The Noble Family

Preschool Night

2012-02-11T03:31:00.000-08:00

Last night the boys got to go to preschool for some fun while Chris and I got to have date night! Jennifer at school offered all the teachers a night out just as a Valentine treat. She's the absolute best!!!! So she had the staff's kiddos from 6-9 at preschool so we could get out on the town. :) Ethan was pumped! He always wants to go to school so he talked about it all day. I packed them a "lunch" (dinner) in their lunchboxes and that might be what they were most excited about. Ethan didn't even know there was food in his or he would have had it opened in the car but whatever it was...this whole lunch box thing, he was so proud to carry his "woody and buzz" lunchbox and his backpack to school. :) Just so big! Chris and I got to go to dinner....alone without kiddos :) and to pie kitchen for dessert. Yummo!

Loving the pj's with rainboots. :)

"Homework"

2012-02-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend the boys did a little Play-doh work at the table which turned more into scissor practice. Ethan was too cute cutting on Chris' lap because he would have to open his mouth every time he opened the scissors. I love when kids do that! I'll have to say he's a pretty good cutter. Braden got in on the action too. Then last night our homework was getting Braden's Valentine's for school filled out. I didn't make him write each kid's name but just sign his name...which was 20 times counting teachers. :) The crazy thing that still baffles me is that we do not know if Braden is right or left handed?!!?!? I know doctors will say it can take till 5 but, uh...he's 5 now and we still don't know! His teachers can't figure it out either. You might think this is no biggie or even kind of cool but I worry because his fine motor control isn't the best because he uses both hands equally. I think if he picked a hand, that hand would get stronger and his writing would improve. He eats left handed 100 % of the time but writes words and colors with both. Sometimes he switches mid way through his name. ?? Any OT's out there? Help! :) Oh well, that boy is a mystery. :)

Love that open mouth!

Star Wars Valentine's of course!

Video of Ethan cutting :)

Columbus Commons

2012-02-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday we didn't have anything planned which was so nice...but then by 9:15 or so I felt like maybe I should plan something (Chris' inability to sit still is rubbing off on me) so I called up my friend Michelle in Indy and we decided to spontaneously meet in Columbus. If you across the street from the museum, the awesome climbing place is free! And clean, and not crowded! Love this place and so do the kiddos!

Ethan can climb all the way up and back down now. This was my first time going up...it's really high when you get up there!

Michelle's cutie, Adalyn with her big cheese

We packed lunches but then the pizza place next door looked too yummy so we ate a combination of pizza and packed snacks. :)

Ethan at preschool!

2012-02-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

One day last week we were all running so behind for preschool. It was a grumpy morning where I couldn't get the boys rolling or even myself. After drivng about 2 miles from home I even realized I hadn't brushed my teeth (ewwww!) which has never happened so I drove back home. By this point, I just decided to take Ethan to school with me. After all, he says every single day, "I go school with Mommy" and it breaks my heart to drop him off at the sitters after that comment. :( He had an absolute blast!!! Such a big boy! I figured he'd do a lot of dumping and making messes but he totally surprised me! He loved playing, snack time of course and his favorite was probably the singing at dancing at carpet time. :)

Showing me the elephants he was playing with....with his famous cheese

He was pretty good at the sensory table scooping out pom poms

Pretty darn cute doing all the big boy/girl songs and dances. Love it!

New Kitchen!!!!!

2012-02-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

So all last summer I was on a big moving kick. I had every house for sale in Clark and Floyd County memorized! After I wore Chris out with talking about it, he finally just told me it wasn't the time to be moving financially. So...what's a girl to do?! :) I said if we are staying, this kitchen needs a makeover! So the day after Christmas we started a complete renovation! The only thing that stayed was the cabinets and those were painted. I must say, my hubby with the help of his buddies and family did an awesome, awesome job!! It doesn't even look like the same kitchen. I LOOOOOOOOVVVEEE it and it just inspires me to cook. Thanks to all that gave us a hand and a big thanks to my babe for ALL of your hard work for a month! It looks fabulous!!! So onto pics....so you'd think being a blogger I'd have a ton. :( What a bummer but I did not do a good job of capturing this project at all. I have a few....the before picture was just a random picture I had taken and I am so embarrassed to even post it because the kitchen was a complete disaster but it will have to do. :)

A before shot...uhhh, could there be any more crap on the counters! I can't take it!

This is after we had moved the refrigerator to the other wall and already primered the cabinets...again, bad picture taker. Chris was starting our new crown molding.

Craig helped him take out the old counters

We started getting our new appliances...this was a story in itself. We ended up with 2 different stoves and 4 microwaves!! They kept coming with dents in them so we'd have to re order. Oh my! We finally have a set that is perfect. Here I had just a stove so I whipped up some soup before the stove would be moved...again. :) I basically couldn't cook for over a month. Oh and we sold our ten year old white appliances for $800 on craigslist! We were pumped!!

Cindy helped clean up the mess while the boys moved cabinets out

Jason, Nick, Matt & Chris started early on the floor one Sunday morning. They were awesome and got it all laid by the afternoon!

We also put new hardwood in the foyer. Nick was the hardwood laying expert. :)

The new beautiful floor!! It's hickory so has a lot of character to it. We love it!!! Then we stained and used polyurethane. That took several days of applying, drying and applying again.

Chris and I put the backsplash up ourselves. It took us 8 hours!! I was one tired girl!

Braden took this. :)

So here are some finished pictures. We painted the cabinets, got new granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, added crown molding to top of cabinets and top of walls, added backsplash, new lights on top of cabinets, under cabinets and new pendant lights. We added a bar area with new cabinet storage underneath.

New bar area-Gave us more counter space, more storage, new lights above and just opened up the kitchen. This is where the fridge was before.

This picture doesn't really do the floor justice. The floor is just beautiful! You'll have to come over and see. :)

Picture of counters with new backsplash. I love our new colors! I based all my colors off of the backsplash. :) That is what I picked out first and knew I wanted to work with grayish/blues and blacks. :)

Our new sink and faucet. The sink is huge!

Another view.

Finally, we painted our table black with some help from Chris' parents (they are like professional painters :). This is my table from college that cost $199 and it's still holding up! What a bargain on that one. :)

* So there you have it...a major kitchen makeover. :) Love it, love it love it and I smile every time I see it. :)

Bye bye Paci

2012-01-29T06:29:00.000-08:00

It's been time for awhile now to get rid of Ethan's paci or "bee bee" as he's always called it. He only takes it at bedtime but even so, we meant to get rid of before two like Braden-oops! Well he's my baby and my last and you know how that goes. :) Well after his first trip to the dentist last week (which I accidentally deleted the pictures-urgh!!!) the dentist said it could be effecting his teeth so I said, "Ok, that's all I needed to hear" and it was gone that night. We did the same method with Ethan that we did with Braden....sending it up in a balloon. Miraculously, it worked just as easy as it did with Braden. We waved bye and when he asked for it at bed we reminded him about the balloon and he didn't ask again. WOW! So easy and I'm so grateful! :)

Kissing it bye bye

BYEEEEE "bee bee"

Braden's party

2012-01-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

Braden's party was on Sunday the 8th. He was VERY excited for his Star Wars party. I love my kids' parties because we get to have all of our family together in one place-it's just nice. :) He had a blast with everyone, of course loved the special visitor and got tons of cool presents! Thanks everyone for making it such a special day for him!

My mom and her famous cookies :) He loved the star wars ones of course :)

Ethan wanted to pose by the yummies

Some of the Spencer gang

We told Braden to stand by his presents for a picture....this was his face when our special guest, "Darth Vador" showed up. I just loved, loved watching him. He was excited but a little nervous. He whispered, "wow!" So cute!

Excited and in shock! Isn't this costume the greatest?!?!

Checking him out with Uncle Jeremy

Even his lightsaber was so cool!

Ha! A little family shot with Darth. Ethan cried when he arrived but then warmed up if I was holding him. :)

We had a taco bar for dinner. Braden loves "chips and cheese."

He of course got lots of star wars toys

He hugged everyone after he opened their present. He and Izzie are just too cute when they hug. :)

What a cool batman raincoat!

Star Wars bedding! He's been asking for a star wars room for months

Happy birthday sweet boy!

Big wishes!

Yummy!

* I cannot believe you are 5 Braden Alan! Mommy and Daddy sure do love you!! You are so very special to us and I am so proud of you!!

Braden's birthday

2012-01-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Braden's 5th birthday was our first day back to school after winter break. We made cookies for his class the night before in our makeshift kitchen. :) They didn't turn out very pretty but the kids ate them all the same.

These were supposed to be 5's and B's but the cookies expanded way too much. ha!

birthday morning....he picked waffles

Ethan enjoyed them too

At school, I snuck over to Braden's class while the kids sang to him. He was so proud. :)

Then they cheered his name. ha!

Since his party wasn't until the weekend, we had to do something special that night. He picked chic-fil a of course...it's always there or McDonalds for his favorites!

Then we headed over to Krispy Kreme for dessert. Oh my! He had never been in there and thought it was the greatest place on earth.

One happy birthday boy

Watching the glaze donuts being made...since we were watching they gave us 4 warm ones free. Oh my again! I had to eat them since they were free. Duh!

*Braden said it was the best birthday ever! ahhhh

New Year's Eve

2012-01-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

This year for New Year's, we wanted to be kind of low key and cheap. Christy was nice enough to host for us and several couples went over for some yummy fattening food (my favorite) and games. The favorite game of the night was the Dance one on Xbox. I'm not sure if I burned more calories dancing or laughing. ha! It's a ton of fun watching everyone. :) It was a fun adult night ringing in the new year. :)

Self portrait

The gals

Dancers practicing...ha!

Jenn shows her moves...:)

* I didn't take too many pictures and the ones I took are of people looking kind of funny dancing, including myself so we'll just leave those off.

