We're still here.

I'm sure everybody's wondering where we've been.  Two words: potty training.  OK, maybe that doesn't really mean anything special, so how about three words: potty training twins.  Still not impressed? How about four words: potty training twin boys.  Never fear, we are trained . . . for the most part.  Since the boys still don't feel the need to talk, I have to interpret grunts.  Sometimes the "I've gotta go" grunt sounds very similar to the "I want what he has" grunt.  If I'm right there with them it is easy because the grunt always accompanies the hand holding the privates stance.  However, if I'm in another room, not so easy.  Probably more of a visual than you needed this morning.  Since I always seem to stir up some kind of "incident" here is what we concocted yesterday.  We (kids and I) went to run errands for Ben's Birthday and to find backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. for school.  We stopped at Target and, after a lengthy process of getting the kids out of the car(if you don't understand, take Ally and the boys out someplace) we had a decent shopping experience.  We dropped by Mom's house for some leftover hamburgers and hotdogs and let the kids hang out a little.  We left(and should have gone home for naps) and went over to Bridge Street.  We walked  around a little and then decided everybody was hot and maybe a little cranky, so we headed to Barnes and Noble.  The girls headed to the kids area and after a quick review of the Goode safety policy concerning strangers, I went to get a drink.  I got a Venti(large) Strawberries and Creme Frappacino.  It was so good.  The boys and I made our way back to the Thomas train play area and Joshua needed to go potty.  Hayden watched Caleb and we went and came back.  While we had been out looking around at the stores, some workers gave us 4 water bottles.  I didn't realize it until our trip to the potty, but Joshua had dumped half of his down his back and his wet shorts and underwear were bothering him.  So back at the stroller, I decided to change his clothes.  I set the Venti drink on the arm of a chair close to us and began stripping Joshua.  In the middle of getting his clothes on, he fell a little and I slung my arm out to catch him and knocked the Venti drink all over the floor.  I asked Hayden to run to the potty and get some paper towels.  Not sure what went through her mind at this point but she returned with 2 paper towels.  Maybe she didn't see the whole spill or maybe she thought these were the super deluxe towels that clean up major spills with 1 towel.  I asked her to return to the bathroom and she returned with plenty of towels.  You might be wondering where Ally is at this point.  I was too.  So there I am, blue jean skirt, sweating like a pig, cleaning up this Venti pink drink.  The security guy was surely getting a good laugh watching the cameras in the kids area.  I am most positive I showed my underwear several times in getting up to help Caleb reattach the trains and then returning down to my mess.  I mean I couldn't let the little guy scream in frustration while other patrons were trying to read and relax.   Meantime Hayden is having difficulty finding any books she would like to read.  I make several suggestions, each met with a definitive No.  Oh, yeah, where is Ally?  She is on the other side of the kids area, leisurely sitting in a chair, reading 20 or so books.  I told her it was time to join the rest of the family.  We only made it another 5 minutes and I decided we needed to go.  On a positive note, we made it to the car before the rain hit.  Another bit of important information, this is the Barnes and Noble that Ben frequents for his coffee.  He was quite concerned about his reputation after I told him our story.  Don't worry Honey, I didn't wear my monogrammed underwear yesterday!!