Fair Time

Last Thursday we took in a couple of hours at the Nez Perce County Fair. Etta wasn't feeling super great that day (hope no little animals got sick...) but it was just about the only time we wanted to go. Less people than Friday or Saturday and not super hot. We made a spin through the exhibits in the building, checked out the petting zoo and of course went through all of the 4-H animals. Bob is already planning all of the projects Etta (or should I say - he and Grandpa - will do. It was fun. And for dinner? Huge curly fries and a big huckleberry ice cream in a waffle cone. Good thing that it only happens once a year!

First tentative pats



A tortoise, NOT a turtle (so we were informed)



I can catch this one as it is just lying there!



Stampede!!!



A little too close for comfort? Not for this girl!



Head 'em, move 'em out, head 'em up, move 'em out - RAWHIDE!



Bean bag "toss". I got a sucker! Now, where did my mom put that sucker...?



Maybe next year we will check out some rides.

Lunch Date with Daddy

Every Monday we walk to Whitman to have lunch with Bob. Etta now knows that is where he works. Whenever we drive or walk by she says, "Da? Da?" "Yes, that is where daddy works". But he usually isn't there when we go by...When we walk inside (by this statue she usually says, "Grrrrrr. Boo?" And I reply, "Yes, that is the bear reading a book." Thought it would be cute to get a picture of them together in the sun.

17th Month Annibirthery

Approaching one and a half.

Etta is making more sounds now. Experimenting with "g", "b", "t" and others.

Is starting to actually play WITH other kids instead of just NEXT to them. So fun to watch. Is pretty much over her separation anxiety.

Is starting to run - I say that in a kind of loose context - but it is super cute.

Also showing some signs of being two. But we are working with it and trying some different things. It is fun and frustrating at the same time.

Pottying is going pretty well. She will now go in the bathroom and try to put the potty ring on the toilet. And will go in after she has pooped, stand next to the toilet and grunt. Gotta start somewhere, right?

She is changing, changing, changing and so much fun to watch!

Good penguin



What?



Penguin, you're goin' down!



Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!



Bob enjoying the penguin wrestling.

Let's Party

Etta Grace is READY for "The Big Party"! Can't wait for October 17th!!!

Practice, practice, practice

Oh, hi daddy!



I need to get serious now.

New Purse

When we went up to St. Maries and stayed with Sherry Epler she gave Etta a new purse! Actually, it's a Strawberry Shortcake lunch box, but hey, it will work. Etta put toys in it for the long ride and now likes to take it along when we go places.

Ready to visit Grandma Cathy the day after the ride. Got my purse and am ready to go!



Let's go show the cows my new purse!



[Note: the cows have gone "on vacation" and will be back next year. They are going to a spa and so will be losing some weight and shrinking a bit before they come back. Not that she understands that at this point, and we won't lie to her forever but, come on, she's one...and on the bright side, we have some new meat in our freezer!]

Dog Days of Summer

[Note: He even likes to lay with his head on a pillow.]