Snow Day and Ellen's Birthday

It finally snowed. As with other areas across the US, it is been unseasonably warm this winter. Ethan was devastated that we didn't have snow for Christmas. No complaints here. I like 60 degree weather in the winter. The warm temperatures didn't last forever. It snowed a few weeks ago, but the snow didn't even stick on the ground for more than a few hours the following day. It gave Ethan just enough time to build a snowman. By the time he returned home from school, the snowman had melted.

Ellen turned 3 yesterday! She was so excited for her birthday cake, presents and princess crown.
I think this is the first time she really understood that we were having a party for her.
What a sweet, beautiful girl I have. If only I knew how to comb her hair ....

Fall

I am way behind. Here are a few pictures of Halloween and Thanksgiving around our house. Nothing too exciting happening, and that is how we like it. We are just so thankful that Ellen has been so healthy lately. It's really remarkable and it makes life so much less stressful!

Thanksgiving

Halloween

Quality time with Dad

Ethan LOVES Ellen :)

Firsts

Ethan started school and he LOVES it. He especially loves riding the bus with his friends even if it is raining while they wait for the bus to arrive. School begins at 9 and ends at 3:30. A full, long day!

We went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg on Labor Day. First time to an amusement park with Ellen. She did better than we expected, and we all had a good time. We didn't stay very long, but it was more fun that we have all had in a long time, so it was good to get out.

Ethan's favorite ride

Tea cup ride. This was Ellen's favorite. This is her right after it ended.
She had a big smile and said "again!"

Our neighbors have a toy car the kids all love to ride in it. Ethan is not the best driver.

Home Sweet Home

We are mostly moved into our new home and it feels great. It is so nice to finally have an organized garage, void of boxes filled with things we don't know what to do with, and a garage door opener! It feels even better to have an organized home too! I love having closet space again. Lots of closet space! A basement to store our seasonal things, a room to keep the toys, a guest room, and a room for Ellen on the first floor.

We have been enjoying the new neighborhood too. Nice neighbors and kids for Ethan to play with. Both Ethan and Ellen start school next week. Ethan will be in Kindergarten, and Ellen will begin the Special Education Preschool program. Her school is only twice a week for 3 hours, but I am dreading it! I know it will be good for her to go, but I am just so worried too. Ethan is ready and anxious for school, I think he is more excited to ride the bus.

Here is a picture of our home, and a few pictures of the kids. I still haven't found my camera since we moved , so I have been taking pictures on our video camera instead. It will have to do for awhile.

Happy Birthday Ethan

My little man is 5.
I can't put into words how much I love this little boy.
So thankful he is my son.

Every day is a surprise

Exterior

Dining Room

Blurry picture of the Kitchen covered in plastic while they paint.
The door behind it off to the left is the entrance to Ellen's Room/Bathroom.

Family Room
The place where Ethan will throw his toys over the edge several times a day.

Memorial Day picnic

Ellen plays "catch"

"I'm smiling mom, hurry up and take the picture so I can go play..."

Always climbing

Ellen recovering from Pneumonia. We didn't have to go to the hospital this time around. She was given an antibiotic, and we kept her on her biPAP for 3 days straight. She tolerated it well as long as she was asleep or she was able to watch her favorite PBS shows.

Healthy and happy again! Crazy hair and all.