Christmas Parade

We went to the Downtown Bentonville Christmas parade a few weeks ago with Ethan's friends, Xander and Chaucer. Ethan enjoyed watching all the people walk by. He enjoyed the candy they threw at him even more. He didn't end up falling asleep for a nap that day thanks to all that candy...

An Empty Nursery

(this picture has nothing to do with this entry - I just thought it was funny)

Last night Ethan slept in his new room complete with a "big boy" bed. We'd tried naps a few times in there this past week, but I think the new place was too exciting and he never actually made it to sleep. So, we decided to move him in there for the night so maybe he'd realize you could sleep in there. He did great - till 5:30 this morning. I think he woke up, saw all the sports balls on the wall, and was ready to get his day started. I am now second guessing my sports theme decorating idea... It was a little bitter sweet when I walked by the empty nursery. I know it's not going to be empty for long, but it's crazy how milestones just seem to keep flying by.

"Potty Training"

For the past month or so, Ethan has been asking to go potty almost once a day. I certainly wasn't expecting him to be ready to potty train so early. The way we even realized he was ready was pretty funny...we had a family friend over that took Ethan potty after Ethan asked him to. He didn't realize that Ethan had never actually gone potty! So, finally after our trip to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving, and he had gone several times a day, I decided it was time to officially start the process. We got him a cool toilet seat and I was getting ready to make the purchase of "big boy underwear". Two weeks ago was our first day of training...and he has yet to go in the toilet since then. Seriously. I should have known that as soon as I decided it was time, he'd change his mind! So much for the dream of only one kid in diapers.

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving with my family this year in Oklahoma. Ethan had a blast with his cousins, grandparents, and uncles/aunts. So much so, that it took several days of being back home to reprogram him to be used to playing by himself! Uncle Jon took the boys on a "tractor" ride, which Ethan is still talking about. And Jack and Ethan really seemed to enjoy playing with each other - especially jumping in the crib and playing with the noise maker Ethan sleeps with. Who needs toys?! Claire is growing like crazy and is scooting all over the place. (the picture of Ethan, Jack and the bear crack me up...my son wakes up about like I do...not quickly...)
One of the perks of Mimi's and Papi's is the basketball goal Papi lower for Ethan. Every moment that we'd let him, he was outside "shooting". Of course a little help from Papi always made it better.Ethan did a great job on the car ride both ways. We brought a whole box of books for him to read and between that, drawing and sunglasses, he was a happy camper.

Buddies

We're really blessed to have a group of buddies to play with. With 6 boys and one little girl, it's pretty crazy when we all get together. Right now it seems like there are light years of difference between the oldest and the youngest member of the group, but we realized last time we were all together that in about 3 years it won't make any difference at all. I think all the moms are looking forward to the years ahead when we can send the whole group outside to play and we can actually carry on a whole conversation. We're going to get there eventually, right?!?!

Trouble

We had "one of those days" last week where Ethan was on a roll... I let him play outside while I was cleaning breakfast up - only to find completely soaked from head to toe with water from the wagon. I stripped him down and threw all his clothes in the dryer and let him draw while we waited for his clothes to dry. Next thing I knew, he's found an ink pen and drawn all over his legs and arms. He had drawn such good footballs though, there was no way I could get on to him! Finally he had dry clothes, and half way through getting them on him, my phone rang. While I was on the phone, he managed to pull off all the couch pillows (I think he was aiming for the cat with each throw), and then he entertained himself or quite awhile jumping off the couch onto the pillows. Oh, how that kiddo makes me laugh!

Speaking of the cat...he's been missing since last Wednesday... When Ethan looks in our backyard, he says "cat gone". We've driven around looking for him, but I think someone must have seen him and decided he needed a new home. Honestly, I am not too sad b/c it's one less thing I have to worry about. But I do feel bad that Ethan's buddy is gone. Maybe after Baby #2 is born, we can think about a new pet. Maybe.

