Bernard's Blog

Ethan's Birthday--Woodland Park Zoo

After all the celebrating leading up to Ethan's birthday we were tired by the time the big day arrived! But we had promised Ethan we would go to the zoo for the day. We headed up to Woodland Park Zoo, in Seattle for a change of pace. It's further away than Point Defiance, but it's a much bigger zoo and really nicely put together.

We stopped by the penguins on our way in. They used to be Ethan's favorite exhibit. Now he enjoys them, but I don't think they're his favorite any more.

Feeling some leopard skin

We had a hard time getting him away from this butterfly display to go see some other animals!

It was so strange to see this gorilla sleeping so soundly like this!

Carter was very curious about this monkey statue.

Ethan wouldn't go near the statue of the gorilla so Tristan stepped in to show him it was o.k. He did end up going over to it, but I never got a really good picture.

Time for another picnic in the grass! Someone was hungry!

The meerkat cave is always a favorite at this zoo.

Inside the meerkat den

Smily little Carter

Ethan made a random friend. It's so cute how often this happens!

Checking out the orangutans

Happy to be celebrating his birthday with his daddy

Since it was his birthday he got a pin and a free token to ride the carousel. He loved that pin and wouldn't stop talking about it for most of the day.

Checking out the petting zoo with mom

Well would you look at that...Ethan found a tractor! Go figure... ;)

We stopped by Red Robin for him to get his free birthday meal on the way home, as well as a Sunday. I also got my birthday burger than night, too. The fact that there are no pictures of that should say something to you. Yes, it was that bad. He even cried over ice cream! I guess that is a sign of a tired 3-year-old for sure! We just ate as fast as possible and headed home.

When we got home we had him open his gifts. I got him a few cars from Cars 2. He was so excited about Finn.

Closing his eyes for a surprise

What could it be?

An easel! He dove right in and started creating.

Nothing could have made me happier at the end of the day than seeing my favorite three boys playing together after spending a weekend celebrating our big 3 year old!

Celebrating Ethan's Birthday--Part II

The day before Ethan's birthday we decided to have family over to celebrate Ethan's birthday with cake and ice cream. Tristan's brother, Kelsey, and his wife, Nicole, came down from Port Orchard a little early and we grilled some chicken and corn on the cob. Yummy! I love summer cooking. Then the rest of our families arrived. We just got together for an hour or so since it was a Sunday and we didn't get home from church until 4:30 or so, but it was nice to let Ethan know his family loved him and thought he was special.

Getting ready to blow out the candles for the second time!

Opening some gifts and being silly!

Asking Uncle Kelsey how the cool truck they got him works...he loves that truck!

Carter was very curious about this whole present thing. He definitely wanted in on the action, as usual!

Playing with the fun computer from Grandma Bernard...that has been a lifesaver in the car on many occasions--for both boys!

Trying to get a picture with Grandma Bernard and Aunt Tennille...kind of hard to do with two squirmy boys!

Being goofy with Uncle Sean

We really enjoyed making Ethan feel special for a second time for turning the big 3! We love our silly boy!!

Thurston County Fair--2012

The day after Ethan's birthday party we packed the kids up and headed to the Thurston County Fair. We really wanted to make a trip to it again this year since Ethan had enjoyed it so much last summer. We caught the free shuttle again, a.k.a. a school bus, which made Ethan sooooo happy. He LOVES school buses!

I love his wacky face in this one, even though it's not a great picture over all.

So excited to be riding on a school bus!

We spent most of our time there checking out the animals. Ethan was really interested in the pigs this year.

I love how the pig's snout is sticking out...I think he smells Ethan's sucker!

I loved how Ethan wouldn't take his eyes off the pig so we could get a picture. I guess you never know if you can trust a pig!

Carter did pretty well being pushed around in his stroller. We stopped by the goats and got a picture of him with them.

My boys and the llama

We also stopped by the bee keeper's exhibit. Tristan is interested in keeping bees at some point, so we thought we would get some information. Here Ethan and I are checking out the "hive" and looking for the Queen (she had a dot painted on her back).

No fair is complete without a tractor...and Ethan found one! Love those blue lips.

Snack time! Carter was so funny...he kept holding his goldfish in his mouth like this.

Happy boy!

Carter LOVES his daddy!

We stopped by the chickens and spent some time with the chicks. Carter was very interested in them.

Time to pet the cows! This calf was so soft and sweet.

Carter getting in on the action. He actually did o.k.!

We ended the day by stopping by this field and having a picnic. Carter and Ethan spent some time watching some older kids with the hula hoops. After they put them away Carter went exploring on his own. He actually got a good distance from us and never looked back!

Found one! O.k., hula hoop, do your thing!

I think he thought the older kids made it look a lot easier!

Ethan trying it out

We decided to stop by the horses at the last minute. Ethan was really scared of them last year and we wanted to see how he did this year. He was a little less scared, but definitely not comfortable. He was holding on to Tristan so tight! Maybe next year!

Riding the shuttle back to our car...Carter was pooped out!

I'm so grateful for the family time we have to spend together when Tristan is home.

Ethan's Birthday Party--8.30.2012

Ethan's birthday was a full-weekend event this year. Lots of fun, but also exhausting! The Friday before his birthday we had a little party for his friends at my parents' house. We got pizza, let the kids swim and play and ate some cupcakes. We had a great time and had beautiful weather--it was one of the hottest days of the summer!

The mamas sitting and visiting