Bike-A-Thon

Saturday was a bike-a-thon fundraiser for Ethan's school.  He was really excited about participating.  The weather was really nice this year (it got rained out last year)!  Basically, the kids rode in circles for about 20 minutes and then we all went inside for lunch and a couple games for the kids.  Most of the kids ended up back outside riding more, sidewalk chalking or blowing bubbles.  It was a good time and a fun way to raise money for the preschool.

Riding for some cash ;)

Excited spectators! (And smudgy glasses)

He's getting into it now!

Waiting in line for lunch.  They have been into trying to pick each other up.  Ethan actually can pick Nora up.

She got in on the fun too.  Blowing some bubbles.

Monkey at the Park

A couple days ago, we met some friends at the park.  The weather is getting nicer and nicer, and we are so happy!!  Ethan discovered the monkey bars and surprised himself and me with how well he did.  He made it all the way across once and really close several times.  Here are a few pictures of our morning at the park!

Nora can do most things at the park and loves her freedom ;)

Ethan with his friend Soren

Monkey Boy!

There may have been some rubber in his mouth after the 2nd fall...but no blood or loose teeth, so we're good :)!

Easter Egg Hunt

Last Saturday we ventured out to a local Easter egg hunt.  We met some friends there and had a great morning.  We had both kids in the same area, so that was nice.  I think we were told to stick to a 10 egg limit per child, but both Jared and I missed that memo...oops.  The kids didn't have excessive amounts of eggs, but I think they were both over the limit by a few.  At one point, Ethan gave is bag to Jared so he could get 2 at a time.  Yes...I forgot the cute baskets or buckets, so we had Target bags.  The kids didn't notice though.

Patiently waiting for the countdown

Ethan is off to the races

Now he's serious about it...2 hands :)

Nora did great and she knew what to do!!

Fun morning with Kelton and Soren!

Nora is checking out her loot!

She even got to meet the Easter Bunny.   Ethan wasn't interested ;).

Such a fun morning.  When did these kids get so big?!?

Excited...

Ethan and Nora are excited about something :)!!

Check out Nora's new shirt

In case you couldn't read the other one!

Look how excited they are!

Happy Big Bro, Cardinals fan!

If all the pictures weren't clear enough...we will be welcoming baby Collier #3 to our family sometime around October 2!

Spring is Coming!

Yesterday and today have given us some real glimpses of spring!  Yahoo!!  We have been taking advantage and spending some time playing outside.  These pictures are from yesterday.  Ethan is borrowing a 'real, metal bat' to practice for baseball this summer.  He has been itching to try it out with daddy as his pitcher.  I must say, he was great (even if it was a tennis ball)!!

 After some baseball, I got out the bag toss game and that kept the kids entertained for quite some time :).

Until they moved on to digging in the rocks with beach toys...

And, my final sign that spring is coming...Opening Day!!  I made sure our new flag was out for the first game WIN of the season!

Happy Spring!!

Some Random Pictures

I have a couple pictures from my camera and from my phone today.  Just some random happenings around here...

They love to take a bubble bath in our big bathtub, but it doesn't happen that often.  #1, it takes a ton of water #2 It makes a giant mess!  They had a blast and had bubbles everywhere!

It was a monkey morning... I see 7 monkeys! 

Here's my girly girl.  She loves to have her fingers and toes painted.  Yesterday she chose blue :).

She loves to be 'cozy' in her robe :).  I love this smile!  It makes me smile.

Weekend in Salem

We made a quick trip to Salem on Thursday.  The weather was perfect for a lot of outside play!  Which is really nice with the group of kids we had.  My cousins, Libby and Kacey were in town too with their kids.  It's fun when we all get together.  When our 3 families are together, we have 2 kindergarten girls, 2- 4 year old boys and 2- 2 year old girls.  They each have a partner in crime!
My kids started their fun by helping my dad in the yard.  Work is always fun for kids :).

Picking up sticks

Making the stick pile with Pop!

The best part!! I remember riding around in these carts :)!

Nora had to join the fun.

Enjoying the ride.

My Uncle Mike and the side by side are always a hit!  Finley, Haley, Scout and Ethan went for a long ride and loved every minute.

Loading up!

Popsicle snack after lots of running, riding and playing outside.

Phone Dump

I've got a lot this time...



At the Lego store in Chicago. Abby, my dad and I went for a dental meeting.


Nora needed 2 "ponies" this time.


Just a cute girl.


Blowing birthday party.


Nora was even able to bowl a little!



Ethan and his friend, Soren, texting to each other. They thought this was awesome!


Picnic and a movie.


Silly faces!


Family swim night.


First glimpses of spring!



Lego looking at Target.


She has to check out the toys at target too!


Ready for some fun outside!


Making rainbows at school.

I'll try to keep up better :).