Best Friends!

This morning I watched Ethan's friend, Braden for a few hours.  The boys had a great time pulling every toy out of it's place and playing in the wet grass and dirt.  They're boys I guess...  Anyway, I'm glad I had my camera close because I got some cute best buds pictures! 

Swinging on the big swing!

Braden in the drivers seat

Hanging in the playhouse

Laundry basket rides with Ethan and Braden

Snack time!

Girls Weekend Vs. Boys Weekend

This past weekend I headed down south to Nashville to meet up with 3 of my best friends from forever, Elizabeth, Sara and Jennifer.  I have known these girls since preschool and 4th grade.  It has been several years since we have ALL been together for more than just a few hours.  Our weekend was filled with memories, talking into the wee hours, eating, shopping and LOTS of laughing!  Saturday we spent the day shopping.  We hit downtown Franklin, which is a small, historic town south of Nashville with good shopping and food.  And then we took on the mall.  We had a blast and I'm pretty sure we're all exhausted!  Looking forward to our next 'reunion'!!

 

Downtown Franklin, TN & Having some lunch.  Jennifer, Sara, Becky and Elizabeth

The 4 of Us!  We had a great time!!

While I was in Nashville, Jared and Ethan had the house to themselves.  Jared is an awesome dad and they had a great time too.  I left the camera out in hopes that I would come home to some pictures of their weekend adventures and, low and behold, I did!!  Here are a few shots of the Boys Weekend...

Getting ready to climb on Max's crate...

Yes...he is IN the drawer.  Daddy is fun!!

Balancing carefully on his lego truck. & After I got home I took a few pictures of Jared reading to Ethan, he loves to be read to and was squealing, clapping and laughing the whole time : )!

I missed my boys while I was away, but it was a great time for all of us.  Jared and Ethan had some quality father/son bonding time and I was able to catch up with some old friends. 

Labor Day Fun

We've had a great Labor Day weekend.  Last night we had a wonderful cookout at our neighbors and today we went to the playground and then out to lunch. 

Ready for dinner!

Happy Boy after a great dinner!

Ed graciously took the boys for a ride around the neighborhood!  We had spectators come outside to watch.  It was pretty funny and I think the boys had a great time.

Ed and the riders

Look!  What's that?!?

Playground fun!

Attacking some chicken tenders at lunch...

Blowing Raspberries!

Ethan has been blowing raspberries on his own arms for a while now, but he (with some coaching) now likes to find Mommy or Daddy's stomach to blow on.  Enjoy a short video of Jared and Ethan.

These guys crack me up :)

Some pictures...

It's been almost a whole week since I've last posted...sorry about that.  Anyway, we have not been up to too much this week.  With the weather seeming more and more like fall (which I love) we have been spending as much time as possible outside.  Ethan loves to play in the back yard and on the patio, so that's pretty much what we've been up to. 
He did, however, have his first 'head injury'.  He fell and hit his head on the corner where the baseboards come together, cried a little and got over it.  Later, we noticed a little blood in his hair and sure enough, there was a small cut and goose egg.  I guess he is at that age...

Ethan and his 'boo boo'

...But he's fine!  Wanting the wash cloths on his head.

And now some outside pictures.
 

Snack time on the patio!

Watch out Tiger...our 15 month old is working hard on his game :)

I have no idea what he is doing...Just being a boy!

Busy Weekend

We spent the weekend in Salem and had a great, but busy time.  My parents had family in from Virginia, my dad's brother and his family.  Bruce, Jeanne, Bruce Jr. and Taylor had never met Ethan and I haven't seen them for 2 to 3 years.  Bruce Jr is 14 and all about electronics and Taylor is 11 and was very very excited to meet Ethan.  Ethan immediately took a liking to Taylor and they wore each other out.  I took a few pictures, but not as many as I should have. 

Taylor and Abby reading to Ethan

Taylor and Bruce Jr. with Ethan outside

Taylor being a great cousin to Ethan

After church on Sunday, we went out to Forbes lake with Jared's family for lunch and some playground fun.  It was hot, but we wore Ethan out...yet again!

Ethan and Grandma getting ready to slide!

Putting on Grandma's sunglasses

Doctor, Park & Zoo...

We had a busy morning around here today.  After dropping Max off at the groomers, we headed to Ethan's 15 month well child visit.  He looks to be a healthy and growing boy...

Almost 15 Months
22 Pounds & 30.5 in tall

After our visit with the doctor and 2 shots later, I decided a trip to the zoo would be fun.  Our zoo has an awesome playground in front of it, so before we went in Ethan had a good time running and climbing all over the playground. 

Climbing UP the slide/tunnel

Found a hollow log!

Sliding with Mommy

We finally made it into the zoo and Ethan's favorite part is the petting zoo...because he can run around with the animals in there.  Goats are the only ones that are out to pet, but we also saw some cows, chickens and huge hogs!

He liked when they nibbled on his finger

And before heading out we stopped for a carousel ride.  This was Ethan's first time and he acted pretty serious about the whole experience.

Waving to his fans : )

Weekend Recap...

We had a great weekend here in Mt. Zion.  Sometimes it is so nice to just hang out at home.  We had our neighbors over for a cookout Saturday night.  We always have a great time when we get together.  Heather, the boys and I finished the night off with a bike ride till dark! 

Braden and Ethan being tickled by Miss Ruth

Doing what little boys do...wrestle.

Then on Sunday afternoon, we went to cheer Braden on in the Mt. Zion Pony Express Days, Precious Baby Contest.  Last year Ethan took home the 3rd place prize and Braden got his own trophy this year!  He took 3rd on Sunday in the 13-18 month group.

Go Braden!!  and  Heather & Braden with the other trophy winners

Then on Sunday evening after dinner Ethan was in rare form...He was hilarious!  He was all sweaty and wet from pouring water on himself at the fair so I took his clothes off and he had a great time.  He has found out that one of our ottomans opens, and loves to climb inside.  Here are a few pictures from his wild time :)!

Happy Boy!

Look at that ornery face...

And I'll leave you with the sweetest smile I've ever seen!  He's is really cheesing here (and actually saying cheese)!

We love this kid!!

Yummy Blueberries!

Ethan hasn't been too thrilled with my breakfast offerings lately, so this morning I decided to make some whole wheat blueberry pancakes!  He loves them! 

Enjoying some breakfast

Try them sometime:

Whole Wheat Pancakes
2 C Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 C Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
2 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
2 Eggs
2 C Buttermilk (I use 1 1/2 C Whole Milk)
1/4 C Butter (melted)

Mix dry and wet ingredients, then add them together.
I usually add blueberries (fresh or frozen), or you could add a couple smashed ripe bananas.  Jared likes peanut butter or chocolate chips added...go figure.  Hope you enjoy!

Beautiful Weather

The past couple days have been B-E-A-utiful!  Ethan loves to be outside and since it has been so hot, we haven't been able spend too much time at the park or in the yard.  Last night we ate dinner on the patio so Ethan could run around in the back yard happily.

Ethan and Jared enjoying a nice evening

Loving the outside!

And...this morning, Ethan and I went out for a bike ride to the park.  It was so nice!!  Here are a few picture from our adventure.

Biking!

Weeee! Sliding all by himself!

Really wanting to climb up!

Just a couple cute pics to leave you with...

Daddy reading to Ethan

Chilaxing on the couch, before bedtime