Keeping Up With Evan

SNOW!!!! IN SC!!!!

2010-02-17T11:38:00.001-08:00

For a lot of you I am sure you are saying who cares, snow. BUT for us it is truly a novelty. They say this is the fifth largest amount of snow we have ever gotten. It’s melted now but boy was it pretty and fun while it lasted.

Evan was not too thrilled when it started and kept saying “ BRRRR, its cold”. He is a true southern boy. : )

I think his head may have been cold despite the hat ( it’s kind of thin). We really are not equipped for snowy weather here.

It took about 30-40 minutes to accumulate a light dusting. The snow started at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and was to continue until 2 or so in the morning. We KNEW we were going to have a lot. And were SOOOOO excited.

We went out around 9:30 pm after Evan was in bed. He eventually grew to love it and if anyone made a move towards the door, well, he was going too. Thus the waiting for him to go to bed. We knew he would have fun in the morning.

Finally we all went to bed. The anticipation for the morning was a close second to Christmas morning!!!!! I woke up early to try to get pictures before all the kids came out to play.

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Then the world came alive and we all had a blast!!!!

Evan and his friends.

Evan and his big snowball that he prefered to just carry around. : )

Not sure why he is upset here…..probably cold and or hungry ( we went out before breakfast)

Sable enjoyed herself too!!!!!

Momma and Evan

This is the only shovel we could find to shovel snow. Evan was doing a great job!!!!!

So, just to give you a glimpse of what our South Carolina snow looks like. We may not see it again for a while but sure enjoyed it while it was here.

Evan’s Winter Artwork!!!

2010-02-11T06:46:00.001-08:00

Snowman and Snowflakes.

Penguin and Ice skate

And in the spirit of Valentines Day…

He is really learning a lot in school.

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Evan and his Kitty, Rafiki.

Off to the Zoo ………

2010-02-06T17:31:00.001-08:00

A couple of Fridays ago it was a beautiful day out. Evan asks me several times in a week if we can go look at the animals. So off we went. I treasure these times alone with my sweet little boy. We have so much fun together.

First stop were the giraffes. We went on to the platform where you can feed the giraffes after this. I wish SO bad I could have managed my camera and him because what happened next was so funny and cute. He has ,in the past, been kinda scared of the giraffes up so close but today he picked up some of the roughage they were feeding the giraffes with. I held him up and he proceeded to feed the giraffe. I could not believe it!!!! As the giraffe took the leaf he also took Evan’s glove. HA!!!!! We got it back. : ) Then Evan just wanted to pet him over and over. SO cute.

Next we hung out looking at the water in the stream….

He wanted to feed everything after the giraffes. I don’t think this cow was too impressed.

Or the chickens.

Then we went by the playground before lunch.

We ate lunch at the Kenya cafe. Had chicken fingers and chips ( french fries for you non africans : ) )

We then went to the BIG bridge that takes you over to the road to the botanical gardens. We caught the tram that takes you there if you don’t feel like walking.

Us on the tram.

Us at the gardens.

Evan loved looking at the water.

And playing in the kids area.

They had these cool looking tree/bush like things. Not sure what they were.

Took a little rest…

And said goodbye to the gardens.

I promised we could go by and see the fish on our way out.

He thought the lady in the tank cleaning was cool, almost as cool as the fish.

Goodbye Zoo til the next sunny day.

Christmas 2009

2010-02-02T12:09:00.001-08:00

I am continuing my “bringing you up to date” ……………….

We started at our house letting Evan open stuff in his stocking. I remember growing up that this was the BEST part of our Christmas presents. Mom did so good putting neat stuff in them. It is something I would like to keep doing as our tradition and in honor of my mom.

Christmas Eve:

Christmas Eve is always spent with Eric’s parents. This year Sawn and Shelley were able to come even though Shelley didn’t feel good most of the time.

Evan loved the Christmas tree.

Opening presents.

he got some trains and a new train blanket and pillowcase as well as a whole bunch of other stuff!!!

On Christmas Day we traveled an hour to Whiteville to be with the rest of Eric’s family.

Evan and his cousin Miller

We had a fun time eating and opening MORE presents and just spending time with family!!!!!

Evan is back…….and so are his parents.

2010-02-02T11:54:00.001-08:00

WOW!!!! It has been a while and I have so much to catch you up on. Let’s go back in time a bit shall we…………

Evan’s THIRD Birthday!!!!!

Evan got served breakfast on his special plate……..

which he really enjoyed!!!!

For lunch we took Evan to the Mellow Mushroom downtown where they have great pizza!!!!

Then we went around the corner to the cupcake place!!!

hmmmmmm, so many choices……

Narrowed it down to three……….

And the winner is…….Chocolate chocolate.

We LOVE this place!!!!

We then went to the zoo!!!!

Evan loves the fish

A perfect end to the day. Cannot believe my baby is three.

A couple days later Eric’s folks came for his birthday. We had another party!!!!

I made my first pound cake. And of course, it had to have a train attached to it. : )

Opening presents….

2009 Christmas Tree!!!

2009-12-09T06:49:00.001-08:00

Evan loves the tree but really doesn’t bother it at all. He likes the lights to go on and off. The CAT is the one I am always after to NOT EAT THE TREE!!!! UUGGHH. : )

Thanksgiving #2

2009-12-09T06:45:00.001-08:00

I know, I am really behind on my blogging. Tis the season ( to be busy falalalala..lalalala)

Eric, Evan and I got to go to Springfield this year for Thanksgiving. We drove to Charlotte ( one and a half hours) and got on a plane there.

he loved to look at the “ Oplanes” as he calls them.

He snacked a little……

and had some inflight entertainment.

He did really good on the plane ride. When we got to Arkansas we rented a car and drove two hours to Springfield, MO.

Evan enjoying the ride!!!

We got into Springfield later afternoon and went over to visit my brother Ole and Renee who would be leaving to go back to Kenya the next day. Then later that night Ole came and we had family pictures done since all us kids were together in one place!!! ( a novelty)

Us five kids!!! ( Tina, Jon, Eric, Ole, and Jacque)

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being silly.

and even got dad in the action!!!

We will miss them but know they are doing God’s work over in Kenya!!

We had a lot of fun spending time with family. Somewhere we ALWAYS have to go is the Bass Pro Shop. The headquarters is here and it is quite a site to see!!! Evan loves all the fish and fun things to do and see.

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Evan even got to ride on the Christmas train!! He was thrilled!!!

Evan and Grandpa

The Duttons

We stayed with my brother Jon and his family. They were absolutely wonderful hosts( and no, I am not buttering them up for something : ) ) They were really kind to give up their whole basement for us!!! We enjoyed playing the WII and just being able to visit. Evan did really good sleeping at night and I am so glad we did the transition with the toddler bed before we went. I think it really helped!! He did really well keeping up with the hectic schedule!!!

Jon and Pam had everyone over to their house for Thanksgiving. The food was great and we all had a nice time visiting as well.

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We had a really great visit and I love my family very much!!!!

Our trip home was good. Evan slept the whole plane ride home. We were tired but are rested now and getting back into a routine.

Happy Turkey day!!!!!! ( Part One)

2009-11-19T10:26:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving with Eric’s parents this past Saturday since we will be at my parents for Thanksgiving this year. It was our first year doing a turkey and it came out wonderful!!!!

Eric seasoned it with Moroccan seasonings to give it an exotic flair. ( of course) Was delicious!!!!!!!

Got to use my everyday China which was fun!!!

We gave Evan the turkey leg thinking he wouldn’t know what to do with it. WRONG, he devoured it!!!!

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and said theres no more????

We really did have a nice time. I will be doing a “part two” when we come back from Springfield. Stay tuned!!!!

I will leave you with Evan’s Thanksgiving artwork.

I’m a big boy look what I can do!!!!

2009-11-07T09:20:00.001-08:00

Yes, folks, it is official, Evan is growing up!!!! * sniff* Don’t get me wrong, I am happy he is growing up to be a strong, healthy boy, but it is bittersweet!!! He’s not my little baby anymore. We have had a few milestones recently, or what I would call milestones.