The Big Cousins

Ethan's big cousins, Alyssa and Adam, came to stay with us a few weekends ago because Alyssa had a soccer tournament. Ethan loved having a new captive audience. They both played ball and drew with him - Ethan was in heaven. Seeing Alyssa play soccer also gave him a new interest in the sport... He's enjoyed kicking his soccer ball up and down the hallway and yelling "goal!"

Pumpkin Patch

I've been a complete slacker lately when it comes to updating my blog. My apologies, grandparents. :) A few weeks ago we went to a local pumpkin patch with Ethan's friends, Xander and Chaucer. The really weren't as interested in the pumpkins as they were the cool wagons and tractor. (the top left picture is Ethan's new smile...is cracks me up every time he does it...)

Halloween

We had a great Halloween this year. Ethan was a country western singer - inspired by his new favorite toy guitar....and what we had around the house. Most of the time you couldn't tell what he was b/c the hat and guitar were being carried by Chris or me, but when it was all put together he was really cute. We weren't able to hit all the hot spots that we'd planned to, but we did manage to make to a "Trunk or Treat" extravaganza with our friends the Crawfords. The boys did pretty well - minus a few fights over the guitar and sheriff badge. It's pretty amazing how much Ethan has changed since last Halloween...

I am such a sucker.

In the midst of our chaotic last few weeks, for some reason I decided we needed to add a new pet to the mix. Adjusting to a new place has been a little harder on Ethan than I had expected, and it was making me so sad to see him stand at our back door looking for the kittens from our old house. We had met Oscar the "tattie" a few weeks earlier at a friend's, and last week she called saying he was ready for adoption. So, we immediately headed to her house and Oscar has been with us for the last week. His status as an indoor pet is still undecided, but the litter box is almost worth it when I see Ethan getting such joy out of carrying that poor cat around wherever he goes.

Moved

Last week we finally moved into the house that we'd been wanting for the past six months! It's been a complete roller coaster, but the Lord gave us this house in his perfect timing. I think I would have been a little more sentimental over our last house if the closing on it hadn't been so dragged out, but we still told our first house good bye the best way we could. The morning started out early with Ethan telling the baby kittens (he calls them "tatties") good bye. He stayed with one of my friends while Chris and I went to the closing. We met the lady that bought our old house and we were so excited that a single mom buying her first house would be the person living there. After closing, Chris headed off to one of the biggest meetings of the year with his job and I waited for the movers to come.My parents were life savers and came later that day to help us get settled. Mimi was on a mission and got us out of all but three boxes in the day and half she was there. Papi, with Ethan's help, put together our table and numerous other things. Ethan is still talking about Papi and the tools. That Saturday, Debbie came to visit and watch Ethan while Chris and I took a break and went on a date. Ethan hardly knew what to do with all the grandparents!So, we're on the road to getting settled into our new home. It's definitely going to be a long process as I have mentally started painting walls and buying new furniture, but we feel very blessed to be where we are as we plan for Baby Boy #2 to come in a few months!

It's a BOY!

In the midst of unpacking on Thursday, we had an ultrasound to see how Baby Hoyle was growing. We found out that baby #2 is a BOY and is developing beautifully! He was an active little guy and earned the term "stubborn" by the doctor because he would not cooperate giving the positions the doc needed. I guess he comes by it legitimately... They were finally able to capture a profile shot, and I am pretty sure he's going to be quite cute!

First Wedding

Yes, I should be packing, but I decided I needed a break...so, I am blogging about our weekend. Ethan was in his first wedding. My cousin, Katelyn, got married, and she asked Ethan and Jack to be ring bearers. She was very, very brave. Both boys looked adorable in their tuxes, and they seemed to enjoy wearing them while flirting with the bridesmaids. They both made numerous practice runs down the aisle, and they appeared to have it down to a fine art. BUT we didn't account for the lights being really dim and the church being packed. Ethan got too excited when he saw Papi and he took off running down the aisle towards my dad w/o Jack. Jack got scared and turned back to me and Katie said "I'm scared" and refusing to move. The wedding planners, Katie, me and Katelyn were almost in tears from laughing so hard. I can't wait to see the video...

