Trip to Wisconsin

Ethan returned yesterday from his trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Wisconsin. He sure had a busy time there and is still calling me Grandma at times. They started the time with a Boy Scout family campout at Bong Recreational Area (yes, it is called that - named after someone not something). He had his very own sleeping bag, flashlight, glo-sticks, and Grandma even got him camping boots! So he was set. He was helpful, even helped putting up the tent. Not sure how long that took, but I was told they got it up. He slept good all the way at the bottom of his sleeping bag. He liked the food, but loved the meal where they had hot dogs. One of his very favorite foods. Although from what I've been told he was doing a lot of eating and sleeping..........which of course means a lot of growing is going to happen soon! Ethan also enjoyed bug hunting. Even though he was not sure at first. He was very proud of all the critters they found and telling everyone else about them. Perhaps this will change his strong desire to squash anything that crawls and is bug like outside. Not that we mind him crushing the ants that like to live on the patio and driveway. Another fun spot was the playground. Here is a photo of Ethan looking very energic and playing while Grandpa looks quite tired and sleepy. I think it is a rule that the youngest always sleep the best, just to give them an added advantage in such matters. Ethan also did good around the camp fire, or at least I did not hear otherwise. He seems like he really enjoyed camping and wanted to know when we could take him camping. So it looks like we may finally get to use that tent we were given as either a wedding present or a first Christmas present!

Ethan, Grandma, my Uncle Pat and Aunt Laura and their kids all went to the Wisconsin Dells. Where Ethan got to play at one of the water park hotels and ride the ducks. He sat on the side and kept looking where the wheels went when they went into the water. I think he had a great time and loved hanging out with more family. And even though Grandma tried to steer him towards a different one, he picked out a bright yellow sweat shirt as a souvenir. He absolutely loves it, and now just has to wait for the weather to be right to wear it.

It also seems like there was a fair amount of goofing off going on at the resturant called Moose Jaw. Or at least Ethan had a blast playing with his moose antlers. Here are some photos of that. He is really into "can you see me" playing. He also is just a camera clam.

The rest of his time was spent playing and having fun. He played very well with his cousins Gregg (who just turned 2) and the baby Mike. Mike of course wanted to play with the big boys so he got right down there with them. A baby is a fairly new thing to Ethan, but he had his big

boy toys, like a remote control battle ship and tank and then there were little boys toys. And of course everyone likes book time.

When Mom and Dad were there to get him, Dad went to a bachelor party for John and Grandma and I took all three boys to the Milwaukee zoo. That was an adventure to say the least. Luckily Ethan was on his very best behavoir and was a huge helper. I really do not know how my Mom ever did anything with all three of us in tow. I am not sure I saw more then a couple animals outside of the boys. But, they did have a great time. Gregg's favorite was probably the blue rasberry slushy, and Ethan loved the toy he picked out but also liked the sea lion show and the tram ride. Ethan was kind of bummed out about the train ride having too long of a line for us to wait for. But, luckily did not throw a fit. He really is growing up nicely. Now, if we could just get him to pretend like he missed us whenever he has spent time with either set of Grandparents. He so loves being spoiled. Next post should have Ethan in cute suit vest and dress pants from John's wedding in September. The boys (Ethan, Gregg, Mike, and Dylan(Andrea's nephew)) should all look super cute all dressed up together. Hopefully we can keep them clean for a few photos.