Green days

Things have been a lot better at the homestead as of late. Ethan has had a great month at school with good reports each day and an award for good behavior. He is trying to use his words, is nicer to his teachers and friends and is working on his manners. I am not sure how much of this was enabled by our new focus on positive reinforcement and prioritizing the few things we want to make an issue over. Whatever the reason, I am very proud of him.

Ethan is working on writing his letters and numbers these days and loves reading and doing art projects. I wish I was more creative in those departments and had more time to work with him on it but he will have to deal with a Mom that is better at cleaning stalls than planning creative activities. We all have our crosses to bare.

He still makes me smile each day when he tells me how much he loves me and how I am the best mom ever, or make the best dinner ever. Or when he notices new sheets, that I have washed his favorite sweat pants or brought up his favorite car. I love how grateful he is for those little things. It makes me want to do more for him.

I know I have been remiss in posting lately so owe some juicy pics. Here are a few from last weekend's visit with the extended family:

Dinner with Dad, Joyce, Susan, Rosie and Roy:



Playing outdoors on a Sunday morning:





Ethan riding his dolphin:

Visit with Hayes

Jason had a great time tonight playing with someone else his size and age. My friend Barbara and her son were visiting the area and stopped by for dinner (although Hayes threw more than he ate since he is at that stage). I have never seen Jason throw food but then again, he wouldn't waste the precious commodity. Have you seen the size of him? There is nothing edible that gets past him.

The kids all played very well together and although chasing three of them tired all of us adults outs, it was so nice to get the boys together. It was also nice to see that someone else has their hands full. Sorry, Barbara. :-)

Jason plays really well with kids at school or on play dates but has a nice little temper with his bro lately. He hits...and not just once but like 6 - 10 in rapid fire mode. I am just grateful Ethan doesn't strike back and Jason understands "do nice" and will adjust his actions accordingly. Given his size, it could be a lot worse. Sumo wrestling is not out of the picture.

Birthday party

Our neighbor across the street has a beautiful baby boy that celebrated his one year old birthday today. Trish and Brad threw a great party and if it weren't for needing naps, we may have stayed all day. The adults watched football and munched while the little kids played outside with some of the teenagers.

My boys had a nice time playing at the party with Aaron's toys (see above) and eating yummy chili and cake. Ethan even helped Aaron open some presents. Here are a few shots of the kids in their party hats. Aaron is first, then Jason and then Ethan sitting with Daddy...impatiently asking every five seconds if he can have cake.