You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid!

Ethan's new favorite store is Bass Pro Shops. He and Chris love going in and playing the game where you "shoot" the rattle snakes, skunks, bear, and other targets. Personally, I thought he was a little young to learn all about guns, but he and Chris evidently decided otherwise.

For Christmas, they have a special set up where kids can try out nerf crossbows and a laser version of the Red Ryder BB gun. (Gee..nothing says "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to men" like kids practicing their shooting skills, huh?)

Dad giving him a few pointers before letting him shoot on his own.

The gun's as big as he is! (Maybe bigger!)

Oops...the arrow wasn't supposed to go that way, was it? (Good thing it's Nerf!)

"I got it, Dad!"

Getting Ready for Christmas

For the past two Christmas seasons, I've wanted to make a gingerbread house with Ethan, but thought he was too young to really be able to do much. This year, though, I decided we were going for it! I totally cheated and bought a kit, rather than make the gingerbread myself. (Hey, I'm lucky if I find time to take a shower by noon everyday, I wasn't going to spend my ten free minutes a day trying to bake gingerbread this year!) It was perfect! Ethan thought it was great fun to stick the candy on the house, although I think he stuck one piece in his mouth for every piece that went on the house.

Juggling

A good friend once told me that when you add a new child in your family, it's like learning to juggle. Well, let's just say it's a very good thing that I never decided to join a carnival, because I still am learning one month after Addyson joined us! Fortunately, Chris was home for the first 10 days after she came home from the NICU, and then my mom and brothers were here for a week. This past Wednesday was my first day alone with both kiddos. My biggest accomplishment was being able to make it to the post office that day. (I started with that goal around 9am, and we made it just before it closed at 4:30!) We've gotten a little better since then, but we're still finding our rhythm.

Ethan sharing his favorite pirate hat with baby Addy.

It was so great having my family here to help!!

The little angel!