While Ethan was at school today I had the carpets cleaned. On his way home, I told him about this, so as soon as we got home he ran upstairs to play and I sat down to look through his folder. I heard him up there just complaining and getting really upset about something, so I decided to go up to see what had him so distraught. You can now watch the video to also see what made him so mad.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Police Station
I've had it with Ethan and Carter fighting with each other so yesterday I picked Ethan up from school early so that I could throw him in jail with Carter! Actually, this was just another fun activity I got to do with my mom's group. We visited a police station where a police woman taught our children quite a bit about safety. She also talked about all the different gear on her duty belt. This was of particular interest to my boys. Next all the kids lined up and they each got fingerprinted and had their photos taken. Parents were then able to take home a DNA kit for their children! Although Ethan was near the beginning of the line for this, he became very scared that getting fingerprinted was going to hurt, so he went to the end of the line. Carter, of course, was the braver one of the two, and kept his place in line. You should have seen how relieved Ethan looked after realizing that it didn't hurt after all. Wow!
And now the exciting part for them--the tour of the police station!! It was very interesting to see everything that goes on behind the scenes! She showed us the dispatch room with the 911 operators, and there are big screen TVs in there with live coverage of major intersections. But, for my boys, it was all about the jail. Ethan had so many questions about the bad guys!! The last stop on the tour was outside to see the patrol car. This was also an item of great interest, and again one that led Ethan to ask many questions.
Eating a snack and listening to a book about police officers before going in
Outside the police station right before going in
Carter getting fingerprinted
Ethan's turn--look how painful it is!
In the slammer!
Throw away the key!!!
In the back of the police car (Carter's
"sweet smile")
Ethan giving Sgt. Halloway a hug
I love this picture--when Carter gives a hug, he gives a hug!! I'm not sure she knew what to think!
And now the exciting part for them--the tour of the police station!! It was very interesting to see everything that goes on behind the scenes! She showed us the dispatch room with the 911 operators, and there are big screen TVs in there with live coverage of major intersections. But, for my boys, it was all about the jail. Ethan had so many questions about the bad guys!! The last stop on the tour was outside to see the patrol car. This was also an item of great interest, and again one that led Ethan to ask many questions.
Eating a snack and listening to a book about police officers before going in
Outside the police station right before going in
Carter getting fingerprinted
Ethan's turn--look how painful it is!
In the slammer!
Throw away the key!!!
In the back of the police car (Carter's
"sweet smile")
Ethan giving Sgt. Halloway a hug
I love this picture--when Carter gives a hug, he gives a hug!! I'm not sure she knew what to think!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Too Much TV
The other day I was looking for something in my purse and couldn't find it. Ethan said, (and I quote) "You know what you need Mommy? I saw a purse on TV where you can fit an umbrella, two water bottles, and it even has a special place where you can put your cell phone so you'll never miss a call again. Do you want me to get that for your birthday?"
Then today we were at Bed Bath & Beyond and both my boys spotted the Aqua Globe. They both got more excited over it than any 3 or 5 year old boy should. They kept saying how it is in stores, but the commercial said it wasn't sold in stores. That really confused them. Carter kept telling me I needed one because it will water my plants for me, and Ethan agreed excitedly telling me that it will water my plants for 50 days and the water that isn't used goes back in the aqua globe and you don't have to lift a finger.
#1. I can't believe Nickelodeon has so many adult commercials.
#2. I can't believe my boys watch them so intently.
Then today we were at Bed Bath & Beyond and both my boys spotted the Aqua Globe. They both got more excited over it than any 3 or 5 year old boy should. They kept saying how it is in stores, but the commercial said it wasn't sold in stores. That really confused them. Carter kept telling me I needed one because it will water my plants for me, and Ethan agreed excitedly telling me that it will water my plants for 50 days and the water that isn't used goes back in the aqua globe and you don't have to lift a finger.
#1. I can't believe Nickelodeon has so many adult commercials.
#2. I can't believe my boys watch them so intently.
