Ethan's (John Deere) Birthday Weekend

Things for Ethan's birthday pretty much started Friday evening. We had dinner at home as a family and then headed out to get last minute groceries for the party. Ethan likes to go grocery shopping because we get to see the fish in the pet aisle of Wal-Mart. :) When we got back from the store, Dave took care of bedtime with Ethan while I started multi-tasking. I was able to start laundry while I made the pasta, baked, shaped and frosted the cake, and clean up the mound of dishes! Pictures below of my creation of a tractor cake for Ethan. (Note: I did this while he slept Friday night and I debated about waiting to unveil the masterpiece at his party for a surprise, but my excitement got the better of me and I showed him Saturday morning when he woke up. As soon as I tried to put the cake back in the fridge, he freaked on me and instantly started crying that he wanted it!! Luckily I assured him that we WOULD in fact see the cake again and he calmed down after a few minutes).

Saturday morning he decided to sleep in until almost 7:45!! When he wakes up I usually give him a few options for breakfast; we talk about these while we have our diaper change and then he tells me which item he wants. Well, he declared that he wanted banana bread and he wanted to share with Doggy. After breakfast, we took Daddy with us to story time at the Oswego Library and then checked out a few new books. Once back at home, Ethan decided that he wanted to ride his bike and low & behold, he can now pedal a bike on his own!!! So, we bundled up to ride our bike around the block a few times before lunch. So proud of our little man, big boy bike is on the list for next summer for sure now!! After lunch was his usual nap while I did final preparation on food/decorations. As you'll see below, Ethan had a great time at his party. We had all grandparents and uncles as well as some good friends over to help us celebrate. Ethan got some great new clothes, tractor items, puzzles, snow gear, etc.

Riding the bike around the house

Opening presents

Time to sing Happy Birthday!

A few funny pictures before bedtime..

Uncle Patrick hung around a little longer..

Bedtime story from Uncle Patrick

Sunday was his actual birthday. I originally had big plans to take him to the Children's Museum, but didn't realize they had shortened hours, so we'll save that for another weekend. We ended up bundling up for the cold weather and going to a Pumpkin Farm in Aurora. We each picked out a pumpkin, saw some of the farm animals and then took a tractor ride thru the corn maze. Sunday afternoon was spent getting his pictures taken (post below) and shopping at Target for a few extra birthday gifts courtesy of the Great-grandparents who sent money for Ethan to pick out his own gifts (play-doh was the theme - a good indoor, winter activity that should entertain him!)

On the tractor ride

That's the birthday weekend wrap-up!! 2 years of many great memories, and MANY, MANY more to make!

2 Year Pictures

A more detailed post to follow with the entire birthday weekend happenings...but for now, a quick turn around on Ethan's JCP 2 year pics, so hopefully this will satisfy the regular blog followers for a day (Sunday Night football calls..).

I wasn't as impressed with the photo shoot this time, but there were a few keepers. I should've known we were off to a poor start when we showed up for our 4pm appt and they told us they were an hour behind!! I questioned why they wouldn't at least call us and tell us, but it was more of a rhetorical question it seemed. Luckily Target was just down the road and we had a few items to get...so, here goes

Family Visit

This past weekend I took Ethan up to Wisconsin to visit my Mom's side of the family. He doesn't get to see them very much, so I thought he might be shy, but he warmed right up and chatted with everyone! The cutest part was when my Grandma handed him a cracker for a before dinner snack and without ANY promptin at all...he said, "Thank you, Grandma". My polite little boy!!! :)

Playing with Great-Grandma

Sitting with Uncle Eli on the couch

Sittin with Grandma and chomping on a cookie!!

Strawberry Picking

We attempted to go apple picking a few weeks ago, to a place in Newark, IL. Unfortunately, they didn't have apples to pick due to the cold winter. Our other option was last of the season strawberries. We only ended up with about a pound and a half in total, but what can you expect at the end of September? Ethan seemed to like the animals that were roaming about more than the actual picking, but I did get a few action shots.

Look at my prize, Mommy!!