French Lick Water Park

2012-01-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Several families got the Big Splash water park groupon a few months ago, so we all loaded up on Dec. 29th and headed to French Lick for some fun! Since it was so close to Braden's bday (which is the 4th) and tons of his friends were going, we also made it his little birthday party along with his buddy Walker. :) It worked out perfectly. The kids had a blast swimming, eating, playing with their buddies and the adults had a pretty good time too!

Our deal came with a pizza/breadstick dinner. Works for us! Braden and Jackson pose during dinner. :)

The boys LOVED the game room! Ethan shot some hoops. Check out that form! :) We are pretty sure he's going to be our ball boy.

After a full day of swimming and playing, we attempted to gather all the kiddos and sing happy birthday to Walker and Braden. They were SOOO adorable listening to everyone sing to them. I just love their little faces.

Yummy cupcakes complete with Spider man and Star Wars paper products...their favorites.

Lots of kiddos

Ethan was enjoying his chocolate!

More kids devouring cupcakes

Later that night, the big boys got out their DS's...oh my, this was an all night event :)

Cutie Patooties in their pjs. Ethan cheesing in the background :)

They were pretending to go "night night."

Ethan tried on Alivia's nightgown. ha! He loved it and pretended to "fly" in it...guess he thought it was like a cape. Chris died of course. :)

Second day more swimming

What a fun, fun trip!

Christmas afternoon

2011-12-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

Our last Christmas celebration of the year was at Gma Cindy and Pop's. It's always a relaxing way to end the 500 festivities with yummy food, watching the kids play and usually watching "A Christmas Story." Thanks guys for all the wonderful food and gifts. :) We are truly blessed (and spoiled) by our entire family. sheesh!

The "ultimate" light saber

Yah, some more lego duplos so we can all build. :)

Ethan loved his new pillow pet and gave it a try :)

More star wars undies! Now Mom can throw those size 4's out that I've been squeezing into. ha!

*Shoowee, Christmas is over! I'm always a little sad when it's all over. The trees, the lights, family, gifts all of it. :) I love it all and of course love remembering and trying to teach my kids the true meaning of Christmas. It's such a fabulous time of year and I don't want it to end. But give me a day or two and as usual, the clutter will overwhelm me and I'll happily take down the decor. ha! Thank you SO much to everyone that helped the boys and I have such a wonderful Christmas. We are so blessed!!!!

Christmas morning

2011-12-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning Braden woke up at 5:30 so I made him get in bed with us and go back to sleep. I know as a kid we were up at 5:30 or 6:00 for Christmas morning but while they're still little, we're not doing that. ha! So it was more like 7-7:30 before we all headed downstairs to see what Santa had left.

Braden was amazed the cookies were nothing but crumbs. wow!

Most presents were wrapped but the batman house and Elmo were left out by Santa (and mom's finds that didn't include boxes because they were hand me downs. hee hee!).

Ripping into our gifts.

Ethan got a couple "choo choo" books

Wow! A wii for the family. :) Good thinking Santa

New Star Wars undies! Braden was dancing up and down putting the package of underwear, um I guess where he'll wear them. crack me up!

Ethan loved his new playdough kit

*The rest of the morning we ate a big breakfast and played with our toys before we headed up to Gma Cindy and Pop's.

Christmas Eve night traditions

2011-12-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

We got home from Spencer pretty close to bedtime but I was determined to do a few traditions before bed and Santa's arrival. :)

Chris attempted to read the night before Christmas...they weren't really having it at this moment. ha!

We put out some cookies and milk for Santa

and sprinkled our reindeer food so Santa could find our house. Then off to bed we marched!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve morning we headed up to Spencer to see the family. The boys always have a blast in Spencer because there are so many kids to play with...lots of cousins. I don't get to see my whole family all together that much so it's always such a blessing to be under one roof together. My dad comes too which is nice to all be together. :)Thanks Mom for all your hard work...a yummy meal, great company and more fabulous presents for all. :)

Star wars central this year!

Who is this? :)

My sister in law, Heidi with her new baby girl Claira....ahhhh, just sweetness! And the tutu-love it!

Ethan woke up from his nap and had a pile of presents waiting for him. New clothes! He got excited over every single thing he opened. :)

Elmo and Barney...good friends of Ethan's

*My dad got the boys a fish tank but I didn't get a picture since it was in my trunk. He thought he'd help us out on the major pet wanting problem in this house. :) Thanks Dad. Maybe they'll bark?

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

We started out the family Christmas celebrations on the 23rd at Papa T and Mimi's. The boys were super excited to see everyone and of course get their presents.

Ethan, with his new eyes closed cheese, gets ready to unload some of our presents.

Cute boys

Cousins

More cousin pictures...too cute!

Our attempted family pic...had to put this one because look at the boys' faces. ha! We're smiling away and the boys are doing their thing. :)

Oh my oh my!!! Braden got his DS. This is ALL I've heard about for weeks...maybe months. He told every Santa we saw he wanted a DS and nothing else. Papa T thought he needed it. :) I guess he was right. Braden absolutely loves it!!!

"A DS"...the excitement!!

Ethan was adorable this year opening presents. He was really into it and loved everything he got, even clothes. He'd say "my pants! or my shirt!" Here he got a huge train/truck system dealio and both boys are loving it.

Crack me up! Braden opened some coal...hee hee!

Ethan tried on Papa T's new jeans!

Izzie got a new karaoke machine so she and Ethan were trying it out. Ethan is really getting into it!

Mimi and Papa T with their grandbabies. :)

*Thanks everyone for such a fun night, yummy dinner and fabulous gifts. :)

Dinner Party

2011-12-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

The McAfee's have an annual Christmas dinner party that is just fabulous! They cook a huge, delicious meal and have it all hot and ready for 20 people!! Just amazing. :) She always decorates the tables so cute and even had little ornaments for each couple to take home. So cute!! Thanks guys for having us! So fun! Oh, and this year's theme was "ugly sweater" so we whipped out our bad boys again!

Looking fabulous again! :)

The guys...Chris is trying to look sexy. hee hee!

The gals

Lights Under Louisville

2011-12-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

The megacaverns is something we've never done and I've always wanted to. :) We talked about it this year but didn't really want to pay for it or fight the bridge until one of my students at preschool gave me a free pass to go! It was meant to be so we headed over. I didn't tell the boys what we were doing so when we started going into the cave and I explained it, Braden kept asking when we were getting out? ha! We thought it was pretty cool...especially since it was free. :)

LOVED how they had several references to the true meaning of Jesus! Way to go megacaverns. :)

Pretty excited!

Ethan was waving at the lit up Santa...or "Seenta" as he says.

Ethan's favorite....choo choo!

Another message from Santa

2011-12-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

Both boys had already received their message from Santa and heard Santa say they were on the good list. :) however....a week or so later, Braden's behavior was so stinky I decided to have Santa send him a new message (mean mommy!). He was nervous, suspecting he might not be on the good list anymore. His face below is priceless as he sees the red light flash. ha! I seriously was cracking up over his face. Santa said, "there's still time Braden." Not sure it phased him a whole lot and I guess he moved over to the nice list because we are swimming in toys. :)

Cake Pops

2011-12-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I baked my little heart out making 95 cake pops for teachers, friends, our sitter and the childcare worker at the gym. :) They are not hard, just time consuming. :) This was my second time making them and it was pretty successful. It's one of those things that you get better with practice so I guess I'll need to practice some more because they are pretty yummy!

All wrapped and tied with ribbon

Then I put them in these cute little baskets from the Target dollar bin and attached a note. They turned out pretty cute and Braden had fun delivering them to all his teachers at school. :)

Just precious!

2011-12-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

Last night Ethan put his Santa hat on and was saying ho ho ho from the kitchen. As if that wasn't cute enough, he kept saying "sit mommy, sit lap!" He wanted me to sit on his lap like he was Santa. Seriously!?!? How cute are you Ethan Noble?!? Love it!

Granny's Family Christmas

2011-12-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we partied it up again with Granny's annual Christmas party at our house. Can you believe it...Santa showed up again! He must really like visiting our house. ha! When he walked down the stairs Braden looked at me and said, "That's 4 Santa's mom." :) I guess he means he has seen Santa 4 times this year. He later told me this was a "mask Santa like the movie we saw where a man dresses up as Santa." I wonder how much longer this observant child is going to believe. :(

The 4th Santa or not, Braden was front row ready to hear what he had to say. :)

Ethan hung back and kept his distance again...check out his hand in his pocket-too cute!

Such a big boy!

Braden tried to wait patiently for Ethan to open his gift but really wanted to help him.

The kiddos...cousins, distant cousins, and new little friends that came with family members. I was proud that we got Ethan to sit this close (he's cheesing by the way...he closes his eyes now when he cheeses). :)

Chris tried one more time to get Ethan to sit. Nope, he is very sure he wants no part in that.

Our Santa Party

2011-12-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

Friday night was our annual Santa party. We have a few families over for some yummy food and let the kids run wild. Then there's a surprise visit from Santa himself. A few of the kids remembered Santa came last year but most of them were surprised when he came downstairs. Braden cheered and Ethan ran the other way....still not quite into Santa! :)

Santa arriving

The kids were really checking him out and wondering what he might have in that big green bag.

The lap sitting started....Addi was up first

Braden knew exactly what to say...after all, he's done this a couple times this year. "I want a DS with a Star Wars game." He's very decisive with his wish and said he didn't want anything else.

When I tried to walk Ethan up he climbed up and almost over my shoulder trying to get away. :( I didn't make him go this time. I figured he shed enough tears with breakfast with the big scary guy a couple of weeks ago.

He might have been scared to go get his present when his name was called but he certainly knew how to rip into his presents this year. A puppy that barks and walks. :) (does that work for a pet dog buddy?)

Braden was thrilled with his Lego star wars book! He actually caught me buying that at Sams the other day and I made something up and said it was for Jace's bday. He told Jace all night he'd be getting the same sticker book for his bday....Well, Jace looks like I might have your gift picked out. ha! Braden is not a kid that will forget this come February. ha!

All the kids enjoying their presents.

Braden and Jackson slipped into something more comfortable later in the night. :)

Ethan joined in with the big boys too!