#1) He can drink out of a regular cup!!!! Believe me, its not as easy as it looks. : ) ( for an almost three year old!!)

#2) He has begun to pull his own pants up!!! Again, not as easy as it would look!!!! : )

#3) He moved to a BIG BOY bed!!!! And is doing awesome with the transition!!! We are so proud of him!!!

He is very proud of his bed. He did however express some concern at first and told Eric that his bed is ‘ broken ‘!!!! : )

So these are the things I am recently proud of him doing although everyday he amazes me. Just say a prayer for us as soon we may embark on yet another adventure…..POTTY TRAINING!!! UUGGHH.

Til then I will leave you with a picture of a very cute and sweet boy!!!! Am I bragging??? Why YES!!!

The Great Pumpkin…..OOPS, I Mean Evan!!!!!

2009-10-29T06:45:00.001-07:00

Today is Orange day at Evan’s preschool.

We started out the morning looking kind of wild and thought we had better brush our hair!!!

In honor of Orange day, we put on orange pants and shirt!!!! His teacher was quite impressed when we arrived at school!!!

Evan’s artwork last week .

Have a great Halloween!!!!

More artwork….

2009-10-22T11:26:00.001-07:00

Thought ‘you’ would enjoy more of Evan’s school work.

They learned this month about Fire prevention.

Which brings us to another year at Boo at the ZOO!!!

Evan refused to wear the costume we got him so we put on orange pants, shirt and off we went!!!

Evan ‘dancing’ at the costume parade!!!!

Trick or Treat!!!!

This cow LOVED Eric. She just licked and licked his arm…..EWWWW.

Evan Loved the bubble machine they had.

He was soaked from head to toe!!!!

The Pirates Maze!!

My Little Dracula.

Was a real fun night for all of us!!!!!

CHOO, CHOO !!!!! ALL ABOARD!!!!

2009-10-07T14:06:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we went to visit Thomas the Train in Spencer, NC. Evan is very into ALL things Thomas. And we think he is actually pretty cool too.

There was a ton of stuff to see and do. Evan liked playing at the train tables best!!!

and was VERY sad when we had to go on to something else!!!! Like LUNCH!!!

They had hotdogs and an assortment of things but what impressed me was that they sold PB&J sandwiches!!!! : )

We got to ride on Thomas also. It was a real no joke train.

Evan was so excited!!!!

Eric and Evan getting on.

Eric’s parents joined us on the special day.

Eric ‘slinging’ Evan off. : )

From there we went and saw all kinds of other neat things. Lego Thomas, tattoo’s,a fire truck, a place where they had all sorts of trains set up moving on tracks, Bob the Builder etc….. I will leave you with pictures.

They had a huge area where the kids could draw with chalk and blow bubbles.

Logo Thomas….amazing.

little tractors on a train!!! Komatsu perhaps??? : )

One tired boy!!!!!

YELLOW, YELLOW!!!!

2009-09-24T14:51:00.001-07:00

Today was Yellow Day at school!!! Each month they learn about a certain color and have a whole morning in which they celebrate it. They wear the color, play with things that color, Eat their snack which is also that color etc……

Evan sporting his new shirt ( which I made, well applied the iron on ) OH and that makes me HAVE to sidetrack a bit. If you know my husband, you will appreciate this immensely!!!! BEFORE I could apply the iron on he had to go find the tape measure and BE SURE that the ‘tie’ was indeed centered. : )

Back to Evan. : ) He was very happy about going to school until he figured out Thomas the train wasn’t going too. I usually have time to hide Thomas on school days but not this morning. : ( So he was an unhappy fella for a few minutes.

He still tried real hard to stand nice for the picture don’t you think!!!??

On another side note: his obsession with Thomas the train is quite funny.

Anyway, he had a great time at school and I really think overall is doing very well there.

Here is some of his handiwork to date:

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Yellow is of course for yellow Day. The apples he did last week which was the theme.

Evan’s Love For Music!!

2009-09-01T13:41:00.001-07:00

A girl who used to work with Eric hands down things to Evan from time to time ( THANK YOU Shawna!!!!). This time it was a guitar. Evan loves singing and trying to play different instruments. He has had a ball with this guitar!!

Preschool…HERE I COME!!!!

2009-09-01T13:36:00.001-07:00

Today was Evan’s first day of preschool. He will go every Tues and Thurs mornings. I dropped him off this morning around 8:45. He cried as so did I. It isn’t so much the separation for me as it is the fact that my baby is no longer A baby. : ( However I am happy he is growing into a nice little boy. For him it was being somewhere new, because he does fine when he is left at church nursery.

His class has 13 boys and girls in it, The classroom itself is real neat with all kinds of things to do. Every Tues they have a music class, which I know Evan will love due to his love for music!!! They also have chapel twice a month. Every month they have a color they focus on and do EVERYTHING with that color down to the clothes they wear. He will be learning so many things. I am excited to see what all he will learn. I will keep you all posted!!

Gourmet PB&J

2009-08-20T10:40:00.001-07:00

Evan adores dinosaurs and he LOVES PB&J sandwiches. Recently his Aunt Shelley came to visit and brought him (me) a dinosaur sandwich cutout. It is so cute and Evan just loves eating his dinosaur sandwich.

Thank you Aunt Shelley!!!! We love you!!!! : )

“I LOVE Animals” says Evan

2009-08-04T09:12:00.001-07:00

Who’s the TURKEY??????

Evan’s First Play-Doh!!!

2009-07-30T13:41:00.001-07:00

20 YEARS……REALLY!!!!???

2009-07-29T10:40:00.001-07:00

A few months back I was informed that we would be having our 20th High school reunion. Where have the years gone ?? And boy do I feel OLD!!!! And have a really not seen some of these people in 20 YEARS!!! No, I haven’t as we have been dispersed across the united states, Canada, Africa, Europe, the Middle east and Asia ( I think I covered them all : ) ) We grew up in Kenya, Africa and went to a boarding school there, Rift Valley Academy.

Our Ten Year was in Texas so I was unable to go due to work. This time it was at Sunset Beach, NC. Only a few hours from us so I was excited to go. We left on Fri morning and arrived a little after lunch.

FRI:

Evening we went to eat on our own and then when we got back Eric put Evan to bed and I went to visit the people who had come.

SAT:

We all decided to go to the beach. This was Evan’s first time to the ocean. He had a blast!!!! He had absolutely NO fear of the water.

On the way to the beach.

Had to go over the swinging bridge. Eric says it’s the last one on the east coast.

Evan trying to catch a sand flea.

Evan with my friends Jared, Megan, their baby Elizabeth and Carrie in the background.

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Michel taking her pictures!!!

Friends, Davis, Melanie and Jeff hanging out.

Evan loved the sand also.

In the evening we took group pictures and then went out to eat at a seafood restaurant.

The whole group.

The RVAers

Tina and her friend(and roommate for a year or so) Amy

Tina and Michel

Eric, Tina and Evan

SUN:

We all met to say goodbye and then went on our different ways. I was so blessed to have had this weekend. Although some of my close friends were not there it was a time to make new ones. I was encouraged to see how well everyone is doing.

Will look forward to another reunion in 2014 ( 25 years!!!)

Springfield trip continued….

2009-07-23T06:47:00.001-07:00

Friday we went to the Bass Pro shop. This one is the biggest in the country and is their headquarters. They have an awesome restaurant that puts out an awesome buffet at breakfast. And Evan loves to go and see the fish and turtles.

On Saturday we pretty much just hung around and that night we had our Family get together.

Me and my older brothers ( Jon and Ole)

Me and my brothers and sister

We had a lot of fun visiting with everyone!!! The opportunity that most of us are together is very rare.

Sunday we went to church. For lunch we went to eat at the Purple Burrito. It is a really good mexican place.

Monday:

We had plans to go to a water park but it rained that day so we opted for the mall instead!! : )

We ended up running into Ole and his whole family who were there taking pictures. I got to see my niece and her kids who had flown in from Denver.

