Ethan's Playdate Party

On Sunday, the 9th we had a little playdate at preschool with some of Ethan's buddies for his birthday.  It was such a perfect day weather wise so the kids just played, ate popsicles and cookies while the mommies hung out and chatted. :)  Thanks to all Ethan's buddies that could come!

I actually made sugar cookies from scratch with homemade icing too. I made 3's and little sailboats but forgot to take a picture until they were almost gone. ha!   I'm sure the popsicles were just as good for the kids...The things we do as moms!

Yah! Getting presents. :)

Ethan's first soccer game

Saturday was the day I had been waiting for since Ethan's been able to walk!  It was his very first sport....a soccer game. He seems so athletic to me and has been forever so I couldn't wait for him to get in a 3 year old sport. He's been watching Braden play soccer and baseball and couldn't wait until he could get out there.  He's the youngest one on his team and scored their only goal!!  Way to go Ethan.

He was ready!

Papa T came to cheer him on

There aren't a ton of "action" shots because it's 3 year old soccer and it's pretty much mass chaos...plus there are so many parents on the field you can't even get a shot. ha!  I love how he was always lined up and ready with his hands behind his back.

Listening to his coach...again with his hands folded. Love it!  I knew he'd be great at running and kicking but had no idea if he'd listen to his coach and do what he was supposed to do.  He did great!  I can't wait for his next game. :)

Braden's Soccer Game

Last Thursday was Braden's 2nd soccer game but the first one for me to see. I had open house on the first night so I missed all the action.  Even though we haven't touched a soccer ball since last summer, he still came out and tried his hardest smiling the whole game.  So proud of you big boy!

Braden is just a tad tall of course compared to his teamates. ha!

This little blond boy scored so many goals for the blue team. Braden was always trying to get in front of him or running down and being the goalie.  At least he gets defense. :)

The cheering section for Braden

Still smiling all the way

Good job buddy!

Braden's mid term :)

Braden got his mid-term this week..his very first one. I was SOOOOOO proud of him! If you can't read it, all of the areas pertain to work habits and behavior (the areas I was so concerned for). He does not have one single area circled! And the comment says that he is a good example for others. I am so proud of him and so relieved at how well he is doing in school. Maybe some of my hard work is finally paying off. ha!!

 

Ethan's first day of preschool

Ethan officially started preschool today!  He already feels like he's been going to school since he came a couple days last year and attended summer camps, but this was his first "real" day.  I had such a time trying to get his picture. OH MY!  I was literally yelling, "hold the sign. Stand still. Get over here!!!!" My neighbors are going to call CPS I tell ya.  I didn't care if he smiled... just wanted him to stand still.  Ethan, Ethan, you are SO very two right now but I sure love you!!

This picture is dark. :(  Tells me it was just too early to be getting up!

Walking into "Bubby's old school"

Family Palooza

Every Labor Day our church has a big Family Palooza day. It is SOOOOO much fun and all free!  I wasn't sure if we'd make it due to boating and rain, but so glad we did. If I didn't get a chance to tell you about this, you have to come next year. It's open to anyone.  There are bouncers, pony rides, animals to pet, food, cotton candy, snow cones, face painting and tons more!  My kids had a blast!  We are so thankful for Southeast and the way they serve our community. :)

This child needs a pet. sigh

ha! Ethan milking the cow.

Sweet overload!

Ethan loved the dance room with bubbles

Pony rides

Fun stuff!

We're ready!

Hoo...hoo....Hoosiers!  We're ready for some IU basketball in this house! I have a picture of Braden in this same outfit.  You never know if one day they might be wearing a real one of these. ha! Wouldn't that be fun?!?!

Labor Day Weekend

Despite all the anticipation of rain, we had a fabulous weekend at Rough River staying with the Vaughn's. I was afraid it would rain all weekend long, but we actually boated 3 days dodging the few showers we actually got. It was a fun, relaxing weekend.  We got to eat a ton (as usual), learn some new tricks wakeboarding (and didn't break our neck) and just relax not being home. Love those kind of weekends. 

Chris managed to drive the boat and snap some pictures of me wakeboarding...what a talent! :)

Ethan is quite the boat driver these days...and into some new crazy faces. :)

Braden is just BIG these days...looks big, acts big-all of it.  Kindergarten just grew my little boy right up!!

Ethan loves to wakeboard...of course from the safety of land.

Jackson became an expert wakeboarder this weekend! 

Addi looking all cute with her wind blown hair. :)

Braden actually got up on the wakeboard this weekend and went for a bit.  I cannot believe my 5 year old is doing this.  What will these kids being doing in a few years?!? Wow! Way to go buddy!

I'm just loving this watersport. Forget skiing....this is way more fun (and slightly more scary. ha!)

Braden's Class

Today was the first day I got to go into Braden's class for centers. It was "watermelon day" and everything was adorable! I was SO excited to see all of his little buddies and see all the fun they have each day. Cute stuff!

Ethan's Open House

Tonight was open house at preschool for the 2 and 3 year old classes.  I debated on whether to go...I mean Ethan obviously knows the school and knows his teacher, Mrs. Jaime well from summer camp. But the guilty mommy part of me decided we needed to go because we did all of this for Braden of course (got it make it fair right? Because one day they'll look back and really care?!?! HA!!).  So off we went. :)

Oh Ethan and his smiles. :) We LOVE Mrs. Jaime!  Jaime...we are praying for you right now!!! ha!

Braden wanted his picture too. :)  He seemed so big at preschool tonight and to think he was just there last year.  sniff sniff

The goal=3 smiles at once....Result: somewhat successful. :)  School starts next Tuesday for Ethan!  He's excited to be with his Mrs. Jaime and his "siends" (friends).

A quick stop...

Today on the way home from Bloomington we made a quick pit stop to check out Jellystone Park on Monroe Lake. We had heard about it so we thought we'd check it out. They have cute little cabins and campsites so it might be a fun option in the future for a boating weekend. The boys always want their pictures taken with any cut outs like this that they see. ha! I just thought their faces were funny in this one.

And then Braden wanted to take ours! Could my head look any bigger?!?! :)

Our anniversary date night

Yesterday after Melissa's party we left the kids with my Mom and headed to Bloomington to celebrate our anniversary. Our anniversary is the 28th, Tuesday but this was a good opportunity to do an overnight with childcare. Woohoo!  We had the best time! Anytime you can get away and relax without kiddos is just good for you, right? :) 

 

We got a hotel right in the heart of kirkwood and campus so we could just walk around and see everything. It's changed so much since I went there (can we say I'm getting old?!?!) so it was fun to see the new shops and restaurants. We had dinner at Malibu Grill (yummy!!) then hit the shops, people watched, grabbed dessert and just enjoyed our alone time. :) Then this morning grabbed a huge breakfast at my old favorite, Village Deli, vegged around and went and got the kids from my mom.  Just a perfect little getaway. 8 years and going strong!! :) Thanks Mom for keeping the rugrats.

We got one picture. I was a little embarrased asking college kids to take our picture (which by the way they look 12!!) so I only asked for one. I kept wondering if I looked like an old mom or if I could pass for a student. ha! I'm pretty sure I know the answer. :)

And a few oldies from our wedding.  I'm pretty sure we look a bit younger, and rested in these. ha!  Happy 8th anniversary Babe!  Love you bunches and so grateful for my perfect little family that God blessed me with!