The big girls hung out and chatted while the kids played.

Ahhhh, Chris was getting in on some baby girl time since we won't have one. :( Baby Mazden and Nora could not be any cuter!!!!!

Hotness!

2011-12-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

Last night was my preschool staff Christmas party. This year we had an "ugly sweater" party. Oh my, were the sweaters ugly!! Mine was the ugliest apparently because I won the contest. ha! I looked straight up 80's with definitely an old school teacher look. The other girls were looking cute with their uglies on and I was pretty much just a geek! ha! It was such a fun party and I couldn't quit laughing at the guys in their sweaters. Chris' buttons were bells and you could hear him coming!! Fun times!

WOW!

Lowe's Build Clinic

2011-12-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Chris took BOTH boys to Lowes on Saturday to the little build clinic (and I ran out the door for some shopping-woohoo)! Braden has been saying he wanted to go again since it's been awhile. When they were getting ready to leave Saturday, Ethan kept putting on "bubby's" apron and glasses. :) Chris decided he better take him too! I don't think it was super easy for him to take pictures so I took a couple when they got back. What a great morning with Dad!

Gingerbread houses

2011-12-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

We made gingerbread houses in school last week and had some leftovers from class. I brought the supplies home for the boys to make their own houses. It worked out pretty well because I don't think I'll buy the big one this year now. :) We definitely ate more treats than went on the house but so fun!

Good job boys!

Charlestown Lights

2011-12-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love this free event! Light up Charlestown is so neat and I can't wait to show the boys the lights each year. We went Saturday night and it was perfect this year because usually it's freezing and we have to quickly walk around. This year was warmer so we were able to jump on the hayride down to the park and get hot cocoa and popcorn. The kids even played on the playground surrounded by thousands of lights. It's such an adorable little town event. :)

Oh and Santa is always there so Braden popped in to tell Santa again he wanted a DS. Santa said, "boy you talk fast!" ha! So true Santa! I didn't make Ethan sit on his lap since he was already traumatized from the morning Santa.

So pretty!

Braden wanted to pet the horse before the carriage ride took off

Truth in the Tinsel

2011-12-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

We've been talking a lot about Santa and Elfy in our house (elf on the shelf) lately which is great and so fun! But this year with Braden being a bit older I wanted to make sure we remember the true meaning of Christmas too! I ordered "Truth in the Tinsel" online for just $5.00. It has 25 mini activities to do with your children teaching them about the story of Christmas. You read scripture from the Bible, talk about it and make an ornament that goes with the story. So far we have done day 1 and 2. Braden made a candle ornament representing light in our lives and then made the crown to represent our King-Jesus' that was born for us! He's really into it and even explained pretty well to Chris what they meant. Hopefully this will help us focus a little more on the real gift of Christmas. :) If you'd like to see the instructions, let me know and I'll email it to you. :)

Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

Every year we go to a little church in Jefferesonville with Papa T and Mimi for their breakfast with Santa event. It's crazy how fast this year went because I feel like I just did this post from last year!!!! :) Anyways, the boys had a blast. There is so much to do and so much to see. Ethan was terrified of Santa as we predicted but that didn't stop us from plopping him on his lap for a picture. Hee hee! The boys shopped in the Secret Santa shop and picked out some gifts, played games, ate a yummy breakfast and way too many treats and Braden even rode the elevator a few times (which was not part of the event but a highlight for him each year). :) Thanks Papa T and Mimi for getting us tickets each year. We always look forward to it!

My handsome boys!

Ethan giving Pooh kisses while we wait in the Santa line

Silly boys!

Picture #1...no problem! Braden loves getting his picture taken and has never been scared of Santa. He told Santa he wanted a D.S. with Star Wars (thanks Jackson Vaughn-ha!). Not sure Santa is going to be able to swing that one buddy...I think he might have already got your gifts and I'm pretty sure that wasn't on the list. Oops!

Poor buddy! Santa got a workout trying to hold onto this child while I was clicking away. :) Hee hee

And one more because they are just too funny!

And we have to have one together....we thought maybe Braden would help the cause-guess not. :)

Cousin Izzie always comes too!

Braden played a few of the games. Ethan liked to watch.

My little family. :) I sure am blessed!

Northside's Christmas Tea

2011-12-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

Friday night was Northside's annual Christmas tea. Jenn was our fabulous host and we got to hear an awesome speaker, sing worship music and eat a sort of yummy meal. ha! I say sort of because we went to Puerto Vallarta's afterwards. :) The tea is so neat because every hostess goes all out with decorating their tables and some of them are so elaborate. Thanks girls for a fun night and a big thanks to Jenn for hosting for us!

Larissa, Jenn, Steph, Kate and Baby Anniston, Amber, Me and Christy :)

Churchill Downs

2011-12-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday a big group of us met over at Churchill Downs for one of their fall meets (I guess that's what it's called-ha!). It's always a fun day hanging out with friends and eating lots of food! :) Chris actually picked the winner of almost every race too which is bonus!!

Just being silly

The Girls

The guys-We made them get their picture taken. They were thrilled of course!

The whole gang

Losing teeth!!! Already?!?!

2011-11-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

Friday was a shocker for this mom!! Braden lost his first tooth! What?!?! I thought kids lost their first tooth in first grade, maybe kindergarten! I know when I taught first grade many kids would lose their first tooth in my class.

So needless to say I was a bit shocked and almost panicked when I pulled up to Granny's and he ran up and I noticed his mouth. I assumed he fell or got hit in the mouth somehow. Granny assured me nothing of the sort happened and his tooth was just lose. She had taken Braden and her other great grandbabies to Derby Dinner Playhouse to see The Velveteen Rabbit. Apparently he was eating corn on the cob (uh...hold on here, he doesn't eat that for me??) and said "Granny, something is wrong with my tooth." She said it was loose and then a few bites later he said it was gone!

Poor Granny and Carma (her daughter) were on the ground crawling around in the dark trying to find that teeny tiny tooth!! She said they'd come up with a crumb and say "well that's not it" and continue looking. I was cracking up when she told me the story. What a good, good Granny because she found that little thing! It's a good thing because I was already a little sad that I wouldn't see him at his first derby dinner experience, then sad that I missed losing the first tooth experience and I would have been really sad if I didn't have that first baby tooth.

Well the tooth fairy has it I mean. :) Speaking of that....do you want to know what my child said this morning when he found his money!?!? "Guess what Mom? The tooth fairy only left me a dollar!" Really, Really Braden?!!! Not, "look mom, the tooth fairy came!" or "wow mom, the fairy left me a dollar!" Nope, only my child would complain about the amount. I'm pretty sure the going rate when I was a kid was a quarter....Kids these days!! :)

Visiting an old friend (well not old...)

2011-11-26T18:47:00.000-08:00

The night before Thanksgiving Chris and I got to meet Melissa, one of my closest childhood/high school friends and her hubby in Bloomington for dinner. Melissa lives in California so it's always great to see her when she flies back home. She's also preggers with her first (hope that's not a secret anymore Mel) so that made it extra special to see her even though the skinny isn't even showing yet! :) Love you girl!

Time for Christmas decorating!

2011-11-26T18:36:00.000-08:00

It's my favorite time of year times 10!!!! I LOVE Christmas time and can't wait to get out the decorations each year. :) It's always more work than I remember to put up two trees, all the decor and outside lights but so worth it. :) The boys were a big help this year. It's so fun to see what they remember from the previous year and how much more excited they are each year. :)

First we have to put in all the limbs while Braden asks at least 100 times, "can we hang the ornaments now?" :)

Ethan got in on the action this year...he tried to hang several and couldn't figure out why they kept falling to the ground. ha! Braden was really into it and worked so hard. He did at least half the tree.

Ethan and Daddy got a little bored so took a break while Braden and I continued.

Ethan took some pictures since I was. :)

Finishing touches...

Oh, the attempts at the posed picture in front of the tree. ha! These days I just say "good enough." :)

Braden always has to think of something funny to do...what a ham!

Gatlinburg

2011-11-26T18:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Chris and I got to go to Gatlinburg for the weekend on an all adult's trip!! Woohoo! It was for Jason's 40th bday. We had so much fun! It was the perfect mix of relaxing, eating (lots of eating) shopping for the girls, a little hike/park day and more eating! ha! This group knows how to eat. Our cabin was phenomenal!! It had 5 bedrooms that were all master bedrooms each with bathrooms with double shower heads...3 floors, a theater movie area, pool table, ski ball, fooze table (how do you spell that), I mean just nice!!! Very fun weekend getaway!! :)

Project "decorate"

2011-11-26T18:09:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago at church Braden learned about Boaz helping Ruth and how he could be a helper. :) They sent the kids home with materials to make a simple bird feeder with string, a bagel, seeds and peanut butter. He was super excited and we went to work as soon as we got home.

spreading the peanut butter

Sprinkling the bird seeds

Ta-da!

So then we moved onto our "turkey homework" while we waited for a bird to come. Braden had to decorate his turkey with materials from home to sort of disguise the turkey. We used lots of yummy treats.

A yummy finished turkey! THEN, we look outside and we didn't have a little bird to watch but a squirrel. ha! We had SO much fun watching this squirrel try to get the bagel off the string-very entertaining.

Braden was fascinated....so were we. :) So we made another bagel snack for the "birds" and before long it was gone. These squirrels are desperate. :) OH, and Braden is dying, I mean DYING for a pet so he named this squirrel "squirrely squirrely" (very original) and said he would always feed it and it could be our pet. hee hee. Hey, if that means I don't have to get a dog yet, I'll adopt squirrely squirrely! :)

Catching up...

2011-11-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Falling so behind on this blogging business! I've got to do better. :) Anywhoo, here are a few pics of some happenings around the Noble household. :)

Doing a little "school work..."

And some computer work...

