Snow Days

With this winter weather comes unexpected snow days which I have to say have been surprisingly pleasant. When the weather is gorgeous outside, I feel somewhat obligated to go out and do things. However, when it is snowing I want to sit in my pajamas, read a good book and snack all day. The chances of me reading a good book are very slim in this house, but thankfully the kids enjoy having a pajama day and eating yummy things. 

The kids helped me make a Nutella Gooey Butter Cake.

It was simply heaven in a pan. No joke!

I couldn't control myself and the kids loved it!

If you love Nutella, you will love this cake!

Here is a picture of the kids learning about solid and liquid. 

Good ole' Cornstarch and water combo!

I shot these with my phone of the kids enjoying the snow. 

They aren't the best quality, but still cute!

Pinewood Derby Races

This weekend Ethan's cub scout troop had their Pinewood Derby Races. 

This is the first time I have ever heard of this event or been to one.

The dads are enthusiastically involved in this and are at times a tad too competitive, 

but the boys enjoyed watching their cars zoom down the lanes.

Ethan's car was called "The Money Machine" which I thought was named appropriate since he used some old Las Vegas Scrap booking stickers that I had laying around. He wanted to put a showgirl sticker on the roof of the car, but thankfully we were able to talk him out it. 

I could just see the crazy looks!!

Ethan & Dario 

Ethan, Dario & Eugene

The girls watching their brothers race their cars.

Ethan's car is the orange one.

He got 1st place on this race.

Each car is raced 4 times. Ethan got 1st, 2nd, 2nd, and 3rd. 

Overall he earned a 3rd place medal!

The Tiger pack were so proud of their medals that they gave us a big roar!

Lucky # 7

Yup... I can't even believe it! 

Our beautiful son has officially turned seven!!

Excuse me for a moment while I wipe the tears away.....

 

Ethan will forever be my baby. 

Even when he surpasses me in height and weight, he will still be my baby.

He's such a fun loving, energetic, risk taker, wearing his heart on his sleeve kind of boy. 

He matures a little more every year, but this year he has shown more responsibility for himself and his actions.  I rarely have to correct his actions as much which is such a blessing because his sisters are keeping me on my toes.  He's really starting to understand our hidden jokes which makes for some funny facial expressions and conversations.  He's completely addicted to anything that can be made into a a science experiment or a magic trick.  He's still certain that he wants to fly jets for a living and that he does want to be a daddy.  If I told Ethan he could have whatever he wanted for dinner, his reply would be. "Coke, pizza and chocolate candy!"  He cares what people think of him, yet still has to be reminded that positivity is rare among some people.  He loves to dance and play games especially if he can change his accent.  He's still a very devoted brother despite the abuse his sisters throw at him.  Lexie uses him as a jungle gym, yet he's still very gentle with her. For his good behavior at school he gets to choose a toy from the classroom treasure box every Friday, but chooses to gift it to Gracie as soon as they get in they car. Thankfully, he still doesn't mind holding my hand in public and his smile always makes me feel better. We only have 11 more years before Ethan turns 18 and can forever leave our lives if he chooses. However, I hope we as his parents are doing everything possible to make him feel important, wanted and loved.

Enough with the heavy.....Party Time!!! 

Ethan invited all of his classmates to a local play place for a mad scientist party! 

There was pizza, cake, ice cream, gifts and TONS of playing. 

Ethan said he had a wonderful time!

Special Birthday Breakfast!

 Ethan got a birthday surprise during lunch time.....his lunch!

Mad Scientist Cake

 Ethan's favorite buddy Dario, and his classmate Cara.

This picture makes me smile because anytime you point a camera at Lexie and ask her to say cheese, she ALWAYS shakes her head and looks away. Not today!!!!

Opening his gifts

He looks like a mini lumberjack

Snapshots of Eli

This little boy of ours is such a lovely addition to our family. He is pretty laid back and enjoys being held by everyone. Lately he has been sleeping through the night, so this momma is enjoying a little more sleep and I ain't complaining. I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed that it continues. He has started following us with his eyes and has the most adorable dimples! I am quite jealous of his dreams because that seems to be the only thing that has been able to get some of the most beautiful smiles out of him. I know it will come in due time, but I can't wait! He has started his therapy services this month which means we are currently working on head control while sitting and during tummy time. Although Eli would prefer if we skip the tummy time, but he will soon see where all his hard work will get him!