Alana, Rachel, Ole and I

Evan and his second cousin Brooke

Evan and second cousin Joel

They had fun playing together.

Tuesday:

I decided to stay one more day so we could visit with family and friends.

Me and Aunt Jeannette ( she was one of my mom’s best friends )

We had some Egyptian friends stop through also.

Wednesday: We left

Grandpa and Evan

Dad, Ann, Evan and I

And on the drive home Evan did really good again.

We stopped for the night and were able to enjoy the pool/jacuzzi they had.

Evan in his suit with a floating device inside.

We arrived home on Thursday. Was good to get home and see Eric. I miss everyone back home SO much though!!!!! See you soon!!!

Welcome to Springfield!!!

2009-07-17T11:37:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Springfield around three in the afternoon. We went by the missions office to see Jon and Jacque. Then we went to dads house and saw dad and Ann. We stayed at dads house.

WED:

Evan enjoyed playing outside.

Evan and Grandpa

Evan and Nathan’s dog, Max

Evan liked dad’s windmill

and he loved running around!!!!

That afternoon We went to se the new baby in the family.

Colby Michael Konnerup

Evan fell asleep on the way over to the house and stayed asleep for a while.

Dad and Colby

THURSDAY:

In the morning we went to the Dickerson Zoo.

Evan got to play in the water

and he got to pet the goats

We had great fun at the zoo besides it being HOT!!!!

to be continued……

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Its off to Missouri we go……..

2009-07-11T13:53:00.001-07:00

Evan and I started off our journey by first going to say goodbye to daddy at work. Then we started the long track to Grandpa’s house.

We drove over the mountains and it was very pretty. Evan was quite impressed with the mountains and trees.

Evan did real good riding. I was real proud of him. He read books, looked at the DVD and slept.

And finally after approximately 9 hours we made it to Paducah, Kentucky where we stopped for the night. Being by myself I had to be creative on getting our stuff AND Evan up to the room all at one time. The trolley things came in handy!!

Evan, after being cooped up for a long time, ran all over the room ( sorry to those of you in the room below) . He finally settled down.

The bed and the way the pillows were arranged was pretty cool before Evan got hold of it.

The next morning we headed out early to Springfield. We saw a few sights along the way. We saw black cows which Evan said were RHINO’S, And cool bails of hay.

We made it into Springfield at around 3:00 in the afternoon. SHEW, what a LOOONG drive. ( 16 Hours total)

To be continued……………………….

A Tragedy Makes You Reflect…

2009-07-03T07:09:00.001-07:00

This past week a dear family lost their children in a tragic car accident. A boy, 5 and girl, 3. The mom and kids had set out on their day to go blueberry picking and never imagined that a horrific car accident would take the children’s lives and leave a mom with spinal injuries ( a rod was put in her back) and having to be sedated because of not being able to handle it all. I write this with a real heavy heart because as a mom I cannot even imagine this. Please pray for this family in the days ahead, their names are Craig and Crystal Hewitt. I didn’t know them personally but their story has touched everyone. They are Christians, which is a great blessing.

Makes me think about how short life is. Let us try to make the best out of the life we were given. Let us love those around us God has given us to love and not waste precious moments. I am a person who tends to worry and who sometimes wonders why me? Or I don’t understand why I can’t have this or that . Sometimes it takes a tragedy for some of us to wake up and just be EVER so thankful for what God has given us and for where we are in life!!!! ( 1 Thess 5:18)

I am certainly going to try harder. Because I have a lot to live for and I have MANY blessings. I am reminded of a message our pastor spoke a few weeks back from 2 Chronicles 20. When You need God!!! ( you are frantic!!)

1.) Focus

Stop everything you are doing

2.) Pray

get alone

kneel down

adoration

confession

thankfulness

supplication ( ask)

Out loud you can keep your mind focused if you are praying out loud.

3.) Stand where God stands.

He will do what you can’t (vs 17)

Jesus is LORD no matter what is happening in the world. Put our trust in HIM.

God is God in EVERY season

4.) Watch and Sing

have FAITH

This message really was encouraging to me especially watching the world today. I can be encouraged that I don’t have to depend on the president or some other official, or the stock markets, or be afraid of what may come my way because JESUS IS LORD and HE ALWAYS is!!!!

I will leave you with a precious little boy whom I am SO grateful to have and I am SO privaledged and HAPPY to have the chance to be his mom!!!!

Uncle ‘ Rolley ' Rolls Into Town!!!

2009-06-22T11:55:00.001-07:00

Ole came to visit us last week and we had a great time. Evan quickly warmed up to him and named him “ Rolley “ . We didn’t do a lot of exciting things but Ole was a HUGE help around the house. He fixed our flag holder, toilet seat, took wallpaper off in the bathroom and painted the back wall of our ledge in our living room.

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We did have some fun which usually involved eating. : )

Ole enjoying the whipped butter for the rolls at FATZ. ( noone tell his cardiologist, Please. : ) )

Ole most everyday went to the YMCA. He would actually walk from our house to and back from the YMCA. Might I add with the heat index the temp’s were close to 103 degrees. I was on hand incase he needed me to come pick him up. : ) One day Evan and I went to the Splash pad at the Y and Ole came after he worked out.

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One night we had a Storm that knocked out our power for around 5-6 hours. That didn’t stop Ole from reading/working.

Of course Evan and Ole had fun and it seems as if not only the heat wore Ole out but Evan too. : )

We had a great week. We had lots of laughs and great talks too. I love my brother and am so glad he made time to come stay with us!!!

Thank you Ole for all your work!! Thank you also for being a great encouragement to me. We miss you!!!!

Happy Birthday Tues!!! : )

Hangin’ Out!!!

2009-06-08T07:15:00.001-07:00

We had a busy weekend this past weekend. We saw Ole off on Saturday. ( He will be back : ) ) We headed to Dillon to drop Evan off at Grammy and papa’s. Then Eric and I quickly changed and headed to Florence to Dr Chung ( Youmans) and her new husband Darren’s wedding reception. They were married in Jamaica in April so had a reception Saturday for those who couldn’t go to the wedding.

The reception was very nice and we got to see and visit with some friends.

We then went to Red Bone Alley and ran into Shane, Crystal and their family and were able to visit with them a while too. We got back to Dillon around 10:00 P.M. Evan was in bed and we were soon to follow!!!! : )

We got home Sunday afternoon and Eric and Evan had some hangin’ out time!!!! : )

( notice the legs crossed…..TOO cute!!!)

Aunt Pretty Comes To Town…..

2009-05-27T19:16:00.001-07:00

Some of you may not know Aunt Pretty but a lot of you do…..Aunt Jacque. Evan calls her Aunt Pretty because when we were in Springfield one year over July fourth, we kept saying ‘Evan look…pretty’ ( meaning the fireworks) and he would look at Jacque every single time. So the name originated.

She came to visit for 10 days recently and we all had a great time. I will try to capture some of her visit.

She got in on a Thurs and we rested that day.

Evan playing with the ball grandpa K bought for him…

Evan playing with the bath toy Aunt Pretty brought him

Friday night we ate Southern BBQ. Saturday we went to the Zoo in the morning. Had lots of fun there.

I have no idea what Evan was up to……

And we went for Mexican for lunch….

Sunday we showed her where we go to church and ate Indian food for lunch.

Monday we took Evan to Monkey Joes. Its a play park with inflatables ( which he was terrified of : / )

But had fun running around and playing with his friend Shea

My friend Rebecca and I with me holding Zoe……

and coloring with Aunt Pretty

Tuesday we drove to Charlotte, NC. OF COURSE if Ethiopian food is near by WE will find it. : )

mmmhmmmm……..was it ever good!!!!!!

Then we went to a mall and let Evan plat in the play area….

Wednesday we just hung around. Thursday was the last MOPS for the year so we had a Tea. We were told to bring a teacup that perhaps had some meaning to you. Jacque and I brought teacups that Grandma Edna had painted. here we are holding them.

Jacque got to meet some of my really good friends.

Friday we just hung around…….