Little black kitty cat liked to play with Ethan

We also went to my Dad's picnic for his karate school, where Ethan met a little girl to flirt with (Emily). He was such a good boy, playing catch with her and drawing chalk with her. I don't think he really ate a meal at the picnic, as the cookies and chips tasted much better than the chicken! I guess you can't always be health conscious! :)

Petting Sabre with Emily and Grandpa

Playing catch with Emily

Nice family shot...it's been a while since we got one of these!!

Mommy with her giggly little boy

Grandparents Weekend/Sandwich Fair

I guess it's been a while since I've updated the blog, things have just been busy I guess. So, here's what we've been up to..

Grandparents Weekend Ethan was able to see almost all his grandparents...Grandma Linda had to work when we stopped by their house, but other than that, we had the pleasure of seeing all grandparents at some point. Last year for Grandparents day I invited everyone over to make homemade pizza. This year, I decided to get some homemade cookies made up for each of the Grandparents (one of a little blonde boy and one with a saying of "happy grandparents day") and then he made a hand-printed poem at Lauren's to go with the cookies. Saturday morning we headed up to the Hughes side (my mom's). We hung out with Grandma and Grandpa Dennis (Uncle Breck was a sleepy head) playing in the house, outside on the playground and then we had lunch. After lunch we headed back home so Ethan could nap. After his nap, we headed out to the Sandwich Fair (with a stop at the Rochford side on the way to drop off their gifts). At the fair Ethan rode his first ride alone, a little fire truck car that went in a circle. I was a bit nervous at first, because when the ride started, it jolted him and he hit his head. But, it didn't phase him and he rode around like a good boy. Dave and I took him on the Ferris Wheel to see the high-level view of the fair, which was fun. After a few rides, we ate some dinner and then headed to the tractor pulls!! I wasn't quite sure how he'd take them since they're so loud, but he LOVES tractors. He was a GREAT boy!! He stayed up until 9 at the fair and talked about the loud tractors and mommy covering his ears. I think it left a lasting impression, and I know Dave will be psyched to make this an annual visit with Ethan!!

Ethan trying out the tractor at the fair

Grandpa Hickman watching the little man!

Ethan's 1st ride by himself!

With Mommy on the ferris wheel

Dave checking out the mechanics of the wheel and Ethan watching the tractors prepare for the pulls in the distance..

Ethan's newest little trick, chillin' on the couch with his feet up!

Ahh...this is so comfy!

Ethan updates:

This kid just seriously talks up a storm. The other day we were sitting on the back deck and he decided he needed something from the house, so he went in himself, shut the screen door and then told us, "Be right back, going get doggy" which was his stuffed animal. He just cracks me up!

Yesterday we were playing with his toys and he has a duplo dumptruck with a little area for a driver. He went and pushed his finger on the button where the horn on the steering wheel would be and said, "I pretend beep, beep". I still need to ask Lauren/grandparents if they've discussed "pretending" with him...because we sure haven't. But, to me it seems like he understands what pretend means?!

Sometimes when we talk about things, I'll say "uh uh" (sound for no) or "uh huh" (sound for yes). So, there are times when he'll say a sentence to us and then he knows what we say after and he'll say that right after. So, he'll say, "No keep door open, uh uh"...This one you might have to hear in person to really appreciate.

Yesterday for dinner I cut up a peach for him to eat. I don't usually buy fresh peaches because I never really ate them, but when we went to OR and picked them, we both loved them. So, as I cut up his peach, he remembered Rachel's son Jason (JJ) and he said, "I eat peaches, JJ" and then proceeded to talk about the bucket we used for picking. I think we might take him apple/berry picking next weekend!

Have I already mentioned that Ethan has a few chores around the house? He loves to take in the garbage can when we get home on garbage days. He takes the garbage can and I take the recycle bin, such a good helper!! He also likes to help feed Sasha, although there are times when Sasha is so antsy with a slow eating Ethan, that I've done myself. But, he seems happy to help with things and I praise him for being a good helper.

Most exciting, is that Ethan went on his potty this past weekend!! We always have him sit on the toilet after we brush his teeth and before he gets into the tub, and this time he actually went!! So, he was rewarded with M&M's...maybe we're on to something??

