Return of the Halloween

We had a great Halloween this year. It went by really quick, mostly because everyone got sick, except Liam and I. We are still hoping we won't get the "pig" flu. Brooke had it first, followed by Ethan, and finally Avery. Poor Avery didn't get to go trick or treating because she was too sick. It was nice for me because I got to stay home, pass out candy, and watch the Ducks beat the Trojans. I wasn't complaining.

Brooke has the pre-Halloween tradition of making sugar cookies. Ethan always loves to help in the kitchen. And always makes a mess, but that is the fun right? He is just too cute to be mad at for too long. We also got to carve some "scary" faced pumpkins. Liam got a little scared of the one face.

I do have to say I have two of the cutest Jedi's around. Ethan was Yoda and Liam was Obi-wan Konobi. AFter Halloween Brooke found some great Star Wars costumes for pretty darn cheap. They have been a big hit with the boys. Now we have little storm troopers running around.

Avery having fun watching the Ducks while everyone else was out trick or treating.

Ethan making a mess.

The cute Jedi's!

Ethan turns 2 (already?)

My little boy is growing up! Ethan had his 2nd birthday just over a week ago. The kid is starting to talk more, using 3-4 words in a row. He will do anything that Liam does. He really looks up to him. The cutest thing about Ethan is when he is watching a kid show or sleeping he always wants his "aye-aye's". He has two blankets that Brooke's Muma made and he takes them everywhere. He has one corner in particular that is starting to unravel that he calls "cornie". He holds his corner and sucks his thumb. He is quite the cute two year old.

Ethan loved his birthday cake, especially the Dots (Mom's favorite and nice touch to the cake). Aunt Elisa was able to come and join us in the festivities as well. Also, admire the sweet mullet! It's coming back.

25 weeks

Brooke is over the morning sickness and feels a lot better. She is now getting into the "I have a bigger belly and can't move as well" stage. This is the biggest she has been at 25 weeks (and look how cute she looks). With Liam we didn't start telling people she was pregnant until now. The kids are pretty excited and like to talk to Brooke's belly. The baby boy is healthy and all is well.


Avery is enjoying school and still reading up a storm. She is thinking of doing the Oregon Battle of the Books this year. I am strongly pushing her to do it. I think she is going to do it. I brought home some books from school for her and it was like Christmas



Liam - the Jedi is doing well. His preschool class went to the pumpkin patch. We are still playing Star Wars every second of the day. He still thinks the baby's name is going to be Obi-wan Kanobi.



Ethan still has his mullet long blond curls (he did get called a girl they other day much to my dismay). I was going to mow and edge the lawn yesterday and Ethan was throwing a fit because he didn't get to ride in the backpack. So I made him use some cool safety glasses while we mowed and edged.


Me, I am just trying to enjoy some nice Saturday morning cartoons with the boys. It is very tiring chasing these kids around. I am exhausted thinking about chasing another one.

What's in a name? Everything!

Names are very important. It is what they will be called for the rest of there life. The kids don't have a say in it and are stuck with it the rest of their life. So you better make it a good one.

It is always fun to come up with the name. Girls names are easier! Yes, girls names are easier. You have a lot more variety. If you look back on our family history we have some nice unique names, such as, Effie, Selma, and Lula Grace. The boys names on the other hand have to be something that will get them a job when they put it on a resume (I know that is weird, but I really picture there names on a resume).

On the male side of the family tree most names are William (can't do because Liam is a shortened version of it), Thomas (Liam's middle name), and Henry (my favorite, but Brooke doesn't particularly like it). Brooke and I are not fans of naming the child before it is born. We usually have a few ideas, but nothing set in stone. You have to try the name out before you get the right match. Also, it's good to try the name out before you agree on the one. There is also the tradition factor. Our names are two syllables and English/Irish names. Do we have to stay with the tradition? Would it we unusual to go to Abraham? Or something longer. There is a lot to consider that's for sure.

I decide to get the kids opinions. Here is the list that they came up with.

Ethan:
Dee Dee
Ah Tee-tee
Pee
Anakin

*Not sure where he was influenced with those

Liam:
Was
Cause
Liam
Ethan
Obi-wan Kenobi
Wattles
Froggie
Whitey the Flier
Pumpkin Witch Speco's
Matcho-Spatcho
Avery
Luke
Han Solo
Star Wars
Hero
Halloween

*Most names influenced by his stuffed animals, Star Wars, and Thomas the Tank Engine

Avery:
Gale
Cina
Brandon
Hughe
George
Sam
Fred
Nick

*Obviously you can tell she has read Catching Fire a few times

If you have any ideas feel free to let us know. We are still tossing out ideas.

Oh Boy!

Oh boy indeed! The testosterone is getting pretty high in this place. In Feb./Jan. another boy is going to be coming to our house. I was pretty set on not finding out, but it is hard when the other half wants to find out. But I am glad I did. I got so excited today that I cleaned out the garage, including getting rid of any baby girl clothes we have kept around just in case.

It is going to be a mad house here watching 3 competitive boys go at each other. In honor of the new baby I am changing everything to blue. I am thinking I will paint my house blue next in honor of another boy.

The Star Wars Fan!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... there was a boy named Liam. He had an obsession with Star Wars, just like his father. How do you know when they are obsessed? Here are some clues:

1. While praying he says, "Bless us that we will be able to play Star Wars for one hundred days!"

2. By four years old he can name every movie - in order (he has only seen two of them).

3. His choice for our next baby is - Girl: Padme - Boy: Obi Wan Kenobi

4. He can walk you right to the light sabers in Walmart and asks every day if he can have one.

5. Wakes you up at 6:00 to ask if Master Wendu is the only jedi to have a purple light saber.

6. Makes "zwoom" and "veum" sounds while protecting everyone from the dark forces of the evil empire.

7. He spends his evenings watching Yoda dance to Numa Numa on youtube.

8. Refers to everyone as there Star Wars name:
Anakin (Dad)
Princess Leia (Mom)
Padme (Avery)
Obi Wan Kenobi (Liam)
Yoda (Ethan)

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms then you too have an obsessed Star Wars fan. And may the force be with you!

Good times

We have been pretty busy this summer. We had the chance to do many fun things. Here are some of our pictures from the summer.

Ethan is always into something, Liam is very busy, and Avery always wants to read her books.



Our crew ventured out to the Scandinavian Festival in Junction City. It was nice to get out with the massive herd of people. Avery liked looking at the little shops. Liam and Ethan liked the cotton candy, and I like the elephant ear. I can't believe I ate the whole thing - good stuff.



Liam and Ethan are quite the little buddies.

All grown up?

Where did my little Avery go? All of the sudden she is no longer a little girl running around. Let me explain. I started to realize Avery was growing when we went to get her some new shoes. As they measured her feet I was surprised that Avery's feet are a half size smaller than Brooke's. Avery broke her glasses three times this last year and has been waiting, with only one side arm of her glasses still on, for her contacts. She has adapted real well to them and can put them on and off with no trouble.

Brooke has a family tradition that you can get your ears pierced when you are 12, so Avery was so excited to get them pierced. "Whoever said it doesn't hurt to get your ears pierced is lying!" Finally, Avery has had the same hairdo since the day she was born- same length, with no bangs. Well, she decided to get it cut. She looks a lot older! Some of the pictures are from Avery's first temple trip in Portland. Where did my little Avery go?