Catching Up

Time moves too quickly these days! We are FINALLY in our home. As to be expected there are many “little” things (and big) that still have to get done. I lived in my last home for 3 years and when we moved out there were still things left undone. I’m not expecting this to be a fast process. I am however extremely excited to be able to unpack boxes that haven’t been touched in 2 years. I use the term loosely because I am also scared for what has been living in them. Throughout my box opening adventure I have come to realize I keep way too many things. Next step, I need to have a massive garage sale. So that is what I am trying to do. I have a slight feeling it’s going to take me awhile.

For Easter I was able to visit both families. We have a true Lebanese dinner at the Saba’s, it was delicious! We then headed over to the Alvarez’s side for some more food (of course) and family time. It was a wonderful day!

Other events included Gavin turning 7 ! I can’t believe how big he is getting, he grows up too fast. We had a small family dinner at home on the day of his birthday. I made a cake and let Gavin choose what he wanted for dinner, he picked Rubio's. For his 7th birthday he went camping with Troy, Travis, and Kaden. Troy surprisingly didn’t take any pictures, but said Gavin had a terrific time. I packed a cake and candles so they could have a celebration in the forest! He came home exhausted and dirty but couldn’t stop talking about all the fun he had.

Gavin also had his first grade end of the school year performance. He did awesome and all their songs where original. They put together a great performance!

Lincoln and Ameree will turn 1 in a few short weeks! I am so excited and devastated at the same time. Why does time fly so fast!!!! I guess I will be able to do all over again come November. As most people know we are going to have another baby. I am going to loose my mind having 3 children under 2. I’ll be eager to know how it all works out!

Stuff and More Stuff........

Time seems to fly by so incredibly fast these days. The twins are now 8 months old and growing! Troy and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary in none other then Disneyland. I have to say this was NOT my husbands idea. In fact, he hates Disneyland! I am sooo obsessed with it, that our honeymoon took place at Disneyworld. Originally our plan was to go to Sedona but, we got invited on a trip to the magic kingdom that I could not refuse! Since my husband was such a good sport I deiced to go on Screamin California and The Tower of Terror. I probably have one of the worst stomachs of anyone I have ever met. Sure enough, I threw up after the roller coster! At least I tried right?! Troy of course said, “I knew you were going to get sick.” I did it all in the name of love!!! We were also able to see the new World of Color show in California Adventure. It was amazing!! I can’t believe that one, someone can come up with that and, two that they are able to put it all together so flawlessly. It was a great trip.... expect for the hotel, NEVER stay at Hotel Menage! First what an awful name and second it was like entering a club in the 80’s! Nice members only jacket, dude! I forgot my camera so these are the only pictures I took on my phone (not the greatest)!

For Valentine's Day, I deiced to make a red/pink inspired meal. I tried to think of all the food I could dye red. So, I came up with pink twice bake potatoes, pink butter for rolls, and red meat. I know not really the healthiest meal I could make but, Gavin loved it! My sister however, said that twice baked potatoes have never looked less appetizing.

In January, I was able to go to Virginia and see Lynn. I was so excited to see the whole Halladay family. Virginia is beautiful and the weather was something I was not prepared for. I must have been the only person who got off the plane in open toed shoes. Not my brightest moment! I have seen all the sights in D.C. before so it was relaxation time. We shopped, had a day at the spa, and ate at the Nordstroms cafe a lot. I am obsessed with the salad’s there. I also got to see where Jake goes to school, George Town. It is an amazing school, the building is just breathtaking! Seriously, a phenomenal trip. I am so glad the I have a wonderful husband and family that watched over my kids so I could spend some much needed time with a great friend. I have to thank the advanced in technology, I was able to face time with Troy and the kids throughout the trip. It definitely helped with my homesickness!

I have zero pictures from New Year's Eve but, I would like to say we were able to have one amazing fire work show. I mean HUGE fireworks! Thanks to my husband who bought the giant fireworks in New Mexico. The kids all loved them expect, when Gavin was worried about his dad getting arrested. This was because in Gavin’s words “They’re way la legal.” Thank heavens that the cops were to busy arresting drunk drivers to bother with some guys setting off fireworks. What a show!!!

I never posted last month, so this month I have to catch up. Lincoln still out weights Ameree. It better stay this way! Lincoln is army crawling everywhere and just today started to do the “regular” crawl. Ameree is the most observant baby ever. She picks things up and just studies them. It is so neat to really see the difference between a boy and girl. She has made little attempt to crawl. Although now she is getting mad because she wants to go. No teeth yet... this is not surprising since Gavin was 14 months old when he broke his first tooth. Gavin of course is an amazing and helpful bother and little boy. Expect I am not allowed to call him a little boy. I love him, he really has a heart made of gold!

So for now that is all, hopefully next time I post it will be from my new house! I was planning to be in there last June, October, end of January, beginning of March, and now the second week in April. Oh, how I love my husband!!!!!

Christmas

We had some great celebrating in the last couple of weeks. First with Christmas Eve, which was wonderful! I sadly did not have Gavin this year but I know he had a wonderful Christmas Eve as well. This year we were able to again engorge ourselves on my grandmas ravioli’s. The recipe is classified and one of the best by far. We all got together a week before to help make them. However, my grandma is very particular about the way she does things so she of course did most of the work. It is a sight to see a such a small frail old women rolling out dough. She works at a quick and exhausting speed, it’s amazing. On Christmas Eve we all were able to partake in her labors. I can’t describe how delightful this dish is, so I’m not going to try.