And well...some pooping work I guess! Braden actually, Ethan's just chillin' and keeping Braden company. :)

Camping

2011-11-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

Saturday night our family joined 4 other families for a camping adventure. :) Nick's gma has a gigantic camp/farm somewhere near Patoka (it was so off the beaten path I'm really not sure where we were. ha!). We dressed warm in old clothes and headed out for some country fun. I really didn't take many pictures but the kids had a ball! They got to go on 4-wheeler rides, rode in the gator and several hay rides. There were dogs for the kids to play with, which was my boys' favorite part of course, and then a field with goats, sheep, horses and a donkey. Pretty much the kids just ran wild out in the country which was such a treat for them. We all (11 kids, 10 adults) stayed in one large cabin. Can you imagine the sleep that went on that night!?!? Yep, you're right, not much!!! It was so cold and there was always a little one up it seemed like all through the night. Oh well. :) The day was a blast and definitely great memories for the kiddos.

Ethan and Lexi enjoying some snacks

Kisses

Some of the big boys! Jackson, Judd, Braden and Jace

Cutie girls!

Columbus Children's Museum

2011-11-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we met my friend Michelle in Columbus at the kids' museum. I just love this place! It's small enough you can keep track of your kiddos, it's never too busy and there is plenty of fun stuff to do for all ages! Michelle lives in Indy so we are going to start doing this more often since it's more like a halfway point for us.

Ethan has been here 3 times now and always loves this ball ramp.

Could this be cooperative play? Whoa boys!!! :)

My boys with Jackson in the camper

Jackson and Braden made up a yummy meal. :)

The bubble station is really neat too!

They had a lot of fun shooting baskets...fingers crossed for ball players! They certainly are tall enough. :)

Oh the giant toilet! Always a favorite. :)

After lunch, we went across the street to the commons area. This is my favorite-totally free, so clean and just a blast!! How do we get this in southern Indiana!??!!?

Braden at the top

Halloween Night

2011-11-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

After all of the Halloween festivities, we finally got to trick or treat night. Like last year, we changed up the costumes on this night. :) This one-eyed monster suit was clearanced out for $5 at Old Navy a few days before Halloween and it was too cute to pass up! It was a 4T/5T so I wasn't sure, but big surprise, it fit him!!! Ha! The Old Navy lady also gave me 40 percent off my order so I got it even cheaper. Love a good deal! Braden dug through his costume bin and decided he was going to pass up Venom and go as Batman this night. :)

A couple of cute boys I tell ya!!

Every year we get our picture taken with the Rousters (our neighbors). It's amazing how much they've all grown since our first picture 5 or so years ago. :)

Ethan and Ava rode in style together when their feet got tired.

Gma Cindy walked around with us all night and helped Ethan get the hang of all of this trick or treat business. :)

I could just eat him up!

Northside's fall festival

2011-11-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Northside has their annual fall festival the weekend before Halloween. This year they not only had trunk or treat and bouncers but they added a petting zoo and pony rides! The boys had a blast! The whole time Ethan was riding the pony he kept yelling, "cow...moooo!!" Close buddy. :)

Coming down a bouncer slide

Braden and Jackson...both versions of Spiderman. This is when Christy and I told them to release their web. Jackson did it and Braden got shy. :)

Ethan wasn't quite liking walking to each car. It was taking too long! He just wanted to plop down in the road and enjoy his treats. :)

Pumkin Carving

2011-10-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year...time for Chris to dig out the yuckies of the pumpkin (my kids never want to touch), me to draw the picture and Chris to do the cutting. :) It seems like each year we fall into the same routine with pumpkin carving. Maybe next year the boys will want to dig the pulp and seeds out. For now though, they just love watching. :)

Ethan gave the insides a little touch and said, "ewww" and that was about it. He was fascinated with watching instead. :)

We also had the sticker kits this year and the boys had a blast with those!

The finished pumpkins!

Ethan sat and sat watching the pumpkin glow-pretty cute stuff!

May the force be with you!

2011-10-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

Braden's newest and latest obsession is Star Wars! He is ate up with it! He just told me to write that his favorite character is Luke Skywalker. Chris borrowd some Star Wars costumes last weekend and took Braden to a Star Wars day in Charlestown. Personally, this is not my favorite "thing" to be into...but he loves it so I'm trying to be a good sport. ha!

Braden as Aniken and Ethan as Darth Vadar. hee hee!

Braden's faces crack me up!

This was at the event.

Papa T joined Chris and Braden too!

Spencer visit

2011-10-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't it crazy to think how much your life has changed since high school? This is a group of my high school girlfriends that I got to hook up with Thursday. Cassidy flew in from Charlotte with her new baby boy so we usually try to plan a get together when a girlfriend is in from out of state. It's crazy to see all the babies in our little group now. :)

We stayed at John and Heidi's for the night and I had to grab a quick picture of this...Aleah brushing Ethan's teeth! Ethan barely lets me but was ok with Aleah doing it. :)

Last soccer game

2011-10-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Braden finished out his soccer season with the "Blue Toads" with a cheering crowd. :) He had several grandparents come to watch him play his last game. It was hilarious watching him run down the field kicking the ball while looking over at his peeps smiling. He sure loved the attention! :)

Team huddle...Braden sure looks like he's listening to the coach. ha!

Going for the goal!

Ethan got lots of attention too...and lots of snacks. :)

The family....and Belle, Braden's favorite fan. :)

Boo at the zoo

2011-10-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Chris and I took Spiderman and Venom to the trick or treating at the zoo. :)

We met the Johnsen's there too. Jace and Jacob were a pretty cute robot and knight!

On their way...

candy stop

ha!

The gang...

Uh....is this a spiderman move?

They loved the haystack maze

Preschool's trike-a-thon

2011-10-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was our preschool's trike-a-thon. This is always so much fun and my kids have a blast each year. :)

Gma Cindy & Pop always do the popcorn for the kids each year. :)

Ethan went around all night with his helmet on and this bow on his cheek. ha!

Pumpkin Pickin' at Hubers

2011-10-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today was the perfect day to hit Hubers for our annual pumpkin pickin'. It was beautiful outside and we actually didn't have anything going on which never happens anymore, so up the hill we went. :) Pardon the picture overload here but I just had to try out my new camera lens and I must say, I think I'm going to love it! Some pics are a little blurry, but some are so vibrant so I'm pretty excited! You can't beat a beautiful background with pretty cute boys to capture either. :)

We always take the boys pictures sitting on the wagon full of pumpkins

A little tractor riding....or "choo choo" as Ethan kept saying.

Getting ready to go

Always looking for the perfect pumpkin

I had a ball watching Ethan this year! Last year he wasn't walking yet so I packed him on my back in a moby wrap-not much fun. This year he was all in, checking it all out. I loved watching him explore.

Braden was saying here, "Ethan you go that way, and I'll go this way and we'll find the perfect pumpkin. "

Braden thought he'd plant this seed. :)

Such big muscles!

These faces are just too cute to me! It's a two year old for sure when you ask them to say "cheese." Love it!

This is when he really gets into the smile and laughs with his Pee Wee Herman laugh

Their perfect pumpkins

All ready to go

Waiting on the wagon and checking out the scenery

Sure do love my boys!

Just boys!

Soccer Pro

2011-10-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our second to last soccer game of the season. Braden and his teammates got their medals after the game and Braden was so excited! I am so proud of my little guy. He has really played hard every single game. :) Tonight he actually got 4 goals and so we stopped and got him a blue slushy after the game. Way to go buddy!

Excited about his medal and his snacks of course!
Braden's buddies Jacob and Jace play too!

Not soccer, but after soccer. :) Braden borrowed the hermit crabs from school today and he loves them! They completely creep me out but ya know....trying to be a good mom! ha! Just hoping they don't escape before we return them tomorrow to school. Maybe if I get one of these it could take the place of the endless begging for a dog???? hmmmmmm, it might just work. :)

SOOO precious!!

2011-10-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest...these pictures do NOT represent what is typical in my house! My boys want to play together... they just haven't quite figured out how to do it yet. ha! Somebody is usually crying. :) So last night when I walked in the room and saw this first image...I could have cried! It was precious! Ethan had crawled in Braden's lap so Braden could read to him (which by the way, Ethan is so big, Braden was struggling to see around him to read-ha!). They did this for 30 minutes with several different books! I couldn't take it so of course I took 50 pictures and seveal videos. Just precious, precious moments reminding me how blessed I am!

New accessories

2011-10-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

My parents went in together and helped get me a new portrait lens for my camera! I've been wanting a new one so that when I take close ups...or family shots, it will bascially pop the subject in the picture and blur the background. I haven't had time yet to really play with it but I did snap this picture quickly to try it out. I think I'm going to love it! Thanks mom and dad!! :) Also, Ethan is sporting his new hat from Harvest...he loves it! He wears it all day in the house and pets the dog on it. ha!

Big Wheel Race

2011-10-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last year at Harvest Homecoming we put Ethan in the baby crawling contest for fun. :) During the crawl Braden noticed the big wheel contest going on nearby. He really wanted to do it so we told him maybe next year. :) We asked him this year and he said he wanted to do it. The only problem was, we really only had one of those miniature big wheels so we borrowed a CARS one from our neighbor and headed on down. You know how these things are though...some super competitive parents were there with some super fast big wheels! ha! It seems like everyone was sporting the same brand of this certain big wheel that was speedy fast. Right away Chris and I looked at each other and knew he didn't stand a chance with his little cars bike. It didn't matter that he didn't make it out of the first round though...he had a ball "practicing" and got a ribbon. I'm not even sure he knows he didn't win! Gotta love the age of 4. :)
Mom was with us too since she had spent the night the night before. :) She usually gets to go to Harvest Homecoming with us since it falls on my bday.

Practicing

Look at that determination! hee hee. The little boy behind him happens to be in my preschool class...he's riding one of those cool big wheels I was talking about. He told me today in class that he got a trophy so he must have won!

My fast number 3 boy!

Good job buddy! We are so proud of you!

My birthday

2011-10-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Friday the 7th was my 29th bday....again. :) It was a fabulous birthday, so much fun with family and friends. :) Chris took the day off so we could do whatever we wanted. Ethan had his 2 year check up in the am (which by the way he's exploding off the chart of course-36 pounds and 37.5 inches and healthy as a horse. :) and then we headed down to Harvest Homecoming. I LOVE festivals! I just love me some fattening festival food. :) It was a perfect, beautiful day!

