Spring Has Sprung

The weather recently has been beautiful!  We are taking full advantage and playing outside as much as we can.  This morning Eli immediately wanted to go outside.  I didn't really pay much attention to what he was wearing (I was busy enjoying coffee and the Today show) but he kept insisting on going outside.

"Eli, you can't go outside without shoes."

"Okay, Mommy"... and he takes off running to his room.

This is how he comes back.  Pajama top, boxer briefs and black converse.  No socks.  And no pants.  He thought he was ready to go outside! 

Eli spent most of the morning and afternoon in the back yard.

And of course he wanted his best buddy, Jigs, outside with him.

Poor Jigs.  He's so good with Eli.  He lets him do whatever!

The other day we played in the front yard.  This is Eli's favorite thing to do outside... dig in the dirt with his tractors and dump trucks!

He always takes a break from digging to ride his bike.

I'm already dreading the days when it's too hot to go outside.  If it's this hot this early I'm afraid it's going to be a terribly hot summer!



3 Weeks Later

I know it's been 3 weeks since my last post.

Whatever.  I'm updating the blog now!

I really don't get on the computer near as often as I used to.  I usually use my phone to check email, facebook and twitter.  BTW, I have a twitter account now (follow me, @evans_keri.  I only have like 8 followers.  Sad.)  I'm still trying to figure it out.  There are a lot of symbols!

I hardly take pictures anymore.  I just don't feel like we have anything important going on and Eli usually runs from me when I have a camera in my hand.  Plus our point and shoot camera has died.  But don't worry!  I fixed that problem today!  I got a new camera!  I think I'm a little addicted to cameras. HA!  I like to have a nice camera (my DSLR) and a small point and shoot I can throw in my purse/pocket and take anywhere.  We are going to Florida with Chad's brother and SIL and their kids in a few short weeks.  I knew I wouldn't want to lug my big camera everywhere so I HAD to have a new one!  Wink, wink!  I love new electronics as much as any guy.  This is what I bought....

And yes, I got the blue one.  It was on sale.  I really didn't care what color it was!

Just for old time sake, these pictures are from my old point and shoot.  They were taken a couple days ago.  I will miss that camera.  It was one of my favorite cameras I've ever owned!

I couldn't believe Eli actually smiled for the camera!

And these are with my new camera!  Eli wasn't around so the dogs were my models ;)

They were thrilled.  Can't you tell?

Eli liked the blue color.  He said "mommy, I like the blue camera.  It's my favorite."  Everything is his favorite thing these days!

He actually wanted to smile and pose for the camera!

Maybe I should paint my other camera blue?

Why is Eli standing on an elliptical you ask?  That's because we just bought one!  He likes to pretend he's "exercising".  He must get that from his daddy and not his momma!  Anyway, we've talked about buying an elliptical for a long time.  I've been following this blog I found on pinterest.  This woman is hilarious!  She tells it like it is and she's very motivating.  I don't see how she does it.  She's a wife, mother of two very young kids, works full time, and she's training for a half marathon.  Whew, she makes me tired just thinking of her busy schedule.  But then I think, if she can do it so can I!  No, I'm not going to try to run a half marathon.  But I will start using our new elliptical.  Actually I started today.  My legs are already sore!  But I will work through the soreness!

I had to add this picture.  Josey has gotten so much better with Eli!  He used to not let Eli come anywhere close to him.  Now he will let him pet him for a short time.  

Okay, time for the news then bed!

Good night, all!

Snow Day

Remember I told you we were supposed to get snow?  Well we did!  And as promised I have some snow pictures.  We only got maybe 2 inches.  Nothing big.  But it was enough to play in and build a snowman!  I decided to let Eli go out early this morning to get it over with.  That sounded bad, I know.  I just wasn't looking forward to the freezing cold, wet clothes and fight when it was time to come inside.  Plus we were forcasted to have the snow turn to rain in the afternoon so I knew it would mostly be gone by then.

Eli finally got some use out of the snow bibs, snow boots and gloves I bought him this year.  It's been so warm this winter he's hardly even worn a hat! 

He was SUPER excited to go outside and play in the snow!

He loved trying to throw the snow on me with the shovel.

He loves that lawnmower.

Eli would hardly look at me while we were outside because he knew I had the camera trying to take pictures.  This is the only picture I was able to get with him looking.  Maybe next time.

 

The only way I could get Eli inside was to promise hot chocolate.  It was tasty if I don't say so myself!  And he insisted on using the "cup with the owl".  Smart boy!

Trying to eat the whipped cream

 What a cute face!

 

Next we made Valentine's cookies to take to his friends tomorrow.



This was the first time we've made cookies using cookie cutters.

He was so proud of them!

And it was the first time we've made cookies he was able to decorate.  Can we say double excited?!

I think he ate more sprinkles than went on the cookies.

We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with toys and watching cartoons.

What a great snow day!

I hope we get another one soon!

Big Boy Stuff

Guess what!

We have a big boy in our house now!  Eli is 100% potty trained!  Wooooooo hooooooo!!!

Chad and I just set our minds to it and worked hard at it.  Actually it wasn't hard at all.  I really think Eli was ready.  And a little bribery never hurt anyone ;)

We used the reward system to encourage him to go to the potty.  Worked like a charm!  Each time he pee peed in the potty he got to pick one treat.  I was really worried about the other.  The last (and only) time he pooped in the potty he immediately threw up after seeing it!  Poor baby has a weak gag reflex!  I promised him two treats and a trip to somewhere fun if he pooped in the potty.  One week later he was completely potty trained!  Big boy pants only in this house (except for night time when he wears pull ups)!  I don't even think he needs the pull ups, he is waking us up in the middle of the night needing to go pee pee!  I'm using the pull ups for a little while longer just to make sure we are in the clear.

He picked glow sticks AND a sucker after pooping!

He's so proud of his new underoos!

We went to Fun City (Springdale's version of Chuck E Cheese for you out-of-towners) for his reward for being completely potty trained!

This was a cute little roller coaster ride he had the best time riding!

This weekend we laid low and tried to stay warm.

Where did it go?

I think they were looking for a ball Eli threw under the couch.

Eli finally smiled for the camera!  Yay!

This is rare these days.

On Saturday we went to the Razorback basketball game.  Eli loves going.  I think he may like the food the most but I'm sure one day he will enjoy watching the game just as much as his daddy.

These are a few pictures from tonight.  Eli was in a great mood, playing with the dogs (nicely I might add, a daily struggle in our house) and his toys.  Josey (our dachshund) doesn't normally care for Eli.  He's afraid of him and who can blame him!  Eli's loud and rambunctious!  Tonight Josey was actually letting Eli pet him and give him hugs.  Eli says to him, "Josey, I'm so proud of you" and "Josey, I love you".  It made me smile :)

Eli was being a little modest.

I love this little sweet face more than anything!

Showing off Diego!  I love that little booty of his!

 Maybe tomorrow I will have snow pictures to share?!!!?  Eli and I are so excited about the snow that is coming tonight! I hope it snows a foot! He wanted to watch Frosty the Snowman tonight before bed ;) And he kept talking about building a snowman. We can't wait for the morning! There better be snow on the ground!

Until then...