Ethan's First Campout
June 25-27, 2009
Ethan had so much fun on his first family campout. We went to Ohanapecosh at Mt. Rainier, a favorite camping place of the Gifford family since my dad was young. Ethan has gone camping where he stayed one night in a cabin, but this was his first honest to goodness, sleep in a tent camping trip. The trip was a lot fun, but interesting in so many ways. First of all sleeping on the ground and being 35 weeks pregnant and having to hike through the woods 5 times a night to go to the bathroom was lovely! You could tell that we hadn't gone camping for quite awhile because we forgot some rather important things like a camp stove, salt, and some other things that would have made things easier. But, we just had to be a little more creative and I have to say I was very impressed with how well my dad cooked over the fire. We also hiked to Silver falls (my Grandma Gifford's favorite spot), grove of the patriarchs, and Steven's Canyon. It really was fun.
Grandma Gifford's Birthday
July 1, 2009
Zion's Camp
July 4, 2009
We went to Zion's Camp with Shawn's family for the fourth of July. Ethan and Shawn had a lot of fun taking a canoe out on the lake that is there.
A Great Big Toy
Shawn and my dad built this big toy for our kids. Ethan, of course, had a blast helping his dad and Grandpa and then even more fun playing with it when it was done.
Point Defiance Zoo
August 7, 2009
We went to the zoo on my birthday, so Jennifer bought tickets for the two of us to go on a camel ride. It was pretty fun.
Ethan had a lot of fun seeing all of the animals. I think his favorite was the fish; we could hardly get him to leave, so we could see the rest of the zoo.
Just Some Fun Pics
Ethan has some new friends to play with at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Glen & Diane got two cats that wander next door frequently and Ethan loves to play with them.
This next picture was just too cute to not share.
What can I say? This picture was too cute not to share. Ethan has learned to get up to the piano, open it, and turn it on all by himself. He loves to play around on it
I was packing for the hospital just before Julia was born. Ethan had been sitting on the bed while I packed, then once I went to my closet to get something and when I turned back around, he was inside the suitcase.
We picked lots of berries this summer and on this night we made smoothies after a long day of canning. Ethan thought his smoothie was incredible and couldn't get enough of it.
Ethan loves to play with Julia and takes great delight in making her laugh.
Ethan brought out our foot stool and sat on it next to Julia. He was playing with her laugh, but by the time I got my camera, he just turned around and smiled for his picture and Julia fell asleep. Oh the life of a newborn!
This is one of the first times that Ethan held Julia nicely. At first we had to be really careful about letting him even touch her, because he was anything but gentle.
Big brother kisses, how sweet.
Puyallup Fair
September 12, 2009
Dad and Ethan looking cool in their shades.
Great Grandma needed a break from her wheel chair, so she gave Ethan a ride. Earlier, Ethan had been pushing her. I wasn't able to get a good picture, but it was really cute.
Ethan riding the toy truck at the John Deer Tent.
Grandpa spoiled Ethan with his very first ice cream cone
Doesn't Julia just look so cute! Her shirt says "Miss Marvelous" which totally describes her. She's such a good baby.
First Day of Preschool
September 15, 2009
Ethan has been attending school in his Grandma Gifford's toddler class. He has been having lots of fun and learning so much. He's just growing up so fast!
Last Days with Uncle Lynn
Lynn decided to move to Utah, so we went to Belfair for one last weekend with him. Above: Ethan was "helping" Lynn pack and decided to try on his boot.
Julia and Lynn are taking a nap together.