Evan was amused by Aunt Pretty blowing bubbles with her gum!!!

Friday night we took her out to eat….. at Macaroni Grill

And Jacque had a little time to talk to Eric even though he was working most of the time….

They look enthused, don’t they???? : ) Or maybe up to no good…..?

Saturday Jacque was to leave at 5:30 P.M. Eric thought it would be interesting for her to see some of down town Columbia.

We took her to the State Capital Building……

And to eat lunch at the Mellow Mushroom…..

Then off to the Airport!!!!

Before leaving home though we couldn’t let her leave without some family photo’s!!!!!!!!

We had such a great time!!!!! Come back and see us AUNT PRETTY!!!!!!!!!!!

Such a lucky, blessed Mom am I………

2009-05-11T19:43:00.001-07:00

This year we went to Dillon, SC, where Eric’s parents live, for Mother’s Day. It was a pretty day. We started out at 9:00 in the morning b/c we had a two hour drive. Evan was stylin’ and profilin’

We ate a delicious meal of ham, spinach casserole, beans, broccoli casserole and bread. Strawberry’s over almond poundcake for dessert. Then of course Evan had to head out to Evan’s Creek!! But before that we “ tried “ to take some family photos…..

Try #1

Try #2

Try #3

O well, I think we did pretty good overall!!!!

THEN Evan went out to the ‘Creek’…..

And took sometime to enjoy the rest of grammy and papa’s beautiful yard……

And talked to grandma ( his great grand mother)

And just had fun!!!!!

Made time for a popcicle…..

And was absolutely tuckered out at the end of the day!!!!

It was a nice day and I am so blessed to be Evan’s mommy!!!!!

One Pirate Ship, An Easter bunny, Dinosaurs, and a Stray Cow!!!

2009-04-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

Well, could be, I guess!!!???? The Pirates didn’t win this one!!!!

OH, and I guess we picked up the elephant somewhere along the way!!!

Evan Plays House!!!

2009-04-19T17:41:00.001-07:00

We got Evan a playhouse last weekend. We didn’t put it up til this weekend due to Evan and I being out of town.

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Evan enjoyed “helping” Eric and of course Eric was “glad” for the help!!! : )

And the end result:

Saturday Megan, Grace and Kate came to visit. We had lunch outside and then the kids had fun playing in the yard. We all had so much fun!!! They played in the house………

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and on the swings………

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( even Eric got into the fun, well, almost..)

and in the sand……

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Megan and I got to sit, relax (somewhat), and visit…..

And at the end of the day……..Evan was tired but still posed for a picture!!!!!

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Thanks girls for coming and playing for the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easter at the Lake!!!!

2009-04-13T13:53:00.001-07:00

We came up on Saturday for Easter weekend and Evan immediately went to play in the yard here at grammy and Papa’s

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Easter morning Evan woke up to his Easter Basket.

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Evan got some eggs, Chocolate bunnies, peeps and some wind up toys, and a spider and lady bug that makes noise……well, he’s a BOY!!!! : )

Then we were off to the Lake for lunch.

Evan had fun playing on the boat to nowhere with cousin Miller!!! : )

Miller hugging on Evan

Then they moved to the lake….

And Evan enjoyed some Evan and papa time….

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And us girls enjoyed some time “pretending” that we were out on the lake…..

And Evan spending some time with grammy…..

Evan had a big time!!!!!

Then we went back inside for a little rest….. however…..we weren’t excited about going in….

Evan and his great grandma

All in all I think Evan was tickled about his Easter day!!!!!

Morning with friends

2009-04-09T11:32:00.001-07:00

Rebecca, Shea and Zoe came over this morning. The boys played, we visited and Zoe, well she took it all in!!!!

I gave the boys bubbles that came in “ice cream” containers. Evan was really upset at first that it wasn’t real. OOPS!! My bad…..

Rebecca and Zoe enjoying the sunshine…..

Evan playing in the trees. ( Please notice the garbage bags in the background….those are all the leaves I have raked up during Evan’s rest time!!!!! WHEW!!!!)

Evan and Shea doing the “Bunny Hop” while I fixed lunch

Everyone happily eating hotdogs and chips. By the way, Evan ate THREE hotdogs today!!!

We had a very fun morning and enjoyed the Pattersons coming to play!!!

GO DIEGO GO!!!!

2009-04-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

For those who have no children or yours are too old, : ) , this is a cartoon that Evan really likes. SO, thus the shoes……

OH, and they have dinosaurs on them too ( Diego is rescuing them!!!)

Evan is really quite proud. And he is in size 7 already!!! Growing up!!!

Evan outside

2009-04-04T18:47:00.001-07:00

We finally got rid of the rain for a day so took advantage of the beautiful sunshine!!!

Evan loves his swing and when he wants to go higher he yells…” RUN FASTER” and his legs are like he is running . : )

We are teaching him to mow the yard…….just kidding, but soon though.

OKAY, this is a bit SCARY!!! Eric was trying to cut down this big bush and Evan wanted to sit in his lap!! Needless to say Eric waited to finish til Evan went in for his snack!!!

Then of course after all that he needed a bath ( and a short siesta while in the bath…HA!!!)

Then ready for bed, course we have to wear daddy’s shoes while winding down.

Easter Egg Hunt at Church

2009-04-04T18:37:00.001-07:00

Evan’s class plus a few other classes had their Easter egg hunt this morning.

They started off by making crowns to wear on their heads with easter eggs on them.

Evan making his crown………….

……..and dad wearing it.

They then had the Easter story read to them

And then off to the egg hunt. In these pictures I never got Evan’s face much because he was always looking down to find eggs…

After the egg hunt we all went back in for a snack. It was an iced cookie which Evan was really just interested in the sprinkles.

It was a fun time.

5 Wonderful Years!!!!!!

2009-03-27T10:36:00.001-07:00

5 Years ago today I married the most wonderful guy. Some of you may not know our story but the jist of it is God brought us together, no doubt about that!!! We’ve encountered good times and bad times along the way but we are best friends and love each other inspite of it all. We appreciate the love and support from our friends and family also!!!

And as a result of us finding each other, the most precious gift was given to us by God. How could I not mention Evan when he is the center of our lives.

And…well…although Eric thought this would work….. he is still trying to get me to be quiet!!! : ) No we are still loving each other and our lives together.

The Dutton International Food Quest

2009-03-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

It just so turned out that the Dutton’s had their own international weekend this past weekend. Eric’s mom came and painted our bedroom this past week/weekend. I will post some pictures of that, which however, has nothing to do with the international theme but….kill two birds with one stone!!!

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Friday night when all was said and done, we took Linda to eat Mexican food. Thus began our International food quest.

Then Saturday we drove to Charlotte for some shopping and then met friends for Ethiopean Food. We met Jeff and Melanie Freshour and Steve and Libby Newton and their 6 kids for supper.

Evan had never eaten Ethiopean food but LOVES Indian food so we didn’t think there would be a problem and there wasn’t. He ate it up.

Our plates at the Ethiopean Restaurant

Jeff and Melanie

Steve and Libby ( sorry i didn’t get a picture of all your kids guys)

The Duttons

We had a blast eating out with friends and had a good time catching up on what everyone has been doing the last several years. Jeff, Melanie, Libby and I were all in Kenya together.

Then we just couldn’t end the weekend without a Sunday lunch trip to the Indian restaurant. Eric and I started coming here when we lived in Florence and we would just drive to Columbia for shopping and then of course top it off at the Indian place. When we moved here coincidentally ( I promise : ) ) we moved right down the road from the restaurant. When I was pregnant with Evan this is pretty much what I craved and ate!!! Now we take Evan and he by far eats the best here out of anywhere to include my cooking.

Evan enjoying his plate of food. Most of the red you see on his plate is the Onion chutney which is his favorite. It is meant to be a condiment but for him it is the main dish. All it is is raw chopped onion with chili sauce. That’s my boy!!!!!

Thus ends the International food quest, I think we did pretty well.

Did Van Gough start in the bathtub??

