In training

Ethan's in training for the next marathon.  It's so cute when he runs, I just laugh every time. Just ignore the commentary. :)    

Like sister, like brother

I caught Ethan putting Daddy down for a nap today.  Good job Ethan.  He looks so tired.  Katelyn was good at that too.  Here's her video.

Taking a dip

Dave is a fish when it comes to swimming and to encourage Katelyn to follow in his wake, he bought her this really cool whale-shaped swimming pool.  It has a spout and everything, which of course, was Katelyn's favorite part.

One of these days, we'll even get her to get inside the pool.  But, not today.   Look at those strong abs!  Go Katelyn!

Happy 4th!

We had a great time with family on the Fourth of July.  Here are some highlights.

Getting ready for the children's parade on the 3rd.  This was Katelyn's first one and she (we) were pretty excited.  She had a great time... regardless of the fact that she looks totally bored in this picture.

I got creative earlier that morning and made her some hair "bows" for her pigtails.  In Dave's sister's words... she looked like a firecracker! :)

Ethan got to ride in the back of the stroller with his cousin Daniel.  Ethan did great until the very last block of the parade where we walked into the sun.  Poor kid!  We forgot his sunglasses! :)

Here we are waiting for the parade to start.  There were tons of bikes, trikes, strollers, kiddie cars, flags, streamers, balloons and crate paper.  My sister Shannon is ready to go with her five little kiddies.

After this parade, there was a concert in the park and then some great fireworks.  Katelyn loved the concert and was dancing and singing to the Beach Boys, Monkeys and Beatles.  I think my sister has some pictures.  I'll try to post one.  She was just so cute dancing around.

The next morning (the 4th) Dave and I ran the Centerville Freedom Run with my three brothers, Scott, his wife Melanie, Shawn and Trevor, as well as Dave's sister Alicia and brother Jared.  So fun!  It was the first time I had run 3 miles in a year and I tell you what... I was tired and sore.  Funny that I used to run a lot farther without any aches or pains.  I'm getting old! (Or I just had a baby 3 months ago.) :)  Oh well, we had a great time and I wasn't the last person in the race!!

And last but not least, after the parade and the trip to the festival at the park, we had a BBQ at my parent's home.  What was the highlight of the day?  The cows, of course!  Our back-door neighbors have two cows and Katelyn just can't get enough of the "moos".  You can see them in the background, with Katelyn as happy as can be, saying "chzzzz!"

Dave, will you watch Katelyn tonight?

Sure.

Hiding and added height

A new way to grow a foot or two... or a new way to build Uncle Jared's bicep?

Janette helped with Ethan's first attempt at hide-and-seek.  Can you find him?

Big Sister, Little Brother

I'm learning very quickly that it's about as easy to take pictures of my two kids together as it is to keep water in a strainer.  I love the challenge.  :)  Granted, I took some of these pictures right before nap time, but Katelyn's hair was so cute and still combed that I decided to take the risk.  Ethan has turned into an adorable little smiler, but again, it was right before nap time so I'll have to wait for his cute little smile.   Here are a few of our out-takes.

Attempt #1 (In the morning)

I thought I was going to have the cutest picture.   She sat down on the blanket for me, let me lay Ethan in her lap, and then before the two seconds that it took me to grab the camera...

And again... (about 5 times)

Attempt #2 (Same day in the afternoon)

She wouldn't sit by him because she must know that boys have cooties. :)  I asked her to stand behind him and this is what I got.  She wouldn't relinquish the blankie, even for a promised cookie.

What do you do with baby wipes?  Yep.  Put them on your baby brother's head.

Attempt #3 (A new day and with the help of Dave)

Katelyn, come give Ethan a hug...

Show dad your teeth...  (cheese!!)

What funny kids.  Yes, I get a little frazzled as I try to take a perfectly good shot with both of them smiling and acting like they love each other, but I'll have to wait for that one be content with real life for now. :)  Those are the best anyway.

Ohhhh...

Katelyn is the official binkie handler.

Her favorite things... being outside, her blankie, her bow and a cracker... heaven.