Our Town

Ethan and I got creative this week and made a replica of our town for his beloved cars and construction trucks...We drew in the roads and some of our favorite places then went to town coloring in each building and street. Ethan could hardly wait to get the cars going down the streets...I carefully colored each of my assigned buildings then quickly and happily helped him fill in the blank spots.


We had so much fun racing our cars and stopping at McDonalds, WalMart, the pool, our house and Gram Cathy's, to name a few. The map stayed taped to our kitchen table covered in cars and street signs for him to play with for quite a few days. We would all cram on to the uncovered side of the table to eat dinner or Ethan would eat at his little table so he didn't have to put the map away. I finally convinced him that when we had our dinner party this week the map would need to come off the table to protect it, but that we would carefully roll it up and put it back out whenever he wanted. Reluctantly he helped me remove the tape and put the map away.

I was amazed at how much Ethan enjoyed driving his cars around the block...I'm glad we made the map big enough for lots of cars and play.

One day as we were driving home I mentioned to Ethan that the new building they are constructing just down the hill from us would be his school. He quickly and sincerely said, "Oh, Thank you mama." Like I had given him a wonderful gift. Every time we drive by the construction site he asks if the men are working on HIS school. Naturally when we finished coloring our town and started to play he piled his Tonka Trucks on the school site and put them to work. He'll get that school built himself!

Isn't She Sweet

Avery 5 Months

Train Show

Bob and Ethan love trains...train cars, engines, track, model trains and train layouts so last weekend we went to the annual train show nearby. I loved carrying Avery around snapping photos of my two boys...like kids in a candy shop.



Bob loved telling Ethan about all the different layouts and train sizes, Ethan loved spotting parts of each layout he thought I needed to take a picture of so he could see it again.


Construction site...need I say more?





And this one's for Papa, it's his favorite!

Growing Up

Our kids are growing up. It's amazing how quickly time flies. I took Ethan and Avery to the doctor last week. They each needed a check up. I assured Ethan that he would not have to get a shot, but that Avery would need 3. He felt bad for her, but was relieved he would dodge the needle...he still wanted Avery to have her check up and shots before he saw the doctor. There was something safe about that plan.

Ethan's 3 year check up was great. He's a healthy young boy! Our doctor was amazed at his growth. I knew he was growing...I've had a hard time keeping this kid in pants and shoes that fit. He is a great little fix-it helper here at home. He loves to help daddy with his "Honey Do" list and totes his tool box around to each job. We tried out his new bike this week. It's still a bit too tall for him, but it won't be for long.

Avery had her 4 month check up,
2 1/2 weeks late due to the holidays. She is still in the 95 percentile in weight, but is off the charts in height. Her pants have been near capris for a few weeks and I've had to retire a few cute outfits before I wanted to because they were just too short! She rolled over a couple of times from her belly to her back one day last week, but hasn't done it again yet. Luckily we were all playing together so everyone got to see her new trick. Ethan really wants her to do it again! She is also getting pretty good at sitting up. I tired her out today before I got a picture, but we could tell she was proud of herself.

These kids bring so much joy to our little family. Each new stage is wonderful!

Around The House

Right after buying our house we were busy shopping and traveling a lot so we weren't home to enjoy our new place much. Last week we finally stayed home and had a ball playing, cooking, and hosting friends. It's so nice to have so much room to spread out in.

Ethan received lots of games for Christmas. We've had a good time playing his Old McDonald Game, Hot Shots Hoops, Lightning McQueen Checkers, and Ants In Your Pants, but the one we play the most is memory. Avery gave Ethan Sponge Bob Memory and he loves it. I am amazed at how well he can play and remembers where the matching mates are. Lucky for me he's a good sport and helps his opponent find matches too. We play 5 or 6 rounds every afternoon and he'd play more if I would.

One afternoon we were all feeling a little stir crazy so we hit the streets, the church parking lot, and went for a scooter ride. Our neighborhood has lots of hills and is a little too steep for Ethan on his scooter while I'm pushing Avery in the stroller so we opted for the flat, huge expanses of the parking lot. Ethan rode round and round shouting out a line from one of his favorite movies, "I'm kicking it into overdrive." Then he'd zoom off as fast as he could. It was great! Avery finally gave in to sleep after about 30 minutes and took a little cat nap in the stroller while I circled the lot chasing after "Tonka Joe."

On a quieter afternoon Ethan, Avery and I laid in his Tee Pee and read books and "looked at the stars." Ethan's imagination is in high gear these days. We watch shooting stars like at the Meteor Shower, he's always talking about his football game that will be on "Thirday" and we will be driving him there and watching in the stands. I am fairly certain many people he talks to think we live on a farm...with his 2 cats and 2 dogs which he has now added horses and monkeys to the list and occasionally brings up his shark and alligator. It sometimes feels like a zoo here, but for different reasons.

We've said it a million times already, but our new house was worth the wait! We love it!

Generations

This weekend was my Grandpa's birthday so Bob and I and the kids piled in to the car again on Friday and went to Idaho for a little birthday party rendezvous with my parents. We had a fabulous time playing on the farm and hanging out with family. Avery and Ethan kept everyone busy. Gram and Aunt Amy were great to play with Ethan and follow all his helpful directions on what to do as they played.

Avery won the hearts of everyone, but seemed to have a special connection with my grandpa. They would smile and gaze at each other. It was so adorable. My grandpa's eyes would light up like a little boy at Christmas time.

We took the usual farm tour and even ventured out in to the pasture to pick out our favorite cow. A family tradition. We missed the hay wagon at feeding time, but still took pictures and Ethan had to feed the horse.

It was nice to spend some time with my grandma too. We always stay at her house and seem to gravitate to the kitchen to sit around the table and eat and visit. I even did a little cooking for the family to try out a couple of my Christmas gifts.

A highlight of the weekend for me was to take a 4 generation picture. I was able to do this with Ethan when he was little and took the opportunity again with both kids. I think we're a pretty good looking bunch!


4 Generations on my Mom's side.


4 Generations on my Dad's side.

Fancy A Laugh?

Bob and Ethan had Avery side-splittingly laughing last night. Kids find the craziest things funny! It was a great way to wind down from a long day...If you fancy a laugh watch this.

(Sorry about the shaking camera I tried to get a better angle and was laughing myself.)

We sure love this little beauty!

Happy Holidays

We have had a great holiday season and hate to see it end. We took a 2 week vacation to my parents house, played at home and partied with Bob's family. In between all of that we did a little more "moving in" and organizing here at home. Ethan keeps asking why we are off our 'cation' and refuses to let me take down our Christmas tree.

We had a wonderful time in Washington and were able to see and play with all of my family more than usual thanks to the 2 weeks we were there and to Avery and Ethan who are a real draw for visitors!

Ethan loved opening Christmas gifts and is already ready for another round. Santa was good to us all!

Here are just a few of the greatest pictures from the
Holiday Season...

We hope your holiday was as wonderful as ours!