Stitches

Well our latest news is that Ethan got stitches last Wednesday. We were playing in the basement and he tripped over a toy and landed face first onto the wheel of his bike. He sliced his eyebrow open on the bolt/corner near the wheel. I wasn't sure if he needed stitches or not, he seemed happy enough after a few minutes of crying and comforting. After calling and consulting with Chris and both of our moms we decided to take him in just to be safe. Sure enough the moment they saw him they said he needed stitches. The slice wasn't very long so 2 stitches did the trick. I don't think any of us could have handled any more than 2! They wrapped him up in a sheet and we still had to have 3 people pinning him down. He screamed and cried and kept saying "mama, dada, I'm done, I'm done" It was the saddest thing. He also tried to roll onto his stomach as he said "karate chop karate chop" (he constantly asks for back massages or karate chop). I couldn't help but laugh a little at his request. He was so tough and the moment the stitches were in and we weren't pinning him down anymore he was good to go. He was a champ at keeping a bandaid on for the past 5 days. He got the stitches out today. I was nervous how that would go but again he was a champ. He wasn't a huge fan of the scissor near his eye but he only shed a few tears. Here's to hoping these are the first and last stitches (I can dream, right?)

Halloween

We had a wonderful Halloween. I love that Ethan is old enough now to enjoy the holidays. This is how we spent the weeks leading up to Halloween:

Visiting Erica in Texas for my nephew Bradley's baby blessing

Running the South Jordan Half and setting a PR

Playing in the leaves

 Carving pumpkins - which Ethan loved! He played in the pumpkin guts for hours until I had to pry him away from his bath

Exploring the local Halloween attraction Cornbelly's

Experimenting with various crafts at home and missing the wonderful weather in California

Before we knew it it was Halloween! We dressed Ethan up as a cowboy. He LOVED wearing his costume and is convinced he still needs to wear his cowboy boots everywhere we go. 

The day before Halloween, Sorenson Capital (where Chris works) threw a super fun Halloween party for the kids. They went all out. There was a movie and pizza room, a cookie decorating room, a pumpkin painting room and TONS and TONS of candy. Ethan was in heaven. 

On Halloween day I took Ethan to Thanksgiving point farm in the morning so he could ride his horse. 

Afterwards we met most of Chris's in South Jordan for lunch at Chick-fil-A

Ethan and his cousin Logan

 Later in the afternoon we drove to Orem and trick-or-treated to a few houses in Cherry Village with Megan, Matt, Blake, and Haley. Then came home and trick-or-treated to our neighbor with Chris. 

We had a very fun Halloween filled with way too much candy. 

Ethan is 18 months

My baby boy is 18 months old! Time sure does fly. He has such a fun personality and is always making us laugh. We haven't taken him in for his 18 month check up yet. But that is coming soon. 

A few things about Ethan at 18 months:

- Social butterfly. Loves to walk by and wave at strangers. He knows he's cute. 

- Talking more and more. I am losing count of all the words he says. His favorite words are "No!" "Mommy" "Car" "Ball" "Juice" "Cheese!"

- Says "Cheese" whenever I pull out my phone (maybe I take too many pictures...)

- Mr. Independent. Likes to wander away from me whenever he gets the chance.

- LOVES nursery

- Points out and says "Jesus" in pictures. 

- Can pull everything out of a cupboard in record speed

- Loves books

- Loves to play with cars, trucks, balls, bikes

- Picky eater, unfortunately. He used to eat anything, now every meal is a mini battle.

- Loves juice and corn on the cob. Oh and cookies and any other sugary candy/chocolate/chips. 

- Sleeps great at night. Hurray for his own room!!

He's a funny one Mr. Ethan. The other day while grocery shopping at Smiths, he was sitting in the car attached to the front of the cart, and while I was in the check out line he grabbed a bag of skittles and before I could stop him he opened the bag and began stuffing handfulls of skittles into his mouth. Silly boy. 

He is such a joy and we are so blessed he is ours! We love you Ethan!

Happy Birthday Collin

We celebrated Collin's 3rd birthday on August 20. It's crazy to think it's been 3 years since he joined our family. Sometimes it seems like forever ago and other times it seems like just the other day. I am forever grateful he is my son. He has taught me to enjoy the everyday moments as a mother. I love being a mom! He brought me and Chris closer together and taught us to rely on each other and the Savior for strength. He gave our family a strong determination to live worthy each day so we can be together forever after this life. We love you Collin.

Hawaii

A month or so ago, Chris and I took off for Hawaii while my parents watched Ethan. We met up with Chris's cousin, Josh and his wife Ilse and had an absolute blast!  

Highlights of the trip included:

- Staying at cottage on the beach. Way better than a hotel! 

- Snorkeling with the sea turtles

- Rock jumping at Waimea Bay

- Riding on a Catermaran 

- Hiking. Olomana trail and Maunawili Falls trail

- Feasting on DELICIOUS sushi

- Paddle boarding with spinner dolphins 

- Going to the Laie LDS Temple

We loved everything about Hawaii and loved coming home to a happy healthy boy. We sure did miss Mr. Ethan! 

California to Utah

Our last week in California was filled with fun, friends, and a triathlon. We were so sad to leave all that we love about California, namely our friends and the beach. However, we are excited to start a new adventure here in Utah. We purchased a townhouse in Lehi and will be here for at least two years while Chris works as an associate at Sorenson Capital.

Here are a few pictures from our last week.

We miss you California and friends. Our door is always open, come visit anytime : )