Lily and Ethan.

On the last day of swim lessons, it was 99 degrees outside, so Jenny offered to take Jackson to swim lessons so I didn't have to get Christian out in that heat... Well, we couldn't let Ethan miss out on his fun w/ Lily so we asked to keep Lily here while Jackson was away at swim lessons.  We had so much fun!  Lily immediately asked to hold Christian, and she didn't want to stop!  She is such a natural little momma for not even being 3 yet!  I love this sweet little friendship that Ethan and Lily have... I'll be sad when summer is over! 

 She thought he was pretty funny too!

 And of course, Ethan had to hold him too then.

 Wasn't long for Ethan and Lily said "My Turn!"  So we switched again.  So sweet.

These two are so much fun!  I hope they're friends for a long, long time!

Summerfest!

This year was Jackson's first year to go to Summerfest Bible Camp!  The camp was at the end of July and lasted 4 days - Monday thru Thursday.  He absolutely LOVED it!  He didn't know a single kid in his class, and he said "Mommy, this is the most fun school I've ever been to."  He came home each day telling me what he learned (which is rare for Jackson) and all the fun activities he did while there.  He had fun themed days like "mismatch" day and "funny hat" day as well as "sports day."  I love that this sweet boy loves to learn and loves to be social.  I love that he's simply Jackson.  :)  He is such a bright light in our lives.  I'm pretty proud of our firstborn. 

Sleepover Love...

A few weeks ago, Emily offered to take Jackson overnight for a fun sleepover with Ben... Jackson was over the moon and Em snatched these two pics!  Soooooo sweet!

Something they don't have to share!

Jackson's Swim Lessons!

This June marked the 2nd summer Jackson has spent at Ms. Dana's swim classes.  He really thrives with her lessons, and I see major progress in his abilities each time.  When we first started this last summer, Jackson wouldn't even put his head in the water... heck, he wouldn't allow his face to even get wet!  And after the 1st day of her lessons last year, he was holding his breath and happily dunking his head in the water... Fast forward to this summer, he swam - properly swam - 1/2 the length of the pool without her holding him and was so proud!  He couldn't wait to jump off the diving board... sometimes jumping twice!  

I just love Ms. Dana and I'm stoked that next summer, I can put Ethan in there too!

 This year, Jackson had his buddy Cole and our neighbor's daughter Carlie in his swim class w/ him - which made it even more fun!

 Ethan loved having his own little Lily Kate time too...

 

On the last day, they had to complete a 1 minute "survival float" in order to pass the class. It's hard to believe how far Jackson has come that he was able to do this!

 At the end of his week, Jackson received a certificate of his completed skill levels.  He has a long way to go before he can swim "float free" all the time, but he's making such great progress! I'm so proud of my big swimmer!!

Blog Backup

I'm behind.  Like big time.... I can't believe how fast this summer has flown by!!  I feel like I live in a constant state of "running behind" but I'll catch up soon enough!  I'm going back thru my pictures and trying to get them all blogged so they are properly "archived!" It's been a very fun summer! :-)

Guess we ran into at Orange Leaf!

Yep - the Paschall's just happened to be at Orange Leaf on a Sunday night at the same time we were... Jackson and Ethan were pretty excited!

Ethan Chase is 3 YEARS OLD!

He's still my baby.  I don't care if he's 1095 days old.  He is my baby.

Ethan - wow.  He's just the best.  He has been such a blessing in our lives - I can't even begin to describe how fulfilled we are having him.  He is the most unique little boy - he dares to be himself all the time - not willing to "go with the crowd" whatsoever.  I admire him so much for this precious little trait he has.  I wish I was more like that.  He is just amazing.  He loves his family so much and is so tender-hearted.  His sweet heart just loves and loves - he makes me so proud.  He is very strong willed - he demands to get his way.  If he doesn't, he is very very vocal about it.  He's so smart - like a sponge, surprising me all the time how he remembers something I said a long time ago and will bring it back up when appropriate.  He is such an individual - having his own way of doing things - and I LOVE that about him.  He loves to wrestle and play.  He loves any and everything involving Jackson.  He loves Lily Kate.  I mean, like LOVES her.  He tells me she's his best friend.  :)  He also adores Christian - getting so excited when he sees him that he sometimes gets a tiny bit rough... just having trouble calming himself.  He would much rather read or play outside than watch TV.  He loves interaction and creative play.... He makes me laugh at his funny stories he makes up.  He also loves to sing.  He remembers the words to songs and sometimes speaks in song.  He doesn't mind going to time-out cuz he just sits there and sings.  :)  He is probably the most fun kid I've ever been around.  He is so funny, and so perfectly Ethan.  I absolutely adore him and I hope he never changes who he is right now.  He's just awesome.  Happy Birthday to my bouncing baby boy.  I love you to the moon.

Ethan at 3 days old.

 1 month Old.

 1st Birthday!

 2 Years Old!

 2 1/2 yrs

 3 Years!

 I love you little man!  Lots and lots.

4 Months Old!

Holy Moly! He's FOUR Months!!!  This last month has been a big month for our big boy!  He has really kicked his teething in full gear - His little fists don't usually come out of his mouth unless I pull them out.  :)  He has completely outgrown anything smaller than 3-6 mos clothes... Last week, he rolled over belly to back for the first time.. then did it again the next day!  Then, the following day, he rolled back to belly - and he didn't like that too well.  Ha!  His eyes are the brightest shade of sea blue and I'm madly in love with him.  He giggles and cackles all the time, and clearly knows his family.  He recognizes us and gives us all big smiles when he sees us.  He's sleeping 11-12 hours straight each night, still swaddled in his woombie (for now!).  He takes 5 bottles/day - each at 6oz.  He is still on his reflux meds and still needs them (definitely) because he constantly spits up... although not throwing up anymore, so we're thankful for that!  He usually wakes at 630am - 700am and takes his last bottle at 700pm and by then, he's ready for bed!  He has started holding toys and reaching for them too... His big brothers love to give him toys too.  He still loves his bath, and hates being outside.  We recently came back from Milwaukee and our 15 hour car ride home caused him to scream any and everytime he's in his car seat.. He no longer will sleep in it either.  Poor guy.  He also can no longer sit thru appointments with me.  He doesn't wait quietly in his car seat anymore... He screams.  So this last Sunday at church, I had to pace the back of the worship center with my on-the-verge-of-screaming-his-head-off baby... So this Sunday will be his first time to be left in the nursery.  :(  He did this a few weeks ago when I was getting a pedicure too... Boo to having a baby grow up way too fast!  He is just AMAZING and just the best blessing our family could ever ask for.  :)