Newts & more

The girls had so much fun at the newt pond that we went back the next day with Grandpa & Grandma.

The new day brought new adventures because Grandpa didn't stop with just the newts, we got to hold frogs,

and snakes too!

Newt pond

There's a pond off a forest service road just north of town where you can find rough-skinned newts every spring. We haven't been there in quite a while, but we went today to check them out again. After a little introduction from dad, the girls couldn't get enough of them.

I am often surprised with Annikka's willingness to jump right into things like this (i.e. messy, slimy things), I'm not sure that I was so daring when I was little.

This was Eila's first time get to see or hold anything like this; her smiles and giggles were endless.

Annikka started out as the newt catcher, but it didn't take long for Eila to realize that she could do it too.

They were very sad when it was time to go, so we'll have to make another trip out before the newts are gone (I don't know where they go, I just know this is the time of year we find them).

Summer weather

This week has been finally giving us some summer weather. We've enjoyed evening walks over to the park to play before bed.

Looking forward to many more days like this!

Promoted to pull-ups

Eila has been doing well trying to use the toilet this week, so this morning she went to school in pull-ups.

She was incredibly proud. And she had a great day, used the toilet twice and stayed dry in between. So she was rewarded with a prize out of the treasure box in YPS.

She was so excited to tell us about the ring she got.

GUM!

We have been searching, and searching, and searching for the reward that Eila would find exciting enough to get her to use the toilet.  The allure of gum, something only big sister Annikka could enjoy, might be our answer. Tonight after dinner, she announced she wanted to sit on the toilet, with the ipad, and poop so she could get a piece of gum.



It worked! Fingers crossed that it can work again tomorrow, and again, and again ... I'm so ready to be done with diapers.

Bedtime snack

Annikka's school had a Krispy Kreme fundraiser, so the girls got to enjoy a special bedtime snack.

Another cousin!

Today Rachel & Jerod welcomed Lydia Janette to our family.  She's 8 lbs. 6 oz and 21" long, with irresistible cheeks.

Tomorrow she gets to meet her big sister Ruthie. And we will get to meet her in June. :)

Eila's monkeys

Eila (and Annikka) loves to eat black olives, after she's arranged them on her fingers.  Eating them involves singing this song ...