Andrew's Birthday

Andrew's birthday is two days after Christmas and we are working hard to keep the events separate. I am told by those whose birthday is that close that their birthday is often lost in the shuffle. Andrew's requests for his birthday was a cake that he promised to share with Aaron and a balloon. Oh to be so easily pleased. Well for his birthday we went with Bradley and Philip to Burger King to play. Yes they did eat but it was all about playing. They had a great time and played almost 2 hours. That evening we had the official birthday party. We had the balloons and cake. I would say his to favorite presents is a pair of shoes that light up and his toy computer and his Korean Pororo movies. This of course is after the balloons which have just today died. So we got good mileage out of them. Lots of fun had by all.

Christmas

This year for the first time in several years we were able to go North Carolina for actual Christmas. It was a beautiful time and it was warmer than home and that is always a bonus when it hasn't been above freezing in several weeks. Our Christmas in North Carolina included a Christmas Eve party that Perry mom cooked and cooked for and the food was great. The boys enjoyed meeting new people. We also enjoyed a visit to the farm. The day before Andrew had gone to see the cows. We were showered by presents. In the Barbee tradition they looked for the toys with most noise and as many pieces as possible. I understand that Perry had some loud annoying toys as a child. Or at least this the story I am getting.

Grandpa made the boys eggs every morning which they love and there was much fun had by all.

We eventually came home and on Monday night we had Christmas with Mom and Dad and Uncle Jim and Aunt Cindi and Uncle Gabe. Aunt Cindi made an amazing feast and presents were again opened. Perry and I have decided next year we are just buying balloons. Fun and a good time were had by all. And even with all the craziness Andrew could tell you it was Jesus' birthday and the basics of the Christmas story. Aaron thinks it is a second birthday. We'll give him another year.

Florida part 3

This was the major purchase from Disney. We figured that they would only last a few days. Andrew's balloon met a fan and had an early demise but Aaron was still going strong when we left. They love balloons. We went and saw these ice sculptures. I liked it but with two boys you don't get to stop slow down and enjoy it. It was pretty amazing and they had an ice nativity.

Andrew enjoyed the ice slide.

Their favorite thing there though was the train set they had. They watched it for a good 10 minutes.

We ended our week with church in Kissimee. Aunt Jan came to visit several evenings and spent Sabbath with us. It was good to see her and the boys enjoyed spending time with Aunt Jan.

Florida part 2

Well it is hard to go to Orlando without spending a day at one of the disney parks so Wednesday was the big day. And it was a big day. The boys enjoyed it but it was quite trying and a little overwhelming. Aunt Cindi came along on this day's adventure. Aaron wanted a picture with the duck. Andrew was not intrested at all. We enjoyed rides and shows. Andrew wanted to ride in the car but didn't want to drive. Most of the time he wants to drive. Go figure.

We rode the classic dumbo ride also enjoyed several different shows. We tried to get a reservation at a resturant but they were all booked already. So going in and getting a reservation didn't work out. Note to self schedule that ahead of time.

One of the biggest hits was buzz lightyear and the ride that went with him.

We ended the night by seeing the lights but not staying for the fireworks. Us and the boys were done.

Florida trip Part 1

Mom got a great deal on a place to stay in Florida so Dec 6 through the 13th we escaped south to get warm. We left with almost a foot of snow on the ground. So it didn't hurt our feeling any to go south. Perry got delayed to due to mechanical problems so we began our adventure at Blue Springs State park. I didn't get any pictures but we enjoyed seeing the manatee. They come up the river to the warm water in the winter. The boys enjoyed looking for them and Andrew enjoyed trying to follow one down the river. They also enjoyed the little playground. I should mention on our arrival Grandpop took the boys for several hours to play and ride the swan boats. Once Perry arrived they went up to the Sanford zoo. I stayed behind due to a sprained ankle but here are some pictures from the adventure. The boys had a great time and came back to tell mommy all about it.

Mom said they had one of the best reptile exhibits she had ever seen and the boys that it was fun to see all the animals.

Aaron spent a lot of this trip up on grandpop's shoulders. It will be a sad day when he is too heavy.

Isn't he cute.

They enjoyed a train ride around the park and enjoyed looking for names of people on the donor bricks. A good time was had by all.

Chopsticks

We had been wanting to get trainer chopsticks for Andrew because this is a skill he had not quite mastered before leaving Korea and we think it is worth trying to learn. So Sam ordered us up some and they are great. Even Aaron has a pair along with Mom and Dad. We were picking up little legos as practice which was lots of fun. Andrew is always looking for excuses to use them. Thanks Sam.

The Truth

This post is for Ellen. She was talking about potty training and it made me realize that I usually only put our success up on this blog. So here is the truth about my potty training experience with Aaron. It should be noted that we are by no means completely potty trained here. I was blessed I have only had to potty train one. Andrew is potty trained.

Aaron has shown interest in the potty on several occasions and we tried the straight pull up thing for one large bag and he wasn't any closer. Decided this was expensive and backed off. Aaron again showed interest tried the pull up again about half way through the bag decided to do the underwear thing. First couple of days the laundry ran none stop. I wondered if he would ever get it. Then we began have success with the pee part but had to take him or there would be an accident. He became even more successful when he decided one day that he wanted to pee like Andrew and Dad. This actually made my life easier because when he would sit on the potty sometimes the pee would go between the toilet and the seat and we would end up wet anyway. Big moment about two weeks ago he walked into the bathroom shut the door took off his pajamas and his night diaper and climbed up and went pee all without mom. He did hit the toilet so I am not arguing. Now half the time he wants to shut the door and do it himself. The truth is we still have 3 or 4 accidents a week. Tends to be in the evening when mom is less diligent to have him go.

The unga(pooh) thing remained a mystery to Aaron. He would tell me after he went but not before. The few times he did go he was excited to make snakes but wasn't sure how to do it regularly. He would make balls in his underwear and then tell me he had gone. He didn't want to sit on the toilet to try to make unga and couldn't understand why he couldn't stand. So we would have him stand and then sit for about a minute. No luck I was convinced I would be putting unga in the toiled forever and washing underwear once a day. Then at Christmas he started asking to go unga and has been ever since. The only accidents we have had was when his stool was runny.

The whole truth.
I use pull ups on very long trips - it caused a regression on the Florida trip(like three clothes changes in a day regression) but not the trip to Wisconsin(we did have two accidents in underwear and two in pull ups). One accident was brought on by too much laughing I can live with that.
I carry a change of clothes.
I am confident to go to the store and swimming with Aaron in underwear.
He doesn't wear pull ups during nap but does at night.
We still have 3 to 4 accidents a week.
Perry prefers he wear pull ups when he is with him - so I don't fight him and I warn him if Aaron has real underwear on.
I feel like we have come amazingly far but there is a ways to go but I am content.

So that is the truth.