Ethan just LOVES Brooklyn!
Alex & Braxton are good buddies too! It was so funny to watch these two work their way through the blow-up tunnel of fun.
I'm so glad I have a toddler that can't quite climb these steep slides without my help, yet. It's the perfect excuse to take some turns myself! I must admit, this one even tickled my tummy too!
Jase was so brave to participate in the rock climbing. Sometimes he's not too fond of heights, but he didn't seem to have any trouble on this day. He made it all the way to the top to ring the bell! Yay Jase!
Now, it's no surprise to any of us that Brooklyn would climb this wall. In fact, she climbed it many times, and even figured out that if she let go of the rocks "accidentally on purpose" *wink, wink*, her turn wouldn't be over so quickly. She is the strongest little girl I've ever seen!
Of course, Mike took his turn. It's been a long time since he's been able to do some rock climbing, even if it was just on a climbing wall. I was glad he got the chance that day!
Andrew was not so sure about this adventure. If Jase hadn't have done it first, I don't think there would've been any way to talk Andrew into it. I took this picture before he had his turn, and he did not want to smile because he wanted to make it clear that his finger was hurting him too much to smile. I can't remember why it hurt, but I was sure proud of him for overcoming his fears and his finger pain to make the climb.
To keep himself entertained as he waited for everyone to finish climbing the wall, Alex poured water on Uncle Levi's head. What an awesome uncle to let him have his fun!
That night, as a Mother's Day treat for her daughters-in-law, Janice took all the grown-ups, and Alex & Braxton, out to eat. Grandpa's gift to us was staying behind, at Will & Heidi's, to watch all the older kids himself. We had a delightful time! (Sitting across from me, Mike even had a good view of the Jazz Playoff game that was showing on the T.V. behind us. Score!)
On Sunday, we went to Grandma & Grandpa Larsen's house. They had the Airplane Teeter-Totter all set up, and the grandkids got lots of use out of it. They were often running back & forth between it and the Bounce House.Here's a big "Cheese" from Tyler:
Alex, Jaden, & Tyler shared a turn.
Alex, Jaden, & Tyler shared a turn.
Adorable Baby Landon slept through most of the festivities, waking only for a quick meal, then returning to his slumber. How precious!
Sammy loves the rough & tumble play of the Bounce House!
So do Logan, Ethan, and Andrew! Aw heck, they all love it. Until one of them gets hurt. Then, the injured is rescued, takes a break, and usually heads right back into the maylay. They're such boys!
Alex was grateful for the chance to play the pilot for Andrew & Ethan.
Uncle Ben took a turn being the "totter" to Tyler's "teeter," while Jaden & Alex were pilots.
Grandma Larsen knows how to get Ethan to smile for a picture! Eyes open & everything!
As always, we shared a delicious meal together!
Justin loves to pull a silly face for pictures! We love you Uncle Justin!
This was sort of a Mother's Day present to myself. I was teaching Ethan's Preschool that week, so I decided to have the kids make handprint stepping stones for their moms. Of course, if I was getting one made of Ethan, I wanted one made of each of my boys' hands. I think they turned out wonderfully! My mom made the comment, "Oh, you'll have those forever!" which would definitely be my desire, but somehow things - especially things that I get too emotionally attached to - have a way of becoming "less permanent" when my curious & energetic boys are around them. So, just in case these happen to get destroyed somehow, I'll always have this picture of the them! :-)
Sammy loves the rough & tumble play of the Bounce House!So do Logan, Ethan, and Andrew! Aw heck, they all love it. Until one of them gets hurt. Then, the injured is rescued, takes a break, and usually heads right back into the maylay. They're such boys!Alex was grateful for the chance to play the pilot for Andrew & Ethan.Uncle Ben took a turn being the "totter" to Tyler's "teeter," while Jaden & Alex were pilots.Grandma Larsen knows how to get Ethan to smile for a picture! Eyes open & everything!
As always, we shared a delicious meal together!
Justin loves to pull a silly face for pictures! We love you Uncle Justin!
This was sort of a Mother's Day present to myself. I was teaching Ethan's Preschool that week, so I decided to have the kids make handprint stepping stones for their moms. Of course, if I was getting one made of Ethan, I wanted one made of each of my boys' hands. I think they turned out wonderfully! My mom made the comment, "Oh, you'll have those forever!" which would definitely be my desire, but somehow things - especially things that I get too emotionally attached to - have a way of becoming "less permanent" when my curious & energetic boys are around them. So, just in case these happen to get destroyed somehow, I'll always have this picture of the them! :-)
Mike also bought me a new cutting board, and an 11 disc set of Mary Ellen Edmunds talks on CD, including one DVD. (It was the same gift I talked everyone in his family into getting for Janice. I knew it would be something she would enjoy, but I did admit that I was hoping to borrow them also. I love that my husband listens so well to me and fulfills my hearts desires!) The boys helped him make me breakfast in bed that morning. They brought it to me on the cutting board, and each wished me a Happy Mother's Day (or, as Alex said it, "Happy Munner's Day!) I felt so loved!
