Ethan Starts 1st Grade

Wow, can you believe it?!?! The 2008-2009 school year is now upon us. For those of you not from AZ, we like to start things early! Ethan is in the Chandler Unified School District and they do a modified year round schedule. He starts in July, but has two weeks off in October, December and March. Then they finish the last week in May. It works out nice, since it is SO hot here, the summers can be tough. Anyway, Ethan is attending Haley Elementary, which is a brand new school! They are still finishing up some things, but overall, they were ready to go this morning. His teacher is Mrs. Bastek. The local news channel was even there! We thought he might not make it to his first day this morning, as he was up vomiting last night! Poor kid. We are thinking maybe too much pool water and possibly a bit of nerves?? Here are some pics...

Ethan all ready this morning...


Ethan and dad...


My boys walking to class...


Ethan walking to class...

More pics...

Walking in the halls to his new class (interesting color choices!)...

Ethan at his desk...

The news crew...

Ethan's Special Night

We have started a new tradition. The night before school starts, you get to pick out any ice cream flavor you want and then we sit around the table as a family talking about the upcoming school year. Ethan chose Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip and we talked about what he was afraid of (kids making fun of him) and what he was excited about (a brand new school, PE, and computers in the classroom). It was a fun time, sitting around the table in our pj's and I think this will be great as the boys grow and start a new school year every year. We were also able to enjoy a fun afternoon at the new community pool down the street. We were there for 2 hours, going on the water slides, the lazy river, the diving boards and the kids area. The boys loved it and you can't beat all that fun for $4 for the whole family!! Sorry no pics there :).

Ethan with his ice cream...

Rhys and Ethan doing 'cheers'...

Rhys, Ethan and dad doing 'cheers'...

Grady is a Goose

Our new guy, Grady, is such a silly goose!! He LOVES to sleep in our plants. Pretty soon he won't be able to fit in there, though. Oh and he KNOWS he can't do it while we are home, so as soon as we walk in the door he runs out. How do we know? There is planting soil all over our floor! LOL Check out these pics...

Grady in the plant by the tub...

Grady again...

Here's a pic of Harley in our den. What a handsome boy...

Yay, Rhys!!!

I have been working on potty training Rhys for a while now. He would go in the potty if naked and running around the house, but if he had shorts and undies on, he'd just pee in them. Very frustrating. Soooo...after trying sticker charts and promises of toys/candy/etc, I finally promised him a trip to the fire station if he went 10 times without me having to ask him. It worked!!! Here are some pics of their goodies they got :). He loved it. Now, he gets to go to the BIG fire station once he starts doing #2 on the potty. I hope it is soon, this kiddo needs to go to preschool and can't get in till he's potty trained :).

Ethan and Rhys...

Ethan and Rhys...

Ethan LOVES TV

Ethan just LOVES his television. That kid will watch anything and I mean anything. Lucky for him it is summertime and I lethim get away with watching way more tv than he should :). Here are some of his unusual shows I have found him watching this summer:

Bob Vila's Home Again
Nightly World News
Golf
Antiques Road Show

It's pretty funny!!

Sick kiddo

Poor Ethan has been sick for 2 days now. He has had a temp of 101-103 consistently for the past 36 hours. Hopefully he'll start feeling better soon, especially since school starts next week!!!

Introducing our NEW baby :)

Well, I couldn't resist, so here is the 3rd and FINAL addition to our family. His name is Grady and he's a 4 month old Ragdoll seal bicolor kitten. He is actually the grandson of our Harley. Pretty funny since we didn't even get him from the same breeder! Harley and Grady get along great and enjoy chasing eachother around the house. Cali is not too big of a fan, but she doesn't like other cats anyways, so we weren't surprised...Anyway, he is hilarious, full of energy, into everything and has the softest fur coat you have ever felt! We love him so much already!

Grady....





Grady and Harley...

Grady doing the 'Ragdoll Flop' while Harley gives him a bath...

Video of Harley grooming Grady...

Ethan and Matthew

Ethan had a friend over the other day for some playtime. Ethan and Matthew had a great time playing transformers, army, Star Wars and all things boy! Of course Rhys wanted to join in on the fun too! Here's a pic of the boys on the way back to Matthew's house. Those goofy's!

Matthew, Ethan and Rhys...

Yay, Rhys!!!

We are so very proud of our Rhys. Today was the first day he did not have any bathroom accidents!! As many of you know, I have been attempting this potty training stuff on Rhys for a few months. With a few steps forward and several more back, I think we are finally moving in a positive direction for good!! He wore his little boxer shorts all day and we were able to get to the potty before having any issues. He even told me once or twice when he actually had to go. WAHOO! Sorry, no pics :). I'll try and get some tomorrow. LOL