Ethan's Family Party

We celebrated Ethan's 3rd birthday on Sunday with our family. Everyone was there but Aunt Jenny and soon to be Uncle Steve and Uncle Jason. We missed you. We even had Nanny, Pop, and Issac up from Florida. Here are a few pictures from the party. Ethan sure knew what he was doing this year with the presents.

The 4 boys and their toys. My dad, Blake, Ethan, and Bill (Blake's dad).

It looks like my son is officially spoiled now. Nonna and Papa got Ethan a big blow up jumper. Those of you with kids better come over and play with us and give this thing a workout.

And of course Miss Ella can't miss a step.

3 years ago today

I was in labor with Ethan -- yes all day!!! Of course today is not his birthday -- the little bugger wanted to wait to celebrate his birthday until the 24Th. So you ask - why a picture of this plant. Well this plant was given to me 3 years ago today. Janel flew in on stand by to make it in time for Ethan's birth (she made it in time since I labored so long -- it gave her plenty of time to get here). So I am proving to everyone that I do not have a black thumb. Although a year ago this plant only had 2 leaves -- I have nursed it back to health and it is thriving now. GO ME!!

Aunt Janel, Baby Faith, ZOO

My sister has been in town for a little. They just sold there house in Atlanta and are moving out to Boise, ID. SO, Janel and Faith came for a visit before the big move. One of the days we went to the Zoo. Here is our atempt for a picture of all of us. Don't these two look like little angels? They are actually holding hands instead of fighting. No actaully Ethan likes to hold Ella's hand when we go places like the park, zoo... he is her big helper.

And of course a picture of the cousins. Unbelievable how much hair my neice has. So we have Ella with blond hair, Faith with red, and Ethan with light brown. Could they all look any more different from each other. We have had fun with Janel and Faith -- we hope you come back again soon.

Late Night with Friends

So the other night Blake and I had the opportunity to watch our good friends Cindy and Daniel's kids while they had a night of good food. The night started off with the swing set. Then some play doh.

Of course any time Ethan is involved there has to me a little wrestling match. (Check out Blake in the back trying to get a little nap)
Now all pooped out - they set up there beds and watched a movie.

Yes - even Ella had to stay up later than normal. But she did go to bed way before the rest. We had a great time. Ethan loves playing with his friends.

Fishers Freedom Festival.

We went to the Fishers Freedom Festival despite the bad weather. Ella was very ready to go and wanted to dress herself -- so here she is in her vest coat - and only her vest coat. We did have to intervene and make her wear some pants.

Ethan was a little scared yet intrigued of the Chick-fa-la Cow. Ella wanted nothing to do with it.
Ethan off with bag go winnings. He had a lot of fun in the kids tent. He went fishing, golfing... and of course won all kids of wonderful prizes.Ella girl with her one prize -- she just sat back most the time and enjoyed the large crowd.

Bike Riding

A few weeks ago we bought 2 bike seats, set them up, and starting riding again. Ethan loves to ride on the back of Blake's bike. Ella is still a little small - she bounces around alot but she likes it as long as we stay away from the bumps.

I of course could not get a picture of Ella on her bike since she was riding behind me. But at least I got a picture of her in her way to big helmet and cute little face. Notice her necklace. She is very into jewlery these days thanks to her friend Kenzie.

FOR SALE

So after much sweat, tears, and prayer we have decided to put our house for sale. We moved in about 2 years ago. Before we moved in we completely remodeled the home. The house has all new flooring, doors, wood trim, kitchen cabinets and appliances, master bath completely remodeled, paint inside and out, gutters, garage door, furnace, and water heater. It will be very sad to leave a home we love so much but we feel the Lord is moving us on. Please let me know if you or anyone you know may have interest in our home. It lies on 2.6 beautiful wooded acres. Here is the front of the house.This is a view of the front yard from the front door.A view of the back yard.

This is a picture of the Great Room. It has a functional fireplace. Behind where the picture is taken is an additional 10 feet or so that we made into an office. Another picture of the Great Room. It is overlooking the back yard.

Here is our kitchen. The kitchen and dining room are connected and overlook the front yard.Here is the master bath.

Master Bedroom.

Bedroom #2. It actually is bigger than these pictures indicate.

Bedroom #3.

And bathroom #2.

Happy Fathers Day

This blog entry is a special shout out to the 4 most amazing and influential fathers that God has placed in my life. I was able to spend Father's day with 3 of them. We went to my parents house for swiming and dinner. Of course Blake is one of them. He is such a wonderful father. I never imagined he would develop into such a loving, strong, and dilligent father. He is such a hard worker and does an amazing job at loving us and providing for us. Bill Andrews is another amazing father. This is Blake's dad. He was not with us on Father's Day since he lives in Florida but this is a picture of him eating our Christmas Eve cookies. Blake would not be the man he is today with out the influnce of his Father. Thank you so much Bill for training him in Gods love. You have a wonderful son.
This is my papa (my mom's dad). He is the ultimate example of love and devotion. Not only did he raise 2 daughters, 2 grandaughters, he is now involved in my childrens lives. My kids call him the BIG papa. Which is very funny because he is all of 5 foot 7 inches. His devotion started early when he fought in WWII. Papa I love you and admire you.

And of course last but not least is my dad. Sorry not a real good picture. My dad is every bit of love and tinderness mixed with sterness and decipline. Without his strong work ethic, loving hands, and encouragement I would be a compleatly different person. I honestly think I have the best dad you could ask for. He is also very very involved in my children's lives and if they could type -- they would say "Papa - I love you - thanks for all the time you have invested in our lives."
So that is my shout out to the 4 most amazing and influencial fathers in my life. HAPPY FATHERS DAY. I LOVE YOU ALL

Life Group Camping Adventure!

We went camping this weekend with our life group. We left Ella with my parents and took Ethan. Ethan loved camping. We only camped for one night but we did have some brave campers stay the whole weekend. When Ethan woke up from his nap on Friday, he immediately wanted to get packed up and in the car to get camping. As you can tell we all had a great time. I think this first picture of Ethan is great because it shows his utter joy and excitement. Here is our tent. Thanks Chris for letting us borrow your tent.
Ethan running from one campsite to the other.

Here is proof that I went camping.
Ethan, Jessica, and Julia admiring the crickets they used to go fishing. Who new crickets could be such entertainment.

And of course the food. Joe was a fabulous cook we had steak, potatoes, and corn for dinner and for breakfast we had pancakes, bacon, eggs, and sausage. WOW - thanks Joe.

Pop came to visit

Big boys like their toys also. So Pop (Blake's dad) came to visit from Florida and of course he had to check out his tractor. Funny how they all like their toys, big and small. Here is Pop reading a book to the kids. We were sad to see him leave. Thanks for visiting us Pop.