Hallelujah, we have big girl underwear!!!

I have waited a verrrry long time to post this but after a whole week with only one accident, I can now officially declare my Hannah "potty-trained" and somewhat ready for preschool!  Whew, that is a load off my mind.  I can make no claim toward this achievement as Hannah made a sudden decision in the midst of a DOUBLE ear infection last week.  Now, if it were me, I think I'd be a little more prone to wetting my pants if both of my ears were infected and I felt really cruddy but my Hannah continues to surprise and amaze!  I do think that I will hold off on dropping her at school until summer but I am looking forward to some precious free time in 3 more months.  We're all very impatient for warmer weather now that April is almost here but the gals had a blast hunting for eggs at Riley's friend Olivia's house yesterday even in the chilly rain.  I am very excited for spring to arrive with our first Easter in the new house, soccer and playtime at the Tots Park!  Oh - in other big news - Riley is getting orthodontic work done to prepare her upper jaw for future braces.  She's taking it well considering the ban on gum, taffy and all sticky candy right before Easter.  The best part is that it's all happening on the roof of her mouth, so her smile will look the same for now.  Riley also got a no cavities report from the dentist today and an amazingly wonderful report card on Wednesday!  Her teacher tells us that she's reading at a mid-third grade level and is doing so well that she's practically ready for 4th grade!!  We are beyond proud of our kids this week.  Life is good.

PARTY TIME!

The new house has officially been broken in for parties and we certainly started things off with a bang.  Hannah's 3rd Birthday Party was a great success and we hope to have many many more parties in our new home!  All of the kids had a blast and it was really nice to have so much room to entertain for a change.  Rob and I both marveled at how much easier the process was.  Riley had so much fun that she has already sent out invitations for her birthday party in April!  Everyone was beyond generous not only with housewarming gifts and presents for the birthday girl but also with helping to set up and clean up the food!!  We can't thank you all enough!  We've been waiting a long time to be able to throw the kind of party we've always wanted to and it's so satisfying to finally have done it.  Here's to many more!!