Well, a long post but had things to catch up on. Can you believe this little boy will be 2 in 3 weeks?! How far he's come in such a short period of time!!

Oregon vacation

Last week we were able to take another mini-vacation to Sherwood, OR to visit one of my friends that used to work at BP. Our trip started bright & early at 4:30a.m. (for Dave and I, we woke Ethan up at 5:15) to catch an 8:30 flight. This was the longest flight so far for Ethan, but he was a good boy both ways. We brought Grandpa's portable DVD player as extra ammunition and it came in handy with a tractor movie playing! We thought the flight out there might allow Ethan his own seat, but someone came on the plane last minute. This is the last time we'll be able to fly without actually buying him a ticket, so in the future we'll have a whole row to ourselves! (we'll try it in November when we go to Florida)

When we got into OR on Wednesday it was a steamy 90 degrees, so we just hung out at the house playing with toys, swimming and building with legos.Thursday we got up and headed to the ocean, which was about a 2 hour drive. Ethan actually slept most of the way there, which was nice so he wasn't too antsy. Unfortunately the sunny weather when we left Sherwood didn't follow us to the beach. By the time we got to the ocean it was cloudy and probably 60 degrees - so we were happy that we brought along coats. Ethan took a little time warming up to the beach, he's a very "clean" person and walking and getting his feet wet/dirty in the sand, wasn't exactly his cup of tea. I spent the first hour carrying him everywhere we went. He eventually warmed up and dug some holes, burried some rocks, etc. Again, hopefully he'll warm up to the beach a bit more for our Florida trip in a few months!! After the beach, we went to the Tillamook cheese factory and watched them make and package cheese. This was followed by a casual dinner at the cheese factory and ice cream for dessert...mmm!

Picnic lunch on the beach

The fog/clouds all around us on the beach. What a beautiful view if you live here!!

Daddy and Ethan

This is what happens when the waves hit your feet when you're not expecting it...freezing!!

Friday was originally going to be spent visiting some waterfalls, but because of the overcast weather and having the 4 boys in the car all day on Thursday, we opted for the Portland zoo. The zoo was gorgeous, amazing that it's built within all the beautiful trees, you feel like you're just out in nature seeing all the animals. After the afternoon naps for all the boys, we went down the road and picked peaches. The boys were great little peach pickers and even enjoyed a few right there in the orchard. After getting our little treasures home, we whipped up a quick peach cobbler for our after dinner dessert. Rachel was also gracious enough to take on all the boys herself Friday evening, while Dave and I ventured out for a dinner for two of sushi. Thanks Rachel for taking Ethan while we had some quality mommy and daddy time. :)

Ethan ready to find some prime peaches.

Eating one of his prize finds.

His second peach while picking
Rachel and her boys showing us the ropes of how to pick..these guys are pros...they also pick berries etc. when in season!!

Jason and Ethan hanging out enjoying peaches together while we paid for the non-eating fruit. :)

Saturday we headed back to Portland and stopped at a cute little coffee shop (this was to entertain Dave) and the boys enjoyed a few little waterfalls to run around in. After coffee, we headed over to the Saturday market where there are hundreds of little food and craft vendors selling everything you can imagine. After walking around the market, we had a quick lunch and again headed back for nap time. Saturday evening we put Dave to work as the grill master and I made a few side dishes for dinner (Rachel had been entertaining us the whole time, it was the least we could do to make dinner one night). Saturday night after the kids went to bed was movie time for the adults.

Daddy (enjoying his latte) and Ethan walking by the little waterfalls in Portland

Sunday was our last day there, Rachel and her boys went to church while we stayed back and packed up our suitcases. Once they got back, we headed to a little park to let the boys play before getting in the car AGAIN to go to the airport. :-) Ethan was so worn out that he fell asleep about 5 minutes out from the airport. I thought he'd fall back asleep at some point, but that wasn't the case. The kid was up until 9:30p.m. when we got home from the airport. All things considered, with basically no nap, he was quite good on the flight home as well. He really cracked me up when we got home and I had to get something out of the fridge. I was about to go bring him upstairs to go to bed and he told me he was hungry for a bagel. So, having his "midnight snack", he chomped on some bagel before we went upstairs for bedtime. :-)

Thanks Rob, Rachel, Danny, Ryan and Jason (JJ) for hosting us for 5 days. We enjoyed seeing you and hope to get together when you come into Chicago in November!!

