A Day at the Beach

Yesterday we took a day trip to Ocean Shores. It was the perfect day to go. When we got there, it was in the 80's so the water felt so good! I don't ever remember going to a beach (in WA) when it was that warm on shore.

The boys didn't like the sand on their feet much at first. It took a bit of getting used to. We got everyone on board to head toward the water and with the first very small wave (if you could even call it a wave) knocked Ethan over and scared Emren half to death. After that, the two of them stayed far away from the ocean. Unless we were dragging them toward the water, kicking and screaming, they stayed far up on shore.

It was baffling to me since those two are the die-hard bath buddies. They would take 5 baths a day if they could and hate getting out of the water every single night. I was kind of disappointed but I can't expect them to be super troopers every time we try something new. I still love you boys.

Elijah got brave a few times and ventured out with us. When it would get too much up his shins though, he would turn around and make his way back up shore. I'm proud of him for being cautious and brave at the same time.

We had beautiful weather, soft sand, buckets and shovels, yummy food, a kite, football and Frisbee...what more could you want? Daddy, Mommy and Auntie Katie had fun anyway. The boys had moments of fun too.

Emren didn't want to leave Daddy's arms.

Not a good pic but hey, we were glad to be there.

Ethan was happy building sandcastles...yay!

Happy Beach Day!

Just wanted to put this pic in so we can remember how everything really went down. Note Emren clinging to Daddy's leg because he didn't want the sand on his feet. I think between the three boys, there was crying 70% of our beach visit.

My wonderful, whiny boys!

My happy 'Lijah Bear!

He LOVED digging sand and plopping it into the bucket of water.

Life is not complete without some Matchbox cars.

Ethan and Daddy's attempts at kite flying.

Auntie Katie and Mommy tried their darnedest too, but with no luck.

I'm sure it was a funny sight to see though. We had fun!

Go Ethan!

'Lijah getting in on the action.

We will definitely try this again next year. I'm not giving up on them yet. I love being able to do new things with my family...one of my favorite things in life. I love you, dear family!

Happy 4th of July!

For 4th of July this year, Daddy wanted to take the boys to see the Air Show on the Tacoma waterfront with Grandpa. Grandpa is leaving for Missouri this week so it was a wonderful chance for everyone to spend some time together. Ethan was SUPER excited (and that is an understatement)! He talked about it ALL WEEK LONG! He even had a hard time going to sleep Saturday night. I think Elijah ended up being the most entertained by it. Ethan checked out the car show with Grandpa and Emren enjoyed the sand.

And they're off...my handsome guys in their red, white and blue!

Oh look...
a jet!

Notice Ethan and Emren just busy chowin'.

Loving his time with "the boys."

Yay...sand!

Daddy and his 'Lijah.

Yay!

We love Grandpa!

Emren wants to jump in.

Time to go home. Emren is beat...all that walking!

Then Grandpa, Grandma, Josh, Jewels and even Auntie Katie came over and played, had some bbq and watched the fireworks. There weren't as many in our new neighborhood as there were in our old one last year, but still plenty. Everyone had fun.

Emren and Grandpa playing in the "house."

Elijah wants to join in too.

After a little hesitation, the boys warmed up to the loud booms.

Emren and Daddy doin' some pop-its...the highlight of the night.

Ethan's favorite for sure. He even cried when we ran out.

3 boxes just wasn't enough I guess.

Happy 4th of July!

Update on Emren

Emren is such a fun and "yellow" boy. He's right in playing with everyone when he wants to but loves to do his own thing too. He is a fast little bugger...I love to catch him up though and give him tickles (his favorite). This is what Emren has been up to:

• teething all his teeth too by 18mos. - that's tough work!
• has learned to run constantly...does not know how to walk anymore
• loves to jump, tickle play, run in circles, play at the park (esp. the swings and slides) and chase after the neighbor's cats
• really loves to go to Nursery and play with the cars and the kids
• climbs well and often
• loves the bath, especially with bubbles, and splashes like crazy!
• favorite songs: "If you're happy and you know it," shout hooray verse,"Itsy, bitsy spider" and "Wheels on the Bus."
• favorite book: I love you through and through
• favorite foods: CHEESE, bananas and cookies
• favorite words: please, go, oh no!, alright!, mommy and cookie

I know Emren is going to just continue to bring joy to all of our family. His brothers love him so much, in fact I believe every time Ethan says a prayer, he blesses Emren. He is super dramatic/emotional, just like his big bro Ethan and his Mama. Tantarums are his specialty but hopefully will get less and less frequent once he can communicate better with us.

I am proud of you for being you so well, Emren! I love you!

Update on Elijah

My 'Lijah Bear...how you have grown! I love getting to know him. He is so different from his brothers and has such a strong personality of his own. He's still my snuggle bear and loves kisses too. Here's what he's been up to:

• got all his teeth up to his 2yr. molars in by 18mos. - whew!
• mastered running, screaming and taking toys away from Emren
• loves Nursery class (most Sundays) and REALLY loves snack time
• watches Super Why and Curious George everyday, although not entirely through & gets super excited when any movie begins
• favorite food: MEAT - pretty much all kinds, bananas and blueberries
• favorite words: Dada!, up, go and no, no in addition to his own little chipmunk language (that's what Daddy calls it)
• loves to dance and sing (well, do motions) with anyone and his favorite song is "If you're happy and you know it..."
• favorite book: I love you through and through

Elijah is very precise about the things he does and is a thinker. He likes to take his time to get the job done. He can be a real stubborn stinker, but can turn on the charms in half a second too. His hugs and kisses melt us all. I think he is a very loyal soul, like his father.

I love you 'Lijah Bear!

Update on Ethan

So here's a short and sweet recap of what Ethan has been up to since last November:

• had a fun Christmas (with a crazy, memorable trip to see Santa downtown Seattle)
• turned 3! including a Monster Truck show date with Mom
• thoroughly enjoyed a couple of Easter Egg Hunts (not to mention the loot)
• went camping with Grandpa, Granny and Aunties and attempted fishing with Grandpa
• graduated joyschool with HUGE improvements since September

I'm so proud of my super-wonderful, crazy 3 year old. He can be so very sweet with his brothers and really has a tender heart. My favorite thing right now is when he comes into our room in the morning and says with happiness and joy, "Good morning, Mom!" It's the most beautiful thing!

We're Back...

Whew! I can't believe I let so much time pass without logging our crazy/precious moments together. I have felt so strongly lately about getting going on this blog again so, here it goes. To my family, my efforts are for you. I love you and want to remember our ups and downs together. Hopefully this will help us preserve a little bit of them.

Love - Mom