Lazy Day Sunday

After the very hectic and fast paced Saturday we took a different approach to Sunday. Etta was asleep around 8:00 Saturday night and slept until 8:00 Sunday morning. After she got up she snuggled with Montana Grandma.



After breakfast she then napped from 10:30-1:30. Then shared snuggles with Gramps.



Next, a late lunch.



Then it was off in the pick up for adventures with Gramps. She got a little bored in the truck. Thankfully Montana Grandma had some bling she could put on.



Then we were waiting for Gramps to open a gate. Took the chance to get out, stretch our legs and learn about some of the native species.



Finished up with a visit to a wind tower. It was VERY tall. Gramps said 80 meters. You do the math.





Proof that we were actually there.



After the big drive she slept from 4:15-6:00! We then went and picked corn from a neighbor's garden, had dinner, visited another neighbor and then bed around 9:30. Busy times for a little girl.

Busy Saturday

Montana Grandma, Etta and I went to Great Falls this morning for the Farmer's Market and "Geesey Pond". At the Farmer's Market Etta got to ride on a pony! Unfortunately, I had not gotten my new memory card for my camera (the reason that this is the first post in so long...) so I don't have any pics. Mom got a few and I will try to get one up later. She really enjoyed the ride and looked like a regular little cowgirl!

Next off to the Geesey Pond. That would be Gibson Park for those of you who may know the difference. When I was younger we used to always take our lunch over to enjoy the shade, geese, ducks and seagulls. I wanted to share this experience with Etta. We decided not to eat right by the pond so she wouldn't be distracted. But wouldn't you know...

Tired girl already.



This is what she was watching in the previous picture.



Trying to catch the seagulls!





Next, off to the pond. This little boy was teaching Etta how to throw bread to the birds.



And then a little girl gave us a piece of bread to throw to the ducks. At one point Etta had a chunk of bread. She had it in her hand, put her hand back to throw, brought it forward to throw, noticed what was in her hand and popped it in her mouth! Pretty cute.



Then of course, it was time to chase the geese.





She was pretty brave and got quite close.



Then we drove across town and mom needed to stop at Walmart to drop off some film. We stayed in the car (with the air running of course) because...



After a long nap on the drive home she got a second wind. Helping Gramps shuck the corn.



Exploring MT Grandma's stuff outside.





Help me up, Gramps.



Thanks! Like my outfit? Diaper, dirt shoes and a pink necklace. Sweet!!

Ready for School

On Tuesday night we were chillin' after dinner. Etta was wandering around. Montana Grandma had gotten her a monkey straight jacket - I mean - a monkey "back pack" and I put it on Etta so she could get used to it at home before making any scenes in public. She was so proud of her new back pack. I asked her if she was ready to go to school. To the door she went. But paused a moment and then went back for her...

...hat. Properly clad, back to the door she went. Already? I know that it is supposed to go fast, but...?

I'm ready for school!



[Look at the big grin. She is ready to go.]

16th Month Annibirthery

16 months. What to say? Etta is learning new things every day. She is so inquisitive about most things and is learning to "joke". It is so fun to just sit and watch her run all over the house playing, exploring and imagining. Sometimes hard to get upset with her when she is being bad, (ie: standing in her Papa chair) when she is just so. darn. cute.

Bob and I are starting to flirt with the thought of time-out though. As Etta is approaching the thought of "back talking". . . as much as a 16-month old can "back talk". But we haven't yet because she has still been obeying fairly quickly. Oh, the times that lie ahead.

Her newest word is "go" and she likes to say it repeatedly. Go, go, go...to Grandma's...the the gym...to the park...to Auntie Christine's...she really isn't that picky!

4 months old



...chillin' with Lena (at 4 months old)



And today. Dancing with the penguin again.



I kept saying, "Can you put your hand on the penguin?" But she just wanted to run at me every time I took the picture. Can't believe that I got this one. Although I did want a face front...Oh well.



[In her hand is Erik's graduation announcement. She carried that and his name card around for awhile today. She would walk around and then lay them both on the ground. Look at them, pick them up, keep walking, find some place else to lay them down...repeat!]

My Very Own Table

This is my table. And my chair. My Grandpa Steve built it for me. I call it my Papa Table (and) Papa Chair. I sit in it to eat snacks and to color.

Thanks Grandpa Steve.

First Day of School 2009

Off went Bob this morning for his first day of school. No deep, heart felt thoughts from me this year. But I do thank God every single day that He has given us the ability for me to stay home with Etta. He is amazing!

I don't want to laugh! You can't make me!!!



Okay, fine then!! You guys are hilarious.



[On a side note: tomorrow is MY first day of school. I am teaching band at Beacon Christian School. A private, Seventh Day Adventist Church here in town. I will be teaching Tuesdays and Thursdays for 45 minutes. Auntie Christine and Etta will be hanging out for that time. It should be fun for everyone!]

Big girl

One day I forgot to start the dishwasher on time and so when Etta's snack time came around her tray wasn't ready. We tried the big table.

Oh, mom!!



I like eating at the big table!