2009-03-01T18:01:00.001-08:00

Perhaps We have an artist on our hands!! They have this great invention to keep kids entertained in the bathtub. Like Evan needed more entertainment, the splashing of water etc. provides plenty, however I indulged and got the crayons that could be used in the water. Safe to the tub/tile and the children ( who of course will draw on themselves!!). And I got the tablets that turn the water different colors. I tell you this so you won’t be alarmed at the color of Evan’s water in the pictures. No, he didn’t pee in it and we didn’t have river water from Kenya sent for him to bath in either. : ) Yellow was the color of choice this night and I must say after a while looked kinda……bad. All this said to say the crayons were a success and Evan loved them. As promised clean up was a breeze!!!

Notice the markings on his tummy ( he was proud of those)

Some of his artwork

Notice daddy’s artwork…..the chicken. : ) OH….and check out the river-like water. : / Ewwwww……..not sure I would want to sit in that but a little boy loved it!!!!

So he may have had just as fun splashing but I had to try the crayons out and they were a hit!!! by the way…….he STILL splashed plenty!!!! : )

By the way, I am playing around here with windows live writer and it is free. Was fun playing around with the pictures. And you can do a lot more also.

The Neighborhood Playground-----Phase 1

2009-02-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our neighborhood decided that we needed a playground, which I totally agreed. They came up with a budget I think that was around $80,000!!! I had NO idea a playground cost so much. Anyway they haven't raised much for it but have started with Phase 1 which is what you will see in my pictures. Below is a picture of what it should look like finished. We are having a lot of fun so far with it. It is within a short enough distance from our house that we can walk. ( we have a huge neighborhood) The finished product

The scenery at the playground ( not much to look at now but when the leaves are changing, it is beautiful!!)

Part of the play area

another part facing the water

Evan going down the slide

Evan "trying" to get through the tunnel

Evan playing ( all the equipment gives him static in his hair!!! : ) )

"See, I told you I could do it!!!!"

Evan climbing

Evan running

climbing

sweet smile

back home again ready for some lunch

BUONGIORNO!!! LA VITA BELLA!!

2009-02-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

As most of you know Eric and I were able to take a short trip to Italy a few days ago. Pardon these pictures as they are really not in any order BUT I know you have all been waiting to see them. We were mostly in Venice but stayed in a small town about 20 minutes away, Magliono Veneto, and were able to visit another small town called Treviso. We flew out of Columbia to Philadelphia. Flew across the ocean to Frankfurt, Germany and then caught a flight to Venice. Our plane in Philadelphia. It was a pretty big plane but not as big as some I have flown overseas on. It was real nice though and had on board movie entertainment , which was nice being able to watch movies for 7 hours as the trip gets real long after a while!!!! The served supper which was either Beef or Pasta. It was pretty good ( the carrot cake was the best. : ) )

The view flying into Venice was absolutely breathtaking!!! Flying over the Alps was definitely a highlight for me.

Venice from the air

Venice

The hotel we stayed at. We thought it was pretty nice and was within walking distance to the train station

This is a towel warmer : )

And the skinny beds

the rest of the room....we were able to get CNN in English

Eric riding on one of the trains. We figured that we rode on trains, planes and automobiles and also water buses, Gondola's, and trams.....

Tina at the train station in the town we stayed at

When we first got to Venice we rode on the water bus on the Grand Canal all around Venice

A little garden

This is for Debbie.....see the water IS right at their door!!!!

A church

A tower on another island

The famous pigeons in St Marco square. A side note....we were there for Italy's Carneval. After this day there were so many people there we didn't see the pigeons like this again. : )

St Marco

Tina on a bridge over a canal

Eric on a skinny street ( most of the streets are real narrow)

interesting trees

Canal at night

This picture is for Shelley.....this is their only dept store called COIN

some people dressed up

Where they park the Gondola's at night

A church near the train station in Venice

Tina feeding her face with the most wonderful snack!!!! Crepes with nutella!!!! YUMMMM!!!!

some more people dressed up for carneval

Tina on a skinny street

Eric being.....well.....Eric

leaning tower

another square near the water front

Street of the Dead

Eric walking on the street of the dead

We really did enjoy ourselves!!!! Our trip back was uneventful even though it was snowing like crazy in Frankfurt!!! We were so thankful that we had a safe trip and were SO excited to see Evan!!!! Thank you Papa and Grammy for taking such good care of him!!!!

Dora bothers me

2009-02-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

This is another observation from Eric, Spouse of Tina. So don't blame her for any politically incorrect comments or misspellings.

Evan the Boy occasionally watches TV. By occasionally, I mean he wonders about the house with his dinosaurs and other weapons of mass destruction while the TV is on. Only when Wonder Pets are on does the world stop. While not quite revered as Lenny, Tuck and Ming Ming (for the uninitiated, these are the Wonder Pets and, yes, I know the theme song), Evan does like Diego and his cousin Dora the Explorer.

But Dora bothers me.

Some have mocked that a boy shouldn't watch Dora because she is a girl. For us, this is not a problem. And the fact she hangs out with a monkey wearing red boots, albeit unconventional, is tolerable. Hey, it worked for Reagan, Tarzan and Michael Jackson. But Dora has a condition that must be more taboo to discuss than Obama's Dumboesque ears: She has a huge head.

I mean look at it. Sure she's a young girl and may grow into it much like a puppy grows up to fit its large floppy feet and ears. But maybe something is wrong. Maybe she has a tumor. Maybe she's a mongoloid. Maybe she simply has an undersized body (I can related, my body it oversized).

It must be a unique condition rather than genetic, because her cousin shows not such effects. See? Diego is a strapping young buck, gets homeschooled and strolls about the Amazon and Antarctic without parental permission.

But Dora's melon is just plain huge. It's 2.3 Citroens wide and 4.5 Citroens tall! Her noggin should weigh approximately 435 lbs. Yet she still manages to smile...

Not only is her head huge, it looks vaguely familiar. Do you see it too?

How about now? That's over 10.35 square Citroens of pure football goodness propped up on her stumpy neck!

The girl will never have a normal life. Check out these recent pics of her playing hide-and-seek with her boot wearing monkey...

Sure, life isn't always fair. Some of us were born short, others tall, some have hair, others have hair that is falling out every day faster than it is graying... But it made me think, what if my boy Evan was big-headed?

It could happen, I suppose. Note the fleet of dinosaurs deployed in front of Evan...

But poor Dora's list o' challenges keeps growing. Ever notice that she carries a backpack? I mean, she always carries her backpack. I wonder if she's hiding something...

If she went backpack-less, would we see something like this?

I was feeling sorry for the girl, but a quick search on the factually accurate Internet revealed other bigheaded, mongoloid hunchbacks in the world...

Trust me that the big baby melon on the left had a hunchback attached at one time, but it wouldn't fit thru the museum's door. But that's what meat saws are for. As for Teddy, Dora is actually beginning to look normal. And she can swim too.

In all, it does make you think a bit. A few days ago, Tina posted a blog on Evan's attempt at cosmetology via poo. Parenting has its own unexpected thrills. We are thankful our little monkey came with a healthy impact-proven melon, extra loud lungs, dent resistant arms and legs, etc. But putting into perspective, Dora has a great attitude and heart. We remain truly blessed our crumbcruncher has a wonderful attitude and huge heart. Without heart, what good are the 10 fingers and toes we so quickly count immediately after our little ones arrive.

So Dora's oversized skull may be an obvious "feature" (and it still bothers me) but the girl's got heart. Show your heart too, and give your kids an extra hug today...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC!!!!!

2009-02-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Today is Eric's birthday( he turned 41!!!!!) I had made him a key lime pie and the candles of choice were a #1 or #2 so #2 was the final decision!!!! I guess cause 2 is closer to 41???? Or maybe because 41 candles would have taken me WAY to much time to place!! : ) Anyway we had fun.

Eric's key lime pie!!!!

I got him a book by Tony Dungy called UnCommon

Do you think he can handle blowing out this candle??

Evan helped daddy open one of his presents: Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls

"Can I eat this?"