Meal Swapping

One of my friends had the fabulous idea for us to swap meals every other week. We make one meal, quadruple it, swap, and then we only have to cook once for several days meals. I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first, but it's worked out beautifully. I have loved pulling a meal out of the freezer the night before and throwing it in the oven the next day. That's my kind of cooking!

(this is a picture of us all exchanging our meals one night after a church event...it was pretty funny having us all whip out our coolers in the street!)

Cheese

I hadn't actually thought to ask Ethan to smile before I took his picture until last week. He was singing for me on the bed again, so I got my picture and told him to say, "cheese!". He thought that was so funny. And then out came this goofy, crooked smile. Oh, how he makes me laugh.

Family Photo Op

Ethan was in a particularly goofy mood last week and insisted on wearing a hat that was way too small. I had to take a picture, of course, and he kept giving me different funny smiles. It turned into a rare family photo shoot that I thought I would share.

Good news!!!

We got a call from our realtor and we have a closing date!! This one should stick. It looks like we'll be moving October 15th now - WAHOO! Three weeks to pack should be just about perfect.

The Bears

Crystal Bridges, the museum going in behind our house, brought in its first work of art...a sculpture of bears by Paul Manship. They've placed it off of a garden walking trail that is a few blocks from our house. So every time we walk or drive by, Ethan makes a roaring sound (that's how he says bears right now). We try to make it to visit the bears a few times a week and walk the trail. Ethan will give the bears a high-five and the we're off to explore the woods. He's even started reading to me the tree and plant markers...."ball" and "bat" seem to find their way into every description.

Labor Day

I am so blessed to have 8 good friends from college that I get together with every year on Labor Day. A lot of us only talk a few times a year, but when we all get together it's like no time has passed. I love it. We've gone through a lot of big life changes with each other throughout the years, and there is so much history that it seems to make the friendships increasingly priceless. We met in Dallas this year at Kim's house, and amazingly, we didn't have any kiddos with us. (thanks husbands and grandparents!) We ate a lot, swam, and talked the whole time. I think we could have done several more days, but life was calling. I am so looking forward to next year!

KOBIE - WE MISSED YOU!!!

House Update

I got a couple calls and emails from people this week asking how our new house was, so I thought I should give an update on where we are with things. It's been somewhat of a roller coaster the past few weeks. Due to it being the end of the fiscal year, the government loan that the lady buying our house is getting ran out of money. We're hoping that in October, they'll just continue the budget and she'll have the money for our house. But worst case scenerio, with the election year, something weird happens and it's January before she has the money! JANUARY! And me 8 months pregnant! Yikes. We're praying that's not the case. The people that own the house we're trying to buy have been pretty cool so far. We have a 30 day contract extension, so all is well right now. So we're sitting in a half packed house praying that things happen sooner rather than later. God has used this waiting time to bless us (in spite of my bad attitude) - with the Fanny Mae/Freddy Mac stuff going down, we were able to lock in at a lower interest rate and save a good chunck of money monthly on our new mortgage! I told Chris that "Momma is going shoppin' ", but he didn't seem to think that was too funny. :)

First Race

Chris ran a 5K on Labor Day and took Ethan along for the ride. I can't even run a mile, so Chris is my hero. Ethan loved "running" with his Daddy and watching everyone around him. After the race, we let Ethan out of his stroller and he tried running really fast like everyone he had just seen. Unfortunately, his sandals weren't great for such high speeds and did a face-plant on the concrete. His forehead had a nice, big bump on it, but a little bit of Gatorade and a football made everything all better.

Rock n Roll

Ethan has a new obsession - playing his guitar-bat (that doubles as a microphone) and singing "Na Na Na Naa" by the Kaiser Chiefs. I thought if we didn't play "kid music" that I wouldn't go crazy listening to his music. Wrong. I am so sick of the KCs. Anyway, we have this song on repeat and Ethan loves to sit on our guest bed and sing the song over and over again. Of course his version has the word "ball" in a lot, but it has definitely provided a lot of laughs for Chris and me.

