Awesome Park in Lakeland!

Matt has been wanting to take Rachel and I out to this park in Lakeland that he claimed was really neat. I was thinking that it would be bigger and nicer than the ones in our area, but I had no idea it would be so cool. I would describe it as a mini-theme park for a wide age range that you could spend hours at. There were so many different things to do and it never felt crowded even though there were a lot of people. The place was so nicely landscaped, had fake grass or that rubbery kind of floor that was a little bouncy. There was no mulch or dirt, so she actually stayed clean. I really wish we had a park like this around here.

Halloween and other fun stuff!

Starting off with this awesome car Katie and Josiah got to borrow:

We went out to eat and down the highway and Katie and I decided that it was enough because our hair was so tangled after that. It was one of those cars where you were kind of afraid to do anything because it was so nice and not yours.

Trunk or treat at Bell Shoals: Rachel (Tinkerbell) liked the candy a lot, but some of the lines were really slow going. She really preferred to dance when the music was on.






Bathroom Progress! My shower curtain is finally up and I still like it just as much as the day I bought it!










I just love going to Kirkland's these days and I got this decoration with another place in mind. However it didn't work there and I just liked it so much that I found somewhere else instead of taking it back.


This wall used to have this outdated, dusty shelf on it and I got Matt to help me take it down. I have plans to build a new shelf, something simple and modern looking. However, I lack those wood working skills so it might take me a while to actually get one up there. I did buy some wall art for this area, which are pictured below. Hanging them is going to require some extra help, including Matt and a few ladders. I have gotten really good at hanging all my decorations and shelving now that I know how to use a drill. Unfortunately, there are still some things I cannot do by myself.


Rachel is doing great and I would consider it day time potty trained. She still has to wear a diaper at night, but it is less wet each week, so I think we will be there soon. We are currently working on her table manners and not making such a mess at meal time. Who knew that kids could be so much work? On that note, I cannot wait for my little mini vacation to Chicago in a few weeks and a chance to see some family. School is going well and we only have 5 more weeks left! Matt and I have talked about going camping at Disney and then using up another one of our days. November is looking kind of full though, so we shall see.

Busch Gardens & Bok Tower

Lauren and I took the girls to Busch Gardens last week when it was still hot and they could go in the water area. They are now tall enough to ride the little log flume and probably some others around the park.







The next day, my parents and I took Rachel to Bok Gardens for their Octoberfest. They were offering free admission and we had never seen this past so crowded. They had many plant and local vendors set up and we got a few things. Mom and Dad got Rachel's face painted like a butterfly. She sat pretty still and thought it was so cool, especially when she got to look in the mirror. We brought some bread to feed the big fish and ate some yummy, greasy food!














I had been struggling a little with potty training because she just wouldn't tell me when she needed to go, so I was making all the effort. My parents said that we could let her pick out some big girl panties after Bok Garden and I kept reminding her that if she didn't go in her diaper we would pick some out. I took her often, but she kept the diaper dry. She picked out a package of Minnie & Daisy and a package of Dora. She immediately stripped off her diaper and pants and wanted to wear them. She did okay in them, but still had many accidents, even the next day at church. I really worked with her on Monday and Tuesday about keeping her panties clean and dry and I think she is finally getting it. I am nervous to let her wear them at church again or when I am dropping her off, but she has been telling us when she needs to go or if you ask her, she will actually say yes. We had accidents yesterday or today (so far) and she even told the ladies at the gym she needed to go potty! I was one happy mama when they told me that. She has no accidents at naptime, but we are a long ways from getting out of diapers at night. Overall, she has made great progress this week and I am so proud of her. Can't you tell?

I got this scooter for her at a garage sale for $3. We have been keeping it on the front porch, but when the wall texture people came to do some work, we brought it inside. They texturing the front porch ceiling, some spots in the house and both bathrooms! I was able to paint both bathrooms, hang the towel bars, toilet paper holders, and decorations and Matt put in our toilet! He is supposed to tile the shower this Monday, so I will put some pictures of the progress next week. It is looking really great!