Wait, when did summer end??

I haven't updated in a while, but that's because so much has been going on! We celebrated Ethan's 2nd birthday party Aug. 23rd. We had just family and a few close friends, but that is actually about 30 people! There was lots of food, and we set up pools and some other water toys in the backyard! The kids had an absolute blast, and the grown ups were all thrilled about sitting outside in the heat I'm sure :) All the ones that didn't have kids to watch in the backyard stayed inside! Ethan of course, made out like a bandit with toys (like he needed more) and blew out his candle on his cake! Such a big boy! Here's a few pics(I say few because there are actually about 200 from that day!).

The following day, I started my last semester of nursing school! Of course with all of the birthday party madness I didn't spend anytime reading to prepare for lecture, but am happy to say I am caught up now :) This semester will by far be the most stressful, not because of school, but because it's time to start my job search, AND study for the NCLEX! For those of you that don't know, once you graduate you have your applied science degree and are considered a "graduate nurse". Then you have to pass the state board (NCLEX) to get your RN credentials. But employers start recruiting in your last semester, and give you so long to take the state board. This is a very scary time because I have no idea what area I want to go into! I have lots of ideas actually, its just narrowing that down. SO lets just say I have alot of thinking to do and applications to fill out. I see the light at the end of the tunnel though, and cannot wait! (I'm sure James can't either! haha) I will keep everyone updated, and if you have any hospital contacts be sure to put in a good word and let me know ;)

OH NO! I almost forgot....Ethan also started his first day of preschool!! (see I told you alot has been going on!!) He is going one day a week to Light of the World church, it's a mom's day out program but has such a good reputation for teaching! He loved it, he was ready to go, back pack and all! Not one tear was shed when I dropped him off. (Not even me....and I figured I would lose it) I can't believe our baby is getting so big!

Well that's all folks, hope everyone had a great summer and is as ready for fall as I am!

FIRST family vacation!

Last month we had our first family trip! We spent a couple days in Galveston at the beach and visited the moody gardens aquarium. It was the perfect vacation to take with a 2 year old! Not too long, the hotel had a fridge and a microwave AND not to mention the giant swimming pool and sandbox known as the ocean! We all had so much fun, and Ethan was so good the whole time! Thank goodness for portable DVD players, and spongebob, who saved us from about 5 hours of whining and crying! It was the perfect little get a way, and I'm so happy Ethan got to see the ocean for the first time! Can't wait until next year, maybe we'll attempt to fly somewhere!

4th of July FUN!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th! We sure did! Ethan and I went swimming with the family at Heather and Roger's house...James had to work, BOO!

Giving Uncle Blake kisses :)
Ethan LOVED sliding down the slide!! My arms were hurting the next day...

He really is the cutest :)

Mom, Me, Ethan, Christine and Aunt Sherri

He loved the water spout on the side of the pool!

......Friday night we headed over to Park Glen to watch some fireworks with Tina, Tori and the Eichler's! It was Landon's first 4th of July and he was mezmorized by all of the fireworks! Needless to say Ethan was too...and he counted the the fireworks as they went off....that's his new favorite thing, he can count all the way to 10! What a smart boy :) It was a fun weekend and I can wait for our trip to Galveston tomorrow!

All of the kids! Landon~Ethan~Tori

Daddy and Ethan watching fireworks
Tina and Tori

The Eichlers! (Brandon, Lindsay and Landon)

Mommy and Ethan

On the way back to the car....I love this one

"and life goes on" (thanks mom!)

I will post pics when we get back from the beach!!

Love to all,

The Elliotts :)

Trip to Montana, and some daddy son bonding time

I just got back from a little trip to Montana to visit old friends and welcome my friend Shelly's new baby boy! I enjoyed the 70ish degree weather and It was fun, I got a little "me" time. however I barely made it 3 days without seeing my boys! It was nice to come home and even nicer that James kept everything nice and clean while I was gone :)

Daddy and Ethan had a blast though! They went swimming at papa's and even to a movie! It was Ethan's first time in a movie theater and he did fabulous! They went and saw Monsters vs. Aliens and he was such a big boy throughout the whole movie! Sadly though I have no picture to post of it, daddy's don't think to take pictures!! But the ticket stub will go in Ethan's baby book :). Needless to say it was a busy weekend for all three of us.

Before I left, I also spent some time painting and redoing Ethan's play room! He loves it, and it's much nicer to look at now! One home project down and about a million to go. Time to relax now and gear up for our vacation to Galveston on the 15th! I'll post details about that adventure as soon as we get back :)





Love to all,

The Elliotts

Happy Father's day!!

Happy Father's day to all you daddies (and single moms...you get this day too)!!! We celebrated the day with breakfast at IHOP, then we made a flower decoration for my dad's grave and spent the evening at Jim's house eating fajitas that Tina cooked. It was nice, James loved his recordable card with Ethan saying, "I love you daddy"....it was so cute. He also didn't have to change ANY diapers the whole day...happy dad's day to him! I hope everyone enjoyed it with their families!
~The Elliotts