Pa Pa

Ethan got to see his Pa Pa play softball last weekend. Of course he was in complete heaven with balls and bats all over the place. Pa Pa won a pretty big place in Ethan's heart - all we heard for the next few days was: "Pa Pa". "Ball". "Bat".

My Guys

Since his Dad was wearing a hat, he had to wear a hat. I thought it was pretty cute...

Either way, it's all about the ball.

Ethan moved his art station to the fireplace. It give him the freedom to either stand or sit - however the art moves him. But sometimes drawing various sports balls just doesn't cut it, and he needs to get his hands on the real thing. So he takes a break from the crayons and either shoots at his basketball goal or hits a ball off his makeshift tee. (we really need to get him a real one - poor piano keeps getting nailed) We know he's really serious when he asks for his baseball hat...

The BirthSurvey

I am so excited that the BirthSurvey has gone nation-wide this week! We were trying to find a new doctor for our second baby and it was virtually impossible to get detailed feedback on local doctors in the area. It's seriously been easier researching digital cameras! This website should be a great resource for moms looking to find the right maternity care provider. I encourage everyone who has had a baby in the last few years to fill out the survey so that it's easier for others to learn more about doctors in their area...

Oothie, Oothie

Ethan has been sick this week. We took him to his 18 month "well check" last week, and I think he got a virus while we were there. (forget well checks from now on!) He has blisters all in his mouth, so eating has been rather painful. Luckily, our latest favorite food is a smoothie (aka "oothie, oothie"). He's been drinking at least two a day, and it's pretty cute seeing how excited he gets when he sees a smoothie cup . He's definitely my son - very passionate about about favorite foods. Of course if he's anything like me, he will drink smoothies like they're going out of style and then be done with them forever...

Jack & Claire

Enough about houses. Check out this cute pic of my nephew and niece... Seeing them starting to interact makes me excited to see Ethan be a big brother.

A really good Thursday...

Thursday we had the inspector come out to make sure there isn't anything major wrong with our house. It looks like everything is okay with a few minor things to fix. It was a relief to hear that.

That afternoon I had my first appointment with our new baby doctor (whom I LOVE), and we go to hear Baby Hoyle's heartbeat! I don't know what it is about that sound, but it makes me want to cry everything time I hear it. It was such a relief to know that the Baby is growing and developing. Thank you, Lord!

That evening we went house hunting (if you can count looking at two houses as "hunting"). Both are in the same neighborhood and two houses down from our friends the Crawfords. We put an offer down on one and should hear back today.

House Update

There has been some progress on the house-front this week, but the waiting has been excruciating! (Patience really isn't a strong suit for me.) Monday we had the bank come out and make sure our house passed the loan requirements. There didn't seem to be any problems there, thankfully. Tomorrow we're having an inspector come check out the house. As long as they don't find the mold and asbestos we should be fine. (Kidding.) I think then we have to have the house appraised. Ahhh! It's painful. We're going to go look at houses on Friday to make sure we still love the one we think we love. If we do, then we'll go ahead and put an offer on it. I have already started mentally hanging pictures in that house, so I pray it all goes well. Have I mentioned that I hate waiting?!

A really good Saturday...

I had a good weekend. Yesterday was especially good. My sweet, sweet husband bought me a massage because I hadn't felt good all week. So I started my day with one of the most amazing massages I have ever had (I have had quite a few in my "bad back" days). I left the salon feeling pain free and a little "drunk". It was great. I had a message from our fabulous realtor, Jill, saying that someone wanted to look at our house. When I got home, Chris had cleaned the house and we left to get me sushi for lunch and hit Banana Republic. My day was pretty perfect at this point. BUT we got another call from Jill saying that the person was going back to our house AND was writing up an offer!!! Beautiful. By 6:15 last night, we had a signed offer on our house. We're waiting to make sure that the loan she qualifies for covers our house, so it's not a done deal. But it's stinkin' close. We should know for sure by tomorrow. If all goes well, we'll be in a new house September 15th...lots of time to get the nursery ready for Baby Hoyle! Man, God is good.

