NEWSFLASH....Gregory is potty trained!!!

Yes, he's three, and three is past the normal potty training age, but well, he finally got it...and he has the dump truck phone to prove it.


It was his reward for going all day without an accident.

The girls were so proud of him. Not only did they encourage him to go potty, but they were sure to give him every sticker he earned for using the potty.

Our celebration pictures quickly turned into, "Take our picture, take our picture!" So here are some of our hams in action.

Sunday with the Whisnant's.

Our Sunday was spent at the Whisnant home in Columbus, TX. This is one of our favorite places to visit.

Not only are they the most wonderful hosts, but the kids adore them.

There is so much to do at the Whisnant ranch...swimming today, but sometimes we ride horses, ride on the gator, hayrides, and lots more.

Here is Miss Tristyn, relaxing in her float.

Bob and Julie have three grandchildren, Bradyn, Colin, and Tristyn. This picture is of all seven of the kids.

Fun at Kids in Action

Saturday was a day filled with birthday parties. We attended one for our friend, Dylan, at Kids in Action.

They have a big gym with lots of equipment for running and playing.



Gregory was in heaven. Jeff and I could not believe the things he was able to do!


Amelia was pretty quiet and stayed glued to Jeff, but did like this ball.

Catherine has been coming to Kids in Action for a long time and still enjoys it.

Mary Claire did the most wonderful Super Toddler class here. We saw her teacher, who couldn't believe how much she's grown!

Catherine's 8th

Catherine's morning began with chocolate chip muffins, orange juice, and coffee milk, all served in bed...


...by a big hungry crowd.


Her birthday dinner was at her favorite place, Ling's, the ultimate seafood and sushi restaurant.


She ate eel, octopus, crab, shrimp, crawfish, and lots of other things.


Mary Claire even had a crawfish or two.


Birthday cake requested...Boston creme pie!


Making a wish...


A Nintendo DS!


This is what we saw the rest of the evening. What we heard was, "I can't believe I got a Nintendo DS!"


This is what I've seen today. Gregory and Mary Claire have become reaquainted with their Leapsters, while Catherine gets to know her DS.

Catherine is eight years old!

Eight years ago today, we met our daughter, Catherine Ann.

Seven years ago, we couldn't believe our big eyed beauty was one year old.

Six years ago today, we celebrated her second birthday. Her head full of curls, she stole everyone's hearts.

Five years ago today, she turned three. Growing and talking, she had become the best big sister.

Four years ago today, she turned four. She was anxious to enter preschool and learn.

Three years ago today, Catherine turned five. A big milestone. Her puppy named Casper, made the year even better.

Two years ago, she turned six. She started kindergarten and always surprised us with her smarts.

One year ago, Catherine was seven. She completed her first year on swim team, and earned the "Marlin Award" for her kindness, a trait we knew was one of her best.

Today, our girl turns eight. She's completed her second year on swim team and finished first grade with highest marks. She's sweet and sensitive, kind and caring. She's the best big sister to her brother and sisters. She's our special girl.

Happy Birthday Catherine!

The Chuck E. Cheese Adventure

Aunt Julie, seemingly anxious to see the kids, lured us to Katy with promises of a fun day at Chuck E. Cheese, and she would bring Mr. B, Bradyn. Katy is about a 45 minute drive and is the half way point between our house and the Whisnant homestead.

The kids were excited to get started on the games, but in true Mommy-fashion, Julie and I made lunch mandatory before the fun. They willingly ate their pizza and immediately dashed for the circus that is Chuck E. Cheese.


Gregory preferred driving cars and shooting guns. Are we surprised?



Mary Claire loved the bubble game!



Catherine was the queen of winning tickets. She hit a jackpot!



Amelia, while unable to play much, loved looking at the lights and riding the carousel.


Bradyn enjoyed riding the pony and the motorcycles with Gregory.



Aunt Julie even enjoyed some of the games!


For parents, the Chuck E. Cheese headache is a well known, yet much dreaded ailment. As I drove the 45 minutes home, listening to the DVD player running, I remembered why we go there...every kid enjoys that place so darn much!