Friday, August 15, 2008
"P" Party
Today the boys and I went over to a friend's house where we had a "P" party. We thought this would be a great way to end the summer since Ethan and his friend Bryce start kindergarten full time next week. We started the day off by having Pancakes for breakfast, and then we headed over to Bryce's house and the boys just kept their Pajamas on. The first thing they wanted to do was watch a movie, so we got some Pillows, opened up their sleeping bags, Popped some Popcorn, and watched a little bit of "All Dogs (Puppies) go to Heaven", but after about 30 minutes, they wanted to Play.
Next up was Pizza and Pop for lunch followed by Puppy dog cakes and jello jigglers cut out in the shape of Ps for dessert. After lunch they each Painted magnets, and then we played some games for Prizes. There was Pin the tail on the Pig, hot Potato, and Parachute man races. Some of the prizes were Pokemon cards, Plane launchers, Puzzles, and Push Pops. After this came the Pinata!!
We ended by having Popsicles, Punch, and Pretzels. On the 10 minute ride home, Carter was Pooped and fell asleep which he hardly ever does anymore. In a word, the day was...Perfect!
Painting magnets
Pirate Pinata
Party Poppers
Playing Hot Potato
Pinning the tail on the Pig (my friend Bonnie drew the pig, but I don't think I could've done much better!) However, Ethan walked by and said to Bonnie, "Wow, you're a good artist!" Poor boy has me for a mom and has learned to not expect much when it comes to artistic talent! Thankfully he is easily impressed and is usually happy with whatever I come up with!
Carter dropping his Parachute man
Next up was Pizza and Pop for lunch followed by Puppy dog cakes and jello jigglers cut out in the shape of Ps for dessert. After lunch they each Painted magnets, and then we played some games for Prizes. There was Pin the tail on the Pig, hot Potato, and Parachute man races. Some of the prizes were Pokemon cards, Plane launchers, Puzzles, and Push Pops. After this came the Pinata!!
We ended by having Popsicles, Punch, and Pretzels. On the 10 minute ride home, Carter was Pooped and fell asleep which he hardly ever does anymore. In a word, the day was...Perfect!
Painting magnets
Pirate Pinata
Party Poppers
Playing Hot Potato
Pinning the tail on the Pig (my friend Bonnie drew the pig, but I don't think I could've done much better!) However, Ethan walked by and said to Bonnie, "Wow, you're a good artist!" Poor boy has me for a mom and has learned to not expect much when it comes to artistic talent! Thankfully he is easily impressed and is usually happy with whatever I come up with!
Carter dropping his Parachute man
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Kiddie Olympics
Yesterday I headed down to Mississippi where I am in a really fun mom's group called quite appropriately The Fun Times Group! In honor of the Olympics, we held our own Kiddie Olympics which began with a really cute opening ceremony. The kids marched around the gym while the Olympics music played in the background. After placing their hands over their hearts and listening to the National Anthem, the games began. Everyone who participated received a certificate stating what they were really good at, then they each got a gold medal!! Ethan and Carter wore theirs most of today and yesterday and were really proud to have "won the olympics!"
Carter on the balance beam--He did stay on the tape, but instead of jumping or turning, he just ran--really fast! He told me he just wanted to win everything!
Ethan on the balance beam--taking it much slower, of course! I think he even threw in a jump or two!
For this event, everyone was supposed to pick an animal and run like that animal. Several of the kids were cats so they ran on all fours, one was a horse so he galloped, and so on. As you can clearly see from this picture, Ethan was an elephant and Carter was a tiger. For my boys it was all about winning despite the rules!
Hopping on one foot--take a look at their tongues!! You can click on the picture to get a closeup!
Carter on the balance beam--He did stay on the tape, but instead of jumping or turning, he just ran--really fast! He told me he just wanted to win everything!
Ethan on the balance beam--taking it much slower, of course! I think he even threw in a jump or two!
For this event, everyone was supposed to pick an animal and run like that animal. Several of the kids were cats so they ran on all fours, one was a horse so he galloped, and so on. As you can clearly see from this picture, Ethan was an elephant and Carter was a tiger. For my boys it was all about winning despite the rules!
Hopping on one foot--take a look at their tongues!! You can click on the picture to get a closeup!
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Picture Speaks for Itself!
