Weekend of F-U-N

This past Thursday was Ethan's last swim lesson and it was supposed to be a play day. Despite the slight rain, thunder and lightning, we showed up anyway in hopes that the weather would clear up. But they didn't and we were sent home. I felt a little bad since we got all dressed up for the pool and everything and couldn't get in. But we went with the back up plan and ended up at the library.

On Friday, we went to the museum with some friends and happened to bump into this guy:

Boy was he excited! Totally made his day!!!
Later that evening, Ethan made his running debut in the Jr. Bix (70 yard race) and had SO much fun. I was bummed I didn't get a very good picture of him but come to find out later, he made it in the qctimes.com (2nd pic below). We stayed afterwards at the Bix festival downtown to enjoy a few bands and some kettle corn. We all had a blast, especially Ethan who couldn't help but groove to the music the whole time!

Pre-race prep
My lil' runner
Yay, I did it!
Ethan's favorite friend at the after race party
On Saturday, Brian ran the Bix and did fabulous! He actually had time to train this year and ran it in 46:21. Ethan and I were going to come down and cheer him on, but we were too tired from all the partying the night before (G-rated). So we ended up staying home instead. Later that afternoon, we headed to Slash Landing aquatic center (where Ethan had swim lesson) and relaxed by the pool. We've never actually been there to swim since it was always busy but realized quickly that this is a perfect place for Ethan. It had an enclosed area of shallow pool, a sand pit and a water slide. Everything a toddler could ever want. He had so much fun that I'm sure he could probably have stayed there all day if we let him. We'll definitely have to come back again!

Side note: This is from a couple of weeks ago when we took Ethan to his first River Bandits game. It was quite hard to keep him sitting for very long even with the cotton candy bribery. Brian had to walk him around most of the game where he ended up playing in the bounce house. He also saw Rascal, the mascot and couldn't get enough of him.

The kid was practically a stalker

"Twittering" on Blog

Our dog is so lame-o. 10 pm rolls around and he mozy on downstairs (in the dark) and goes to bed. Never mind that we're not ready for bed yet.

"Twittering" on Blog

This week, I'm EXTREMELY thankful for air conditioning!!!

Discovery of the Week

Ethan could almost name all the numbers from 1-10 (out of order). He gets 6 and 9 mixed up and other ones here and there. I'm quite impressed. I think this number puzzles that I bought from the Dollar Store must really be helping.

Also, he is now going to the bathroom and does the whole deal "all by himself." What a big boy! It's nice not to spend half my day in the bathroom with him.

Just For Laughs

While eating a trail mix snack, Ethan picked out a M&M's and noticed the "m" on the candy.

Ethan: Where did the "o" go?
Me: There's no "o" just "m."
Ethan: Oh, I'm eating "m."
Me: No, it's called M&M's...never mind.

Swim Lessons

Today we began our parent-tot swim class for the 3rd time and I have to say I was a little nervous. You never know how these things will go considering one summer Ethan loved it and one summer he did not. We talked about it all weekend and I tried to hype up the for him. As soon as we arrived, he was SO excited and wanted to get in the pool right away. He knew all the songs and what to do. Loved everything minus being dunked. He said, "No going under. Don't like it." Haha. His friend, Kyle also enrolled so they had fun together. So much fun that neither of them wanted to leave. Afterwards, we all went to a park and played for a little bit but ended up leaving soon after since it was too hot to be out for too long. The water and sun combo definitely wiped him out since he's still sleeping as I type =0)

On Being a Mamma

This week has been kinda rough. Just feeling a little burnt out with Ethan. I do love the fact that it's summer and that we can get out everyday to go do something. However, it also mean that all the programs where someone else watches him (MOPS, bible study, AWANA, etc.) come to a halt until fall and he has now become SUPER clingy. It's not good enough that he can see me, but I have to be there RIGHT BESIDE him.

Yesterday, we went to the playground and he didn't want to go play with other kids. And unfortunately, the threat of "either go play or go home" doesn't work. He would rather go home. Today, we went to a pool party and again he didn't want to play unless I'm practically sitting in the pool with him. It has been really hard and driving me semi-crazy considering this is coming from a kid who used to run away and never look back. Hoping it's just a stage. Someone recently reminded me to enjoy it anyway because when he hits the teen years, he probably won't want anything to do with me. Praying for more grace and understanding.

"Twittering" on Blog

Always forget I need some time away until I get away. Went to Panera for some alone, peace & quiet time. Came back refreshed.

"Twittering" on Blog

Got talking about Facebook at the MOPS steering team meeting today and had a mom said to me, "I thought I 'friended' you." Ah, no. I don't even have Facebook. And that is EXACTLY why I won't get one.

Stevens Point

So, back in February we were supposed to meet up with the Deerings, Brian's college roommate, in the Dells for some indoor water park fun. But instead we had to cancel and go to an unexpected funeral. Well five months later, we made it happen. Didn't end up doing the whole water park thing, but it was still fun to just hang out at their place. The last time we came up to visit, we were young and free (with no kids). But this time activities were geared towards the kids and around nap time. It's funny how things have changed. Anyway the kids played so well together, it was fun to watch.

I must say not only did Ethan do great in the car, he did SUPER with the whole potty training thing. We had to stop on the side of the road (with his little potty) twice on the way there and on the way back. But other than that, his diapers stayed dry with no accidents. Isn't this kid awesome or what?!

Ubergoodness - enjoying his first root beer float EVER!


Having our own fireworks fun
Ethan's favorite part of the whole weekend
We spent the actual 4th of July the same place we did last year, at Brian's coworker's house. Ethan was pretty tired and didn't quite make it through the whole thing. So we ended up heading out early and beating all the traffic. I guess that was a plus.

On Being a Mamma

After a short nap and a long afternoon, Ethan said to me, "Thanks for taking [care of] me Mamma." I thought that was sweet. Definitely put a smile on my face.