Do you need to shave??

Well, Ethan can tell you if you need to or not. The other night I was putting him to bed and he gave Daddy his usual bedtime kiss and immediately pulled away touching his chain and said, "Daddy need shave"...hilarious!! Then, today I was playing with him and he happened to touch my leg and told me "Mommy need shave leg"...my lord, this kid doesn't let a thing get past him! I guess Dave and I will have to keep up on our grooming to meet his expectations from now on!

Other things to mention, before I forget, Ethan is pretty good with knowing his left and right for his feet and hands. More often then not, when you ask him where his left/right hand/foot are, he gets it right!

He now can count to 14. Sometimes he needs a little help with 11, but then he takes it from there. After 14, he just keeps repeating 14. :)

You had to be there...

So, the other night I decided to take Ethan for a wagon ride after dinner. They are building houses behind us and there was a tractor, so I figured he'd enjoy. Dave was at work, so I attempted also taking Sasha with us....always an interesting struggle pulling the wagon and keeping Sasha out of the way of the wagon. I was doing great until I was about 2 blocks from the house, watching to see if any cars were coming so I could cross the road, when I feel the wagon jolt to the side. I immediately knew what happened, Sasha had gotten hit by the wagon!! So, there I was, with a 22 month old, a wagon and a 60 lb dog that is now limping with no one in sight to help me! My first thought was putting Sasha in the wagon, which worked at first, but the minute i started to pull the thing, she flopped out!! Knowing that it wouldn't help me any, I decided to call Dave at work and explain my little predicament and his suggestion was to just wait 5-10 minutes to see if Sasha's leg felt better. Um...keeping an almost 2-yr old still for that long - I don't think so. So, I again tried to make it fun for Ethan and asked him if he wanted to pull Sasha in the wagon...."yeah" he said. So, I again loaded Sasha in, and assured her that she was a 'good girl'. I handed Ethan the handle to the wagon and I got behind to push, while also holding the dog down to not jump out! This worked for about half the way back home until I lost focus and Sasha was again able to escape my grasp and jump out of the wagon. One of our neighbors actually pulled into our court about 3 minutes after Sasha managed to escape the wagon and I had to explain to him that if he had just gotten home a bit earlier, he would've possibly seen the oddest thing with a dog in a wagon. :) Anyway, we managed to get Sasha back home to rest and Ethan and I then took the tractor trek by ourselves. So much for trying to be a good 'doggy mommy'.

Other little tidbits about this growing little boy:
*Some of his quotes these days, "this good song" while listening to music. "I love it" - random comment while driving. "I want get out bed, change diaper" after a nap. "Watch me" - something he blurted out the other day.
*He understand the concept of "too" or also. He'll say, 'bunny take nap too' or 'Mommy eat cracker too'.
*He recently loves to try doing somersaults. I'm sure he gets this from daycare, as I don't think Dave and I practice our somersaults very often. :) I worry about his little neck, but he's usually pretty safe. I'm thinking about doing gymnastics in the fall for something fun to get us out of the house when it's colder.
*He now sometimes sits at the table on a big chair/bench (on top of a phonebook) to eat his meals. Of course, when he keeps trying to get up and down, we go right back to his toddler chair as 'punishment'.
*I can't remember if I posted this before, but he knows and sings the entire "Twinkle, Twinkle" song. I've been working with him on "Row your boat" and he knows some of "Itsy, Bitsy Spider".

All for now..

Randoms...

Just a few pics of when Grandma Hughes came to visit last weekend...

Showing Grandma how he does his shape puzzle.

Grandma reading 'The Big Red Barn' book

Ethan has recently shown interest in carrying my purse around. He likes to grab it and say he's going for a ride in the car. Soon, I'm sure I'll have to count my money once he's done with my purse! :-)