First Day Back at Solid Rock Preschool/MDO

Today was the boys first day back to Solid Rock Preschool/Moms Day Out (MDO). Both boys (and mom) had a great first day back! The only tears shed were from Bransen on the way to school saying he was staying with mommy, mommy as Bransen said that, and Brayden after school telling me that several of his friends from last year were in a different class (because they are going 3 days and he only 2). I would say we all did pretty good for those to be our only tears. Their teachers all said they had a really good day. Brayden's Giraffe teachers said he was a great student. Bransen's teachers said he loved recess and chapel and only cried when they asked him to leave his bear(his dede, blue lovey) in the classroom. Bransen even slept on the nap mat for them! Mom went 90 miles an hour trying to make the most of the 5 hours that flew by. We enjoyed an after school treat at Chill Frozen Yogurt celebrating our great first day back!

 Last Year before Kindergarten (wow that is hard to believe)

 Our good friends The Bollman's (Alex and Ty)

 Brayden's Buddy Brady

 Bransen in the Bunny Class

 Bransen's Buddy Jackson

 Brayden in the Giraffe Class

 Jumping right in between his two friends from last year Brady and Shelby

 Brayden's Giraffe class teachers

 Bransen's Bunny Class Teachers, but instead of Miss Carmen he has Miss Pam

 Not sure if you can tell but Mommy got a much needed haircut today which included some bangs.

The Lion King at the Fabulous Fox and Dinner at the Hill

Tuesday was Josh's birthday and Kids night at the Fox Theater. Josh and I had seen many months ago that The Lion King would be in St Louis. I have always wanted to see this Broadway show. I looked up the show times and found out that on Josh's actual birthday would be a Kids Night with a free kids ticket to The Lion King. We decided we would get tickets to celebrate Josh's and my birthday and have a special date night with just Brayden. We had such a wonderful evening together! Brayden acted so grown and really enjoyed his time with us by himself. We had dinner at Cunetto's House of Past on The Hill (the famous Italian District in St. Louis). We then went early to check out the Fox we have heard about since moving to St. Louis. It is an absolutely gorgeous theater that all should see. The Lion King was the most amazing show I have ever seen. The opening act brought chills and tears as I watched an listened. Brayden did wonderful and sat and watched the entire 2 1/2 hour play without any issues. We didn't get home until midnight and he talked about the show most of the way home. Very thankful for the opportunity to see this show and have such a special evening with my husband and grown up little boy!

 My little King

Little Gymnasts

Our MOPS group got to have a playdate at a local gymnastics facility. My boys LOVED it! They ran nonstop for an hour from one station to the next with huge smiles on their faces. One of the ladies that was working asked if I had them in gymnastics anywhere. I told them I did not but was looking into it. She was impressed by both of their natural ability. I am hoping to get them both signed up to try a class this fall. My little monkeys might just be little gymnast or maybe just wild active boys that are brave enough to climb on and try different pieces of equipment without hesitation. I only got a few shots of them playing, they were way to quick for me and I felt I needed to make sure they were both save rather than take pictures.

My Baby Boy's no longer a Baby

Bransen had a big week last week! He had two major changes take place which led momma feeling like he was no longer a baby but a little boy. Many mixed emotions felt as we converted his baby bed (which was also Brayden's baby bed) into a toddler bed. He looks like such a big boy in the bed. We have been putting this decision off for quite some time. This little stinker and acrobat has been finding ways to get out of his bed since he was 9 months old. We had done all we could to keep him in his crib but nothing seemed to work anymore and we found ourselves going back and forth about converting the bed. He has done much better than expected with the new bed. The first week was all about testing his limits but we found out he does much better if the door is left cracked open and he knows he is not allowed out of his room. 

Last week we also decided to potty train which means no more diapers in this house. I was not all on board for this decision knowing how difficult potty training can be. I also knew Brayden was way too easy and knew more than likely Bransen wouldn't be the same way. Brayden went straight into underwear with no pullups and hardly ever had accidents at night. I knew this was not going to be the same for Bransen. He still has to have his cup of milk right before bed and I'm not ready to make that change too. Bransen had started taking off his diapers, trying to go potty by himself and initiated this whole thing. Josh told me I better get on board before it was too late. So last week we went full force and I can now say this week it was worth it. He has finally gotten the hang of it and does really well as long as we are home. It does great without any pants on but when underwear or a pull up are on he still sometimes forgets. I'm ok with that! His treat has been M&M's and he lets you know every time he pees he gets 2 M&M's which has to include 1 blue, funny little guy. The best news yet about his potty training is he hasn't had a #2 accident yet! 

Very proud of my baby boy Bransen Ron! 

 Doesn't he look so big in his new bed

 Finally after a rough fight at naptime he fell asleep. Notice his bed full of books and a baby he is cuddling with, so funny. Also notice his pull up!

And after 2 hours here is how I found him. Guess he chose the floor over his bed. Oh well, stayed in his room, right!