Update

Well, there are no pictures to post, but I thought I'd post an update on the kiddos. Will has really taken off in his reading. He's reading books right and left these days. We're mostly on one, two, and three letter words right now and we've stuck to short vowels and basic sight words. Mom sent up a ton of early reader books that are perfect for him and he's been reading them a lot. He's starting to try and read everything, so I might have to move on to blends (according to mom - the master Kindergarten teacher). I guess after I teach consonant blends, we'll move on to long vowels. His coloring and writing has improved and he can write some words. I asked him to write "cat" yesterday and he sounded it out and wrote it. He's starting to color in the lines (whew!) and he'll draw objects, too. He LOVES to go to school and he's made some excellent friends this year. His teachers are wonderful and they've really worked hard on developing his weaker areas.

Lauren has mastered the potty - well, I wouldn't say "mastered" but she's well on her way. I started potty training her back around Christmas (which was not a good time....) and we stopped. It was too busy of a time and she just wasn't ready. About two weeks ago, Lauren told me, "No more diapers, Mommy." Well, I was a little shocked because I had just bought a giant box of diapers the day before, but I decided to give it a whirl. She's been doing great. We still have accidents (daily), but she gets most of it in the potty. She doesn't like public restrooms, but really, who does? It's so exciting to have no more diapers in the house (except for bedtime) and I feel like I'm moving toward easier days.

We're really looking forward to this summer! We're going to get a pool pass and spend as many days at the pool as possible! I've passed on the pool passes the past couple of years because Lauren was so small and Will isn't the best at being independent. I feel we're all ready for the challenge of the pool this year and I'm so excited! We visited the park on Tuesday with Will's buddy Michael, and the kids had a great time playing. It's nice to see them become independent and it's so much easier for me! We packed a lunch and just ate and played for 2 hours. The only reason why we had to go home was because the public restrooms aren't open yet and I knew Lauren needed to use the potty (though, I'm not sure she would have used the public potty anyway...).

Trampoline and Tumbling Class

Well, we signed Will up for Trampoline and Tumbling 101 at our local gymnastics gym (where Lauren takes her classes) a month ago and I'm just now getting around to taking pictures of his class. I've taken some pictures on my phone and posted them to my facebook account, but I just haven't blogged about it!
He loves trampoline time! There are 4-6 kids in his class (depending on sicknesses and other make-up classes) and there are only 2 kids on the trampolines at a time (they have two separate trampolines that are in the floor). Will is usually first (not sure why.... maybe he runs and gets there first) and he works on his different jumps - straight, pike, tuck, and straddle. Then he gets to go play in the giant foam pit and go down the giant slide (FUN). He then goes back to the trampoline and does his turns, seat drops, and other more difficult jumps. Today he did a forward roll into the pit from the side (kinda like a flip!). Way to go buddy! When they learn "new" things they get to go ring a big cow bell and everyone stops what they're doing and claps for them. He's done that twice now - for his forward roll and his flip into the pit!

After trampoline time they do the double mini (video). They run and do three jumps and then jump off. He is actually pretty good at this. Most of the girls jump somewhere from 6-12 times on the mini - he usually does the three! He really likes the double mini. It reminds me of the triple jump from track and field. I always enjoyed the long jump during my track and field days!

Next is stretching and floor. I get tickled when I see him stretch and do his straddle. His legs are so thin and bony and he just isn't flexible. It's really cute to watch him out there with all those girls..... there are other boys that do this class, by the way, they're just not in his class. He has mastered the forward roll and his cartwheels looked great today (with help from his teacher, of course). He's really learned a lot in class and he really enjoys going every week. It's a lot of fun and a lot of great exercise during these cold months. Isn't he so cute - his legs all bent and he's trying to touch his toes.....He's been practicing his bridge at home. I think this picture was taken just before he fell over....

Ms. Jenny came to help. She really pushes him to do things on his own. She'll help, but then she makes him always try on his own. She is great!