We've recently started potty training with Calvin. The motivation for him, besides M&Ms, was getting to go to "baby school" (preschool) in the fall. He loves carrying around his "pack pack" (which is filled with underwear and extra pants at the moment) and pretending he's on his way to school. Notice he's wearing my shoes...
A week ago my Grandma Fondren, Mee Maw to the boys, passed away. Ironically, it happened the morning that I was headed home to see her and I ended up missing her by about half an hour. She had been diagnosed with cancer last spring but had been feeling really well the past 6 weeks. Her death was quick and peaceful which was a blessing for her and for all of us who loved her. As sad as I was to not have seen her once more before she died I'm glad I was able to be there for my mom and my grandpa, who would have celebrated his 59th wedding anniversary with her next month. I know she knew I was on my way and I know I'll see her again and that's a tremendous comfort.
Grandma with Tyler
Me and Grandpa after the funeral
Jessica (my sister), my mom and me
Jessica and her husband, Alan
Back in early February Calvin graduated into a big boy bed. The change wasn't too radical since he'd been climbing out of his crib for a while but I did get a little teary taking down the crib and removing the rocking chair. We still have some painting and decorating to do but here are some pictures of his new set up and of Calvin on his first night in his new bed.
It feels like we've been waiting since November (the adults in trepidation, the kids in anticipation) for a really big dumping of snow. Shockingly, this year it just never came. I've never seen a winter season in Minnesota like the one we've had this year. Warmer temps (in the upper 30s) and grass all through the winter months. The rare dusting of snow we received would quickly melt and, more often than not, we got rained on. It has been like April in January! That is until yesterday morning. We woke up to a winter wonderland the likes of which we haven't seen since last winter. I think, all told, we got around 7 inches of snow. The best part is that it's already March so this dumping will quickly be gone. Something about knowing that it wouldn't sit here for months and spring was still around the corner made it easier to get out and enjoy it. Even the MN snow plows couldn't keep up with it so the roads were really bad. After getting stuck 3 times before even making it out of our neighborhood Jim turned around and came home. Even our school district declared it a snow day and called off school. That NEVER happens up here.
Last week Gammy and Poppy came to spend a few days with us and the boys were so excited! As usual, their trip was jam packed with fun. Their first full day in town we all went to the Children's Museum then out to lunch. The next day my Dad and Linda took the boys for the morning and let Jim and I have some time to ourselves. We ran errands and enjoyed a leisurely lunch out while the boys got to go shopping at Target, eat lunch at Dairy Queen and play at Chucke Cheese! There was also lots of reading and game playing. Poppy taught Tyler to play chess and the two of them played many games over the weekend. Calvin loved playing with all the Mardi Gras beads they brought straight from New Orleans. Thanks for visiting! We love you!
On Tyler's actual birthday we had a great day planned. Jim took off work so we could all celebrate as a family, which has become a little Buffo tradition. After eating a breakfast of "white donuts" requested by Tyler we were off to the Mall of America and the Nickoloden Universe amusement park inside. Tyler was so excited to ride all the rides and proved to be pretty brave. He rode every ride his height allowed and loved them all. He barely qualified for the roller coaster but the attendant let him through. Then he ended up riding it twice! Mom had to be coerced onto that one! Calvin proved to be a little more hesitant when it came to riding the rides. After the first ride (where he cried the whole time) he opted to remain a spectator. He eventually rode the blue choo choo train which was nice and slow.
