Fall or Winter?

It sure feels like Fall in Knoxville...maybe even Spring since the boys wore shorts to school this week. Of course Winter is coming in the form of Winter Storm Cato right as we plan to drive to Washington DC. We are going to attempt the trip today and pray for clear skies and roads!

Here are some pictures from our afternoon of "raking."

Air Jackson!

Long and lanky. We've currently nicknamed Ethan "Noodles" due to his long limbs. 

I love these moments. 

Happy Fall Ya'll! (Or Spring...Winter...)

Zoo Trip!

Last week I helped chaperone Jackson's class on their field trip to the Knoxville Zoo! I didn't lose any children!

We started with the camels. Jackson was nice enough to pose for a VERY quick picture. 

Cruising in the zoo jeep.

Playing with the otter. 

A Jack-owl!

Thanks for a fun time first grade!

May the Force Be with You

We had a great Halloween dressing up as the cast of Star Wars. Mom and Dad were Han Solo and Princess Leia, while Ethan was Darth Vader, and Jackson was Luke Skywalker. 

Due to some freakishly cold weather, we started with indoor trick or treating at a retirement community. We then RAN through a couple neighborhoods (in freezing rain) to ensure our buckets were overflowing. Despite the cold, Halloween 2014 was a success!

This is Ethan, I mean Darth, on the 30th on our way to Trunk or Treat at the school. Jackson and Dad skipped the event for soccer (I think Jackson would choose soccer over Disney World). 

Darth Vader was ready! Luke Skywalker was annoyed by his costume. He is not a fan of dressing up, but he quickly forgot about it once candy came into the equation. 

Andrew and I couldn't resist being Han Solo and Princess Leia!

Bobcats. Roar!

Ethan and Jackson joined cub scouts this year. Ethan is a Webelos, and Jack is a Tiger Cub. On Sunday we enjoyed a hike at the University of Tennessee Arbetum, and both boys were awarded their Bobcat badges. 

Good job Scouts!

Dollywood

We celebrated Ethan's 10th birthday at Dollywood. We consider ourselves to be amusement park-enthusiasts, and Dollywood did not disappoint. Best part of the day -no lines! Not one! I foresee season passes under the Christmas tree this year. 

Mom and the birthday boy - ready to ride!

The newest ride - Soarin' Eagle. Jackson and Dad loved it. Mom and Ethan skipped it. 

Cute little owl babies. 

Mom and Dad rode this once and got soaked. It was chilly this day so we were okay only riding it once. The boys just rode it over and over. Thank you no lines!

Great day!

TEN

Here are some highlights as we honored Ethan being a decade old. 

Spine was so anxious to wish Ethan a happy birthday. 

Presents and balloons and a ten-year-old. 

Starting the beautiful day with a brotherly scrimmage (football and soccer) while Mom got her 3 miles in. 

The boys and I spent the afternoon playing putt-putt until it was time to meet Dad at Cracker Barrel (birthday boy's choice) for a birthday dinner. 

We ended the day with homemade ice cream cake!

Ethan said it was a great birthday. At Ethan's request, in lieu of a party, we will celebrate next weekend at Dollywood! Stay tuned...

10th Birthday Eve

Tonight I come back to the blogging world to document my sweet boy turning 10. I am in tears (happy tears) as I look through these pictures and reminisce on the last AMAZING ten years. When Ethan was two weeks old, an old woman approached me and said, "Enjoy him; it goes by so fast." So true. I absolutely love the amazing person Ethan has become, but I would love for time to slow down. Happy birthday Ethan!