After Harvest, we put the kids down for naps and I went shopping by myself which was sooooo nice! Instead of just looking for all clearance stuff like my cheap butt always does, I just went and bought what I wanted (since it was my bday afterall!) which was so fun! I got some new cute clothes that were much needed. :)

Then for the evening festivities, we met at Amber's and hopped in the limo to head to dinner. We went to August Moon which is a super yummy chinese restaurant-think PF Changs, but local. It was soooo delicious! Then we went back to Amber's for a little fun and karaoke. ha! If you know me, you know how GREAT I can sing so I just love some karaoke! It was such a fun, fun birthday! Thanks to my mom for watching the kids so we could go out and to our wonderful friends for finding sitters and going out with us. :)

Amber, Christy, me and Carrie...oh and Lydia being with the girls :) Jenn met us later :)

Hilarious! Carrie's gma went through some of her "things" and sent these toys to Carrie's kids to play with. ha! So Carrie was gracious enough to share the love with me for my bday. Really?!?! What are these things? ha!

Heading to Louisville

My hubby who always helps plan the best bdays ever!

Eating...well actually we look done-lots of boxes :)

This picture pretty much says it all! Hee hee! Carrie was really getting serious with her karaoke! We had so much fun and even had hoarse voices the next day from all our super talented singing. :0 Thanks everyone for such a fun birthday!

IUS fall festival

2011-10-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to IUS' annual fall festival. The food and games are fun but the highlight for us is always the balloon race. I knew Ethan would go crazy for the balloons this year but unfortuantely they didn't go up this year due to the wind. :( Bummer! It was still a super fun afternoon!

Checking out the firetruck

Use those muscles!

We always meet the Rousters at the festival...since there were no balloons, the kids just had fun rolling down the hill. :)

Hangin' at home

2011-10-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Boy am I behind on this blogging business!! Here are a few pics of my boys around home just being cute!

Before church...this is Braden's new smile (lips closed). He said Isabella up the street smiles like this so he wants to do it like her! Where do they get this stuff? ha!

Helping Daddy work on the yard for new seed

Good work boys!

Our fall party

2011-10-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was our annual fall outdoor movie night. Chris and I love this party because it's pretty easy to throw together, inexpensive and the kids have a ball. We had hayrides at the beinning, popcorn and hot chocolate for snacks and when it got dark we played "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" on the garage door. Thanks to everyone that got to come and help make it so much fun!

Ethan didn't get off the hayride until the last one. He loved it! And sweet Natalie held onto him like a big girl for every ride. :)

Even sporting the shirt for the event-love it!

Ava and Ethan got in some dancing before the movie started

You can see Braden squeezed in on the left. He was in heaven with a big movie, all his buddies and snacks! Right up his alley! :)

Girls Trip!!!

2011-09-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it actually happened but it did! I got to go on a girls' trip without husbands and children (I guess that would be the definition of a girls' trip. :). It was FABULOUS!!! We just relaxed, relaxed and relaxed some more. Our days consisted of laying by the pool, laying by the beach and eating...lots of eating. It doesn't get much better than that! Thanks so much to the girls that made this trip so fun...the laugh 'till you cry kind of fun! And thanks to our wondeful husbands who not only kept our kids alive but actually did a pretty good job being Mr. Mom! :) Here's hoping for many more girls' trips in the future!!! :)

On our way!!

One of the many yummy dinners we had

Oh and the desserts....can I just say I probably gained 5 pounds on this trip!

The peaceful beach

Outside our condo on the dock. I have to say the funniest thing happened right before getting this picture taken. We asked a sweet little 'ole grandma to take our picture and she had my camera turned around backwards! So every time she brought the lens toward her eye, we would see her eye get bigger and BIGGER in the viewscreen. Oh my gosh!! It was histerical! We'd tell her to turn the camera around and she would just twist it. We were laughing so hard I thought for sure someone would fall in.

Oops you missed!

2011-09-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, this is gross but too funny not to share!! Ethan has been really interested in going on the potty so I bought him a new potty seat this weekend. Today he was asking to go potty after school so I brought it in the kitchen while I was doing dishes and thought he could sit, play whatever, get used to it. So within maybe two minutes, he started whining "mommy" like he was scared and this is what I saw!!! Crack me up! Good try buddy but you missed. hee hee. Then he tried to pick it up and I yelled, "NOOOO" which scared him and made him cry. Braden thought it was pretty funny too!

Ethan's birthday party

2011-09-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

We had Ethan's party on Sunday afternoon. It was sports themed because he loves balls just like Braden did at this age. He was very excited to see balls on everything and to see "bwoons" everywhere. :) He had so much fun with his family, new presents and yummy food. We got "pia" (pizza), Ethan's favorite and had plenty of sweets to make partygoers sick before they left. Thanks to everyone that came and made it a special day for our special birthday boy!

I made cake pops for the first time and they were a hit. I'm definitely making these for many occasions coming up! So fun and yummy!

I displayed them on the number two and in this baseball bucket. I felt very professional for a moment. ha!

And more cake!

Treat table

His collages...it's crazy how they change so fast. :(

My handsome birthday boy!!!

Eating the "pia." Yummy

John and Heidi got a new dog so Chris brought it down for a bit...can you tell my boys want a dog?!?!? What about a fish boys?

Opening his presents in his new birthday chair-thanks Johnsen's :)

His ADORABLE outfit from Mimi

Granny got him a Thomas shirt and he ran it over to her saying "choo choo"

Braden picked out this puzzle for Ethan and wrapped it. He was so excited for him to open it...and so he could play with it!

"Thanks Bubby"

And a little two year old present opening time

Gma Cindy added some of his favorite snacks to his gift bag...oh, he had to show these to Papa T and had to start eating them right away :)

Happy birthday to you....happy birthday to you...

Trying to get him to blow out his candles....he had to have a little help. Oh and I had to relight them because the wind across the table was pretty strong!!

Such a great party and a fun time for him! He was all tuckered out!

Brother was too!

Papa T's surprise 60th bday party

2011-09-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Chris' family had a surprise birthday for his dad who was turning 60. It was great because a ton of the family was there and a lot of his friends. Happy bday Papa T!

Surprise!

Surprise on this end!

Papa T and his grandkids...the boys and Izzie

Lots of help on the candles-Braden is working hard!

The kids all gathered around like it was a kids' party. They were waiting for some cool toys to be opened...I was hoping it would all be "age appropriate." ha!

More soccer action

2011-09-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

The "Blue Toads" had a game on Saturday and tonight. Braden's little team is all over the place....from a couple of kids that are coordinated enough to run and kick to a few that just run with the group and occasionally bump into the ball (probably where Braden falls in). ha! He's doing great though and it sure is fun to watch!

Warm ups

Papa T came on Saturday...the kids are always after "papa's juice" uh...pepsi

Braden and Jacob probably talking important competitive strategy talk. :)

This is hilarious!! So I have no idea who these people are sitting down the row from us and this older man says, "Come here Ethan and sit on granddaddy's lap" talking to HIS grandson Ethan who was probably about 7. So my Ethan gets up, walks on down there and backs it up and sits in his lap. It was hilarious!!!! Then later in the game, he went down again and sat in his lap. When we left I said, "tell granddaddy bye." Love it!

My baby is two!!

2011-09-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Somehow, someway my baby turned two today!! I really thought time flew with Braden but it just flashed by with Ethan! I think in the hustle bustle of each day these babies just grow up on you so fast! Tear :(

Anyways, Ethan is two today and I am so, so in love with this child!! He has the sweetest, funniest and feistiest little personality! He absolutely cracks me up right now! I love all of his new phrases he comes up with each day. I find myself saying, "did he just say that?" Their vocab just explodes at this age and I love hearing each new little word. I love the way he can't say his "s's" so he wants a "poon" to eat and a "nack" to eat. It is too cute in that little voice! I love the way he says "bubby" for Braden and he's so excited to see him and was so sad when we dropped him off at school last week. I love the way he says "poop and butt" when he's gone to the bathroom with that confused look on his face! (yep just got a potty seat out today).

Ethan is a busy body and rarely sits and plays. Instead, he kind of tornadoes around the house wearing everyone's shoes, carrying purses, wearing hats and costumes, dragging toys, Tupperware, remote controls...anything he can find from room to room. :) He is right on top of me whether I'm sitting on the toilet or trying to make lunch, he is literally on my feet. Not complaining though because soon he'll be off in his room playing forever and I'll miss it. He loves to "play" with Braden and wants to be big. Of course he makes a mess with the legos or little figurines Braden is setting up and so Braden gets mad and I'm pretty sure that makes Ethan want to mess them up more. ha! Brotherly love!

He loves Barney videos and mimics what the kids do in the videos. He tries to sing the I love you song and the clean up song. He loves choo-choos and gets excited when he sees a real choo choo or a toy train. He loves balls and is actually very athletic and coordinated for a two year old. He's quite the little batter and can throw and catch a ball really well. For the longest time now, when we drive through a subdivision, he pretends to shoot a ball if he sees a basketball goal and says "shoot the ball" which sounds more like "sh*t the ball" ha! He loves bath time and makes a gigantic mess of the entire bathroom with water trying to splash and swim. He loves brushing his teeth but mostly when he does it, "ME DO!" and tries to eat the toothpaste container.

I just love Ethan's squishy little face and those squinty eyes when he really gets laughing...:) we are still trying to figure out who he really looks like. He is such a big, big boy but still has that baby pudge and those baby dimples in his hands. :( I don't want him to lose that. He's just a snuggley little fella that you could squeeze and eat right up! I love the way he runs and says "mommy" and "daddy" with such enthusiasm and love when we pick him up or get home. It just melts your heart! I just love the way he runs in general with his arms straight down by his sides and the way he stands with his hands behind his back when he's checking something out or waiting.

