Happy Birthday Ethan!

Yesterday was Ethan's third birthday. I can't believe it's been three years! Ethan is such a joy in our lives. He definitely keeps us on our toes. He is the most talkative, busiest, most inquisitive, full of life child I have ever met. His birthday has been all about Lightning McQueen and Cars. We went to Chuck E. Cheese on Saturday night with Nana and Pa to celebrate - BIG MISTAKE. Warning - Do not, whatever you do, go to Chuck E. Cheese on a Saturday evening. Even if your life depends on it! Avoid this place at all costs unless you plan on going on Monday through Thursday. I'm still not over the experience myself. The important thing was that Ethan had a blast. In fact, a few of us enjoyed ourselves, mostly children. Yesterday we had chili and cupcakes, Lightning McQueen cupcakes to be exact. His big party will be at his cousin Shawn's house on this Friday evening. What has Ethan requested for gifts - CARS! On a serious note, Daddy and I are most thankful to our gracious and merciful Heavenly Father for the gift of Ethan. Children are truly a blessing, one of God's good gifts. Even though Ethan runs on all cylinders all the time, we couldn't imagine our family without him. He is a vital part of this home, and he is loved by all who encounter him. Emma, Evan, and Edison (and I'm sure Emerson, too) love their brother and wish hime a very Happy Birthday with many more fun days to come!

Ethan, Edison, and Daddy playing a game

One Cute Kid

I've been meaning to introduce everyone to my newest nephew. I have to say he is one cute kid! Meet Joseph Roswell Harris, son of my brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Cheryl. Needless to say, he has plenty of fans at this house! His cousins are in love with him! He has a mess of boys over here that are ready to play anytime. We joke that we are going to start a gang in the neighborhood, seeing as Joseph only lives about 20 seconds away. Watch out world!

These pics were taken back on October 5th, so he has grown considerably since then. I promise you'll be seeing more of this little guy as he becomes a big part of our family! Enjoy his cuteness!

Science Class - Mockingbird

The second bird we studied was the mockingbird. Emma and Evan found out that it is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. The mockingbird is a famous singer, able to imitate over 30 different other kinds of birds (36, to be exact!), as well as cats, dogs, cars, and people. It is helpful to man because it eats many harmful insects. The mockingbird is found in both North and South America. It is often seen around farms, villages, and city parks.

Emma's Mockingbird

Evan's Mockingbird

Happy Birthday Nana!

Yesterday was Nana's 55th birthday. We are celebrating with her and the whole family tonight, but last night Emma and I had time with her. We actually started out Christmas shopping last night! I have to get it ALL done soon before I am waddling around and my feet start to swell - HAHA! We had a girls night out, just the 3 of of us. Emma and I decided to take Nana out to dinner before shopping, so we went to Applebee's for a birthday celebration. It was really fun to relax and have a meal cooked for us. The wait staff even sang "Happy Birthday" to Nana, just a tad off key. We are so very thankful that God has given Nana 55 blessed years. May He continue to give her health and happiness! We love you, Nana, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Science Class - Robin

One of the favorite things that Emma does in school is her science curriculum. This year, among other things, she is studying the 25 birds that represent each state in the USA. Our children love birds, so this has been a perfect study. Each week we study one bird. Emma gets to draw that bird in her bird notebook. She also writes the state or states the bird represents and interesting facts about the bird. Evan, who loves to draw and color as much as Emma, started drawing the birds for his very own bird notebook. I thought it might be fun to share their drawings with everyone each week.

The first bird we studied was the robin. The robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It is found all across North America. The song that the robin sings is "cheer-up, cheerily." Robins like people and like bathing. The male has a gray back and a bright reddish breast, while the female, as with most females in the animal world, is not as brightly colored. (Emma thinks this is totally unfair and believes females should be more beautiful!) The young have speckled breasts. The robin is a medium-sized bird, about ten inches long.

Emma's Robin

Evan's Robin