Baltimore Aquarium

Ethan looking at the turtle

Alicia, Ethan, Madelyn, and Emily

Daddy showing Emily the big spider

The three musketeers

Mia the dolphin

Bombs Away!

Last Monday we took the kids down to the Baltimore Aquarium. We all had a really good time. It was a beautiful spring day and the harbor was absolutely beautiful.

We have been to the aquarium before, but this was the first time that Ethan was old enough to really enjoy himself. The kids loved the dolphin show. Alicia made sure to sit up in the splash zone so that the dolphins could get her all wet. Emily and Alicia both loved the sharks. They are still talking about the big fat shark. I think that Ethan like the turtles the best, and there are alot of turtles at the aquarium. Madelyn came with us too. Her favorite thing was the seahorses.

Alicia's Field Day

Alicia had her first field day today! Yes, our little girl is growing up. Ok, it's just field day and not high school graduation, but still, it is another first that we are are experiencing. It was fun to see Alicia interact with all her classmates. Her fan club, Emily, Ethan, Madelyn, and I cheered for her on the sidelines as she ran an obstacle course, did a sack race, a three legged race, threw beanbags and many other fun events. I think Alicia's favorite was the candy toss. Who dosn't love the candy toss? Every child got 8 pieces of candy and I am sure that Alicia mananged to get at least 8 pieces. Poor Ms. Guigley, can you imagine teaching 21 kindergarteners on a sugar rush. I guess she's used to it. :)





Alica getting ready to run the three legged race







Throwing the bean bag






Part of Alicia's fan club

Mother's Day Fun

We spent Mother's Day afternoon over at Dave's parents house. Some more family showed up and we had a wonderful time. Thanks Dot for feeding us all even though it was your day to be pampered. We love you!

Answered Prayers

Ethan had his last day of physical therapy yesterday. I am so thankful that we are finally here, on the other side of this very scary chapter in our life.

For all of you have prayed for Ethan and our family over the last couple of months, I want to say thankyou. God has answered our prayers so graciously. Not only did He save Ethan's life, but He brought Ethan back to health so quickly.

Ethan is very much the little boy that he was before February. He runs, jumps, plays with his sisters, and is very much a typical two year old little boy. I think that in a way he has been affected by what happended to him, but it is not in a negative way. In fact, Ethan seems almost happier and is alot more loving and affectionate. I think he probably is very glad to be at home and in a normal routine. I don't think that he will remember what he has been through. But, every time he gives me a hug or a kiss I will remember, and be grateful that he is here to give me that hug or kiss.

God has given me a permanent reminder that He is a God who sees, a God who hears, and a God who cares about me. He heard all of our prayers, and in His grace and mercy He gave us our little boy back.

Emily's Last Day of Preschool

This past school year has flown by. I had put Emily in a 3yr old's preschool class last fall when Maddie's mom suggested that the girl's go. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially from Emily in such a different environment, but I was so impressed with the school and Emily's teachers. To say that Emily loves preschool would be an understatement. I get just as excited as she does when she tells me what she did that day. She has done some pretty cool things this year.

Now, the school year is over, and I am probably more sad about it then Emily is. It isn't the few hours where she is kept busy each week, but instead I am sad for all the cool experiences that she won't get until next fall. I know that I am still going to do some really cool things with her here at home, but it won't be quite the same.

Anyway, her last day was very nice. The children sang a Mother's Day song to all the mom's and handed out Mother's Day gifts. They were all so proud of themselves, it was so cute!! Emily did seem a little shy as she sang but she didn't stop smiling the whole time. I love you too, Emily!

Spidey Mania

Spiderman's Biggest Fans!!

Spiderman, aka Dave or Daddy depending, made his public debut this weekend. He had a great time meeting and greeting people at the Movies. I think more than a few movie goers were impressed to see their super hero actually at the movies instead of just in the movie. Anyway Dave had a great time dressing up as his favorite super hero.

I took the kids up on Saturday to see their Daddy at work. They had a good time posing for pictures with him. I have to say Ethan seemed a little jealous when other kids started coming up to "his spiderman" He gave a few of them his famous "evil eye."

Good Job, Daddy! Your four biggest fans think you are awsome!

Emily's Preschool Picnic

Emily's preschool class met today at Gring's Mill for a picnic before school ends for the year. Her last day is Tuesday. :(

Alicia, Ethan and I were also able to go and spend time with Emily and the rest of her class. We all had a really good time too.

Gring's Mill is an absolutely beautiful park in Wyomissing. A river (I'm not sure which one) runs through the park, so there are geese, ducks and fish (we didn't see any fish) to look for. There is a big stone turtle, named Tully, which was a big hit. The kids really had a good time sitting on the turtle and posing for pictures. Ethan especially was really intrigued with the turtle.

We all walked across a big bridge which goes over the river and took lots of pictures. The kids gave almost gave me a few heart attacks leaning over the edge to look for fish, but I eventually calmed down. :) I can be a little overprotective ( I also have a hard time not imagining things like my children falling over the side) They were fine though.

The whole group of us went for a long walk. I think it only felt long. and then we all went back to a play area to have a picnic and play some games.

After a minor incident,(Emily bumped her head on the monkey bars) the class had a great time listening to a story and playing games. They even had a peanut scramble, and then..... chocolate cake! Yummm!!!!

Ethan made a new friend, Heath, :) and they had a great time sword fighting with sticks. Alicia even made a new friend, Conner.

The kids slept all the way home, which is a sure sign that they had a great time!