A Passion Shift

Ethan's passion for basketballs and basketball goals has cooled somewhat. He doesn't completely freak out at the sight of everyone we pass. He's moved on - to drawing balls. And it is a passion. It started out while he was playing at my friend Amy's house with Xander. They broke into her sidewalk chalk together, and life hasn't been the same since. All he wants to do is "DRAW BAAA" or "DRAW BAT" (we love baseball now too) with chalk or crayons. We've been through a full huge pad of paper and it's about time for a new box of chalk. He could seriously draw all day long. I love it!

Big News

Ethan very excited to model his new shirt...

...and his reaction when he's told that he won't be an only child in about 8 months.

Yep, we're expecting Baby Hoyle #2! It's looking like Baby H will arrive around March 10th, 2009. So far everything is going well. I am experiencing quite a bit more "morning sickness" with this one, and oh how I miss being able to take multiple naps during the day like when I was pregnant with Ethan! Not possible with an active toddler... We're very excited and would love any and all prayers that the Lord would keep knitting together this little person perfectly!

4th of July Weekend

We went to Stillwater to celebrate the 4th of July as well as several family birthdays. Ethan loved being at Papi's and Mimi's. He and Jack spent lots of time waist deep in toys, running through the sprinkler, swinging, play ball, jumping on a trampoline, and giving an occasional hug to one another (although it generally ended up in pushing). Ethan developed a new love for Papi's lemonade (he enjoyed sticking his arm in up to his elbow getting ice out), and for some reason he started eating bananas - if they were given to him by Papi. (he has hated bananas since the first time he tried them at about 8 months old) Ethan would check out Baby Claire every once and awhile, but he wasn't all that impressed that she wasn't interested in the basketball he threw at her face. Yeah, we need to work on that...

Hats

It started out with folding laundry and Ethan deciding he wanted to wear one of Chris' shirts. Since it was too long, I put one of my t-shirts on him...and that started "dress up" (in a manly sort of way of course). He found a box of hats in my closet and started putting them on. Of course I had to get my camera.

Arkansas Car Riding

I have given up trying to keep somewhat clean clothes on Ethan. If it's not food, it's dirt from outside or who knows what else. I think I could change him 15 times a day if I wanted to... My friend Sarah manages to always have clean little boys. I cannot for the life of me figure out she does that. Anyway, one day last week I had given up on clothes altogether and just let him run around in his diaper. He's much easier to wipe down that way. Chris got home and we needed to run a quick errand, so we put Ethan in the car as-is - graham cracker in hand. When I looked back at him telling us a very serious story, I couldn't help but crack up seeing him in just a diaper and no shoes. Ah, we've adjusted to AR life w/o any problems...

Sweet Innocence

We were at the mall a few days ago and we let Ethan out of his stroller to walk with us. As soon as we put him down, he started dancing to music that was playing on the outdoor speakers. He got his one arm flapping, his feet stomping up and down, bouncing and turning in circles. (you really have to see it to get the full picture...) He danced for at 3-4 minutes. People started stopping to watch and laugh. I couldn't decide if he was oblivious to the attention or was relishing in it (probably the latter), but I couldn't help but marvel at the innocence of it all. He doesn't care what people think! He's free to move as the music inspires...oh, to be that uninhibited. I wish I could be that carefree.

Oh, and we've decided to bring a hat next time we go. We'll start collecting money for his college fund...

