A Day at the Zoo

Last week Jeff was able to get off work early one day. We decided to be spontaneous and go to the zoo. The weather was perfect and the kids had a great time. Katelyn loved the monkeys, Erin the giraffes, and Ethan the rhinos. We bought a membership so we can go back again.

Why We Love Our Dad

Jeff has been a dad for eight years now. So this Father's Day we'll give 8 reasons why our dad is the best!

1- He is really funny. (Ethan)

2- He can play Lego Indiana Jones. (Ethan)

3- Da-deeee! (Katelyn)

4- He gives great tickles and hugs. (Erin)

5- Dad can fix anything.

6- He does the dishes almost every night. (Mom)

7- He works hard every day to give us what we need.

8- We love to see our daddy's smiles. (Erin)

There are so many reasons why we are glad that you are our dad- thanks for being great! Jeff is a very dedicated dad and husband. I am so grateful to him for all of his hard work. I know that he will take good care of the kids if I am away. He is so creative and helps me to be more spontaneous and giving. I can't imagine my life without him- so today we say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! We love you!

Green

Ethan wanted camo, but they didn't have any. So he settled on GREEN, the next best thing. Ethan was very calm and held still while he got his cast on. He is glad to be rid of his sling for the most part and can't wait for all his friends to sign his cast. Here are a few photos of the process.

Waiting...


Got the little sock on over it.

Starting the wrapping.

Almost there.

And here is the finished product.

FYI: I was able to find a waterproof cast cover at www.xerosox.com. We'll let you know how it works out once we get it and give it a few test runs. Yay for swimming- and bathing yourself!

Swimming Lessons

Erin and Ethan were both in swim lessons, and now Erin is finishing them out this week. She is really having fun despite having lessons in the outdoor pool with the air temperature hovering around 55 degrees for a few of the days. She is getting more brave and doing better at going under the water. She says that her favorite part is playing the ring of fire game. We are going to try lessons again at the end of the summer.

Ethan and Katelyn wait patiently while Erin perfects her skills.

Ethan's Man Story

Ethan now has his story. You know the one that guys tell to seem all manly- like they can survive anything and are tough and cool. Well, he was playing on the playground by our house yesterday and was trying to go across the monkey bars like 'everyone else.' But he really isn't strong enough to, so he fell. Which has happened many, many times before. This was different though. 4:15 on a Friday afternoon. Lots of tears, won't let me touch the arm, screams if I try to. Called the doctor. They said they would wait for us if we went straight there. (On the way there Ethan tells me that he thought bones were supposed to be strong. Sorry dude!) Dad meets us at the doctor's office. After quite the wait- we need an x-ray. Dad goes home with the girls. Mom goes for the x-ray at the hospital. Wait some more- then a yes! It's broken through both bones just above the wrist. (Now the reaction is "SWEEET!" from Ethan.) Back to the doctors. Too swollen for a cast. Splint it up nice, sling on; come back on Tuesday for a cast. (Ethan nows asks if he can stay up all night eating popscicles. Uh- no. ) And now we wait for the swelling to go down. Lots of Motrin, arm propped up. Goodbye summer- so long swimming- and the new bike. It is going to be a long 4-6 weeks. At least we got to enjoy the freedom for a week. Right now Ethan still thinks it is cool, likes to tell the story. Asks for popsicles and gum. But all too soon he will be ready for it to be gone. Any ideas of what to do with an 8 year old on summer vacation that can't swim or bike ride? I would appreciate any suggestions.

End note- Ethan just saw the title and asked me to change it to "Ethan's Crazy Accident." LOL :)

Baptism Day

Ethan was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so proud of his decision and the good boy that he is. We are so grateful to all of our family and friends that were able to come for the day. Your support and love mean so much to us. Congratulations Ethan!

He's 8!

Ethan had his 8th birthday last week. We decided to only have a small family party since he had school that day, and his baptism would be a few days later. He got to be the "Catch of the Day" in his class at school. He was able to share a poster about himself and show a few of his favorite toys, and then pass out his birthday treat. Erin, Katelyn, and I went to go watch his presentation and see him in action. When Jeff got home from work Ethan got to open his presents. He got a new bike from his grandma Hutzley, a new scout shirt, bike hemet, and Indiana Jones Lego set from mom and dad. Ethan chose Wendy's for dinner and we had a picnic at the park. After that we had cake and ice cream. It was great!