Just thought I'd share a picture of Carter's new, non-embarrassing way of pointing. For the last week or so, this is the finger he uses to point, which is especially nice when he is pointing at someone! In this particular picture, we were doing puzzles and he wanted to do one more! So here he is saying, "Just one more!!!"
Ethan's First Day of Kindergarten
I remember the day Ethan got his last set of shots at 18 months old. His doctor told me he wouldn't have to get anymore until he goes to kindergarten. That day seemed so far away. So how is it possible that that day is here already?? It just doesn't seem fair that time can go by so quickly. I know that he will have fun in kindergarten and hopefully make a lot of friends, but that doesn't take away the hurt I felt when I had to say goodbye to him this morning. I am going to miss my little buddy during the day....very much!
Lying in bed on Sunday night after reading books, Ethan began crying and voiced a lot of concern about going to kindergarten the next day. I think he was sad about summer being over and nervous about a new school, a new teacher, and new friends. He was worried his teacher wouldn't love him. Or that his new friends wouldn't be nice. After assuring him that everything was going to be OK, he finally fell asleep at a pretty decent time. He woke up this morning in a much better mood, but you could still tell he was a little scared. Donnie went into work late so that he could have breakfast with Ethan and see him off. He made one of Ethan's favorite breakfasts--cinnamon rolls with icing!!
After Donnie left we finished getting ready and when I suggested he wear his newer sandals, he asked if he could wear his Spongebob crocs instead. I tried talking him out of it, but then he said to me, "Maybe if I wear my Spongebob crocs some of the other kids will say, 'hey Ethan I like your cool shoes'." How could I say no to that??? When we got to school he couldn't believe how big it was! We found our way to his new room while lugging the tons of supplies we had to bring on the first day. His teacher introduced herself and began to show us where to put all those supplies. While this was going on, she looked at Ethan and said, "Wow Ethan, I love your Spongebob shoes. Did you get those for your first day of school?" He just beamed and thanked her. Then he pulled me aside and told me he wanted to tell me a secret. I leaned down and he whispered into my ear. "Mommy, that is exactly what I wanted someone to say." Thank goodness I gave into him this morning!
Since this week is staggered for kindergartners, there were only two other kids in his class today. A little girl and a little boy named Davis!!! He will have the rest of the week off and then go back on Monday with his whole class of 15 kids. After unloading everything, I gave him a hug and a kiss and then left. I turned around just once after that and he was really content playing with a geoboard. It was I who needed another hug and someone to wipe away my tears.
When I picked him up this afternoon, he got in the car and started to tell me all about his day. He was so excited. He kept telling me how much fun he had and it was way more funner than preschool!! They chased a gingerbread man (and he insisted he was real!) all around the school. This was a fun way for them to see where the cafeteria, gym, computer lab, etc. was. All along the way, the gingerbread man left them notes with clues of where to go next. The last clue said he was in a room where a lot of learning happens. They all ran back to their classroom, but the gingerbread man was taking a nap in a "magic oven" b/c he was so tired from running around the school. His teacher took him out and they were able to decorate their own gingerbread man cookies. Ethan told me he bit off his legs first just in case he woke up from his nap. That way, he said, the gingerbread man won't be able to run anywhere!! That Ethan, he's always thinking!!!
He told me several other stories, and I can tell he had such a good time. He kept saying that he really likes his new school, and I really hope it stays that way. I am sooooo proud of you, Ethan!!! I hope you have a great year in kindergarten!
Ethan and his teacher, Mrs. Wooley
Ethan's classroom
Talking on the phone to his cousin, Hunter and telling him all about his day. He just beams whenever he talks to Hunter!
Lying in bed on Sunday night after reading books, Ethan began crying and voiced a lot of concern about going to kindergarten the next day. I think he was sad about summer being over and nervous about a new school, a new teacher, and new friends. He was worried his teacher wouldn't love him. Or that his new friends wouldn't be nice. After assuring him that everything was going to be OK, he finally fell asleep at a pretty decent time. He woke up this morning in a much better mood, but you could still tell he was a little scared. Donnie went into work late so that he could have breakfast with Ethan and see him off. He made one of Ethan's favorite breakfasts--cinnamon rolls with icing!!
