Ethan's class went to the School of Economics on Monday. The Kindergarteners went as consumers and were able to buy food from McDonald's and Pizza Hut, goods like masks, tattoos, and play-dough. I was fortunate enough to go with him and take lots of pictures. The kids had such a good time and learned good lessons about money.


Ethan's friend, Darby.
Enjoying a McDonald's cheeseburger.

ordering his food.
cashing his "paycheck" at the bank.

A couple of new pictures of the kids. Just a few. I haven't been the best of photographers lately. We've had good news and bad news these last couple of months. First, the bad- my brother-in-law has passed away. He will be missed desperately. Especially by Ethan, he and his uncle were pals. Please keep our family in your prayers. And the good news-SURPRISE! We are expecting Baby #3! I'm due on October 31st. This baby will also be a scheduled C-section, so he/she will be born about a week before the due date. A surprise for us, but we couldn't be happier. So as you can see, the last couple of months have been bittersweet. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Love to everyone.



Cheesin!

The perfect Saturday morning. Both the kids got in bed with us. I love this lazy kind of day.

Kelsey broke into the box of Ritz crackers and scattered them all over the floor so she could get her own snack.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!!!


Kelsey-my little competitive eater. This pancake was as big as the plate. Yep, she ate all that.

Ethan go to be the student of the week at school. He got to take Ted E. Bear home for the week to hang out with our family. We took Ted out to breakfast and to a birthday party.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything new on this blog, but I wanted to update it a little bit. It's been a busy year and it's almost over! Kelsey turned 1 and Ethan turned 6. I can't believe how quickly they're growing up. Ethan loves Kindergarten and is learning so much! Kelsey is walking, talking, and basically driving her brother crazy. She is so cute with her jabbering and toddling around. Our kids have made our lives so much fuller and richer. My family has never been happier.


Dreaming of a White Christmas! I finally got one!

Christmas morning-Waiting to get started!

Ethan and 151 marbles. Thanks, Aunt Trista and Uncle Brandon! PS...Are you mad at me or something?

Opening Optimus Prime. The most exciting transformer, ever!!! (Except for Bumblebee.)

Kelsey and one of her babies.

I am officially the mother of a six year old. I can't believe it. It was just a year or two ago that my water broke in the bathtub and Chris took me to the hospital. I brought home this tiny little boy and he needed me for everything. Now, he's a big grownup boy. This is the conversation we had just this morning:

Me: Let me help you zip your jacket.

Ethan: Look, I'm six years old. I can zip a jacket.

My baby's all grown up.

I know it's been a while! It's been a busy summer. Ethan finished summer school and headed directly to Nana and Grandpa's house. It was his first plane trip and he had a blast. He got to visit with his cousin Corban and his Aunt Trista and Uncle Brandon. While he was there, Grandpa gave him candy in church and he lost his first tooth. He brought it home with the intentions of putting it under his pillow, but decided against that at the last minute saying that he wanted to keep it forever and ever. In the end, he wrote a note to the tooth fairy asking if she would leave the tooth. He's a lucky boy, the tooth fairy not only left the tooth, but a crisp $5 bill, too. Teeth have gotten expensive! Kelsey turned nine months old. She is starting to walk and gets around FAST!!! She is also a very determined little girl and goes after what she wants! She had her 9 month check up and is doing very well. She is 16 pounds and is only in the 25th percentile for height and weight. She's my petite little thing. Ethan is starting kindergarten on Tuesday and is so excited to ride the bus!!! I plan to drive to the school so I can take a picture of him getting off the bus. There is also a breakfast called the Boo Hoo Rah Rah for parents of kindergarteners. They get to dry their tears together and lend support to one another. I get all choked up even as I write this with the thought of him starting a new chapter of his life. I know that in only a few short years it will be Kelsey that is starting kindergarten and I'll have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes then, too. I will try to be a better blogger and get new pictures up sooner. So Sorry!!!!!

Ethan lost his first tooth.

Ethan and Corban had so much fun playing together. I think all the "togetherness" was starting to wear on them both at the end of Corban's visit, though.

My sweet little nephew.

Corban climbing the rock wall. I was so impressed. This play structure is for kids 5-12 years old (he's not even 3 yet!) But, he followed Ethan right up the wall with no problem!

Ethan and Corban climbing the rocks.

Kelsey hanging out with Nana and Grandpa.

Kelsey climbing into my lap. So stinkin' cute! Look at those eyes!

Ethan and Corban baking a cake.

I love this outfit she's wearing. Ethan found it at Baby Gap. I love all the detail in the embroidery.

Kelsey just takes off now. She gets something in her sights and she's off. See the ball? That's what she's after.

Ethan at the airport.

Ethan and Nana-getting ready to get on the plane and head to Mississippi.

Pretty baby.

A little girl who is supposed to be sleeping, not playing!

Today was a big day for all of us! Ethan started summer Pre-K. I can't believe he's old enough to start school! Where did the time go? I missed him so much while he was gone. I kept wondering what he was doing and if he was okay. Would he remember that I packed raisins for his snack? What if he forgot to zip his pants after using the bathroom? What if no one sat by him at lunch? Would he know that the spider-man towel on the right side of the table was his? But.....we picked him up and he'd had a great day! He did remember that the raisins were his snack, he got to watch Clifford the Big Red Dog, he made friends, his pants were zipped, he brought home four art projects, and he did know the spider-man towel on the right was his. It's so hard to let go. I'm used to being the one to take care of all his needs, but he's growing up and I need to also.

One step at a time.

Special breakfast for my big Pre-K boy! Waffles!!!

Going to school.

All ready for school! My baby boy.

Ethan at his desk at school. He sat down and immediately started coloring !!! No tears as we said good-bye.

Big girl sitting in her high chair.

Kelsey's new favorite toy, HER FEET!!!

It's Spring!



No, I don't really give her coke to drink, but she really liked the bottle. A LOT.

Ethan, Kelsey, and Maranda on Mother's day.

My gorgeous baby girl. Look at those eyes.

What???

the view from my back door. Beautiful isn't it?

What a face! blowing raspberries.

playing on the deck.

How much we don't look alike!

sweet little chubby face.

Look what I can reach!

I really want these legos!!!

Got 'em!!! Now they're all mine--sorry Ethan.