Ping Pong!

Earlier this week, Andy discovered a treasure on Craigslist.  Someone was giving away a ping pong table for FREE!  LOL, so Andy high-tailed it over to the guys house and grabbed it up.  It has definitely been well-loved.  But for being probably 30 years old, it's in great shape!  The guy threw in a bunch of paddles and balls and 2 nets too for $20.  Pretty good deal.  So now, every evening has been ping pong practice.  Even Ethan gets in on the action!  Surprisingly he is quite good for 4 years old.  He has a wicked serve!  Andy and I are both pretty competitive, but he whooped me 3 games last night.  ARGH!



The Nature Center

Going to the nature center has been a lot of fun this summer.  We really enjoy going into the Butterfly House.  There are lots of great hiking trails to explore, however we haven't traveled too far lately.  There is a new scenic overlook, with a cool walkway out into the trees.  I want to say it's about a hundred feet up.  We also like checking out the frog ponds out front, there are some great big frogs out there! 

 



Soccer Monster!

Ethan loves soccer!  This week will be his third session learning how to play.  Last week he got to be the goalie, but I think he was a little frustrated that the ball never made it down to his end of the field.  Apparently there is one kid on his team who is really good and kept taking the ball down to the other end of the field.  Eventually Ethan gave up being goalie and went to find a ball to kick.  Hahaha, it was so cute to see the scrunched up look on his face while he was waiting for his chance to defend the net.  I am hoping that this week he will see some more action. 

Getting some goalie tips from Coach Dan... 

I am definitely looking forward to this weeks game.  It should be fun!

 

 

 

 

 

4 year Dr. visit

Wow, the difference between a 3yo and a 4yo.  I have had a few days to let it sink in that my baby is now 4.  He is less and less like a baby and more and more like a big kid.  Bittersweet.  He had his visit with Dr. Comstock today.  Ethan is definitely a growing boy.  He is 41" tall and nearly 40lbs!  Holy frijoles!  Poor little guy got four shots today too, and a finger poke.  He refused the shots, so 2 nurses and mommy had to hold him down.  Super tough on both of us...he screamed so hard he blew out a bunch of blood vessels in his neck and face.  I am sure glad he won't need any more shots until he is in middle school! 

Here is my little goalie playing soccer!

 

Seems like forever, glad to back!

The last time I was here was over 5 months ago.  That was when my computer decided to get broken.  Turns out it needed a whole new hardrive.  Big fun!  A lot has happened since then and while I will attempt to squeeze the whole summer into one post...beware, it's going to be long. 

We went to Disney World in Florida in April.  Buzz Lightyear was a big hit!

May brought warm temps, Andy's Birthday and a fishing trip to Sanford!

June brought about Strawberry picking, trips to Sarette Nature Center, and the Beach!

July 4th was spent in Copper Harbor, Mi with Andrew and Benjamin.  We had a great time camping with the Uncles and touring Northern Michigan!  This was also about the time Daddy built Ethan a play set in the backyard...lots of fun!

August was fun when the Hayes family joined us for a trip to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium!

This September brought one very big milestone for my not-so-little-anymore man.  He is now a Preschooler!  He loves going to school!  His favorite thing about school is that they have a train set, naturally!

 

He is so happy now that he is 4 years old.  Yesterday we celebrated his birthday with a Car Wash themed party.  There were so many family and friends over.  Jerry and Linda came on their way home from the U.P. and Sherri (with her bf Chris) and her kids brought the Uncles. We had a great time!

Ethan's gift from us was a new Lightening McQueen bike and he got a matching helmet from Gramma and Grampa!

So all in all, we had a very fun and very busy summer.  There were many trips to the beach with Gramma and Grampa, Teague and Finley, and of course, Shelby and Ashlyn!  We spent a lot of time at the Nature Center too.  Ethan loved going to his North House and spending weekend's at Gigi and Papa's house.  Now it's Fall!  My favorite time of year.  Bring on the pretty colors, pumpkins, and Halloween!!