After Donnie left we finished getting ready and when I suggested he wear his newer sandals, he asked if he could wear his Spongebob crocs instead. I tried talking him out of it, but then he said to me, "Maybe if I wear my Spongebob crocs some of the other kids will say, 'hey Ethan I like your cool shoes'." How could I say no to that??? When we got to school he couldn't believe how big it was! We found our way to his new room while lugging the tons of supplies we had to bring on the first day. His teacher introduced herself and began to show us where to put all those supplies. While this was going on, she looked at Ethan and said, "Wow Ethan, I love your Spongebob shoes. Did you get those for your first day of school?" He just beamed and thanked her. Then he pulled me aside and told me he wanted to tell me a secret. I leaned down and he whispered into my ear. "Mommy, that is exactly what I wanted someone to say." Thank goodness I gave into him this morning!
Since this week is staggered for kindergartners, there were only two other kids in his class today. A little girl and a little boy named Davis!!! He will have the rest of the week off and then go back on Monday with his whole class of 15 kids. After unloading everything, I gave him a hug and a kiss and then left. I turned around just once after that and he was really content playing with a geoboard. It was I who needed another hug and someone to wipe away my tears.
When I picked him up this afternoon, he got in the car and started to tell me all about his day. He was so excited. He kept telling me how much fun he had and it was way more funner than preschool!! They chased a gingerbread man (and he insisted he was real!) all around the school. This was a fun way for them to see where the cafeteria, gym, computer lab, etc. was. All along the way, the gingerbread man left them notes with clues of where to go next. The last clue said he was in a room where a lot of learning happens. They all ran back to their classroom, but the gingerbread man was taking a nap in a "magic oven" b/c he was so tired from running around the school. His teacher took him out and they were able to decorate their own gingerbread man cookies. Ethan told me he bit off his legs first just in case he woke up from his nap. That way, he said, the gingerbread man won't be able to run anywhere!! That Ethan, he's always thinking!!!
He told me several other stories, and I can tell he had such a good time. He kept saying that he really likes his new school, and I really hope it stays that way. I am sooooo proud of you, Ethan!!! I hope you have a great year in kindergarten!
Ethan and his teacher, Mrs. Wooley
Ethan's classroom
Talking on the phone to his cousin, Hunter and telling him all about his day. He just beams whenever he talks to Hunter!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Halloween in August
After reading my entry from earlier this week, my dad decided to send Ethan and Carter a little surprise in the mail. This was one of those ideas that my dad was so excited for...because he lives about 12 hours away!!! He loves how Carter really believes he is the Hulk, so he thought it might be fun to see what they both would do if they really looked like the Hulk. So he sent them each their own container of green body paint! I believe it goes without saying what their reaction was like. But somehow I convinced them to wait until later to put it on.
We waited until Donnie called to say he was on his way home. That usually takes about 30 minutes which would be just about the right amount of time to turn two sweet little boys into two angry hulks. They hid behind the house and when Donnie drove up, they ran out to scare him. Then they wanted to go across the street and show our neighbors. Erin is 13 years old and watches them occasionally. Well, her mom came out first and made the unfortunate mistake of calling them Jolly Green Giants. This didn't go over so well with Carter. He corrected her and then growled as if to tell her she better never make that mistake again!
This is definitely one of those surprises that are a lot of fun if you are several hours away! You just get to sit back and wait for the pictures...so here they are!
THANKS DAD!!!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Roller Skating
Every Wednesday for the last five weeks, I have been taking Ethan and Carter roller skating. For two hours each week the rink that we go to has what's called Tiny Tots for children 8 years and under. What's great about this is that they tighten the wheels on the skates to make it a little easier to get around. Each week they loosen them a little more until finally they're rolling like a pro!
I gotta say that I was impressed with Ethan and Carter from the very first time we went skating. Ethan takes after me (and Donnie for that matter!) with his lack of grace and coordination, but they both did surprisingly well. The instructor teaches them a few things each week, and by far the most valuable lesson has been the gorilla--bend your knees and put your arms out to avoid falling. It doesn't always work and they fall down their fair share of times, but they get right back up without missing a beat.
