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!

I often daydream I am an interesting, funny, insightful and inspirational speaker...much like those I heard at the "Time Out for Women" yesterday... and then reality hits when asked to speak in church. I mean, I'm a great talker...this does not mean I am an interesting talker...it just means I'm well practiced and talk A LOT (this is my official apology to all my wonderfully patient friends that must sit through my endless rants and still keep a smile of their face)! But unfortunately this does not translate into one who can speak to a congregation with finesse. How does one become skilled in this way? I imagine it takes practice and though I envy this skill and wish if for myself, I'm not quite ready to volunteer for "practice" speaking engagements. Maybe this is a talent better left for my dreams...but in the meantime, I'd better get to work on my talk for next Sunday - yikes!

Swing me higher mommy! and higher...and higher

Last year we spent the money and had a beautiful lawn installed in our backyard. As nice as it was, there was really nothing for our kids to do out there. In April we finally invested in some play equipment. Ethan had the ever so important job of handing Dad all of the bolts and screws necessary to put the contraption together and after a long day of slow work, the new swingset was ready to go! I really love seeing my kids outside playing more often...without having to walk them up to the park constantly! Now if only I could get some kind of contraption that would push them on the swings for me, we'd really be good to go!

Soccer Spy

Ethan began playing soccer in early April with the city league. I think his favorite part of the season is the snack after each game and practice and the chance to play on the park playground. But overall he has learned and improved a lot. During his first game he was a little thrown off playing against another team but took it upon himself to act as a strategy spy. Time out was called and he ran over and huddled with the "red" team right next to the coach, obviously to gather whatever info he could. It must have worked because his team won the game in the end!

Ava can't wait to play a little soccer herself!