Matthew's Conflict Resolution Skills Shine Forth

After an afternoon of frustration (yet another potty-training fiasco), Matthew had spent a good amount of quality time in his bedroom. (I like to make him stay in there for as at least as long as it takes the odor to fade -- today's event required an extensive stay even with the window open.)

Anyhow, he had been testing the boundaries of his confinement by increasing the distance of his trips outside his room. Eventually, he came to me asking if he could join his sisters outside. Here's the conversation that followed:

Me: "Dude, I don't think you've spent enough time in your room."

Matthew: "Mommy," he says in a very serious tone. "I need you to be nice to me."

Me: Looking at him, incredulous.

Matthew: "What you need to do is have a deep, deep, deep breath ... like this." At this point, he patiently demonstrates breathing in through his nose and blowing it out of his mouth.

Matthew: "See Mommy? Have a deep, deep, deep, deep, deep breath ... That will make you feel better," he says encouragingly.

Me: "Wow. Gee, thanks, Matthew."


It's the least he could do, don't you think? Having sent me into a fit of frustrated cursing not 30 minutes before? No wonder he loves Daddy more -- of course, he never poops in his pants on Daddy's watch.

California Adventure part 2

Here's some of our favorite photos of the trip, including lots of fun shots of family members - enjoy!

California Adventure

Our adventure began on Christmas Day -- we left our home that afternoon and after a quick flight, made it to Burbank, California -- where Aunt Hilary and Uncle Greg live. We didn't get to their house until after 9 p.m. (which is 11 p.m. in Texas, way past our bedtime) -- but the party was still going with Poppy, Uncle Rich, Aunt Lene, cousins Stephanie and Amy. Plus, we got to meet our newest family member, Cousin Emma! She was so cute and adorable!

We had a fun, action-filled week, including visits to the La Brea Tar Pits, Disneyland/California Adventure (we stayed from 8:05 a.m. until almost midnight!), the Grove and Farmer's Market (home of the American Girl Store), and a family Christmas celebration with Rita and Bill, Andrew and Bryan, Joann and Hector, Ashley and Kevin, plus the aforementioned family from the first night. What a party!

Elisabeth's favorite part of the trip was Disneyland (particularly Big Thunder Mountain) and the American Girl Store. Catherine's favorite part of the trip was seeing her new cousin Emma and going to Disneyland -- particularly the California Screamin' upside-down coaster at California Adventure. Matthew's favorite part of the trip was the Rocket Ride at Disneyland and eating in a train car at Carney's restaurant. Mommy's favorite part of the trip was Cousin Emma, who she claims as her own child, and mommy and daddy loved experiencing Disneyland with the kids, particularly Matthew, since it was his first trip there. And let's not forget the food -- the Leones are all about the food -- including an incredible funnel cake at Farmer's Market!