Father's Day--2011

I was excited for Father's Day this year since this is the first Father's Day since we've had Ethan that Tristan wasn't working. On top of that, we were here in Washington with my dad, too! So I think I got a little overzealous in my planning...but nevertheless, I think the day turned out great.

Tristan didn't want a cake this year, so I decided to make him a fruit bouquet. He saw the wonderful one from my parents that I got for Mother's Day and thought it was pretty neat and I decided it couldn't be that hard to make. Well, I wouldn't say it's easy, but it was good enough! I found a link with a free printable banner and cake decorations and went to town!

Here's what was waiting for my dad and Tristan when they got up!

Ethan went to wake up daddy and take him his handprint poem.

I don't know what was up with Ethan's lip in this picture. There are three pictures like this and in all 3 his lip is sticking out like that...he wasn't sad, just being silly!!

I was glad to get to spoil my dad a little this year, too!

My dad's favorite cake is German Chocolate. So I started baking! It was a lot more complicated than I thought it would be, but he said it turned out well! At least I tried!

I buddied up with my good friend, Kelly, for a Father's Day treat for Tristan and my dad. I decided that a great Father's Day gift for Tristan from Ethan would be a trip to a baseball game. Ethan had never been to one, so it was a fun memory, too! Kelly had a connection so we got a cool package deal for the Thursday after Father's Day. Before the game we got to go down on the field and get our group's picture taken in the dugout (I don't have a copy yet, but Ethan was melting down, so I'm sure it's a GREAT picture...) We got hot dogs, chips and a drink and Tristan and my dad also got a baseball cap...Here is Tristan modeling his!

Ethan did pretty well. He really liked it when they played music in between batters. Here he and Anderson are clapping to the music!
Spending some time with Grandpa

We also got to put a fun message up on the LED screen for our special dads...Thanks, Kelly, for helping make Father's Day special!

Trying to catch a T-shirt
On our way out we managed to sneak a picture with Rhubarb the Reindeer. Ethan was fascinated by him!
It was such a blessing to get to spend Father's Day with Tristan and my dad this year. I truly am grateful for the wonderful dad I have and the wonderful father Tristan is!!

The Olympia Airshow

The Olympia Air Show is one of the things that signals the start of summer fun in Washington. This year we went out with my parents and brought a lunch. We figured Ethan was old enough that he would enjoy seeing the airplanes and helicopters!

I loved how he just layed on his tummy like a big boy and started chowing down!

Waiting for the show to start and taking Grandpa for a walk!
Despite the fact that we were there to see airplanes and helicopters, Ethan still managed to spot tractors across the field! Luckily, Grandpa was willing to take him over for a closer look!
Enjoying the beginning of the air show as a family

Watching for the airplanes and helicopters with daddy

Can you tell who the pilot is? Tristan brought the radio so he could listen to the pilots communicate with air traffic control.
Lately Ethan has been really into kissing the baby. We caught him on camera giving his little brother some love!

Watching a plane flying low overhead
Look Grandpa!!!
Listening to the air traffic control with his dad on the radio
We had a great time at the air show and Ethan now has a new love for things that fly as well as those that go on the ground. Looks like Ethan may take after his dad and have a love for flying!!

Ocean Shores

Tristan's sister was in from out of state with her 3 boys so we decided to take a Bernard family trip out to Ocean Shores. I was excited for Ethan to see the ocean, since the last time we took him it was raining and we never even got out of the car at the beach! The weather was perfect and we had a great time. Since all of us were busy chasing kids around, we didn't get any family pics--which really stinks! But we did manage to get some good shots of the kids playing!

Exploring the beach

Splashing in the water
Walking through every possible pool he can find!!!
I think Ethan was the first one to fall in to the pools of water. He handled it fine, though, and wasn't even upset. Aren't you supposed to get wet at the beach???

Building a sandcastle

Daddy found a shell!
Getting our feet in the sand! At first, Ethan didn't like the sand on his bare feet, but he got used to it and was running around in no time!

Headed down the beach with his truck!!

Ethan finally figured out that if he put the dumper up it made a convenient handle and made it easier to push!
Blake and Ethan aren't that far apart in age, so they usually ended up sticking together. It was fun to watch them play and run on the beach together...it was mostly Blake chasing Ethan around, but they still had fun and got along great!
It has been really fun to watch Ethan get to know his cousins and to spend time with family. We are looking forward to more trips to Ocean Shores now that it's so close to home!!!