Ethan's pre- Birthday party

I know Chelsea posted some of the Birthday pictures, however I have more cute ones to add, so decided to have another post of the evening. Since the 4 grandparents have never celebrated a birthday with Ethan, we decided on Monday would be his day. It was a day of playing at the park, eating his favorite pizza. (Pepperoni)
Singing, very sad I must say.
Eating cake and ice cream, then watching him open his presents. Toy Story is one of his favorite movies and ended up being the theme of many of his gifts.
Which he didn't seemed to mind , and thanked everyone for his gifts.
Even Parker enjoyed being festive for the party, and surprised Grampa Morse with a special treat, well maybe not so special. I love the captured action shot as well as a surprised look on grampa's face.This is what he does best however.
We closed the evening with watching one of his gifts, Monsters Inc. I'm not sure if that was the best choice that late, but he didn't seem bothered come time for bed, which he got to sleep over night in with grama and grampa Morse. We enjoyed our slumber party on the Friday night before Marilyn and Dave arrived.
After Anthony, Chelsea and Parker went home it was fun to put Buzz Light year puzzle together. I'm not sure who got the bigger kick out of it, Ethan or the grandpa's.
Either way it was a mission accomplished, and a fun evening.

Special moments with Michael

Though our time was very limited with Michael, we enjoyed having him with us if only for a couple of days.Just watching he and Lexi interact while out to dinner was quite entertaining. Lexi loved to tease her daddy by pretending she is going to give him a kiss, then reaching up to snatch his glasses off his face. I must say she did look pretty cute in them.
On Sunday after the meeting they walked around enjoying the beautiful Sunshine.
It was a very tender sight to watch the two of them.Once arriving back at the house, Anthony BBQ'd steak & chicken for dinner while salads were being prepared. Michael did the honors of feeding Parker.
At first he was standing with him in arms, then decided to sit and have some arm support. Parker is one solid little man, so can tire out an arm very quickly.
I appreciate Michael taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and be with us. We don't seem to get those moments enough it seems, so they are truly treasured.

Play time, party & final moments with G&G Morse

Yea for great company, wonderful time and yummy food!

Lexi's surprise visit to Georgia

We were all excited to have Michael come to Georgia for Parker's blessing and he surprised us all by bringing Lexi as well. At first she was a little timid around us, but warmed right up with Ethan when he picked her a flower (Dandelion).
Within no time they were playing, sharing toys, laughing and having a great time.

Lexi loved playing with her daddy's glasses. She would tease him by snatching them off his face and putting them on herself.

Come Sunday morning we took pictures outside prior to going to church. She looked so cute in her dress.
Even Grampa D was able to hold her for a minute.

After arriving back home she and Ethan had a fun time in the yard prior to going back inside to change clothes. I asked Ethan to turn around so I could take a picture and instead they started spinning around and around in circles laughing and giggling. They are a couple of teases.


Lexi loved to play with baby Parker as well, which he seemed to enjoy until she scared him by squealing with delight when she got to hold him.

Grampa had fun watching the two of them interact.
As Sunday came to a close for she and Michael's visit it was time to say our good-byes and see them off to the airport.
I know it was a sad moment for all of us, yet I also know how much Lexi missed her momma and sister Savannah, as did we all.

Family time in Georgia

This last week we were blessed to have family here to celebrate some great events. The main reason was for Parker's blessing. All the Grandmas & Grandpas wanted to have an early birthday party for Ethan. Since we haven't been able to see family around that time (other than when he joined our family) we loved the idea. I have a few pics where we are each super involved in finding a Nephite books. Ethan is great at spotting him too but was not nearly as obsessed as the adults. Ethan had a great time with 'fishing,' sleep-overs, fun with cousin Lexi & Uncle Michael, his party, extra outings, movies & exploring with the grandparents. Lexi was a great surprise (I believe Anthony was the only one in the loop about it). I didn't see her until we were all thisclose and greeting her dad. She was well concealed by all of Ethan's overnight stuff I guess. She was missing mom but seemed to be a champ about everything & had a great time with Ethan. Not to mention it's fun to have an adorable niece (there are a few actually!) in lace & bows. So cute! We were able to visit most of each day, plus our typical things & fun again in the evening and night. The dads golfed on Monday morning & the 3 of us went with the moms to breakfast. Though a ton went into prepping for things, plus parents with drama (both in Portland prior to leaving and traveling as well as being away from Grandma and Grandpa Allen), I think all had a wonderful time with many great memories. We are grateful for each of you & enjoyed having you here. Thank you for your sacrifices and overcoming road-blocks to be here. I'm especially grateful to those who kept us in prayers that Anthony wouldn't be called away.