Basketball

We were given a basketball goal for Christmas this past year, and today, we put it together.  Actually, Ethan and Jared put it together.  After it was all put together, we aired up the old basketball and shot some hoops!

The builders after it was all set up

First dunk!

Coach Daddy, giving Ethan some pointers :)

Having a blast

Nora played some too!

Thanks Grandma and Pop!  I'm sure we will get good use out of it for years to come!

18 Months

Our baby girl is 18 months old today.  A year and a half?!?  How did that much time pass already?  She is developing quite a personality.  She is into everything.  She is sweet.  She is happy.
She is so very ornery.

 

She loves 'doggies'.

She chased this one down the sidewalk a  few times.

She loves to do anything her brother does.  And most of the time I love watching them interact with each other.

Our little golfers.

She's not always happy :)

But still cute.

A few more pictures from today...

Looking so big here.

"Cheeeese"

Applesauce face.

We love this girl more everyday (if that's possible).  Happy year and a half sweet girl. 

Photo Friday...Week 32

This is something I do everyday...but it isn't a usual photo op :).

Wiping sticky faces

...and hands.

All clean!

Chocolate cake face.  He is big enough to wash his own hands and face.

Busy Days

Jared has been super busy the last couple of days, so the kids and I headed to Salem. My Grandpa Bob was also in town, so it was really great to spend some time with him too. The only pictures I have were from my phone, so I don't have a lot.
We stayed pretty busy...
First, Ethan and I got haircuts. And Ethan is pretty excited about being able to spike his hair in the front :).


We also, both got our teeth cleaned. Ethan did so well! He had some trouble warming up to the idea on his last visit, but no problems this time!!


During nap one day, Ethan and I went to see a movie, The Croods. It was cute and a fun time for us.


Nora spent some quality time with Grandma Terri while all this was going on. The van had a few things that needed addressed at the dealership, so we accomplished that too! I was also spoiled with a massage and a trip to Produce Plus for a couple topiaries and a plant stand.
Here they are on the front porch, with some added color :).

Daddy's Girl

This was no coaching or prepping at all.  I asked her before I got my camera out and she said the same thing.  :)

Photo Friday...Week 31

Ethan has become quite the coloring expert, these days.  And he wants to color with me and Nora and anyone else who is willing, all the time!

Coloring together.

Nora Captures Ethan

Ethan likes to hide under laundry baskets.  Nora uses this to her advantage...

Photography Fun

Yesterday, I went to a (basic) photography class.  It was fun and informative and I'm looking forward to the next one that will be a little more in depth.  When I got home, the weather was perfect, so I took my favorite photo subjects outside for a photo session (and some playing).  I've also tried to dabble a bit in photoshop.  I'm enjoying this!
Ethan was a very willing subject (surprisingly)!

 Nora was a little more difficult... someday, I'm sure she will be a posing diva :)!

Ethan's Weekend

This weekend, so far, has been pretty spectacular for all of us, but especially Ethan.  Friday, my parents came up to spend the day.  Ethan and Pop had some good one on one time (while my mom and I shopped and Nora napped)!  

Then, Friday night, our church had Boys Nite Out for the younger boys and their dads.  Jared and Ethan had a great time!  Food, games a movie and boys only!  

My guys before heading out :)

Today was a birthday open house for Mrs. Sandra (the kids babysitter).  It was right in the middle of Nora's nap, so just Ethan and I went.  It was very nice and Ethan enjoyed his big piece of chocolate cake!

Goofy boy

Roger and Sandra.  These two are such a blessing to our family!

Ethan and the Birthday Girl :)

The open house happened to be at a bowling alley.  And, Ethan has never been bowling.  So, Ethan and I had a bowling date.  It was a blast and Ethan was so cute and excited.  

Showing off his 'dark orange' ball

He got a spare and a strike, with no help at all!

He would stand and watch his ball, all the way down the alley and then turn around with a huge smile clapping

One of my best dates, ever!

Check out this pose, and those adorable shoes!! 

Photo Friday...Week 30

Looking through my list of 50 photos to take with my children, I couldn't believe this one was still left after 29 others.  There are some, that might need tweaked...but we'll see how it goes.  Last weekend, before going into the zoo, we played in the zoo park for a while.  It's a great playground and the kids love it!

Helping them  bounce on whatever this thing is.

Playing at the park together

Is Spring Here?!?

Today, it certainly felt like spring has sprung!  It was so beautiful (a little windy, but I'll take it)!  Today, also happened to be opening day of the zoo.  We met Heather and Braden there for a great morning!

Braden and Ethan petting the bunny.  The very fluffy, hard to find it's eyes, bunny.

 Last year, we pretty much avoided the petting zoo since Nora was so little.  I had a feeling she would love it now, so we ventured in...
Heather had a couple of quarters, so the boys got some goat food.  The goats kind of attack when the food comes out.  There was one who kept trying to eat Ethan's shirt.

He was a good little goat feeder.  I figured he would just drop it when they came close.

The goats, wanting more!

I was right.  Nora loved the petting zoo.  She is so interested in animals.

She had no problems walking up to these guys and smacking them on the backside!

Wanting a goat kiss, but might have gotten a little nip.

We made the usual loop around the zoo and ended with train and carousel rides!

Braden and Ethan...such big boys!

Nora was pretty snuggly with her daddy on this ride.  

We all got to ride!

We had a nice lunch and nap/rest/trip to Rural King and then played outside for the rest of the afternoon/evening.
Ethan got a kite for his birthday last year and we never opened it.  Today might not have been the best day, the wind was crazy, but it was fun!

Ethan and Daddy working hard
Side note: The house in the background is for sale.  Come be our neighbors :)!

I love what this picture captures!  Nora, walking her dog (she always wants to hold the leash) and excitement over the kite :)!

Getting ready to slide, feet first on her belly!