I just want you to know...

How much we are enjoying you (our boys) at this age. Your personalities are really distinct and you are both so smart, kind and empathetic. We have no doubt that you will grow up to be wonderful men...just like the men that came before you (your daddy, grandpas, uncles).

John - This week you, one again, showed your independent and curious side by deciding to brush your teeth by yourself. However, you used mommy's raspberry shaving cream as toothpaste. Once we realized what you did, you exclaimed it was "yummy" and your teeth were "fresh....so fresh", which cracked us up. For probably the 5th time in your life (at least), I called poison control to make sure there wasn't anything in the shaving cream that would harm you...after giggling, the poison control operator told us that an upset tummy is about the worst thing that can possibly happen. You constantly make us laugh and amaze us with your curiosity and independence. You are my heart.

Ethan - This week one of your most amazing gifts, your empathy, really shined. Daddy has been recovering from surgery and you have just been amazingly gentle, sweet and helpful in taking care of daddy. You also have really helped to care for our dog, Duke, after his neutering...you've given him lots of gentle loves and even covered him up with your favorite blankie when he slept. When I watch you care for your family, it makes me so incredibly proud to be raising such a genuinely caring, kind child. You are my heart.

In other events, this week you both had to see the Ear, Nose & Throat specialist because both of your tonsils are unusually large (a genetic curse you inherited from Aunt Holly :)). After giving you both a look, the doctor recommended strongly removing both of your tonsils and adnoids, to which, I, your mother, immediately felt a cold sweat, panic-type feeling come over me (2 kids post-surgery to care for at the same time = worried mommy). Your surgery is scheduled for August 4th...Ethan first, John second. Your recovery time will be 7 to 10 days, so it was important for us to get it scheduled prior to the end of August (you are starting all-day Montessori school at the end of August). We will be stocking up the freezer and fridge with lots of ice cream, popsicles, yogurt, jello and juice....that part of it you probably won't mind at all :).

Here you are the "really cool" chair at the doctor's office:

Summer Pics

Summer 2010

Wow...it's been a long time since I've updated our blog. We've had a busy summer so far.

Firstly, the John and Ethan celebrated their 4th birthday at the end of May with a Mickey Mouse themed party. We had soooooo much fun, complete with lots of friends, family and, of course, a jump-jump castle :) (our new birthday tradition). The boys continue to amaze us every day with how smart, sweet and wonderful they are.

John:

At age 4, John weighs 38.5 pounds and is 41.75 inches tall. He remains (and I hope will forever be) a total momma's boy. He is cuddly, super smart, and a big helper...he loves to help us with any task including dishes, cooking, folding laundry, vacuuming, making beds, etc. He is a complete joy. He is also hot-tempered and, VERY talkative and, lately, pretty opinionated about a variety of topics. He frequently is in time-out for backtalking. Daddy and I think he will grow up to be an architect or an engineer because he loves to figure out how things work, do puzzles, read and build lego towers (attributes of engineers or architects??). Recently, at his dental appointment, we learned he still has no cavities. We are so proud of our boy!

Ethan

At age 4, Ethan weighs 39 pounds and is 42 inches tall. He is a little more of a daddy's boy, but comes to mommy when he's hurt or needs a little extra reassurance. He is adventurous and loves to get dirty...playing in the dirt and searching for "wormies" is one of his favorite activites. Ethan is a real go-getter...he gets very excited about doing special activities (even if it's just a new sprinkler in the backyard). Ethan was a born lover...he gives lots of hugs and kisses. He is so sweet with our dog, Duke. Ethan is also very smart and especially loves learnings his numbers. Ethan is a good leader and I can totally see him growing up and working with people as a leader...maybe a teacher? He is very empathetic and is the first to comfort anyone who gets hurt or is sad. Recently, at his dental appointment, he had 2 cavities....no fun. We are so proud of this boy!

Jason started and completed a truck driving school and now has his CDL with all the associated endorsements and is excited to get back to work after quite a long layoff. He has, however, been able to spend a lot of quality time with the kids over the summer, so that has been nice for their "boy bonding". He is looking forward to getting back to work soon.

Work has been keeping me busy....not much new there, except we moved offices (1 door down) and I absolutely LOVE my new office space. I have a lot more natural light and a larger office...both good things.

So far this summer, we've done trips to the zoo, Northwest Trek, lots of swimming and sprinkler days, airplane ride & visit to Aunty Holly & Cooper in Spokane, berry picking and making jam, visit and ride on the REAL Thomas the Train, BBQ'ing and lots of get togethers with friends and family, including a couple of trips to the cabin in Leavenworth.

BIG NEWS....the boys will start all-day Montessori school at St. Patrick's school (only about a mile from my office) starting at the end of August. They will go 5 days per week, all day. They are soooooo excited, as their best friend, Logan, goes to that school and they feel like very big boys. I'm sure there will lots of proud mommy tears on the first day of school. We feel that this will be great for their development and will really help to prepare them for Kindergarden next year.

We feel blessed to have the support of such a wonderful family and good friends. Most of all, we are blessed to have each other.

Summer pics to follow :)