A Girl and A Horse

Last weekend we headed to Libby, Montana so that Etta could ride a horse. We went two summers ago and she absolutely loved it. Watching her interact with Starry and listen so intently to Dolly's directions made for one proud mom.

Leading Starry in.

All by herself.

She just looks so old to me here.

Mae hanging out on her stump.

Russell was pretty interested.

The peanut gallery.

Getting going.

You're not going to bite me are you?

A connection.

Russell did decide he could pet a horse.

Big horse.

Overall it was a fabulous weekend. Too bad we live in the city on a tiny lot.

Water Park Fun

On our way home from Fort Benton after Summer Celebration we made a pit stop in Missoula at Bonner Park to cool off and visit with friends. We personally discovered this park in July of 2009. Now we stop regularly.

I plopped Ethan down in the middle of this fountain, and even
though it is not contained, the jets themselves contained
and contented him.

They were constantly changing so he was constantly surprised.

[Eyebrow]

Russell took forever to work up the courage to enter the
water part. By the time he was comfortable with it, it
was time to go. Which of course led to a melt down. 

Trying to get them to slow down for a picture was nearly impossible.
That is our friend Sophia on the right.

My oh my - how they've grown!

Four - yes FOUR! - years ago.

Teamwork

12 Month Annibirthery! Ie: 1 Year Old!

Yesterday this Little Man turned one.

At one month old. A wee little tyke.

One year old.

One year ago we received a call that would change our lives. Our baby had been born in Nashville, TN. But you can read all about that adventure here.

The month of July to this point has seen Ethan change dramatically in his gross motor skills. He is "inch-worming" his way all over our house. Late afternoon/pre-dinner time is the worst for him. He mournfully follows me around wanting to be picked up. He works so hard to get to where I am and then suddenly I am off to the next chore. He isn't pulling himself up quite yet. Although, when I am filling the dishwasher he can almost heft himself up onto the open door. And he can support himself on one of the "table toys" that we have. He is a bit behind where the professionals would like to see him, but overall we are not concerned at all.

Everyone was home for the annibirthery picture this month!
It was quite the party.

Trying to get him to lie still and smile and look at  me.
Bob is in the background trying to help out.

One little smirk before taking off.

Freedom!!

He does pop on his knees a bit.

Hi mom!

Ha ha!

Getting ready to get in the car to head to Libby, MT for a weekend of
horseback riding and hiking.

Etta turning one.

Mae turning one.

Russell turning one.

One year stats:
Weight: 19 lbs 10 oz - 22%
Height: 30 inches - 54%
Head Circumference: 44.5 cent - 11%

11 Month Annibirthery

Ethan turned 11 months old yesterday.

12 months ago we did not even know that he existed. Anywhere. We hadn't even been introduced to the situation that we were considering before his situation came to us.

Now I can't imagine life any other way.

Ethan has made huge strides in his gross motor skills over the last month. Even with adjusted age for five weeks of prematurity he was still lagging behind a bit in that department. His fine motor skills have always been out of sight, but he really just lacked interest to go anywhere.

[Having three older siblings dote on you endlessly may have had a little something to do with that.]

Now he rolls, scootches, and "inchworms" his way where ever he wants to be. Look out world - mama's about to get just a little bit more tired.

Russell was on top of it for this photo shoot. No more messing around like last time.
He's all about comfort.

I told Russell if he was going to keep his fingers in his mouth he would have
to get out of the picture. He complied.

By the time I could clear everyone out to get a length pic Ethan was done.
I mean, he has places to go and people to see I guess.

Ah ha! Look at me!

I'm just chillin'.

I can go anywhere I want.

Including coming to get YOU!

Then Mae wanted to take some pictures.
Ethan does not look impressed.

On of his favorite things to do is pinch my nose. Only me though.
He doesn't do it to Bob.

I had to include this one just for the tongue.

Etta at 11 months.

Mae at 11 months.

Russell at 11 months.

Play time

It is happening.

They are playing together.

Yes.

Candid shot.

Two out of three looking.

Dude, you're supposed to look at mommy.

I'm getting tired of smiling...

Success!

Eyebrows

I mean, seriously.

Those eyebrows.

They light up a room.