We love you to pieces Ethan Christopher!! You make mommy, daddy and Braden (most of the time) so happy! You entertain us and keep us on our toes. You are two and SO very two right now!! I'm pretty sure my hands are full but I'm going to try to treasure each two year old moment with you! We are so blessed that God gave us you, a big healthy boy with a big personality! We love you buddy! Happy birthday!!

Braden's first day of Pre-K

2011-09-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that this is Braden's last year of preschool!! The thought of registering him for kindergarten in the spring blows me away! So until then...I'm focusing on this year, his last year of preschool, Pre-K! He had a super first day! I am in the class right next to him so I can see him through the windows off and on and he was always sitting and playing-either at the Lego's or the castle. ha! I also noticed he was hanging around with some really sweet boys. I know us teachers love all of our students, but being in the building I also know which little boys might be a smidge of a better influence on him. He is a follower for sure so usually if he sees someone throwing blocks or jumping off a playset or any of that good 'ole boy stuff, well he's right there in the mix. :) I'm hoping that he hooks up with a few of the more mature boys at least most of his day. :) I got to see him on the playground and he was all smiles about his first day!

In other news, Ethan started with a new sitter today and she is perfect!! Right by school, I love her to pieces, a few playmates and super cheap. I'm feeling so blessed that this situation worked out too! Oh and my class was awesome today too!! Day 2 here we come!

Several people commented to me that he looked like a 2nd grader today! He is a tall, handsome little guy!

At school enjoying a popsicle with his buddies, Jacob and Carson

Family Palooza

2011-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday Southeast Christian Church hosted their annual Family Palooza. It is SO much fun! All of the activities are totally free and lunch is $1.00! It's a great deal. The boys got to ride ponies, jump in bouncers, get their face painted, dance, eat snowcones, cotton candy and icecream....yep, they were in heaven!

Ethan reminds me so much of Braden at this age because he's having fun on this pony but he is so serious! ha!

Braden kept grinning like, "am I really riding a pony?" :)

Nice ride

Ethan kept wanting to go down this slide which meant I kept having to climb up with him on those tricky steep stairs. Thank goodness I didn't deflate the thing!

Crack me up! This room had bubbles and hula hoops. Check out Braden's version of hoola hooping...he spins his whole body each time instead of the hoop. :)

Ethan gave it a "whirl"

Treats!

Double fisting

The boys got to hold and squirt a real fire hose-very powerful!

Such a fun family day!

Braden's first soccer game

2011-09-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Braden is in a new soccer league this year called Southern Indiana United. We LOVE it! It is so much more organized than the Y, the kids do real drills and they only put 3 players per team on the field at a time which means the kids actually have a chance to kick the ball. We've only had one game but I can't say enough about how much I love this program. Not to mention they get a shirt, shorts and socks....looking cute is half the part right?!? :)

Braden had been saying he didn't want to play, that he didn't like soccer, it's too hard, blah blah, blah. So I was expecting tears and fits and was beyond excited that we got none of that! He was the best little boy-listened to his coach, tried his little heart out on every drill, cheered for all his teammates, and even scored two goals! I could care less if he's any good at age 4, but I was one proud momma that he listened and did so well for his coach and there wasn't one single whine. Way to go buddy! We are so proud of you!!

Papa Scott came down for the day and got to see his first game.

Such a cute picture of these two!

Who is that gigantic child standing with his team?!?! ha!

Doing the "kangaroo" during drills...pretty hard stuff.

On his way to scoring his first goal. I was so proud that he stuck with it and took it all the way...is that called dribbling in soccer??? Or is that only basketball? Definitely don't know my soccer terms yet!

Almost there buddy!

Hugs and a drink from Daddy

Scoring his second goal...mommy might have had a tear or two! :(

Halftime...Ethan wanted in on some goal scoring too!

Cutie pie waiting for his turn. So proud of my big boy!

Houseboat

2011-09-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Last week after open house we jumped in the car and headed to Dale Hollow. We got an awesome deal on a 6 bedroom houseboat on our favorite lake! Dale Hollow is just beautiful and the best water for any watersports-so smooth! Chris' dad offered to keep Ethan because he was a little (well a lot) nervous about Ethan walking around on a houseboat. In all honesty I was way worried and almost didn't agree to go because I knew my children would have to sleep in their life jackets for me to feel safe. ha! We decided to take Papa T up on his offer since Ethan would have a blast being spoiled by grandparents and knew it'd be a lot easier with just Braden. So at 9:00 at night, we loaded up and off we went! We've discovered the closest point of Dale Hollow is only a 2 hour and 40 minute drive so not too shabby. :) We had the absolute best time and can't wait to do it again!

Braden, Carson and Judd enjoying some breakfast at our super long table! Notice the life jackets over the jammies. They pretty much lived in them this weekend. :)

The kids were SOOOO good no matter what we were doing. The boys loved these little foam guns of course!

Amber and I showing our skills double kneeboarding-so fun!

Until we almost crashed! Love the faces. ha

Chris and Nick show off their skills...a little under the rope action

Me and my big boy

Judd and Braden trying out the new tube

The kids loved the houseboat. They went up and down the stairs 100 times and owned the place!

Cutie girls Alivia and Lydia

The hot tub on top of the houseboat was a group favorite

After the kids mastered the waterslide, they started sliding onto things set up by Nick. :)

*Thanks friends for one of the best weekends ever! It was SOOO much fun and we must do it again!

Open House

2011-09-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night was our open house at preschool. Braden will be kinder-prep this year with Mrs. Jennifer which is right next to me! :) We are so excited!!! School starts Sept. 6th and we are ready to get back in a routine and get started. Look out Mrs. Jennifer...here he comes! ha

Red light please!

2011-09-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

So I completely fell off the bandwagon of the blogging world for the last month. Life just got completely crazy lately. We have done so many fun things lately, so many "blog worthy" events that I just have to let it go and start new. ha! You know what I'm saying blogger girls...sometimes we don't want to take pictures of cute stuff because that means we'll want to blog it.

Blogger has taken a complete backseat lately to my new and crazy life. :) I signed up to be a thirty one consultant last month and like anything new, that has taken a little time to get the hang of plus I've had several parties. It is going fabulously and I'm loving it! The extra money doesn't hurt either. :) I also was getting ready for the big little treasures consignment sale which means I was hanging and pinning baby clothes every spare moment. It was also time to get my classroom ready for school and ready for open house. So long story short, between thirty one, consigning, back to school, boating trips galore and the normal home/kid life, I have been swamped! No complaining though because it's all been good busy. But I'm back!! So you bloggers out there, I have not been reading your blogs either so I hope I didn't miss too much and you'll welcome me back! ha!

One of these days....

2011-08-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

I'm going to catch up on my blog! :)

Fancy dance moves!

2011-08-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what's funnier....Braden's dance moves or Chris' comments! Hilarious!

Holiday World 2011

2011-08-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the worst mornings end up being the best day! On Thursday we had planned on going to Holiday World and leaving first thing in the morning. Well we had a rough night with both kids being up and we were all cranky to say the least. We got out of the house late, had to drive back because we forgot something and had a car full of criers...including almost me! We almost turned around and went home thinking it was just going to be a bad day and we'd try again next week but pushed on anyways. It's a good thing because it ended up being the best day ever!!! The kids were perfect and we all had so much fun!!!! I guess sometimes your most prepared days aren't always your perfect ones...this was a start of pure chaos and couldn't have went any better. :)

First ride...the carousel

SOOO crazy to see both of my boys on rides together all day. Can Ethan really be big enough to ride with his brother?!?!

The annual picture with Santa

I just couldn't get over seeing these two together on a ride. I know they'll fight, but I always hope they will be the best of friends. :)

Love his face here...riding a big boy roller coaster!

Of course the bumper cars were right up Braden's alley!

Yummy treat

Ethan loved the slides....and apparently Chris too!

Ethan did such a great job even when he was tuckered out! What a perfect day!!!

"Are we there yet?"

2011-07-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Not sure how many times I heard the phrase, "Are we there yet?" but I'm pretty sure it was in the thousands! ha! Actually, Braden was a really good traveler! As long as he had a movie going, he was good to go. He actually watched a movie we got at Redbox in FL (Gnomio and Juliet) 4 times on the way home!! I know, a little excesive but he loved it!! Ethan on the other hand, did a lot of high pitched, hurt your ears screaming and crying off and on. He was not a happy camper. But we made it...all in one piece. :) The boys were so excited when we pulled in. And even though it was 9:30 at night, I let them run wild and play with all their toys. They missed them. :) Braden even said on the trip, "I bet my toys miss me and are saying, Braden, where are you?" :)

Braden getting bored and "playing" A.K.A. bugging Ethan!

A happier moment....could he be any more chilled out. Do you need some popcorn buddy? :)

Friday in FL

2011-07-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I am obsessed with taking pictures. Normally on a trip like this I would take hundreds of pictures and annoy everyone with me!! Unfortunately my camera quit working with 2 days left on our trip. :( I called Murphy's and they tried to help me clean the lens etc..but it didn't work. SO...all of you moms out there that want things to go as planned can relate. I had planned out our little matching outfits for some beach shots and waited until Friday when my good camera bit the dust. I was bummed! But Chris reminded me I still had my point and shoot and really, I didn't even have a good camera on our last beach trip so anywoo, these turned out good enough and I'll quit complaining now. :) Thanks to Matt, our photographer who puts up with me asking him to take our picture. ha!

Of course we weren't going to be able to keep our dress clothes clean on the beach. It was playtime!

A little sand action for me

Braden and Jace were so funny pulling each other on the boogie boards! They were such good buddies on this trip :)

Check out the farmer's tan on his arms!

Ethan was a total daddy's boy this week!!!! :)

Looking like a surfer

Hang ten dude!

Love the sunset on a beach...ahhhhhh :)

The beach side of our condo. Our room was the very top floor, 22nd floor on the top left. We had an awesome wrap around balcony.

We never get our picture together, just the two of us so I bugged Matt for one more!

