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?

Big news!

So if you haven't already heard - we are expecting number 4! Brooke is 15 (or so) weeks along. She is due Feb. 6th.

Edited Note: Ummm, Brooke typing here....that is picture is totally not me and is a bit weirdo, maybe its the angle??? Love you Brady-

Long time, no update

It has been a long time since I updated, so I thought I would let you know we are alive and well. We have been busy, but not really. We spent a few days down in the Redwoods (I still need to put some photos up of it - coming soon) and had a great time. Now we are enjoying being home. This is the first time in 8 years that I haven't worked during the summer.

We got to spend the 4th of July weekend at Lis's house with me parents. We watched fireworks on the coast and cooked marshmallows. We were also there to see Sammie get blessed the next day. It was a good time. Liam enjoyed playing with Emilie, and Ethan and Madeline tagged along.




I have been able to be at home and play with the kids. I still get to ride, as noted by the farmer tan.

Fathers Day

Happy fathers day! I had a great fathers day today with the fam. My day started off with Waffles in bed made on my new waffle maker. Brooke likes to claim that I make great breakfasts, but I think it is a ploy so that she can sleep in. The waffles were great! Ethan was in charge of helping with the whip cream, and he enjoyed every minute of it. For dinner I got my favorite - steak! Ethan and Brooke were the only ones who really like it as well. That just means more for me tomorrow! The family was very nice on my fathers day and I am glad I have such a nice and caring family. It was a great day!

Mullet boy!

Ethan is growing a mullet! I am trying to decide if we should keep the little boys mullet? They are making a comeback though. Maybe I should take a poll and see what everyone thinks. I am leaning towards the Liam shaved look, but Brooke likes the curly locks.

Ethan is our independent little tike. He wants to be like Avery and Liam so much. He doesn't want to sit in his high chair or use a cup with a lid. Nope, not happenin'. But if you ever want him to sit still, which doesn't happen often, give him a blanket and he will lie down, suck his thumb, and mumble "Ija, Ija, Ija..." We have to hide the blankets from him during the day.

Salamanders and camping!

We ventured out for a camping trip last weekend. Liam and I had to practice the week before, so we set up one of the tents before and did a warm-up campout in the back yard. We are planning on going camping down to the Redwoods, so we needed to prep our little kiddo's before the real thing. So we loaded up and went to Alpine for an over nighter. It is a lot of work packing for one night, but it was worth it. When we got there the kids loved chasing the salamanders in the pond. We even got a hold of a few - Liam and Ethan both loved them (Avery wouldn't touch them). I was suprised that Ethan slept through the night. Not dad though. It rained all night. But we had a great time.

The ladies

We had a few visitors here a few weeks ago, the Marcheschi ladies. Elisa is going to be going to the U of O next year on a transfer, so they came up to check it all out. Brooke wanted some all girl photos, so Margaret helped to take them. Thank you Margaret! The boys were strapped to their strollers during the photo shoot...what good sports they were. Brooke is already missing her mom and sisters like crazy.

Memory Lane!

Brooke and I were remembering old bands that we liked and decided to take a walk down memory lane and relive those momements via youtube.

1. Nelson - After the Rain
You have to love the long, blonde hair - classic.


2. New Kids on the Block - Please Don't Go Girl
Great song. Loved this band. This song was pre Joey voice change.


3. Cinderella - No Body's Fool
We used to lipsink to this one. I think my mom still has the video of us with our tennis rackets. That would be a great one for youtube. What is funny is that I still remember all the words.


4. Journey - Don't Stop Believing
We drove home and saw this on a billboard and it sparked or conversation around classic bands. I love the tight pants - cheetah shirt look. I am all for the mullet coming back. I would even have to grow one out again.

more ethan

Ethan is 18 months! Yes.

Ethan went to his first day of nursery. That makes dad happy!