We've had a really rough couple weeks around here with Evan working on his 2nd molars. They are still not all the way through but at least he's a little less irritable now and actually wants to play.

Evan loves to pretend. He's always making up something! Here is his "firetruck" that he made this morning....


While he and I are were sitting on the firetruck, this is the conversation we had:

Evan: What kind of trees do you see out the window?
Me: Palm Trees, Oak Trees, and Pine Trees
Evan: Yeah, me too! And I see a kitty (our cat, jack).
Me: Do you think he wants on the firetruck too?
Evan: No, he's got his own firetruck. When he grows up to be a person he can drive his firetruck.


I actually took this next idea after looking at my friend, Michelle's, blog. I gave Evan dried pasta to use as "dirt." I'm always telling him to pretend so he was excited when he actually had something to dump out of the dump truck and garbage truck.



When he got bored with the "dirt" we turned it into his name. He got bored with that after only doing the E & V so we'll have to finish it later.


Evan also loves stickers. I got to the point where I hated stickers because it felt like they were just a waste of money when really they just end up all over my house and I throw them away. So, I came up with a "sticker book." I just used an old scrapbook that I'll probably never use for anything else. I let Evan put his stickers in it as I wrote next to them what he said about them. I figured this way we're creating something that we can look back on!





Evan is growing up fast and sometimes I just need to remember to take time to pretend, create, and just spend time with my little guy.

Fire Station

Evan and I were able to tour the High Springs Fire Station on Saturday with the Mom's Group from our church. One of the mom's husband is a Fireman at the station.

Evan wasn't so sure about going inside at first...


But when he found out he could get IN the firetruck then I could hardly get him out!


The kids got to try on firefighter gear. Megan could hardly stand up with the air tank...


Evan trying on the face mask...

Megan and Evan wanted to climb back in the truck...


I think I spent half the time just saying "no don't touch that!"


They were in awe of the fireman with all his gear...

I think there were about 10 kids that visited the fire station and they all seemed to enjoy it. Thanks Susan for making that happen!

Ft Collins, Colorado

A few weeks ago I was able to get out of town for a little vacation. I went to see one of my best friends from college, Amanda, and her new husband, Geoff. It was wonderful! Just being able to relax and only take care of myself for a few days was amazing. I would recommend that to ALL you stay-at-home-moms!

I flew into Denver on a really clear day! The snow-capped mountains were beautiful. Amanda picked me up and we drove to Boulder to relax at the Celestial Seasonings Tea Room. We took the little tour of the factory and then just chilled-out, drank free hot tea, and caught up on life.

On Sunday I was able to help Amanda with her Kindergarten Class at church, sit it on their membership class, and then worship. Its always nice to have a break from your own church and experience how God is working on the other side of the country.


Monday I went with Amanda to her new job at a school doing the K-5 before and after school program. Monday night's at the Olmstead's house is pizza and tv night! We ordered pizza, watched some of Geoff and Amanda's favorite shows, and then they attempted to make brownies. I'm pretty sure all they had to do was add water and bake....but it seemed to be a challenge:)

Amanda took me to "Old Town" in Ft. Collins. We had fun wandering in and out of the shops and posing for fun pictures on the walking streets...




On the way back to the airport to say our sad goodbye, We pulled over to take a few mountain pictures. Of course I've seen mountains before but seeing the range covered in snow during the winter was a first for me!



Thanks Geoff and Amanda for letting me visit! I had a wonderful little vacation and look forward to hosting you when you get the chance to come to Florida!

Sea World

At the end of January we took a little trip to Orlando. Joel had a bunch of meetings while we were there but in our spare time we were able to visit with our good friends, the Osorio's, and we took Evan to Sea World for the first time. He wasn't really feeling very well the 2 days that we went so I'm looking forward to taking him back again when he can enjoy it more.

Sea World, Part 1:
Joel was working so Evan and I went by ourselves in the morning....


Trying to touch the sting rays...


Watching the dolphins swim...


Sea World, Part 2:
Joel had an evening break from work so we went back and spent a couple more hours....




Wahoo! We can ride some kiddie rides....


We ended our day with the Shamu Show....pretty impressive!


Tori, Ryan, and Owen were able to come spend the evening with us! We gave owen his late birthday/Christmas present...

The boys were able to play a little before taking a bath and heading to bed....