Ethan's Big Day!

Ethan's big 1st birthday was February 27th.  We celebrated with a construction theme, and he seemed to enjoy all the attention.  He is still a very vocal boy, definitely let's you know when he is not happy and wants something.  Eric said the other day that he'd take Ethan talking over walking right now, as maybe that would help with his tantrums!!!

His birthday was filled with noisy toys, his sister's entertainment, and of course cake.  It took him a while to even want to dig into the cake, but once he got a few tastes of it, there was no turning back! Thanks to all who made it a special day for him!

Ice Castles

Before winter was over, we had to visit the Ice Castles in Eden Prairie.  It was so much fun for Lauryn - she thought it was fantastic!  Very special to have an Olaf made of ice and to see Queen Elsa as well.  She could have stayed there all day!

Gruis Family Christmas

We had a great time getting together with the Gruis family in January for Christmas.  Great times seeing the cousins, playing, catching up with family from Virginia, and just enjoying the company of family we don't see often.  Lauryn hasn't stopped talking about all her cousins since we got home. She really loves seeing them!

Spending time with Aunt Sara from Virginia

Silly Cousins!

I think we have the same picture from 3 years ago!

Carts were the perfect height for Ethan to walk behind!

Cowgirl Lauryn milking her cow!

Howdy Lauryn!

Ethan taking a chance at riding.

Lauryn on Aunt Sheri's real saddle.

Silly boy & mom.  Fun time with the blocks.

9-10-11 month pictures

Seeing how it has been nearly 3 months since we've updated the blog, we have some catching up to do. Here are Ethan's 9, 10, and 11 month pictures.  We cannot believe his is going to be 1 already!!!

9 months on Thanksgiving Day

10 months at Christmas

11 months

Odds & Ends

"These are the Day of our Lives"...pictures of the Gruis family on a day-to-day basis!

Does it look like they both enjoy Ethan's elephant?

Getting ready to pull tooth #2 on 12.06.14

So excited to put her tooth under her pillow!

Ice skating lessons!  She LOVES it and is making great progress!

Having tea with her stuffed animals

Say 'Cheese' Ethan!

Ethan discovered the stairs.

Skating to get her object on the ice.

Look what Ethan got a hold of!

Lauryn helping daddy paint!

Ethan loves kale chips....anything GREEN!  

Swinging at the indoor Rainbow Play Systems Store.

Such a good pose for the camera!

Lauryn & Mack playing!

Lauryn dressed up for Wacky Day at school.

As if the toilet paper wasn't enough...now he is on to the Kleenex box!

Playtime in the basement.

Lauryn having breakfast with her "honey(s)"..

Our New Year celebration!

Lauryn's Christmas Programs

Lauryn's Christmas program at preK was "Christmas in the Kitchen", and she was an angel who made smiley face cookies for the shepherds. She did a great job singing and acting, and made it through this year without taking off her dress or having to go to the bathroom!  What  a difference a year makes!

For the church program, she was a red & white cow.  We didn't get any good pictures, as daddy was busy with Ethan and mommy was busy helping organize all the kiddos! Again, Lauryn did awesome a memorizing her songs and words - she just loves music and pretend play!

Before the Preschool Program!

Ethan looks bigger than Lauryn here!

The preschool & preKindergarten classes "Christmas in the Kitchen"

The Angels making cookies!

Can you find Lauryn as a red cow?

Mommy helped out at the preK Christmas Party.  The girls after gift opening.