He did a pretty good job!!!!!!

Hope you had a great birthday, Sweet, and many more!!!!!!

I guess I missed the mom 101 course......OH that's right...there isn't one!!!!!!!!

2009-02-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Well, When you are "keeping up with Evan" I guess you have to take the good with the bad.......

I knew the day would come and we actually did have a small episode before but nothing to write about. I went in to get Evan from a nap. He was rather smelly. I picked him up and the smell was worse and right by his head!!!!!

Further inspection showed that he must have had his hand down his diaper. You guessed it.....he had poo smeared all over one side of his face, INTO his ear, and all in his hair on that one side. GROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We immediately went to the bath.

You know, when you find out you are going to be a mom you, or at least I, thought of this cute, adorable creature that coo's and thinks you are the sun and moon. AND don't get me wrong they are ALL that and MORE!!!!!

I never thought, nor did anyone bother to tell me, that I would be cleaning up spit-up constantly, or putting in suppositories when they are plugged up, sitting in the ER three days in a row with a horrible ear infection, giving breathing treatments, giving enema's, cleaning up poo from all over them.......and I could go on and on!!!! And I am sure I have not seen everything yet....

But this is all part of being a parent I am told and I wouldn't trade it for the WORLD!!!!! He has given us so much laughter, and joy in our lives!!!! I am truly blessed to have my little boy, poo and all!!!!!

Sorry.....no pictures would have been appropriate. : )

There be dinos...

2009-01-31T18:53:00.000-08:00

A quick note: Eric, spouse of Tina, is posting this entry. Tina has done a good job of showing the antics of La Famiglia Dutton (a little Italian lingo there), but after the sun sets and Evan is asleep, many daily activities begin. Here is my story. And it's all true.

Evan received a bag of small dinosaurs for his birthday. It wasn't very expensive, but there were about 23,000 dinosaurs of various shapes, sizes and species. He loves these little suckers and cannot wait to dump out the dino bag each day. Between playtime, snack time, meals, errands, housekeeping and prime Daddy-time, the dinos get scattered about. Once Evan is asleep, one of my jobs is to round up each of the 23,000 dinos.

This is not an easy task. First, these creatures are small. Second, they blend in quite nicely against our multicolored oriental rug. Fortunately, nature provided me with adequate nerve ending on my feet to find the sharp pointy teeth, claws and spikes. But most of all, Evan carts dinosaurs throughout the house and leaves them about like a trail of breadcrumbs. Evan is getting older and smarter, so he now makes my task of the great dino round a bit more challenging.

A common place for finding the remote, loose change or last week's burritos is between cushions, so this was the first place I looked after prying any creatures from the soles of my feet. Note the oriental rug in the background.

This guy was probably here for weeks because it only seemed natural to have dinos among the family pictures at this point.

You've probably called someone a "snake in the grass" before, but here is Evan's interpretation.

Having segmented flat surfaces screams "put something here" so Evan complied.

But sharing an endearing moment among Tina's figurines was unexpected.

Now I'm stumped. He likes sticking objects into the peephole, but it's 5 feet from the floor...

Tina enjoys keeping her Nativity scene up year round. I'm not exactly sure the shepards were keeping watch over a flock of T-rex's. Or maybe they showed up with the wisemen because they say "murrr, murrrrr, murrrrrrrrr". (for you Obama voters...gold, frankincense and myrrh, get it? Sheesh!)

Enroute to the kitchen, I spotted a potential escapee. Evan likes to go into our pantry, close the door behind him, then wait for someone to notice he's gone. This guy almost got away...

...but ending up in the toaster is just plain cruel.

We constantly remind Evan to not put the dinosaurs into his mouth because they're dirty. Apparently, he listened because the dishwasher had a platoon of reptiles in it.

Cold dino... I was getting something out of the fridge when I saw a red dino next to the milk. He blended in nicely with the peppers behind him. Note the jar of Evan's Front Range Salsa below the dino.

With the lights on, I never noticed this, but after I turned the lights off, another T-Rex was found suffering from radiation burns and chronic dizziness from the rotating turntable.

The fire was warm for us, especially for the big blue dino. Not officially part of the sack o' dinos, the guy seems to follow the pack nonetheless.

I have no idea how Evan did this. Mental note: clean the fan's blades.

This is usually a bad sign, or possibly the dinos are trying to run for cover while Evan sleeps.

Over the many nights since our house was invaded by dinosaurs, a few have gotten away. I admit that I could have recovered a few, but I didn't want to dry them off and flushing them seemed the right thing to do at the time. I try my best to find them all, but Evan is a sneaky little guy. I just finished counting the dinos and we're down to 21,477. I guess it's a sign that Evan is growing up and has outsmarted his old man about 1523 times...

And I look forward to being outsmarted 21,000+ more.

Evan's Fun Morning at the Zoo

2009-01-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

Lions, Tigers, and Bears..O MY....OH and a CHOO CHOO Train!!!
Momma and Evan riding ( we had the train all to ourselves)

Evan and the ostriches

Evan and the baby elephant you have seen pictures of him on before

WEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! is what he said everytime he went down the slide with a BIG grin

We went to the Zoo today and had a blast. We saw all kinds of animals, took a train ride ( which Evan kept calling the guy driving it SANTA because of his long white beard!! : ) ) And ended the morning at the Zoo play area where Evan LOVED to go down the slide. He is really growing up because he didn't even need my help!! I was able to sit back and relax!!! Then we went to Bojangles for lunch and then home for a much needed nap, for BOTH of us!! ; )

Some Snow is better than No Snow!!!!!

2009-01-20T08:49:00.001-08:00

We woke up to a light dusting of snow. The snow continued to come down til about noon or so but never stuck much. We went out and enjoyed what we had.......

Evan says "I am cold!!!!"

What IS this stuff!!!!!

I kinda like it....

YEA!!!!!

Wish we had more!!!!!

It's Alot Of Construction Equipment!!!

2009-01-18T17:35:00.000-08:00

Evan is growing out of his baby blankets and required a bigger blanket. So, his multi talented, wonderful, father made him one. It is plain yellow on one side and of course, COVERED in construction equipment on the other. Eric hard at work to get it precisely right, you gotta know him!!!
He is a trained professional, folks!!

.....and this is the outcome!!!! Pretty cute if you ask me!!!!

And Evan is here trying it out, eyes closed and all.

Modeling it in his bed......

...but then got worried because it wasn't quite bedtime. : )

Eric is taking orders........J/K!! : )

Evan's Artwork from Sunday School.....

2009-01-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

These are just a couple Of Evan's projects from Sunday school. I mean really what more can a two year old do?? Of course I am proud as pie of my little one and immediately display them on the fridge for all to see. But for those of you who don't come visit ; ) here is a glimpse:

This was around Christmas time
This was on the inside

Hmmmmmmm......this one....well....not quite sure the point BUT we'll go with you should always be thankful for the food?? : ) Really, I am always excited to look in his bag and see what he did that Sunday.

Varoooom!!!! Varooom!!!!

2009-01-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

Look out on the road folks!!!! Speed racer is in town!!!! Evan with his new Hot Wheels trike

Evan showing daddy how it's done ( because daddy hasn't been on HIS bike in over two years!!!)

But then of course we would rather PUSH it!!!!! Because that's what we would rather do with everything!!

I LOVE YOU this much mommy and daddy for buying it for me!! ( OH, and to Grammy too for helping mommy find it!! ; ) )

Evan is sure to have a blast with his friends and his new trike. Just remember to be careful while driving down Cedar Field Court!!!!!!!

A Big Boy Gets Bigger!!!!!!

2009-01-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

We are celebrating with Evan as this week he gave up his pacifier that he would only have at night time and nap time. He wasn't all too thrilled with the arrangement at first and quite frankly I didn't know if I would make it either!! : ) But after a few nights of crying I believe he has conquered it.

Now before nap he can be in his bed with a few books and he seems to like this and today went very well.

YEA EVAN!!!!! We are proud of you!!!!!!

Clean Up Crew Please!!!!

