scott got to see him play.
4)Not only did Scott got to see him play, but Jr. brought Ichiro in for the winning run! He hit a double in the 8th and that was enough to win the game. Scott was brought to tears! OK so I am lying again, but the tears were building I know it!

K DUB (DUB= SHORT FOR "W")

Kellen really loves playing all sports, however baseball holds a special place. I really have no clue why!! This is Coach Blaine and Kellen at the banquet.
Kellen was on the City of Richland Little League team The Mets aka The Bees. No they are not linked in any way. The team name is The Mets, but when the Kids saw their uniform they went with The Bees, which really does make more sense than The Mets.
Kellen wanted to see the world through Scott's eyes while they were on the father-son campout. They had a great time. Kellen just loved to hang out with dad in the tent. After they set-up and took a rest on the bed, Kellen had his hands behind his head, was looking up to the sky and said "Ah this is the life."
Very Early morning at the river- getting ready to hike.
Hiking with dad at their camp out.
Showing off his dirty uniform. Kellen loved to slide in baseball. It is true there is no need at all to slide in t-ball/coach pitch, however most of the kids found some reason to try it out.
Give 3 Cheers for the preschool grad!! Kellen finished his 2nd year with Mrs. B and is so ready to go to the "big School".