A perfect end to spring break

On Saturday Ryan wanted to spend the day with his beloved chainsaw, but I was determined to do one more family outing before he went back to work.  So we made a deal and he cut down one tree before we were off on our adventure.  We decided to go to Ender's State Forest, a short 20 minute drive from us. We packed a lunch and took off!

 There were 6 different falls along the trail.  This was our favorite one.

There was a large trail that ran parallel to the river, perfect for a little boy who doesn't want to be held.

He still had to hold our hand when going down the smaller trails to each lookout spot

and be held when near the falls.

Here is the first falls, you can hear it from the parking lot. We loved it here, we only saw one other family while we were exploring the different falls.

He would have dove right into the water if we let him!

Another one of the falls, Ethan was struggling to get out of my arms the entire time!

I'll admit it, it made me nervous to have Ethan so close to the edge. Ryan always got so much closer!

I really wasn't on the edge, there was a ledge beneath me!

Ethan loved the waterfalls, we will definitely be going back!

After returning home, Ethan and I both took a nice long nap while Ryan went back out to do some yard work.  We had a delicious crockpot dinner and then Ethan and Ryan got ready for a bike ride.  Our nice neighbors noticed that I didn't have a bike and loaned me one until I get my own in a few weeks.  So we all headed out for a ride around the neighborhood and down to the lake.  It was a wonderful day and I can't wait for Ryan to be off for the summer! Good thing there are only 37 days left!

Boston!

Ryan had his spring break this week and so we decided to head up to Boston for two days.  We stayed with my uncle and aunt and enjoyed spending time with them (and the delicious dinner!) Thanks George and Lynell for the wonderful visit!

Since they live about 20 minutes from the Boston Temple, Ryan and I headed there while George and Lynell watched Ethan. The temple is small and sadly under used, so they were very excited when we came in.  We had a lovely time and it is always a beautiful experience.

Ethan had a great time with George and Lynell, he didn't even care when we left! Ethan only goes where he wants to go, so they followed him as he explored their yard and had fun playing in the dirt.  They even took him to a pond, it was the perfect day for a little boy who loves to be outside.  Lynell took the first picture as he was finally starting to slow down. When we returned he had just fallen asleep and he just looked so cute snuggled up in George's arms.

 The next morning before heading into the city, Ethan had to get his wiggles out and took us on a tour of the yard. Good thing he isn't big enough to open the gate yet!

The first stop in Boston was the Boston Public Garden to see the Make Way for Ducklings Statue.  Ethan was not impressed.

The flowers were gorgeous in the garden.  We definitely need more than the one lonely tulip in our yard next spring.

After walking through the garden and down Commonwealth Avenue we headed back to the Boston Common for a picnic.  Lynell, George and I relaxed while Ryan chased Ethan all over the park.  After we visited Quincy Market and we then walked along the waterfront.  The weather was perfect for a stroll through the beautiful city.  Ryan and I saw many great ideas for our own yard.

One last picture, when we parked at the metro station, we noticed the car next to us had unbaked cookies in the back of the car.  When we came back, they looked about halfway done.  I hope whoever was baking the cookies enjoyed them on their way home from work!

We're Back!

Its been awhile, so I figured I should let you know we are still around! There is too much to tell so here are some pictures from our latest adventures. Warning: There are a lot of pictures!

We've gone to visit my grandmother several times. He always has fun there and loves to sit with Granny. The last time we were there, he was by the front door when the mail came through the mail slot and it scared him to death! Poor guy, but who wouldn't be scared when paper unexpectedly comes shooting out of a door?

He loves to help out whether its dragging the rake around outside or pulling the broom around the kitchen. Lets hope he still wants to help out when hes actually old enough to!

He has no fear and constantly tries to run into the road.  We have to work on that one.

One of his favorite toys outside is his stroller, we just pop out the seat and he is able to steer it all over the driveway.

When he goes to sit on the front steps, he has to back up to them, he looks so funny and I always he thinks he needs a back up beeper like my parents old van :)

I just had to take a picture, hes such a cute sleeper!

He is a great walker, but we have to hold on to him near the water or he'll jump right in.

We always needs to ride the swings on our walks.  I just wish Ryan would tell me I have hair in my face, most of the pictures of Ethan and I are cursed with stray hairs. Grrr!

Its haircut time!  Good thing Daddy does such a good job!

Whats better than getting a ride around the yard with Daddy?

Ethan thinks he owns the yard and can go where ever he wants. When he looks that cute, I'm not going to stop him. 

Here is his big boy haircut.

Here is Ryan's new toy, his chainsaw. He hopes to cut down most of the brush and trees on the edges of our property by the end of the summer.  I am not going near that thing with a ten foot pole. I like my limbs and want them to stay where they are!

Just another cute picture, I really had to narrow them down or this would go on forever!

Yesterday, Ryan and I spotted this in our backyard.  Now I think we have seen all the local wildlife hanging out in our yard.

My Mom, Ethan, Jack and I went to the University of Hartford's Community Day.  Ethan and Jack had tons of fun and both got free helmets. We got a bike trailer last week for Ethan to ride in and Ryan fixed up a bike from my parents.  Now all I need is a bike and we are set to ride the local greenway trails!
 

So thats it for the pictures, we did have a great Easter and Ethan loved running around the yard with his cousins, unfortunately we didn't bring our camera so no pictures.  If we had, we would have taken one of Ethan the cookie monster.  He kept going into the kitchen and coming back with a chocolate chip cookie. We wondered who kept giving them to him, so we followed him to see that he was helping himself to the plate! He could reach farther back on the table then we thought. He was covered in chocolate but one happy boy!

Oh and some might have noticed that Ethan was wearing a big brother shirt in some of the pictures. Yup, our little guy will have a sibling coming at the end of October!  We are very excited for this new addition to our family :-)