2009-01-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

This has been a slow blogging time so I thought I would show you what supper's here are often like, or rather the mess.... Evan enjoying what was at first Ravioli and corn which ended up all together. OH, and he saw me getting out sour cream for my chili so had to have some of that in there too. And then had to have some Frito's ( which was also to go with MY chili, which I would have given that to him but I like it hot and well if you knew what we had been through with him this week and his digestive system, you would have refrained also.)

Then of course we had to have Tangelos for desert.

Look at this face, well, it is far better than his hands!!!

Back to Life, Back to Reality.....

2009-01-05T11:59:00.001-08:00

We kept so busy during the holidays. And Having Eric home for a week and a half was so much fun. Afterwards always seems like a let down. You kinda have to regroup and get back in your routine. Evan "hanging" out!!!
Pretending to be Amish ( even with the tractor) : )

Playing with his pretend ice cream

And even resorting to wanting to wear daddy's shoes!!! Well, we are getting back to reality and I am trying to plan some special trips for Evan and I during the week to break up the monotony of just sitting at home. So hopefully I will have some interesting things to blog on but right now life is kinda boring BUT I am sure with a now two year old it will stay interesting!!!!

A Tribute to Little Kitty

2009-01-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

We rang in the New Year without one of our family members. Little Kitty died around 7:00 last night. We will greatly miss her. She was such a sweet little cat. She had a good 14 years.

Her brother and sister will really miss her ( she is in the middle)

She loved Evan........

but most of all she loved Eric. She would sit outside the bathroom door waiting for him to come out.

WE Love you little Kitty and will miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Evan's day of FUN!!!!!

2008-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Eric, Evan and I went to fun zone today. Evan had so much fun playing on all the fun toys and inflatables. Eric is off this week so Evan was so happy to have daddy there to play with him. Last time Evan and I went he was afraid of the inflatables. He warmed up to them this time and had a lot of fun.

" I am not so sure about this......"

Mommy and Evan

" Here I go......WHEEEEEE!!!!!"

Then after the fun zone we ran to sportsman's warehouse on an errand for Papa. Evan LOVED seeing all the deer.

We Have Been Invaded!!!!

2008-12-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

Evan got a lot of dinosaurs for Christmas. He and daddy had fun playing with them today!!!!

I think we may have to spray we have so many, we are infested with them!!! : )

Evan is sooo proud of his collection

Christmas 2008!!!!

2008-12-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

We started out Christmas Eve at Eric's parents house. We enjoyed visiting there with them and Uncle Shawn and Aunt Shelley who drove from Denver. Evan enjoying his Christmas Eve meal. ( notice his foot on the table...I have a picture of me when I was little eating with my foot on the table. He definitely is his mamma's boy!!!!)

Everyone enjoying the meal.

After the meal we opened up presents which of course Evan was the highlight of the night. He had a blast!!

Here he is playing with his new tool workbench. Perhaps he will enjoy working with wood like his daddy and papa.

On Christmas day we traveled an hour to North Carolina where Eric's extended family is. We ate dinner and opened presents there and then went back to Eric's folks house. Here Evan is getting his guitar.

Evan had a great time playing with his cousin Miller who is 6 months older.

Evan and Miller

Daddy and Evan looking at Evan's new book. We had a great Christmas and hope yours was good as well!!!! For those of you we got to see we had a great time, for those we didn't we missed you!!!

Christmas Cactus!!!!

2008-12-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

It may not feel or look like Christmas in South Carolina but my Christmas cactus knows it is!!!! It is in full bloom. And OH, so PRETTY!!!!! I just love them. I have had this one since Eric and I have been married and cannot believe I haven't killed it!!!! HA!!!!

Evan's Two year Old Pictures

2008-12-22T13:03:00.001-08:00

We recently had Evan's two year old pictures done. I cannot believe we have a two year old and in the same thought I am not sure what we did without him. We are so privileged to be his parents and he is such a joy to us and many others!!!!

He loves to beat on a drum, well really anything!!!! : )

We took him today for his Two year old check up. Dr. said he is doing very well!!! He weighs 31.5 pounds, is 36 1/4 inches long, and he is off the charts, meaning he is a tall boy for his age!!!! Evan was VERY pleased that he didn't have to get any shots today and doesn't have to go back til he is THREE!!!!

Happy Birthday Evan!!! Big # 2

2008-12-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

We started out the week with an outside cupcake party of sorts with the little boys in the cul de sac and Evan's good friend Shea. We took Evan's picnic table out to the driveway and the boys had a great time.

Singing Happy Birthday!!!

Evan and Shea all serious about their cupcakes

Then on Evan's "real " birthday, the 19th, Eric's parents came to celebrate with Evan.

Grammy made a cute little cake with a tractor on it.....Evan LOVES tractors!!!

Then we opened presents and Evan got quite a variety of presents, to include this snake. The next morning I was going into my bathroom to discover a green tail showing in my bathtub and was startled for a moment and realized Evan had brought his snake in and dropped it into the tub!!! He is starting to scare momma already and didn't have a clue.......or did he??? ( Perhaps his innocent dad put him up to it.....)

And of course the dinosaurs......

Uncle Jon, Aunt Pam and Bethany sent this pirate ship to Evan for his birthday and he has just loved it, because you see he also loves pirates and was saying " ARRGG " while playing with it. Um.....Not sure but.....I think Eric is having a little fun too!!!! : )

We went and ate barbecue for supper and ended the day with a light show through one of the parks here in Columbia. Here is a pretty Peacock!!!!

Evan had a great Birthday and we are excited to see him grow. He is such a good, funny little boy!!!

Family Pictures for 2008!!!

2008-12-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

We went for family pictures on Friday. I think they turned out pretty well considering Evan really wanted to be everywhere other than where he needed to be!!!!!!

WHOA!!!! That was a balancing act for sure!!!!

....and I am still cute!!!!!!!

Some of Evan's Favorites!!!

2008-12-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to start having a special ornament every year for Evan. Something that is special to him at certain stages of life. Then when he gets older he can have them. I couldn't find much to be excited about this year so I found the templates online for the Wonder Pets which he dearly loves. I had fun doing them. Tuck, Ming Ming and Lennie
He also loves dinosaurs.

I did this tree for me last year and this year Evan just loves it. He can name almost all the animals.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas......

2008-12-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

We are trying to look like Christmas even though we have no snow. It's pretty chilly though. Front of our house

Our Christmas tree

Evan loves the Christmas tree ( and rearranging it )

I am about to poke my eye out!!!

But I just gotta reach it....... probably the dinosaur ornament!!!

"Time Out" in the 21st century

2008-12-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

Mitzi came over tonight with her two boys to visit. Evan had to sit in time out and was not happy about it. After a few seconds of crying, Noah joined him.......
......and then Little David......so Evan ended up having a support group.

Blowing up Santa!!!

2008-12-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

( You thought explosives were involved....come on admit it!!! : ) ) We got a Santa for outside this year and because it rained for two days straight, decided to blow it up in the house. Evan really likes him. Evan and Santa

Evan, Santa and......Sable???

" SABLE!!!!!" ......." What??? OH am I not supposed to be on the bed???"

Thanksgiving Day!!!!

2008-11-29T11:53:00.001-08:00

We went to the Lake to have Thanksgiving with Eric's family.Evan had a pre-dinner sucker ( which he calls ice cream, go figure )Then came the ham......Evan LOVES ham......and he ate...................................and ate.................................... and ate some more!!!!!!!!!
Then it was time to play

he and papa played on the boat to nowhere

And then Evan got tired and we went in for dessert. We really did have a nice, relaxful day with family!!!!

Day After Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T11:28:00.001-08:00

Evan had his first event of playing in the leaves and he really enjoyed himself!!!!

Evan and momma

Eric and Tina posing real nice and then.......

Eric taking her DOWN!!!!

Evan really would have rather picked berries off the Pyracantha bush with Papa

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

2008-11-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

I am writing my Thanksgiving message early because I will be leaving soon to go to Florence/Dillon. I am filling in the dental office there tomorrow. And then will spend Thanksgiving with Eric's family in NC.