(this picture doesn't have anything to do with dancing at the mall - it just makes me laugh)

Branson 0-8, Baby

We took our first family trip that was "kid oriented" to Silver Dollar City last weekend. Honestly, it was a little surreal for me because I still feel like the kid that should be going on trips with my parents! And I had a hard time not going on the "big people's" ride, but that has more to do with me being selfish. :) We went with our friends the Crawfords and their two fabulous little guys, Xander and Chaucer. We stayed at this amazing cabin that Xander called the "tree house". I honestly think the boys would have been completely content staying at the tree house and playing with the vacuum cleaner they had there. Seriously. But we managed to tear them away long enough to hit an outlet mall, see some of Branson, and then the following day go to SDC. Ethan wasn't too sure what to think about the balloon ride, but he loved exploring "Huck's Tree House" with his dad, and there was a water area that he managed to get soaked in. Ethan also experienced the Veggie Tales for the first time, and he was enamored. We were all worn on by the end of the weekend, but we all had a great time.

The Many Faces of Ethan

Ethan woke up in rare form the other day from his nap. He didn't want to get out of his crib. He just wanted to jump up and down, laugh and make faces at me. Of course I had to get my camera and attempt to capture the entertainment. I couldn't stop laughing at him which only encouraged him more. We're a pretty good pair - an entertainer and a thoroughly biased audience.

Little Chef

Ethan likes sitting on the counter top and helping me cook. If anything tastes bad I say that he must have added something while I wasn't looking. Lately, he's enjoyed holding a spoon, dipping it in the flour, and eating it. Yum. It keeps him quite content, so I don't complain. But I may need to get a separate thing of flour to actually cook with...

Oklahoma Trip

We went to Oklahoma a few days ago for my new niece, Claire's, baptism. It was a perfect weekend. We spent one night at Papi and Mimi's house. Ethan played in their huge backyard and ended the night with Papi spraying him down with a hose. (he LOVED it) Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the spraying. Saturday we went to a cookout with my mom's side of the family where Ethan and Jack spent forever in the pool. The rest of the day, the boys played together and ate up being the center of attention to cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. I think Jack ate his weight in ice. I can still hear his sweet little voice saying, "ICE?!" Claire's baptism on Sunday was very special to be a part of, and of course she looked beautiful. Ethan was also able to see his Grandma Debbie briefly for lunch. He crashed on the way back home to AR...poor little guy was worn out!

Buddies

Ethan loves playing with his buddy, Xander. Every time I ask him if he wants to play with Xander, he clinches his fists next to his chest, smiles and nods his head rapidly. Needless to say, he was thrilled when he got to play with Xander at a pool. They had fun splashing in the pool, but the hose was much more fun. They took turns getting sprayed, and it involved a lot of screaming and laughing. I think us moms laughed just as much. 

Magazines

Chris showed Ethan his Sports Illustrated while waiting for dinner one night. Ethan could hardly believe how many balls were in that thing. Each page turn got an excited "BAHHHH!!!" Now he thinks that every magazine should be like S.I. He's quite sad when he goes through my RealSimple...

Portland

I had a fabulous time in Portland visiting Kobie, Travis and new little Thatcher. Thatcher is absolutely beautiful, and it was so fun watching Kobie be a momma. She is a natural. While I was there, I was able to see downtown Portland, eat amazing food, shop and managed to hit a piercing shop. On Saturday, our friend Christi flew in with her yummy little guy, Chaz. (I loved playing with him, but it really made me miss Ethan.) On Sunday, we all went to couple local vineyards and it was so incredibly beautiful. I am in love with Portland...if it weren't so far away from family, I might try and convince Chris to move us there...

Separation Anxiety...

I am in Portland, OR right now visiting one of my favorite people, Kobie, and her fabulous little guy, Thatch. Ethan is home in Bentonville. This is the first time I have ever been away from my buddy for longer than a few hours. It was excruciating leaving him, but as I went through security at the airport and rushed between gates, I was glad to just have my carry-on. It sounds like he's having a blast with his Grandma Debbie and Dad, and he only seemed to miss me yesterday. (I think that's good...) It's been really nice to be completely free to help around here, but I think I am going to be really ready to be home on Monday.