Thursday in FL

2011-07-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we took a boat over to Shell Island. We had a lot of seaweed on our beach and heard Shell Island was beautiful and clear. We heard right! We got to enjoy playing in the big waves in the ocean, looking for shells and some calm areas where we could find sea creatures.

Chris and Ethan enjoying the sights on the boat ride over to the island.

Poor Matt always had Braden right on top of him the whole trip. :)

Checking out the island. The sky was getting dark and we were ready for a downpour and then it just passed.

Braden and Jace all ready to see something cool!

Looking way too old lately!

Ethan took a little rest on Daddy by the ocean

These rocks looked so neat in the water

Big boys with their shovels. This little area had lot so fish, shrimp and even stingrays to see! Yikes! They were dying to find something. I stayed on the sand and watched!

Ethan enjoying some snacks after a long day on the island. :)

Wednesday in FL

2011-07-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm home from Florida it's hard to remember what we did each day but this is my best guess. ha! I'm pretty sure we did a lot of pool, beach, pool and more beach. :) The kids loved it!

So which picture is Ethan??? Hard to tell right? (especially from the back-ha!). This top one is Ethan and the bottom was is Braden in Destin in 2008. I remember loving Braden's picture so I tried to recreate it. I had the shorts and hat but different swim shirt-close enough. :)

Ethan was such a big boy swimming all over the pool by himself. Prior to this trip he only wanted to swim if he was holding onto us. Big, brave boy :)

Lexi was so cute floating on her back!

Ethan always makes a new friend wherever we go! He played ball with this little girl forever!

Serious cuteness!

Tuesday in FL

2011-07-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today we got up, ate breakfast and headed to the beach. The big boys love swimming in the ocean and Ethan and Lexi are content on the beach watching. :)

Lexi loved having this crab in her little container. It was dead but they were all fascinated!

Run boys, run!

Ethan hung out with me in our new chairs. We bought these yesterday at a little surf store-a perfect investment for the beach. :)

Braden wasn't sure about the taste of the ocean!

Just chillin' with mom

He looks way too old in this picture!

Go Ethan!

Jace & Matt and Braden and Chris checking out the big waves

Working on some sand creations

You have to be quick to get one of these pictures...Braden was so frustrated that every time he tried to write his name it got washed away. ha!

Then he asked me to write, "Braden loves his buddies" and take a picture. Such a funny boy!

After the beach we went to the pool. Braden can't get enough of being thrown in the air or flipped around. He is fearless I tell ya!

Hanging out in the condo after naps-Ethan and Lexi

Braden and Jace have their own room and think they are big stuff!

Monday in FL

2011-07-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday we woke up to a little drizzle so decided to do some sightseeing instead of the beach. We hit some beach type stores and realized it's pretty impossible to shop with 4 little kids. Ha! So we headed for lunch instead. We ate at Jimmy Buffet's restaurant and pigged out (see below). The highlight of Monday was Chris' mom offered to watch all 4 kids so we could go out and have an adult night. Woohoo!

During shopping at Pier Park Braden spotted the kids' area and demanded a ride on the ferris wheel. :) Chris and I our suckers so off they went. :)

Oh my goodness! Check out these nachos! I love me some yummy nachos and this was the grande version. I hate to admit it but we ate all of this! I thought I'd be full for a week. ha! I was full until late that night. :)

That night we met up with Jeremy and Brandi at Pineapple Willy's. We had so much fun laughing and hanging out.

The girls-Me, Brandi & Carrie

Sunday in FL

2011-07-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

Sunday was our first full day at our condo. We of course hit the beach right away followed by some pool time, naps and then dinner out at Schooners. It was a fabulous first day.

I have this exact picture of Braden in this outfit and hat looking out at the ocean so I tried to get it of Ethan.

Ethan is so brave in the pool now. Yeah!

Braden and Jace are wild guys in the pool. They swim all over the place and love, love wearing their goggles!

Ethan always makes a new friend wherever we are. I guess it's because all little girls love babies so they come up to him. He played catch with this little girl forever. So sweet!

Hilarious! He looked too cute in these goggles! Ethan now swims independently in his life jacket. Just a week ago he was still hanging onto us in the pool or lake so I'm so proud of him!

That night we met Chris' parents, Jeremy & Brandi and some of their friends at Schooners which happens to be right beside our condo. Ethan was sooooo tired by the time we ate. Aunt Brandi held him.

Chris had the band play a song for Jeremy and Brandi since they never had a first dance. :)

Cute big boys at dinner

Wedding night-day 2 cont'd

2011-07-26T16:03:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night Jeremy and Brandi got married right on the beach at sunset. It was so pretty being on the beach with the sun going down, the breeze and being barefoot in the sand. Congratulations Jeremy and Brandi!! We are so happy for you!

My attempt at a brother shot...my lens kept fogging up from the humidity so by the time I got it clean they ran off. :) Here is a cute foggy picture of my boys before the wedding. :)

The big boys...Braden and Jace trying to stay dry for the wedding. :)

My little family....oh and my big hair!

Ethan looking all cute

Braden and Ethan were obsessed with this hole...it was nearly impossible to keep them clean before the wedding

The vows

Pouring the sand in to become "one." :)

Mr. & Mrs. Sebolt

Handsome boys

Matt & Chris filming each other. :)

Chris' family

Sunset picture

We made it! Day 2

2011-07-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we got up and drove 3 more hours to hit Panama City. We couldn't check into our condo until 3:00 so we stopped at Chris' mom's hotel for a few hours. We took the boys down to the beach to check things out. Braden hasn't been since he was 18 months and Ethan has never been so I was excited for them to experience the sand and ocean. :)

Ethan wasn't sure what to make of this sand stuff. It was so cute seeing him check it out and trying to maneuver through it.

Braden of course jumped right in...clothes and all!

After a dip in Gma Cindy's pool it was time to check into our condo. Check out the amount of stuff it takes to stay somewhere with kids for a week. ha!

Florida trip day 1

2011-07-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning we loaded up and took off on our way to Florida. Chris' brother Jeremy was getting married on the beach this week so we booked a condo with the Johnsen's and decided to make a vacation out of it. We drove about 8 hours and stayed in Troy, Alabama so we could rest up (ha!) and then just drive in the next morning for the wedding. The drive was about like expected...not super easy going but not terrible. :) Braden was fine watching movie after movie but Ethan is not much on the carseat so he tries to break free and screams off and on. Chris actually brought ear plugs!! :) But we made it and it really wasn't too bad.

We checked in and then headed out to dinner. We thought this truck looked like Mater so got our picture with it. :)

Then we hit the hotel pool before bed. The water was freezing so Ethan was content kicking his feet and I stuck to my job....the photographer :)

Braden always wants to swim no matter what the water feels like so we sent Chris too.

Dropping off Blessings

2011-07-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Last week the boys and I got to drop off all the Blessings in a Backpack goodies at Fairmont Elementary. The principal was SO excited and said this school really needs these things. She said she even had a little boy that she was going to deliver some of our food to that night. :) The boys did a great job of unloading the bags and food into the school and it was crazy to see how much we had collected. Thank you so much to everyone that helped provide this school with a huge need. There will be many blessed children when school starts. :)

Dale Hollow Weekend

2011-07-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just got home from a super fun weekend and we are soooo sore and pooped to say the least! We had an absolute blast at Dale Hollow Lake with the Thomas', Vaughn's and Johnsen's. It was our adult only weekend that we planned months ago since last year was such a blast. This year we stayed at the "Lillypad" cabin which was really nice (forgot to get a picture-stink!). We spent the weekend doing lots of skiing (this is why I'm struggling to walk :) , kneeboarding, a little wakeboarding and just floating and hanging out. Nick even barefoot skiied! We made some yummy meals and ate like piggies. It was perfect!! I took soooo many pictures but just included a few here. Thanks everyone for such a fun weekend!! We can't wait for the next one. :)

Carrie, Christy, Jenn & Me

Just floating and enjoying a fruity beverage

Server Matt swam on out to refil our drinks...such service :)

We met up with some other friends and took turns on their jet ski.

Such a fun, fun weekend!!!!

Family affair

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we were excited to have my parents and niece and nephew down to boat with us. On Saturday my mom and Dylan went with us to Hardy Lake and Dylan skiied for the first time (and got up the very first try!!). Then on Sunday my dad and Dylan came down and my niece Alissa and her boyfriend came on their drive back to IN from Florida. It was a perfectly hot weekend to be in the water and we had a blast!

Braden loves his cousin Dylan

Ethan falls asleep on Gma Trish

Dylan showing off his skiing skills :)

Alissa and I

Papa Scott (Dude) hangin' with Ethan

Cooling off

Chris insisted on letting Ethan tube. So since I was the driver I went as slow as I possibly could without letting the tube sink. ha! I guess he liked it...he didn't really laugh or cry, just rode very seriously. :)

2011-07-08T12:05:00.001-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V88JO1Kfa5Q

Click on the link above to see a video of Braden kneeboarding from last weekend. It's kind of long so you can fast forward toward the end if you want when Nick lets go and Braden goes by himself. It also gets pretty shaky at the end but the videographer was struggling to hold steady with the waves. ha! You'll also hear that I panic when he falls off....there were so many boats in the water and all you could see was Braden's little pea head sticking up so I wanted to Chris to drive to him fast-scary!!

Fun Friday

2011-07-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

This morning was dark and rainy which is always a perfect morning to sleep in! Chris, Ethan and I all slept until 9:00 and Braden didn't get up until 10:00! This is a first. I'm pretty sure the darkness helped but I'll be honest in saying I have run my children into the ground lately with going here and there...they were pooped! :) So after sleeping half the morning we decided to hit the library and grab lunch-fun fun!

I picked Braden up some new undies last night at Target (the poor boy was still wearing 4T's and they were skin tight! He was SO excited for his new super hero underwear that he had to try on each pair at least twice. ha!

Then off to the library...Ethan doing a little light reading.

Braden keeps finding anything "superhero"ish to check out. He is obsessed but I wouldn't call it mom's favorite stories to read (blah!).

