Christmas Photos

Ethan did a good job of posing in front of the tree so I could take some pictures for our Christmas cards. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Thanksgiving and Pumpkin Pie!

I didn't take that many pics for Thanksgiving for some reason, but here are a few of Ethan enjoying pumpkin pie, and Norah looking on.

Meijer Gardens

We went to Meijer Gardens last weekend becuase it was such beautiful weather here! Here are a couple pictures from the day.

Handsome Guy!

More Leaves!

Ethan having fun in the leaves with Jim. He loved it when Jim would throw the leaves over his face!

Leaves!

Ethan helped us rake leaves today, such a big helper!

Elmo!

This is Ethan's "say cheese" face.

Halloween

Ethan went as Elmo this year- he LOVES Elmo. Here he is with Nonna and Grandma Jeri, Grandma Sue, Uncle Nick and Aunt Sunny, and Mamma (or, as Ethan has been calling me lately "mamma aletha" (mamma alessia)- which is kind of annoying!)
He was a big help while we were handing out candy, every once in awhile he would say "mine" as we were giving it away- he did get a few bites of KitKat- which he loved!

Lincoln Park Zoo

Here are a few pics from the zoo in Chicago. It was a great day (no rain!). They were having a "harvest fest" at the farm zoo, the kids were able to pick out a pumpkin. Ethan, of course, went into the pumpkin patch they had set up and started throwing them around, so we had to help him along a bit so he wouldn't damage any!

We all had a great time walking around and checking out the animals. Ethan has been saying "monkey" more and more, so he was pretty excited to see some monkeys swinging around. He was also excited to see the ducks swimming in the ponds and the polar bear swimming in his pool.

Shedd Aqarium

We went to Chicago the first weekend in October to visit Uncle Dave and check out the sites. We went to the Shedd Aquarium and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

We had a great visit- Ethan loved all the "fishys!" and "monkeys." He had a great time at the aquarium putting his face right up to the glass at watching the fish swim by!

Art Prize 2009

Grand Rapids is hosting "the largest art competition in the world." Over 1200 artist have entered this competition for a chance to win the top prize of $250,000. The competition has been going on since Sept. 23 and will conclude on Oct. 10th. There is art work spread all over the downtown area in different venues. It is quite a site to see downtown Grand Rapids busy with so many people taking in all the different art pieces. Here are a few pics from some of the outside pieces. The two pieces on the right are in the final 10, one is a giant table and chairs set on top of one of the pedestrian bridges ove the Grand River, the other is the Lockness monster that has been placed in the river.

Ethan has enjoyed going downtown, or "dow tow" (he drops the 'n's when he says it!).

For more information check out artprize.org (I think).

1st Hair Cut- After

Well, here he is, all grown up! I think he looks like a little man now, and not my little baby!

1st Hair Cut- During

The hair stylist gave him a sucker so I don't think he even noticed what was going on. Jim picked the length of his hair cut- he almost said buzz it off b/c while we were waiting, another hair stylist came up to us and said "is this Clementine?" Jim freaked out a little. Did I mention I almost cried when she was cutting his hair? Well I did!

1st Hair Cut- Before

Ethan had his first hair cut on Saturday. We took him to a place called Snip Its, they specialize in cutting childrens hair. Here are some before pics of his beautiful long, curly hair!

Labor Day Project

Jim and I stained the deck this weekend. It was nice to finally get it done before next year! The weather finally cooperated- we had a beautiful Labor day weekend in Michigan. Next year we would like to finish our backyard and maybe put a new fence up . . . we'll see!

Carousel Ride!

We went to the public museum downtown today with Grandma and Grandpa Bradford. It was free admission today, which was nice. The carousel at the museum was also free, so we took Ethan for a ride. He was not impressed. Look at his face, we could barely squeeze a smile out!

Jim and Aunt Tess

Here is a picture I found from Thanksgiving 2008 of Jim and his Aunt Tess. Aunt Tess and Uncle Jack would drive to Grand Rapids for every holiday to spend time with family.

Remembering Aunt Tess

On Friday September 4, Jim and I went to Detroit for the memorial service for his Aunt Tess. The memorial was lovely, a few friends a family shared stories and memories of Tess, it was a celebration of her life! Here are a few family pics from that day. Purple was the color of the day becuase it was Aunt Tess' favorite color.

Wilcox Park

Ethan hanging on for dear life in the top picture- he would make that face anytime we would stop him mid swing. Coming down the slide on his belly in the bottom pic.