Ti Ti - Kynzie
Kynzie saying her name

Momma, these pants are choking my belly! Maddie

4th of July

I painted Kynzie's little fingernails red white and blue!

This was a fun 4th because it was the first year that I think our girls really enjoyed it and the fireworks. We went to the parade at noon and then had a picnic lunch at the park. That evening we went over to some friends house that had the PERFECT view of the city's firework show. I was little nervous as to how the girls would do with them. I was so proud of them, they both did really well. They weren't scared at all. I thought we would have to hold them in our lap during the show but Maddie was off playing with her friend the whole time and they really didn't phase her. McKynzie sat in my lap the whole time but not because whe was scared. I think she was getting sick. She felt really warm and ended up running a temperature all day on Sunday. Anyways, they did excellent with the fireworks and when we got home that night we even popped off more in our driveway.

This is Maddie watching fireworks in our driveway at about midnight when we got home from our friends house. The ONE night of the year we let her stay up late.

Aquatic Center

I didn't have to work on Friday so we went to the aquatic center for the first time this summer. The girls had a blast! We started off in the spray park area so the girls could get used to the water. Maddie is getting more brave in the water and both girls loved the big slides and lazy river. I didn't get any pictures of the girls doing these but I did take a couple of them at the spray park and in the main swimming area.

Putting sunscreen on!

Playing on the aligator

Having fun in the spray park

Potty Training

This is the proud little face of a potty trainer! I decided that since I had Friday off that I would start the potty training process and try and hit it hard for the three day weekend. Friday morning, we woke up and put the pull up on and the process began. This picture was taken that morning. She did really great all morning until she had to poop. I was getting ready and her and Maddie were playing in Maddie's room when all of a sudden I hear Maddie starting yelling at her, "NOOOO Kynzie you need to poop in the potty!" I ran in there and grabbed her but it was too late, the deed had been done! We then again put a new pull up on and started over. Things were going well again and then I needed to run out to my summer camps and check on them. Matt was helping a friend move so I had to take the girls with me. Well.... there went the potty training. After we got home it was lunch and naptime and then as soon as Kynzie woke up we all went out to the aquatic center for the rest of the afternoon. Who knows what she did out there :) ha ha!! As soon as we got home, we changed and headed to the gym to watch the MAYBE basketball games that night. She actually did do pretty good at the gym because I think she was bored so going to the bathroom was something to do. She went three times while we were there and once at the restaurant after the games. Saturday was just as busy for us. We were in and out all day long so it was hit and miss with her. Just when I think she's not ready and I'm ready to give up, she will just come up to me and say "potty" and I'll take her and she'll go! So, we'll see how this process goes. I think it will be a longer process than it was with Maddie. When we decided to train Maddie, it took 2-3 days and she was DONE! We might do a more passive approach with Kynzie.

*UPDATE* Matt is at home with Kynzie today and he has been giving me the play by play through text messages all morning. His first text said that Kynze came to him and said "potty" and her diaper was still dry and she went and sat on the potty and went. The second text was the same thing. She still had a dry diaper and she said she had to go potty and she went again!! That's not fair, I try all weekend with her and then Monday morning Matt is just having the best experience with it. I told him that he needs to be the one to train her from now on! We'll keep you updated.

Maddie's 1st Fish

Maddie got a really cute pink fishing pole for her birthday and last week Matt decided to take her fishing at the pond by our house. They went to Wal Mart and bought worms and some snacks for them and headed to the pond. They got all set up in their chairs and were having a great time. Matt showed Maddie how to put the worms on the hook and cast the pole in the water. After about 20 minutes they had a bite! Matt realed the fish in and got it on the dock. The only thing Maddie could talk about was the bleed (how she says blood) that was coming from his mouth. Matt said it was a pretty good size catfish. Matt asked Maddie if she wanted to touch it and she was going to and then it started flopping around and scared her so Matt ended up just throwing it back in. I really wish Matt would have gotten a picture but I was at work so once again no pictures were taken.

Katie's Baby Shower

We had a fun time last weekend. The girls and I made the long trip alone again. They did really great in the van this time. No crying during either trip. They really are getting older and starting to travel much better. It was good seeing everyone. We stayed with Coco and Grandma Brenda on Friday night and then went to Kadie's shower on Saturday. Maddie was sooo excited for the "shower" of Katie's that we were going to. I kept wondering what she really thought was going to happen at this "shower." Well.... we got there and she had to go potty so I took her into the bathroom and while we were in there we heard a noise that sounded like running water. All of a sudden, Maddie got really excited and said "Momma, is THAT Katie's shower?" Ha ha, it was so cute. Kids are so literal.

After the shower we headed for Grandma Debbie's and Grandpa Joe's house. We pulled in to a huge surprise. Aunt Tammy and Uncle Monty had borrowed a huge water slide from some friends and had it all set up for the girls. I wish I would have had my camera to see their faces and to take pictures of Maddie going down it. It took Maddie about 5 mins. to go get her swimsuit on and get back outside to go down the slide! I'd say she went about 50 times before she got too cold and it started raining on us. Kynzie was perfectly happy to just splash around in the baby pool. Hunter came over and joined the girls for the evening.

Sunday we visited Grandma and Grandpa Castaneda and ate some fried chicken at the club. We headed back for Emporia around 2 pm and had a perfect ride home.

Oh yeah for those of you who knew, Matt stayed home because he was showing our house for the second time to a couple who was really interested in buying it. They ended up loving it and making an offer on it the next day but it was just too low. They are trying to downsize in price from the house they are in now and our house was at the top of their price range. They just couldn't come up anymore and we won't go down on ours anymore so it looks like we won't be moving. We are okay with that though.

On Tuesday, Matt was offered that online teaching position that he applied for. He has had to go through 3 grueling phone interviews (he hates talking on the phone). And on Tuesday the principal called and offered him the position. He will still keep his current job here at the Middle School. This will just be a supplemental job that is all online. This will mean quite a bit more money for us so it will be nice to have the extra money each month. :)