Aaron and Briana

The best aunt in the world!

Lance and Anna

Billy and Ameree

My darling Grandpa

Shocking as it is the twins did not make it until midnight to open their gifts. We were able to grab a few photo sessions in before they hit the sack. Giselle got these adorable little hats for them, I just want to eat them! We ate, played some seriously hysterical games, and just enjoyed each others company. Thank you to all my family members who help put such an amazing night together, can’t wait until next year!

So cute, thanks Giselle!

I tired to tell Troy that this year we are not to get gifts for each other, kids only! This not only helps the budget but selfishly helps me from having to search far and wide for a gift. Troy is the HARDEST person to shop far. Not only does he have almost everything he wants but, if I were to try to get him something he would tell me he could have bough it cheaper on craiglist. This to my dismay, is very true. He is always getting the best deal on everything and is such a bargain shopper. It really counterbalances me but, I am learning. Anyway, in passing he had mentioned something about wanting an iPad (followed by “I am sure I could find a good deal on criaglist”.) Being that he is always using mine, I decided to make an executive decision and get one FROM Gavin for Christmas. I took Gavin with me to pick it out, that was my first mistake! I told Gavin repeatedly not to tell daddy what we bought him. Later the next day I get a text message from Troy that said, Gavin spilled the beans, take it back. Apparently Gavin said “Daddy can you hand me the i...... Oh I almost said what we got you for Christmas.” My dear sweet little Gavin, oh how I love him! Obviously, I did not take it back and Troy did not follow my “kids only” rule!

Troy’s surprise face!

Ameree loves Gavin

Gavin so excited about his gift from Santa

Christmas was Breakfast at the Ethington’s and lunch at the Alvarez’s. More amazing moments and time shared with family. I am so grateful to be blessed with so many wonderful people in my life! I love each and every one of them!

The twins are now 6 months! Lincoln is on the verge of crawling any day. He mostly army crawls everywhere! Amee is perfectly content just watching him move. Lincoln loves feet any chance he gets he will play with Amee’s feet! He weights 17lbs 3oz and Ameree is 14lbs. Lincoln also has two teeth coming in! I can’t believe how much they have grown. These photo shoots are getting harder and harder :)!

Merry Christmas....

For years I have been promising myself that I would send out a Christmas card. Yet again, another year has come and I am Christmas cardless. So this is as much as a card I am doing this year but..... next I swear :)!

Merry Christmas,

Love The Ethington’s

5 Months!

First of all, I can’t believe that it is almost Christmas and that my babies are 5 months. I can’t handle how quickly time has passed! In keeping with order I will start with Thanksgiving. What a crazy/enjoyable day of family hopping (most of which was alone)! We started off at the Saba’s where I distended my stomach muscles almost to the point of no return. Seriously, some of the best food! Troy and my father had to leave after dinner for an important date with an Elk. I mean Elk don’t wait, do they. The moment you receive that blessed tag form the department of game and fish you have to take advantage of it, right. Well, according to my lovely husband and father you do. I would like to add this is still where the two are camped out. Only one Elk so far, which means it’s not over until there are two dead.

Pressing on, after the Saba’s was dessert at the Alvarez’s and games, followed by bow making at the Ethington’s and more dessert. It’s Thanksgiving no judgement here (except by the scale the next day.)It wasn’t that bad alone since I have so much family that are like baby vampires. They can smell them coming to the front door and are anxiously awaiting to rip them from my hands. My sweet Gavin wasn’t with me this year but, did inform me he had an AWESOME sleep over and roasted marshmallows with his cousin. It was comical as he tried to explain to me what roasting marshmallows was. When we picked him up he had to show me his Evil Canevil skills on the bike. He pedals as fast as he can and then turns sharply, stopping with his foot so that you can see he screeching tire marks! All I could see was a head injury waiting to happen.

Unfortunately, I have zero pictures from Thanksgiving. Here are some of Lincoln and Ameree at 5 months. Things I want to remember....

Lincoln-

You have the cutest joker smile. Your laugh is so captivating and raspy I might add. You out weigh you sister by 3 lbs. You look just like your dad with mommy’s skin and hair color, so in essence perfect! You roll all over the place and have figured out how to soothe yourself but sucking your thumb raw! You sleep on your stomach and know how to get what you want.

Ameree-

Your cry melts your dad’s heart and he spoils you! You have the cutest open mouth smile. You are such a happy little girl, also one of the most beautiful (I know I am bias.) You also have the most sensitive stomach (my fault). You were the first to roll over by a week (4 months). You cry HUGE alligator tears that are so hard to bear. You have no hair, you’re my bald eagle!

Gavin-

You are a great big bother, and son. You have such a big heart, and always willing to help me in the house or your dad outside. A little reluctant when it comes to throwing baby diapers away (I don’t blame you though.) You say the funniest things! I love it when I ask you to do things you respond by saying, “You got it mom!” You use words you don’t know the meaning of but in the correct context and then ask me what it means.