McD's

We usually try to keep "fast food" to minimum around here, but every once in a while we get lazy or run short on time and end up at McDonald's.

We regards to "fast food" we only have McD's, KFC/Taco Bell, and Subway...nothing else. Needless to say, our diets have definitely improved since we've been in Alaska. Minimal fast food, and tons of fish & game.

The kids, however, love it when we run short on time, and end up at Mickey D's! It's always the same selection for them...Chicken McNugget Happy Meal with French Fries, Chocolate Milk, and Sweet & Sour Sauce as the "dip-dip."

School Girl

Emily started Pre-School this week.

She is transitioning from the Bear Room with the 3-year olds, and into the Polar Bear Room with the 4-year olds. The Polar Bear Room is a Pre-School Program at her current school, where she has been going for the last three years.

The program will begin to teach her how to read, write, and understand mathematics; as well as the fun stuff like cooking and drama.

To celebrate her transition mommy & daddy bought her her very first school backpack full of colorful school supplies! She has been wearing her backpack all week and enjoys that it symbolizes that she's getting older!

As you can see...Emily's favorite thing to wear is anything "Rainbow"! The more colors it has, the more she likes it! She reminds me of Punky Bruister or Rainbow Brite. For the most part, Emily dresses herself everyday and always picks out what she is going to wear to school.

On this particular day in the picture, she decided to wear her rain boots because it was raining and, according to her, they matched her pants...all of the colors in her pants are also on the boots...we're still trying to teach her that spots and stripes don't really blend well. But, in the meantime, it's fun to see how colorful and spunky she gets with her wardrobe choices!

We are very excited to have Emily in a pre-school program. She is one smart cookie and is more than ready for the next step!!

Big Boy Goes Pee-Pee!

We are on our way to becoming "DIAPER-FREE" - YEAH!!

We were all excited to learn that Ethan went potty in the toilet at school today! This was the very first time he has been potty in the toilet!

Potty-Training here we come!!

(We're so proud!)

Ethan Tip #4

Ethan is rather regular when it comes to his poopie diapers.
Be prepared to change a dirty diaper at 10am and 7pm daily. (Alaska Time)

If he's cranky, and hasn't had a regular BM, it is fair to assume that he is constipated...once he has a movement he'll be a happy-camper once more. :)

Happy Poopies!

(let's keep this blogpost for him hen he gets older...hehe)

Ethan Tip #3

Ethan is a Cuddle-Bug. He enjoys reading books, but only if he can sit in your lap. He loves hugs and kisses, and enjoys cuddling up to sit with you and watch TV. He's not a "sleepy cuddle guy" and he won't fall asleep while you're holding him, but loves to hand out hugs and kisses to everyone before he lays down for a nap or bedtime.

Ethan loves to be held, so start pumping iron because this big guy weighs about 35lbs!

Enjoy this little cuddle-bug during his visit, and don't worry, I will pack many of his favorite books for him to share with you.

...many hugs coming you way...!!!

Ethan Tip #2

Make sure the boy is DRENCHED in sunscreen! His poor porcelain skin hasn't seen the sun...EVER! His skin is so fair and sensitive that it will BURN even with the least amount of sun exposure.

DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!!

Ethan Tip #1

Tip #1:

Allow Ethan to read a little book while changing his diaper or getting him dressed on the changing table. This will distract him and minimize his tendency to wiggle around. Besides when he says "booo...booo" that means he wants a book to read.



**These tips are provided in preparation for Ethan's big visit to the West Coast. It will be the first time he is traveling without his big sister. I really think he will enjoy all of the focused attention, and I know he's looking forward to seeing you all!!**

Open and Close

I watched Ethan for about 7 or 8 minutes open and close the refrigerator doors before I got my camera to record it. It's not a "good thing" that he can so easily open the fridge...thank goodness he hasn't started taking stuff out yet! (Gosh, this boy sure loves mischief!)

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto

This may come as a "surprise" to many of you, but I'm not a big "phone talker."

I'm trying to do better, but by the time the kids get to bed its nearly 9pm, and 10pm back home...too late to start making phone calls. (I'm trying to get better, I promise.)

Anyway, my parents bought a Blue Tooth for me and I've been trying to get into the groove of using it. People in Kodiak don't have these sort of things here...talking on your cell while driving is still legal in the State of Alaska, so there's no need for people here to have a Blue Tooth.

Well, Emily caught me wearing it and exclaimed: "Mommy, what's that!?!" I explained what it was and we did a test call to grandma so I could show her how it works. She thought it was pretty cool.

I'm still trying to get into the habit of using a Blue Tooth, but I'm worried that people around here will make fun of me. "Look at that Big City Girl! Who does she think she is?!" - that's what the townfolk will say about me if I get caught with one of those new-fangled-things...some times small towns can be challenging. Who knows...maybe I'll be a trendsetter!

Happy 4th of July!

It was a nice, long, and SUNNY weekend in Kodiak for the 4th of July. We all got plenty of rest and enjoyed the long weekend as a family. We didn't really do too much. Today, the 4th, we went on a nice nature walk, BBQ'd steaks, sat by the campfire, and shot off a few fireworks. It was a wonderful day!

Here are a few pictures of our fabulous backyard and our very own fireworks display!

Cinderella

As you many already know, Emily participates in a local dance class for children and twice a year the kids get to be in a full production play at the high school theater. This past May, Emily was a beautiful butterfly in the play, Cinderella. After weeks and weeks of practicing, she did great! Check out the pictures:

Bonjour!

Emily's rendition of Bonjour! from the movie Beauty and the Beast.

She is so Adorable!