My Last Few Pregnant Days!

So I'm finally at the end, though I suppose that could mean 2 more weeks! It's been a great 9 months but I really don't hope to repeat it again - 3 seems enough, right?? A decision to be made a bit later I suppose...

So Monday night, my contractions were 3 minutes apart for about 2 hours...but, they really didn't hurt. I got nervous as they were so regular so we headed to the hospital (I didn't want the emergency delivery at home!). Turns out I was no where near giving birth and the contractions were doing nothing for me at all! Oh well. This baby will come when he wants to come though I'm for sure not going to walk up and down those hills again if I'm going to feel like that all night!

Is she in labor???? Mmmmm...not likely - she's still smiling:)

Fourth of July Fun!

This July I was fortunate enough to have a few relaxing days with no children. It will be some time before I experience that again!! Todd's parents took the kids home with them for a visit on Saturday, June 30th. They were returned to us on the 4th of July...I guess it was a little hard on the small ones to be away from us for more than a day or two. I have to admit-it was hard on me too, at least at first:) Special thanks go out to my wonderful in-laws and their willingness to give us a little free time! Once we were reunited, we headed to my aunt and uncle's house for a 4th of July BBQ, swim party and fireworks show. We had a lot of fun with the family and were even fortunate enough to have my parents with us for the day and staying with us for the month of July. Ethan and Ava loved the sparklers. We caught Ethan, along with every other small boy, trying to light the backyard on fire. Are boys just born with the natural desire to be pyros?

Summertime

Yes, summertime has been here for awhile and like most of my fellow mom friends out there, we have spent the last month and a half going to free movies, swimming for hours in the pool and hanging out at the beach at least once a week. It has been fabulous and I've enjoyed it so much that I've been in no hurry to have this baby...I know from experience that once he comes, there won't be as much summer fun (if any!!!). I believe summer still remains my favorite season of the year! There really is no job like a stay-at-home-mom!!

Ethan is getting stronger!!

It's been a month of firsts for Ethan and his physical development...or maybe we are just seeing it a bit more lately. This week he climbed a rather tall chainlink fence and hopped right over. I suppose he's really growing up but it amazes me how capable he can be sometimes.

He also showed off his new-found skill on the monkey bars. Honestly, I love this one because I have far too many memories of holding him up as he slowly reached each bar. It's great to see him excell on his own.

Let's Go Swimming

If it's going to be a hot day (which is most spring/summer days around here), you can be sure to find us at the pool. Ethan spends so much time underwater that his eyes are usually blood red for about 3 days afterward but hey - mom gets to sit back and relax while the kids swim their hearts out.

Fathers and Sons Campout

The boys always have a good time at this annual event though the campground usually lacks the luster (and comfort) Todd would desire...but hey - it's only one night! They played in the fire with sticks and Ethan asked the bishop to tell him a story and he obliged by telling a story to the entire camping group. I asked how it went and Todd simply said, "We ate a lot of beef jerky and a few CLIF bars." So there you have it!

Creeps From the Deep

Ethan's favorite toys (of the moment) are his Bionicles or what he calls "Creeps from the Deep." Being a female, I really don't get the intense interest and draw that these toys hold for him or anyone else for that matter. They're a collection of strange looking monsters... or something... but being that they are a Lego product, they require some instruction and imagination to put them together. That part I can get on board with. Surprisingly, Ethan has really gotten into following the directions and can put these together -almost- all by himself (he lacks the dexterity and strength in his fingers to snap together a few of the pieces but that will come with age). Anyway, the other day he set out to assemble each of them and they all lined up for battle. This is always more fun with his friends rather than his mom but hey - I'm the one taking the pictures!