I look like a complete dork here but had to include because Braden took this picture...possibly a future blogger on our hands?!?!

Puzzles!

Hilarious! Braden loves "Big boy" and wants to eat there all the time. They do have a good little kids' menu because you can get breakfast. Braden always gets the pancakes and bacon and Ethan does pretty well with the grilled cheese. Here he is posing with his big boy and his new library book after lunch. :)

Our 3rd Annual Backyard Bash

2011-07-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we hosted our annual "Braden & Ethan's Backyard Bash" full of kids and chaos all for a good cause. :) Each year we pick a different charity for our kids to collect items for. This year we collected backpacks and food for the organization Blessings in a Backpack. This organization provides children in schools that are on free or reduced lunches with a backpack full of food each Friday for the school year. This way those kids are guaranteed to have something to eat other than the food provided at school. We collected several backpacks, tons of food and we still have friends dropping off donations. WOW! I get to take it all to the collection site in Louisville next week where it will be distributed to kids in the New Albany schools. How awesome is that? I just love that our kiddos are learning about giving to others and helping those that are less fortunate than us. :)

It was a perfect evening! We had awesome weather...maybe a little hot but that's what all the water is for. Nobody got hurt (which is always my fear) and I think all the kids had a great time! Thank you so much to everyone that could make it and/or provide a donation. You are awesome! Also a big shout out to Greg at "Jump 4 joy bouncers" in Georgetown who always donates one of our two bouncers for our party to support the charity. :) Also, thank you to Chris' mom and aunt for your grilling help and cleaning up. Love you guys! Enough of that...here are some pics! I took tons more so I'll send those out on shutterfly soon.

My boys putting their food in the buckets and hanging their backpacks on the fence.

Braden gets in bounce time before partygoers arrive

This waterslide is always a big hit.

Jace hangs his donation

This year we added face painting to the party. We used one of Chris' former students which worked out well. :)

Ava & Ethan weren't ready for the slides but enjoyed splashing in the puddles

Braden likes to go down anyway that is not the standard way. :)

Amber and her crew drop off their donations

Some cutie pies enjoying a dip in the pool

Carson loved the water slides and spent most of his time over there. :)

Braden and the neighbors enjoying some popcorn and lemonade

Ethan couldn't get enough of the pink lemonade...and using a cup by himself!

Yummy-hotdogs and cheese balls....very nutritious (ha) I meant very kid friendly. :)

Of course there were a few baby girls for me to oooh and awww over. Baby Nora took a quick snooze while looking all cute!

Check it out!! Lots of backpacks and food for little ones to enjoy when school begins!!

Yahoo for popsicles!

Thank you, thank you for your donations! I am so proud of us!

4th of July

2011-07-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July, Matt & Carrie invited us up to Matt's sister's pool for a cookout/pool party. We were pretty waterlogged from the weekend but thought it sounded like a blast so went anyways. :) The kids had a blast swimming and just playing around the pool. :) Thanks Johnsen's for the invite!!

Braden & Jace hid in this toybox forever! They thought it was hilarious if I pretended to be looking for a ball and opened really fast to find them. ha! Oh the comedy of a 4 year old. :)

Ethan spent more time riding the bikes around the pool than actually swimming. :)

Matt got in his workout throwing the boys high in the air. Braden is going for a belly flop again. :)

Just chillin' on my ride

That night (while Ethan slept) we watched fireworks right on our street with several neighbors. There are so many "shows" going on all around us, you really don't have to go anywhere. Plus the Rousters had some good fireworks that we got to let off. Braden and the girls enjoyed the sights laying down. ha!

Rough River

2011-07-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Boating, swimming and lots of eating...that's what our weekend consisted of! We headed to Rough River Friday where we had a house rented right on the lake. The Vaughn's and Thomas' came too and The Johensen's even joined us for one day. The weather was hot, hot, hot so we took full advantage of being in the water. The kids swam, tubed and even knee boarded and a few of us did some skiing. I cannot believe how good all of the kids were! These guys were troopers for boating all day with no naps. Thanks everyone for such a fun weekend and awesome memories for our kids. :)

Cuteness! Alivia is such a little mom to Ethan always looking out for him and helping.

Love Ethan's hair when we go fast. ha! He just leaned back and let his hair flap in the wind.

Braden getting ready to knee board. I'll try to upload the video but it's long. Nick went with him because he's probably the only guy who could drag behind the board getting beat up and hang on. :) After awhile he let go and Braden went for quite awhile by himself. This child has no fear in the water but I have to say, his mommy got a little nervous when he flipped off and was in the water by himself with only his little pea head sticking up. ahhh! It was fine though and he instantly wanted to go again.

Braden is obsessed with Jackson..literally. If Jackson jumps Braden jumps, if Jackson kneeboards, well then by golly Braden has to...now if only I could get Jackson to eat some veggies in front of Braden, hmmmmmm, it just might work!

Ethan loving his swimtime...as long as he's holding onto your jacket. :)

Carrie and Jace doing a little tubing.

The men just floating and hanging out..what they do best

Braden jumping off the front of Nick's boat. This kid is crazy. We anchored near people jumping off cliffs and he wanted to do that too. Chris was going to let him but then Mean Momma bear stepped in-sorry buddy, you are 4 and I'm just not ready to chance you get some major boo-boos. :)

We met some new friends that had a floating trampoline. The kids loved this!

Ethan was such a good baby boy considering he takes a 3 hour nap everday and he wasn't getting it. He did pass out on the boat a few times. Love the arms and legs

Last night was the big fireworks show on the lake. We had such a perfect view for the show right from our house! So thankful for that because the lake was packed with boats and we got to have kids in pjs and put them right to bed after...perfect. :) This was our pre-fireworks show preschool style. Sparklers of course!

Christy showing her sparkler flare :)

Matt helps get the kids' sparklers going

Chris working on his big fish fry. I hate all seafood but I loved this fish (and no we didn't catch it-ha! It was from the grocery and super yummy!

Jackson and Braden roasting a couple of marshmallows waiting on the show to start

Some of the gang watching the show

Back to boating....how cute are these girls! Love it. :)

More crazy boys! Jackson, Carson and Braden getting ready to jump off the upside down tube.

1-2-3 Go! Almost syncrohnized boys. :)

Christy tubed with Braden and Jackson and Nick went soooooo fast. They loved it and couldn't get enough! This was one moment when they could actually take their hands off...otherwise they were gripping for dear life. ha!

Poor Ethan...he was so good but by today he was exhausted!! The kids starting dropping like flies (see Addi in the background) so we made today a shorter day.
* Such a fun, fun weekend!!!!! Thanks everyone! Can't wait for the next one. :)

Swim Lessons

2011-07-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Braden just completed two weeks of swim lessons at Highland Hills. I was really impressed with the small group size and all that he learned. He can definitely swim under water several feet but still needs to work on using his arms when he swims. On the last day they got to jump off the diving board! It was probably 4-5 above the water but I knew Braden would be all about it. I guess from boating and all, he has no fear of jumping off of anything in the water. He might belly flop but he loves it!

Working with his teacher Lauren

Swimming with the kickboard

Ethan always had plenty of fun with the Rousters. :) Here he is with Natalie

Braden's swim group: Sophie (our neighbor), Jake and Braden

Edging out to the end of the diving board

Hilarious!! Whenever Braden jumps into a pool or a lake, he tries to jump out as far as he can. I'm pretty sure he's aiming for her head. ha! Look at her face. :)

And he loves it!

More fun with friends...Ethan and Ava are dating I'm pretty sure...when they're not fighting. :)

2nd jump. Cracks me up! He looks so high and this time his teacher is ready and scoots back. :) he did a giant belly flop on this one and came up with a red chest. He said it didn't hurt though and wanted to go again.

Blueberry Pickin'

2011-07-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we headed to Bryant's for our annual blueberry picking time. This is something we like to do each year. The first two years we went, we couldn't keep Braden from eating handfuls the whole time we were there. This year was a little different because I have such picky eaters. Braden ate a few and Ethan wanted nothing to do with them. ha! Both boys will devour the blueberry muffins I make with them though so that's good. The pickin' was slim this year due to the time of the day we went and being later in the season so it was truly a hunt but we managed to get a couple pounds. Ethan had fun running wild in this unforeseen forest :) and Braden worked hard to find all of the perfect "blue" blueberries and not the purple ones that weren't ripe yet. He was so good at helping!

Where'd my babies go?

2011-06-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

I was looking at old pictures on the computer tonight and came across this one. Sniff, sniff. :( Braden's little face! He was just a baby himself and Ethan, well how can that even be him? Where did my babies go? Tear :(

The "beach"

2011-06-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today we headed to the river for a little boating fun. The river is occasionaly nice to go to because it's so close and you definitely save money on gas!! The river also has this "beach" area we've been going to that the kids absolutely love! I always have to laugh at the fact that we call it a beach because we're on the stinky river and I think of Florida when I think of the beach, but anywhoo the kids love it and have a blast! The Rousters came with us and were quite the beach lovin' kids. :)

Braden and Sohpie enjoying their snacks

Most of the gang...we had 9 kids today! My two, Jenn's two and Deanna's 5. It was quite the crew!

Last Tee ball game

2011-06-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

After a crazy week of rained out games and make ups, Braden had his last tee ball game on Saturday. It was a fun little season hanging out with good friends and watching Braden run for the ball and hit. I'm still not sure that he loves baseball a whole lot, but he enjoyed going to the games, seeing his friends and family and of course eating snacks. :) Thanks to coach Damon and "Coach Daddy" for teaching our kiddos how to be a team and have fun learning baseball. :)

Running for a grounder

Hitting with his shades on :)

Looking good big boy!

Lining up to congratulate the other team

Getting his medal-so proud!

Giving Coach Damon a famous Braden hug (head in and barely the arms-ha!).

A picture with Coach Daddy :)

Ethan is always dying to get on the field. After the game he was off running the bases like a big boy!

Marci made these yummy baseball cookies for the last game! :)

Posing with Papa T