5 Years of Ethan

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Ethan is turning 5 years old on February 18. We had his party a few days early because we are going out of town on his birthday. I can't believe he is 5 years old. I was looking back at his pictures and remembering how cute and chubby he was as a baby. He and Ryan look at lot alike as babies.

I have been saying for quite awhile now that Ethan has had the terrible 2's, 3's, and 4's. I am hoping that the 5's will go better. I love Ethan so much, he is my first baby we have a special bond. He is very tender-hearted and sensitive, and can be sweet and nice when he wants to. He does have a naughty side to him, he gets angered and frustrated very easily and is very impatient. But I love him. I love to see him get excited about things and tell me about something he has just discovered or learned. I love to see him care for his younger brother and sister and protect them.

At five years old Ethan's favorite things are his 4-wheeler, play 4-wheeler's, motorcycles, trucks, and the like, Spongebob (this is going on like 3 or 4 years now), playing with friends, drawing, taping things up, working with dad or grandpa, and holding Ryan. His favorite foods are meat (of any kind), loves vegetables (like his dad), and candy (like his mom).

Just want to wish Ethan a happy 5th birthday. I love you buddy!

Okay so Ethan wanted a pirate birthday party this year. Here he is with his pirate's treasure chest cake.
When the kids first arrived they all sat down and colored/decorated their own pirate bandana.


Here are all the mighty pirates sporting their tough bandanas.
Josh, Ethan, Garrett, Porter, Maddax, Cooper, and Ally (tough pirate)

After bandanas we played pin the patch on the pirate. Porter is leaning way back so he can see under the blindfold and pin the patch in the right spot.
I didn't plan for this but after the pirate game the boys erupted into a wrestling match/dog pile. Looks like Cooper is on the bottom. I guess that's just what happens with a bunch of boys.

After the wrestling match we opened presents and had cake. Do you think Ethan was enjoying his cake?
Then the pirates had to go on a treasure hunt to find the pieces of the treasure map so they could find the hidden treasure, aka loot bags, which contained an inflatable sword, which then led to another bout of fighting, sword fighting.
The boys (and Ally) all had a really good time. I asked Ethan if he had a fun party and he said "It was like the best ever" So that always makes you feel good. I am happy that at least for a little while longer I can still be a cool and fun mom in his eyes.

I found this video as I was looking through Ethan's pictures. It is so cute. He and Ally seem so little. I hate for them to grow up so quickly.

The Toad.

5 Months Old

I've been away from the blog world for awhile, and the world in general it feels like. And Nate is getting impatient for a new post. I have had a rough couple of weeks with an eye issue and have spent many hours on the couch. So although my eye is still not better I am going stir crazy and must re-enter the world. Be thankful for your eyes, and that you can see out of both of them.


Okay! So Ryan is 5 months old. Holy cow, my sister-in-law Crystal just had a baby (I keep forgetting to take pictures of him to post.) and Ryan now seems like a giant. I can't believe how quickly time passes. Ryan is growing so fast and he is such a big kid. He is already wearing clothes that Ethan wore when he was 8 or 9 months old. He is still waking up once or twice during the night to eat. But seems to be crying a little less, which is good. Javan has had to take care of him during the night while I was sick so I am happy that he is acting a little nicer.

He is getting better at holding himself up but still can't sit unassisted. He is so soft and squishy, I love to kiss on him.



He has rolled over once from his belly to back. I've been trying to get him to go from his back to belly, but he hasn't conquered it yet. He will spin a circle on the floor trying though.

These were their Christmas outfits and I forgot to take a picture of them on that day. Pretty cute.

This was the best treat he's had so far. He was so excited, his legs were racing. Then he would drop it and just scream cause it wasn't in his hand. The second we gave it back to him he would stop. He loves his sweets, just like him mom. These smarties suckers are the best for little kids because they aren't sticky and if they don't finish it just set it on the counter and it will dry out. This one should last Ryan quite a while.

Ally and Ryan after the bath. Ally loves to help take care of Ryan, she is a good helper.

I let Ethan and Ally play with my old camera. Ethan was trying to take some pictures of Ryan in his walker, and Ryan was trying to get the camera. Ethan is a good big brother and takes good care of Ryan most of the time.