Snow Days

Chiara, Norah and Luca came up to visit a few weeks ago.  We actually had a little bit of snow!  Here's a group shot- from left: Norah, Lucia, Bree, Luca, and Ethan.  Ethan spent the majority of his time outside eating snow off his mittens, the ground, etc.  

Lucia wasn't quite sure what to make of all the snow- she stuck to the path most of the time. 

We plopped Lucia and Luca down in a snow bank on a sled for a quick picture.  They sure are cute!

New Hair Do

Lucia's hair is long enough now (and has been for awhile) that it is always in her face.  She will not keep barrettes in and is constantly pulling them out (and then I can't find them . . . and then I worry that she ate it and I'll find the barrettes in her diaper).  So, I finally tried rubber bands and they sort of work!  I have to keep her distracted while I'm doing her hair and for a few moments afterwards, otherwise she will pull the hair tie out!
She's also starting to say "cheese" when I pull the camera out and will actually turn towards me and smile!

Watching Daddy

Ethan and Lucia watching daddy shovel- Lucia can almost see out the window when she stands on her tippy toes!

3 was a Great year!

Some of my favorite Ethan shots from his 3rd year!  What a cutie!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

I cannot believe 4 years have gone by since Ethan joined our family.  Where did that fat, little baby go?  He is turning into such a little man right before us- it's quite amazing!  All I can say is time better slow down, if the days/months/years keep up at this pace he's going to be 30 before I know it- I can't handle it!
Happy Birthday Ethan- We are so blessed to have you in our lives!  I cannot wait to see what this next year brings for you!

A fun day at Meijer Gardens

Jim and I (and the kids) received a membership to Meijer Gardens from my parents.  I love Meijer Gardens- it's so nice to walk around and let the kids run.  They  have a fun kids area with a big tree house, water toys (for summer), sand pit for digging, etc.  I took the kids on Saturday with Nonna, Grandma JiJi, Oma, and Grandpa (too bad Jim had to work!).  A great time was had by all!

Except maybe Lucia . . . "why are we here?"

Ethan loves the Gardens- he actually looked in my direction for the picture!  That never happens anymore!

Once she got out of her stroller, Lucia warmed up to Meijer Gardens.  

Ethan pumping water- Grandma JiJi had to help him get it started. 

Ethan and Nonna

Lucia and Mamma- she was trying to wiggle out of my lap so she could walk around more- "down peas, down peas!"  

Lucia and Oma

Ethan and Lucia in one of the little houses in the children's area.  

Lucia assumes her Sumo pose as she gets ready to cross the wobbly bridge! 

Lucia loved these big blue eggs!

Oma, Ethan, and Nonnna made it all the way to the top of the hill. 

Lucia loves being put back in the stroller after tasting freedom. 

About 2 seconds after we pulled out of Meijer Gardens, Lucia was asleep!  It was a fun outing, I can't wait to take more advantage of our membership!

Ethan's 1st Day of Preschool!

Ethan started Preschool today and was super excited.  We were not going to start him with preschool this year and were planning on enrolling him in 4 year old preschool starting next fall- but then he made me feel guilty.  A few months ago Ethan started telling people (mostly family) that he loved going to preschool, that preschool was so much fun, etc.  Jim took him to get his hair cut one day and Ethan was telling the hair dresser all about his love of preschool, that he goes "every day", etc.  After I heard this,  I enrolled him at Immanuel-St.James school in their 3 year old preschool class- two days per week (thanks for the recommendation Grandma JiJi!).
Last night I heard him get out of bed, when I checked on him I noticed that he had brought his backpack to bed with him!  This morning when I woke him up- he practically jumped out of bed with excitement.  He looked a little nervous when he entered the class, but his teacher- Mrs. S.- said that he did a great job today! He is very excited to go back to school!

Christmas 2011

I cannot believe Christmas has come and gone already!  Here are a few pictures from Christmas Day.  Christmas morning we spent at home so the kids could open their gifts.  Ethan was excited that Santa actually came to our house this year!  Ethan got a light saber, or "sword".  

Lucia did not quite get unwrapping the gifts- Ethan was more than happy to help her out!

Ethan also received a backpack since he is starting preschool in January.  He loved the backpack and immediately put his "sword" into it.    

After breakfast we headed over to Aunt Kerri's house to celebrate with the Bradford side of the family.  Here are the Bradford cousins posing before the mayhem begins.  

Ethan with his light saber.  

Ethan received a set of tools from Aunt Kerri- he loved them!  He is very excited to help Grandpa with projects around the house!

We returned home to have dinner with Aunt Cecca and Jarrod, Nick, Sunny, and Ivana, and Nonna and Grandma JiJi.  Nick and Sunny painted this lovely picture for Cecca- a compilation of her favorite things- napping, car rides and her dog- Jessie. 

Ethan also got more Mega blocks to add to his collection- he and Jim built a huge tower using all his blocks.  Ethan was sure to point out the "guns" on the top of the tower.  It was explained to me that every good tower needs guns at the top.