The National Zoo, and in the Nation, there was sledding.

The National Aquarium.

I have assumed if the word NATIONAL is in a description, it will be good, whatever it is.

NOT the case for the Aquarium. It was small, over priced, and the kids couldn't see very well into the tanks. So, now for my honest opionion....

Really, it was a fun thing to do, once.

The weather, before a few storms has been fantastic! (like in the 50s)

so the kids and I packed a lunch, and headed to the zoo.

This picture reminds me of an old couple, sunning themselves, as they reminisce of the good old days. We found ourselves a sunny bench, and enjoyed lunch.

The zoo was Awesome! The lions had just welcomed 6 new cubs!! They were out, roaring the morning away.

We managed to get to the zoo with everything BUT a spoon for Henrys yogurt.

What to my wondering eyes should appear but a dusty old sucker, in the depths of the diaper bag.

Oh yes, he finished the yogurt that day.

My little poopers.

So proud of this stinker!

So, it snowed, which I am learning is BIG news.

And this picture just makes me chuckle. If you look at Charlies face, its almost as if I told them, (before I took the picture),

Ok Chars, look really sad and depressed about going sledding. Ok, perfect. 1,2,3.

So naturally, we went sledding.

Yes, we adorned our rain boots and levis (and pink gloves for the boys)

The kids had a fun time, and I can't wait to get real snow stuff, and make this party official!

This is why dads go to work. If they don't, nothing gets done.

Work was delayed 2 days this week from the weather, and schools were out by Wednesdays.

I love this arrangement.

And cute little Lucy.

She's having a tea party, with baby betty, hippo and the polar baby.

Oh, and you're invited!

Rate R: contains brief nudity

When you can't get to the fun, bring the fun to you!

The outside slide has re-located (for now) in our dining room.

It HAD to be done!! (photograph Chars undie bod.)

This little cutie, sweet boy, char bars, che, chars, officially begun, and I may say ENDED potty training!

He has rocked the potty world, inside and out!

Lucy, my heavens, I hoped I'd never potty train another child after her.

'sit on the potty and yell like your in labor' was Lucys idea to train.

(it only lasted 3 days, but still, 3 DAYS!)

Chars, just do it!!

He's done!

We are DIAPER FREE! (at least for him)

He mastered this art in just 4 short days!

What I did:

My kids don't have candy (I'm talking not even fruit snacks) so he did get to choose a treat (one mike n'ike, one chocolate chip or one m&m) and he got to choose a sticker for his chart.

Oh, he did have 2 accidents, which he got punished for.

Can I say its been a joy? It has, and well done, well done my son!!!

Are you kidding me? Really!! Cannot get enough!

He chose his undies.

I'm thrilled with his selection, but even more thrilled with his muffin top!

His bum has gotten a lot of squeezes!

Really! Look at those hands!

Chars was up from a nap, and the other were not yet.

Just practicing threading beads onto a toothpick.

A lot can be said about a boy who can thread pink beads onto a tooth pick,

with blue nail polish. Tender little boy I tell ya!

With out my making it official, by the new year, I've got a fresh outlook on life.

I will admit, my home use to be run like a military camp!

There was very little margin for error.

Snacks were under lock and key.

Clean up was ALWAYS done.

There was no tolerance for indecision.

And I'd occasionally not stop what I was doing to give them a squeeze.

NOW:

You may see a child of mine walking around with a cheese string, or pretzel stick.

I will clean up toys after them (on occasion)

When something is dropped on the floor (EVEN if I mopped that day) ww3 will not break out.

Hide and seek has become a favorite.

The phrase 'and thats ok' has been heard a lot at our house.

Crayons, trains and puzzles can be reached at any time.

LIFE IS SO GREAT!

Who would have known that all the things I thought were keeping it together,

really were making things so much more difficult.

I wanted to change.

I needed to change.

My children are my world, and I don't think they knew that.

Rub a dub dub, all my babies in the tub.

It was a slow friday afternoon, and what better to do then soak in a nice warm bubble bath.

(if only we had a HUGE tub, I may have joined them)

Its Wafer time!

The following pictures are depicting the damage done after the consumption of one wafer.

Henry sure knows how to shake his groove thing!

This is how my sweet pea sleeps.

Hands under his cheeks, face in the covers.

Welcome 2011. Welcome rug #1.

We've been wanting a rug for our living room, and VOILA!!! Here she is!

We also got a new one for the den, and we've been having a lot of down time around here!

Still lovin' on baby Betty.

We sure did! The Zoo lights.

Our dress is perhaps misleading.

It was a GORGEOUS, warm evening in the DC valley.

Perhaps we'll forgo the lights next year. The chillins didn't quite get the concept

of: light animals at the zoo, instead of real animals at the zoo.

But as usual, the loved the metro ride in.

Buddy the Elf has come to stay for the new year.

Luce for some reason ate lunch in Henrys chair.

It had been a while since I'd seen her in one, but my goodness, it really has been a while!