My Artist

It was rainy last week, so we had to find things to do inside. I decided to see if Ethan would like coloring. (In the past he's just eaten the crayons.) He really seemed to enjoy making his mark - especially with the purple crayon. It ended up being somewhat of an aerobic exercise for me b/c after he was done with a crayon he'd throw it over his shoulder. Those things ended up everywhere. I tried to show him that placing the crayon the table would insure it would be there when he wanted to use it again. But he'd get in his zone and crayons went flying. Maybe we have a mini-Pollock on our hands...

The Chair

Our old favorite toy, the chair, has become a hit again. The function of it is different though. Ethan used to sit quietly on it and play with the light, book, and clock. Music would play and he'd clap his hands and bounce to the beat. For the past several months, the toy has virtually been ignored...until he realized he could stand on it and then jump off. He cracked himself up for several minutes doing just that. It was pretty entertaining for me too - until he noticed a basket of "no touches" on the cabinet that suddenly he could reach with his new acquired height. The camera quickly went away and the chair was moved to a better location. I am sure this is just the beginning of the climbing.

My Big Boy

We have a park across the street from our house that Ethan and I go to almost daily. Generally, out of habit, I just carry him over there. It's easier. But a few days ago I asked him if he wanted to walk - but he had to hold my hand. He grabbed my hand and we walked side-by-side over to the park. It was a seemingly simple, ordinary act, but it hit me on the way across the street that I was walking with my son! Just a year ago he was an infant and now he's my little buddy that I do everything with. I am amazed at how much he's grown and changed. And I don't think I could have ever imagined just how nuts I would be about him and motherhood.

Basketball

Ethan is obsessed with basketballs and basketball goals. Whenever we go on walks around the neighborhood, without fail he can spot a basketball goal. (I had never noticed how many there were around here!) Last week his Grandma Debbie bought him a mini-goal for inside the house and I think it's a little piece of heaven for him. Since then soccer balls, footballs, balls for the tub, shoes, mail, sticks, and many other things have ended up caught in the net of the goal. He still stands at the edge of our yard staring wistfully at the "real" goal next door, but for now his mini-goal is great. Thanks, Grandma!

A Moment of Intensity?

In Stillwater this weekend, Ethan played a lot in the yard with his grandparents and cousin, Jack. Between the soccer ball and the slide, the boys were completely content. Luckily, my stud of a sister-in-law, Caylee, was there to catch some of it with her camera. Ethan looks so serious in this picture....like's he's planning out his next move to keep that ball away from Jack... 

Offers & Excitement

We received an offer on our house this past weekend. In a way, it came as a shock to us because we really had planned on it taking several months for anything to happen. But then, on the other hand, we weren't at all surprised because we think our house is stinkin' cute. (yes, we're waaaaay biased) We've been excited to see how God works through this whole process, and he's definitely surprising us along the way. The girl that is wanting to buy our house has to sell her house, so it's still not a "done deal". But we think we've found our new house, and we may be putting a contingent offer on the table for it this week. Craziness!

She's Here!

My newest niece, Claire Marie, was born Thursday, the 24th. She weighed 6 lbs, 12 oz and was 20" long. I get to meet her today for the first time...I can't hardly wait!!

Fun with Kate

Ethan's buddy, Kate, came over to play this week. (I say "buddy" b/c I think Tate has already been promised to her AND she's almost a head taller than Ethan...) Ethan loved having her over. They both seemed to learn some valuable skills from each other. Like Ethan showed her how to rip apart a magazine into millions of little pieces. And Kate showed him how to lock a door. Yes, lock a door....with them inside and me on the outside. Luckily she unlocked it pretty quickly and no harm was done. Of course Jill may never let me watch the kids again!

Family & Soccer

I don't know that it gets much better than soccer and family for Ethan... His cousin Alyssa had a soccer tournament in Springdale, so we went to see her play. (She did awesome.) Ethan LOVES balls. He screams "BAAAAH" every time he sees one (or something that resembles one). So a morning at the soccer field was full of "BAAAH"s. It was fun seeing the Hoyle fam too. Ethan eats up being the center of attention to his three older cousins.