Playground Fun

Not too much to report these days, We have been busy with getting into the school routine, MOPS and AWANA starting for the year, and quite a few birthday parties! Here is Miss Natalie who is turning into a little monkey these days. Loves to climb on absolutely everything. She is learning how to walk down the stairs, she pulls herself up on the stool in the bathroom and just beams- she is everywhere all at once!
We were at our nephew Stephens birthday party and daddy was letting her climb all over the playground equipment. She was loving being able to play with the big kids! She thought the slide was just great!

Remembering 9/11

In remembrance of 9/11 our town had a memorial service and had 3000 flags set up at our veterans Memorial. We weren't able to attend the memorial, Ethan had his school Open House, but I wanted to see the flags, so the kids and I drove out to take a look.The kids were overwhelmed by them all and wanted to run through them. (not such a good idea since the flags have sharp tips) but they did get a closer look.


Natalie just tried rearranging them;)
It's amazing to think of how things have changed since just 5 years ago. Just like many people can remember certain events. JFK, the challenger, (well I can vaguely remember that one) This is one of the first of things that I think I will always remember the day. Where I was, who I was with and how hard I held onto my husband and one year old son that night as we watched all the news reports. Just so Thankful to GOD that we had each other and so proud to live in the USA!

Preschool Days

Miss Elena could not be more thrilled to be starting preschool this year. I don't think I have laughed that much so early in the morning as I did last Thursday! She was talking non stop about how much she had grown the night before. She tells me "my feet grew, my hair grew, I am a big girl now!" She was excited about having the chance to make her own friends, sometimes she has a hard time with Ethan having his friends from school, now its her turn to make some of her own. She kept reassuring me that she would be fine, that I didn't need to stay at the church, that she knew I would pick her up when it was over. I do think she wanted Natalie to be a bit more dramatic though. She kept telling her, "I will miss you Natalie, it's okay, don't be sad, I'll be home soon. I know you'll miss me" waiting for the baby to start crying ! I think the highlight of her morning was getting to finally use her Strawberry Shortcake backpack. We had bought it a few weeks ago and I had to hide it so she wouldn't mess with it. When she woke up that morning it was on the table next to Ethans all ready to go! Before we left that morning, she ran out front by the pear tree we planted this year. (Just like Ethan did) I think it will have to be the first day of school tree :) Which will be neat to see how it grows each year along with the kids.
She loved her first day and was sad she didn't go again on Friday. We went to lunch after school and already she has jumped right in and made friends! My sweet little preschooler. What a fun year we will have!!

Ethan Robert turns SIX!

About a week and a half ago I had Ethans' pictures taken for his 6th birthday. It was the best photo shoot of any of my kids by far. Even beating one of his old records. Honestly it took like 10 minutes. He was molded this way and that and would just hold the pose and smile and on to the next shot. But when I was looking at this afterwards, I realized that the stool he is sitting on is the same one he was on when he had his 1st birthday pics taken. Here is my little man 5 years ago!!! Still wasn't walking so he needed to hold onto that bar stool. I cannot believe how fast that flew by.
We celebrateed his birthday with a party of course and were very nervous on Saturday as it rained and rained and got so cold. But luckily our prayers for a good day were answered and we were able to enjoy the day Sunday outside. We invited family and some of Ethans friends. Total we had 23 kids here. Needless to say we will be having friend and family parties separate in the future- it was crazy! I don't think I had two seconds to finish a sentence with anyone....But my birthday boy had a blast! He was running on one speed all day (supercharged) and with each new guest arriving he
was more pumped!

We had planned water games for the kids, but it was a bit too chilly for that. The kids were able to still hit the pinata. Ethan helped mommy make it this year. Even though he thought the pinata paste was gross, he was proud of the end results.
I was a little worried though about all the kids would getting a turn to hit it, we used the plastic bat so they would. Although Jason was a bit disappointed that he didn't. He usually is the one to open it up, but his swing is pretty strong these days, he would've broken it with his first hit or two!! He got to hold the rope and pull it on people, so I think that was a fair trade.

He definitely was shown by many people that he is one loved little boy. It was a great day. I think everyone, esp the kids had fun. Although most of it for me was a blur, my grandpa played videographer for me (Thanks Grandpa!) I will have to sit down and watch everyone in action!