Happy Halloween!

We went to the Church Halloween party on Saturday Night. Anna had been looking forward to dressing up and getting candy for weeks, literally. It's all she ever wanted to talk about. Of course on Saturday she didn't want to wear her costume. She'd been telling everyone, even perfect strangers, that she was going to be a butterfly for "Howleen." So, Anna did end up putting it on and we managed to get a few pictures.

Ethan and I didn't dress up this year. I did wear a burnt orange shirt and Ethan got a pumkin sticker put on his head when we got there...so we were still fesitve-ish.

Oh, the picture of Anna hugging her friend Jackson (a farmer for Halloween) is just so typical. Whenever they see each other they always hug...and hug....and hug...and hug. Finally we have to say enough is enough. Then they go on to ignore each other the rest of the time they are together. Kids are so random!

Another Sweet Cheeks

Many of you already know that we are expecting another little sweet cheeks. I am 16 weeks along, due at the end of March. My ultrasound is scheduled for Nov. 9th, and of course we're going to find out what we're having - I hate surprises. This video is of Anna talking about and to the baby. She is really excited about it and will randomly talk about how she is going to take care of the baby when it comes out...mainly by feeding it lots of bottles and taking it on stroller rides. They will be about 2 1/2 years apart, and I just know that Anna is going to be an awesome big sister. We wanted her to be part of sharing the news with you. (See the video clip below.)

Race Against Tobacco

A couple weeks ago Ethan and Andrew competed in a half Marathon (13 miles), Race Against Tobacco. For the spectators (myself, Anna, Grandma Susan and Grandpa Chuck), it was a beautiful sunny day in the 60's out at Little Presque Isle. The race was pretty brutal - lots of rocks, steep climbs, and intense trails. Many of the runners coming in were scratched up, some were limping, and we even saw someone being carried in by a fellow runner. So, not a race to get a "best time" on, but Ethan and Andrew both finished, unharmed, and we had fun going out to support them. Here is a picture of Andrew striking a pose as he comes in for the finish.

Anna and the Play-doh.

I've been trying to add a video of Anna for a while now, and the Blogger website recently made it a whole lot easier. So, here it is: We start with Anna singing one of her favorite songs (Twinkle, Twinkle) which she quickly looses interest in and fades out. Then she has a little melt down, but soon recovers. Finally, we talk about her play-doh jewelry mentioned in my last posting. It's not great quality, but enjoy!

Play-Doh!!!

Anna is turning into such a girly-girl. Ethan and I pride ourselves in how well rounded Anna is. She loves cars and trucks and balls and babies and jewelry and dresses. However, about a month ago Anna has started to only request dresses if we ask her what she wants to wear. She then tells everyone she sees that day, "Anna, pretty dress." Anna is always talking about pink things and wants to wear pink. We were playing with play-doh the other day and the only thing she wanted us to make was jewelry. Good grief. She still likes the other stuff, but this girly side is beginning to take over. Part of me thinks its adorable, and part of me hopes it's just a phase.

Anna Turns TWO!!!

It took me a while to get Anna's birthday pictures up...in case you didn't notice. I know, I know, I've been slacking. Anna had a bug themed birthday party with a few of her friends this year. We chose bugs because she's been super interested in them since this past spring.  I still tried to make the bug theme cute and girly.  :)  Anna loved having a birthday...a little too much. Yeah, this year it went to her head a bit. Ethan's birthday is 5 days after Anna's, and she just could not comprehend how it could be anyone elses birthday besides her own... now that she'd experienced the full glory of having a birthday.  Ha. 

I don't really consider myself a crafty, 'cutesy' kind of person, but sometimes I try (and I LOVE the "planning" part of it).  I really think Anna's party turned out so adorable, if I do say so myself. hehe.  :)  I loved how it all came together.  Although, I don't think I'll do another "kid party" for a while. OK, there was bug themed food, gift bags (home made and personalized :), decorations (home made), a bug book I read, bug games and music. It's not in any of these pictures, but the kids put on little antennas I made for them and played a Bee game...adorable.  It involved a song and "stinging" the person that rhymed in.  :)  I had hid bugs around the yard and in the sand box before the party, and the "find the bugs" game was a big hit.  It was too cute!  It was just so much fun; I loved planning it for and with Anna! 

So happy birthday to my precious, little Anna! I love her so much and cannot imagine my life without her. Anna is so sweet, funny, kind, outgoing, quirky, serious, smart, beautiful, EVERYTHING! I say this about every stage that she's in, but I love, LOVE, having a two year old. It is hilarious, fun, draining, and rewarding. Being a mom is the best! I am so blessed to have Anna as my daughter.