I wanted to wish everyone a Very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!! I truly have a lot to be thankful for!!! I would love to sit here and list all that I am thankful for but it would take too long. Just know for sure I am thankful for each and every one of my family and friends!!!!!!!

Be safe and take time to remember what we are thankful for!!!!!!

Terrible Two's?????

2008-11-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I think Evan defined the meaning of terrible two's. He was impossible. He was fussy and threw tantrums like I have never seen him do before. Eric and I just looked at each other like " WHAT do we do??". Obviously something was bothering Evan because he has been much better today or perhaps God just knew we had about all we could handle yesterday!!!!

All in all we have been very fortunate to have such a good little boy!!!!! He is just growing up!!!! : (

Evan tried out daddy's hat a few day's ago and today it's his shoes!!!!
How can we stay mad at a face like this!!!!

Look Doc, I CAN scribble!!!!

2008-11-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

For those of you who remember the blog from when I think Evan was 15 months old and the doctor made an issue over him not scribbling......well......here you go Doc!!! We won't have that issue at my 24 month old visit!!!!! Evan loves his chalk board he got for an early Birthday present. Check out the hair!!!!
I try to get the hair to lay down to no avail, its cute though.

To Be A Kid Again..........

2008-11-16T16:30:00.000-08:00

No cares in the world....... just excited to be wearing daddy's hat!!!!!

It's A Technique

2008-11-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

Why not brush our teeth in our clothes hampers???

WonderPets Get A New Member!!!!

2008-11-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Lennie (guinea pig), Tuck (turtle), and Ming Ming ( duck) too........Oh and Evan (the monkey)!!!! For those who have never had kids or they are too old for this, this is one of Evan's favorite cartoons. If you are interested click here. I found these PJ's at a ridiculously cheap price, cape and all!!!! : )

He is pondering on which animal to save next......

Eva's 90th Birthday Bash!!!!

2008-11-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

We went to North Carolina over the weekend for Eva's ( mamama) 90th birthday party. For those who do not know Eric's family, this is his grandmother. Evan got to see a lot of family and friends he has never met. It was a fun time despite him being a little sick. Mamama, Eric and Evan
Evan and his cousin Miller, who is 6 months older, had a great time finally being able to play with each other. Here they are getting some words of wisdom from their great grandmother.

Evan and daddy playing with the balloons

Evan sporting a cute outfit!!!! It had a puppy dog and a little bee on the pant leg and little paw prints on one sleeve of his shirt.

Most of the time he was playing in the plants.

He and Miller chillin' ( Evan for 5 seconds)

Evan showing miller how to dance!!!

POOR EVAN!!!!!

2008-11-01T15:30:00.001-07:00

Evan has definitely had a hard time as of late. Back in Sept he had a bad cold with a little wheezing. Then two weeks ago had the same thing only a little worse. He started yesterday with a continuation of the same but is a lot worse and coughing real bad . So........ we took him today to the doctor and he has the beginnings of an ear infection and they decided he needed to be on a nebulizer ( gives Albuterol), and a powerful antibiotic. When we gave him the first treatment at the doctor's office he screamed!!!!!! At home it has been a little better because we have distractions. ( Thank you Wonder Pets!!!) We have to do this every four hours for a few days then as needed. Evan getting his first treatment at home. ( ignore the way mom looks....TIRED.....and if you think I look bad you should see Eric!!!! : ) After a few sleepless nights you would look like this too.
BUT.....check out the cute Penguin nebulizer. We call him " Hop". Don't ask me, Evan came up with it!!!!! I ask you to just pray for Evan to have a speedy recovery and get over this quickly as he is a very busy boy. BY the way Shelley, we'll bring your jacket tomorrow!!!!!

A Mouse!! A Mouse!!!! YIKES!!!!

2008-10-31T14:41:00.001-07:00

It's OK folks, they are just made out of candy!!!!!!

Thought I would get creative for Halloween!!!!

And leave you with a picture of the family!!!!!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!

2008-10-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

We went to Boo at the Zoo last night and had a blast. Evan didn't wear his Pirate costume but he did wear a Halloween shirt.

A light display

Evan and daddy going through a maze......

Evan trick or treating ( mostly treating!!!)

They had a bubble machine which is the highlight for most of the kids!!!

Evan and momma

Evan looking REALLY scared!!!!!

A pretty end to the night.

Is This The Life Or What!!!!!

2008-10-29T11:10:00.001-07:00

Evan has had a few days of just chillin'. Weather has been a little cooler out so we usually don't go out to play until later afternoon. To get the full meaning of this picture one REALLY needs to know Evan's dad. Eric has always, at least since I have known him, would rather be on the floor with his head propped up on " something". Usually the harder the " thing " the better. Evan is definitely taking after his dad!!!!
And then another pose........ must be great......BUT WAIT.....take a look at these two......

This REALLY is the life!!!!!!! ( our cats Puddy and Rafiki)

A Cul-De-Sac Full Of Boys!!!!

2008-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

We live in a cul-de-sac and most of us here have little boys. They have a lot of fun playing together. They range from ages 4 years - 3months old . On this particular day, one of the mom's told the boys if they would all go sit down she would bring everyone a pumpkin cookie. They all sat so good all in a row. It makes for fun afternoons!!!! And us mom's get a little visiting in also ( when we are not running after all of them!!!). : )

Intellectual Evan

2008-10-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Evan went to Grammie and Papa Dutton's house this last week so I don't have too much to blog or pictures!!!! He had a blast at their house and got spoiled real good, isn't that what is supposed to happen??? : ) I worked one day out of the week and celebrated my Birthday the other days. Eric and I had a real nice time Tues night when he took me for a Birthday supper. He took me to the Melting Pot which is a really cool fondue restaurant. It was nice to be just the two of us for a little while.

We missed Evan so much though and could not wait to get him home. The house was lonely and VERY quiet!!!!!! So I leave you with just a funny picture of Evan. He likes my reading glasses I got to do cross stitch so we got him a pair ( took out the lenses of course!!).

Not QUITE Ready for the Tour De France.....

2008-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Eric's friend from work gave Evan this bike that his kids used to ride. So.....Eric and Evan set out to lower the seat and make some minor adjustments.Of course Evan is a HUGE help.......

........Only thing is, although we have a tall boy he still can't reach the pedals much less know yet what to DO with them........

So, daddy pushes.......

And Evan decides , as with most things, it if by far more fun to push the bike himself!!!!! Isn't that a nifty handle though!!!!! As I said, he is not quite ready for this yet but in no time he will be speeding around the cul-de-sac!!!!!!!

A Witch Perhaps????? NAH........

2008-10-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

We have been trying on costumes for halloween. Although this is darling we decided that Evan didnt look quite right in this costume!!!You will just have to wait and see what he chose though!!!!!

WELCOME Zoe Cate!!!!!

2008-10-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

Our friends Eric, Rebecca, and Shea welcomed a baby girl , Zoe Cate, into their family Wed October 1st!!!! She was 6 lbs 9 Oz and 18 1/4 inches long. We rejoice with them as they are excited about their new arrival!!!!

Three generations

2008-09-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Evan and his two pals.

Future Dentist Maybe???

2008-09-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Evan likes to inspect peoples teeth. Maybe he will follow in my footsteps but go a step further!!!

Misc. Pictures

2008-09-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Evan visiting with Papa
Evan "helping" daddy with yard work

Evan ready to go to church

I took this at a local Toys R Us store recently. Is this a bargain or what!!!!!!!!

Are we Greek? No....but we LOVE the food!!!!!

2008-09-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

We went to the Greek Festival they have here in Columbia every year. We used to go when we lived in Florence but it wasn't near as big. There are all kinds of vendors and food kiosks. We ate Greek meatballs over orzo in a lemon sauce, salad and a greek spinach pastry. It was sooooo yummy!!! Ya'll come go with us next year!!!!!!

Evan had a lot of fun. He ate all the food on his plate and enjoyed watching the little boys and girls dance.