I'm going to continue to take Carter on Wednesdays, but since Ethan will be in school, we might have to start going on the weekends. They both love it and don't realize they're getting exercise. Trust me, if Ethan knew he was exercising, there's no way he'd be doing it!!!
Ethan doing the limbo
Carter doing the limbo
Carter doing the chicken dance. Ethan didn't want to do it, b/c he said he gets embarrassed at the part where you have to shake your butt.
Carter flying like a bird during the chicken dance. They also do the hokey pokey, but I didn't get any pictures of that.
Carter, Ethan, and their friend Bryce--sorry this video is a little long, I kept waiting for something funny to happen, but it never did!
At the end of the two hours, all the skaters can race. This is Carter's race which was just for 3 and 4 year olds. He came in 2nd!! He wanted me to come with him during his race which is how I was able to videotape him. I don't have a video of Ethan's race b/c I was too far away, but he did great!! He came in 3rd out of 10 five and six year olds!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Tricking the Tooth Fairy
For those of you who know Ethan well enough know that he loves getting new toys. I know this is true for all kids, but Ethan tries to figure out new ways to get stuff. The most recent example I have of this happened last week. He had a loose tooth (he has already lost two), but it wasn't quite ready to be pulled yet. I was downstairs doing something when he came running down the stairs telling me that he pulled his own tooth out. I just looked at him and he said, "OK, I can't lie. I didn't pull my tooth out, but maybe I can still put this under my pillow tonight and the tooth fairy will leave me something." He then handed me a white crayon that he broke and he had colored the tip of it red so it would look like blood. I couldn't stop laughing, and told him he could put in under his pillow and see what happens.
At 5:30 the next morning he came running into my bedroom and said that the tooth fairy didn't leave him a toy or money, but just left him a letter. I asked him what the letter said and he replied, "I don't know. Probably that I didn't fool her!" Well two nights later, he lost his third tooth and was very excited to get $2.00. And much to my surprise, he gave Carter $1 b/c he said it wasn't fair if we went to the store and only he got a toy. So later that day, we went to Toys 'R Us, and Carter got a Hulk toy and Efie got a Piplup stuffed animal from Pokemon. Unfortunately the tooth fairy didn't leave enough money to cover the cost, but I felt that Efie definitely earned it!!
I know that he will be 6 years old next month, but he seems to be growing up too fast. He has three more loose teeth right now, and the loosest one is one of his big top teeth. As my sister has already pointed out, that's going to look sweet for kindergarten pictures!!!
Ethan and his new toy, Piplup
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Incredible Hulk(s)
I wanted to create a blog for all of my family and friends who live so far away so that they could feel a little closer to my two boys. I also wanted to have a place to remember all the funny things they say and do. They grow up so fast and I don't have a great memory. Some of my friends have their own blogs and I really enjoy reading them, so I decided to create my own.
For the last three weeks, I haven't been able to keep a shirt on Carter. He will go hide in the bathroom, lock the door, rip his shirt off, and then come out totally believing that he is the Hulk. When this happens, he is no longer able to talk--he just growls, stomps around, and goes after the bad guys. Luckily for me, I'm his girlfriend!!! I had to cut a pair of sweats last week to make them look like the Hulk's shorts.
I was out shopping last night, and imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon some Hulk slippers that look like the Hulk's feet! I immediately grabbed two pair (Ethan also pretends to be the Hulk, but not to the degree Carter does). As the cashier was ringing me up, he said, "You do know that if you stomp around when wearing these, they roar!" Noooooo, I didn't know that, but at that moment my purchase just got 50 times better. Don't you just love when you find the perfect gift?? I was so excited to give them to him, but when I got home he was already asleep. As soon as he got up this morning, I told him I had something for him I thought he would like. I don't think he knew what to do when he saw them. He just smiled a huge smile and wanted them on. He already had his shirt off since he has been sleeping shirtless for the last several weeks...b/c remember he is the Hulk!! He immediately ran into my bedroom to get the bad guy (Daddy) who was still sleeping. Needless to say they have been on his feet all day except for the one hour we were in church!
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