Ethan Discovers Dirt

Ethan has never really had a chance to be interested in outside until now. There has been snow covering all the ground since he learned how to walk.



With the short thaw we've had lately, it was warm enough outside to do some yard work. We had a landscaping rock that needed to be anchored in the ground a little deeper, so we got out the shovel and dug a bit of a hole beneath it.





When Ethan saw what we were doing, he got all excited and came over to have a look. Without hesitation, he squatted down and stuck his fingers right into the dark, rich earth we had just dug up for him. He rubbed it between his fingers to sample the texture, stuck some down his pants and in his shoes, and even ate some. Jocee saw all the fun he was having, so she ran over and joined in. Needless to say, they both had to be cleaned up quite a bit afterward. If you're wondering what effect dirt has on a kid's digestive system and how it might come out, I've got one word for you: Earthworm.

Foggy Day

This is from the day it was really foggy in the valley. Emily went outside and took some pictures. This is what she found: a spooky tree and where the Ghost Light lives. Beware, Mater!


Ethan thought that the fog was pretty cool. He kept looking around. I think he liked it.

Piano Wiggle

Ethan loves to play the piano, and he loves to wiggle, too. We were lucky enough to catch him doing both at the same time.

Whatever you want

When I asked Emily what to name this post, she said, "You can name it whatever you want." So I did. Ethan walks now as of Friday December 5th, 2008. He's getting so big! He's still a little wobbly, but he keeps getting better at it the more he tries.
A few days ago, we also setup our Christmas tree and put presents under it. We got all our Christmas shopping done early this year, thank goodness!
We cut snowflakes out of folded paper, and wrapped ribbons around the tree for decoration, as well as some red and white snow men ornaments that were given to us a few years ago. We thought it turned out quite nice.

On November 16th, Ethan had his first birthday. He had a great time and really enjoyed all the presents he got from everybody. Thank you all very much.

Here he is enjoying his cake. We made one for him to destroy, and another one for everyone else to enjoy. Some of his presents included clothes, Tonka trucks, and monster trucks. He was very happy with all of them.

We had Thanksgiving with Emily's family this year. It was lots of fun, and there was plenty of food. Emily made some Caramel Apple pies that were to die for, and we provided the mashed potatoes. There were plenty left over since we made a hoarking ton, so we had leftovers for a few days, which was just fine by me since we also cooked a turkey the day after which provided many days worth of turkey meat and gravy to go with the mashed potatoes. The turkey is also great dipped in a mixture of mustard and mayonnaise. That was an invention of my sisters Kitroen and Kayla some years ago.

So until we meet again, keep clean,
sleep well,
and Merry Christmas.

Sleepy Noodles

Ethan is very sleepy, but turns out he likes noodles. Watch how he slurps 'em up!

Happy Halloween

The Count Costner Family was very scary this Halloween. A lot of work went into these costumes. Emily made her entire costume by hand, as well as Ethan's. Look at the following pictures and see just how much dress there actually is on that vampiress! Ethan's not crying, he's using his scary face. Rar!

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